

India-Nepal Relations: Repairing Bilateral Ties - By Satish Kumar Karna
The recent visit of Nepal’s PM to India cleared the stage for resolving a border dispute through discussion and increasing hydropower production in Nepal, primarily through Indian investment. Nepal was able to profit from India's economic progress by focusing on cross-border connectivity through infrastructure development and financial connectivity through the RuPay payment card system. The visit is strategically significant for India since it wants to discourage Chinese investment in Nepal

Climate Finance: An Insight - By Chronicle Editorial Team
Climate finance is needed both to mitigate the emissions causing climate change and to help communities and economies adapt to the changes that are now inevitable. If greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced immediately and at scale, it won’t be possible to limit warming to 1.5° C, or even 2° C, putting the world on a catastrophic path. Climate finance helps countries meet their NDCs and implement their NAPs. Making

Global Supply Chain Resilience: Need for Synchronization - By Chronicle Editorial Team
There is a visible churning in geopolitics and geoeconomics; the trade war between the United States and China, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the breakdown of the multilateral system are all driving global supply chains to be evaluated and reconfigured. The epidemic accelerated the migration of global supply chains that began with the trade dispute between the United States and China, exposing major vulnerabilities in

Strengthening India’s Informal Sector: Implications for Economic Development - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar
Reforming the informal sector is the need of the hour. With increasing levels of unemployment in the sector, it is essential to re-employ workers. The government needs to take action to formalise the sector and to provide ample employment opportunities with proper job security and other social security benefits.According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), about 2 billion workers, or 60 per cent of the world’s employed population aged 15

FinTech in India: Potential and Issues - By Chandrakant Singh
Recently, the Prime Minister of India asked to “convert India’s fast fintech adoption, reflected in high volumes of UPI and other digital transactions, into a FinTech revolution that would help to achieve financial empowerment of every single citizen of this country”. However, at the same time he asked for robust fintech security innovation to secure the interest of people engaged in digital transactions.Over the last two years, India has seen

Mr. YASHU KHURANA - 76thAIR - Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services Examination - 2019
CSC: Achieving top slot in the Judicial Services Examination is no small feat; accept our heartiest congratulations on your splendid success. Yashu Khurana: Thanks to almighty, my parents, and my coaching institute - Ambition Law Institute. CSC: Can you recall the exact moment when you realized the importance of joining Judicial Services? Yashu Khurana: During my Law Clerkship with HMJ Sanjeev Narula, I realised the role and importance of Judiciary. CSC: Finally, at what point of time did you make up your mind to make a career in ‘Judicial Services’? Yashu Khurana: After comparing my experience of working with Mr. Sanjeev Bajaj, as a trial court advocate and my experience of working as a Law Researcher, I decided that Judicial Services would be the right career option for me. CSC: You must have read various toppers’ interviews in newspapers/magazines; what inspired you the most? Any particular success story which influenced your journey to this result? Yashu Khurana: After watching several interviews on YouTube of selected candidates, I realised that the common ingredient in each story was a consistent and hardworking approach to achieve your goal. CSC: Was JSE a planned decision or your parent’s wish? Did you keep in mind some time frame for the examination preparation and number of attempts? Yashu Khurana: The idea was introduced by my parents, but I took a reasoned and informed decision after comparing experience of working with people on both sides of the bench. CSC: About Interview Boards, many candidates have set different impressions. Do you consider such thoughts help or hinder one’s performance in the Interview? Yashu Khurana: One can always filter useful information from impression/experience of other people. CSC: What was your first step after choosing Judicial Services as a career option? Yashu Khurana: Organising your schedule and finalising your resource material were the first steps. CSC: Were you confident of your success in this examination and how did you react to this news of your success? Yashu Khurana: If one gives an honest attempt, then despite the uncertainty of what the result may be one can be satisfied by their effort, irrespective of the result. CSC: In how many attempts have you achieved this success? How do you visualize your preparation/previous attempts? Yashu Khurana: This was my first attempt. Preparation is entirely based on maintaining a mental balance because it is a long journey before you get success. CSC: Were you preparing for other career opportunities as well while preparing for your ultimate goal i.e. Career in Judicial Services? Yashu Khurana: I have been working simultaneously to augment my knowledge and stay connected with the practical world. CSC: While the changing economic environment offers immense lucrative career opportunities in various sectors, still what kept you motivated towards Judicial Services? Yashu Khurana: This service is attractive because of the honour, respect, and stability attached with it. CSC:What's important and what's not? Share your thoughts and opinions. Yashu Khurana: What's important is that your fundamentals of legal subjects are clear, you have a strong desire and focus to achieve your dream and you are constantly working to achieve it. CSC:'Time Management' - is a key factor while doing the preparation as well as in writing in the examination. Did you come across such a problem during this period? If yes, then how did you manage things? Yashu Khurana: Indeed, time management is a crucial factor in having a systematic approach towards your goal. Preparing a daily schedule helped me in timely preparation of my notes. CSC:List some of the Magazines, Newspapers, Books, etc. which you read for 'General Studies’ preparation. Yashu Khurana: Magazines - Civil Services Chronicle and Newspaper - Indian Express. CSC: How did you prepare yourself for the Interview? When and which Board did you face? How did your interview go on, how much time it lasted and what were the questions asked during the Interview? Yashu Khurana: Mock Interviews helped a lot, there was a single board. CSC:Does the educational, financial and demographic status of the family of an aspirant have any impact on the preparation? Yashu Khurana: Yes, having a sound background obviously changes a lot of things, but in this case it's also difficult to stay focused when you've abundance of resources. CSC:According to a recent report published by reputed survey agency, Civil Services Chronicle is the largest read Career & Competition magazine. What is your opinion? Yashu Khurana: Yes, it is a very useful magazine. It is one of the most concise and relevant resource for major current events and general knowledge. CSC: To whom would you like to give the credit for your success? Yashu Khurana: I would like to give credit to my family members, my previous boss and my mentor Alok Kumar Ranjan and Team Ambition. CSC: Thank you very much and wishing you all the best for your future
Essay
Changing Contours of India’s Foreign Policy: Imperatives & Implications
Winner: Deepika Singla Bahadurgarh, Haryana In the globalizing world it is necessary to form vital links with the neighboring countries. Realizing this every country formulates a foreign policy to reap maximum benefits for itself. Demography, availability of resources, ability to meet rising demand, scientific advancement & technological development and economic strength of a country determines the fundamentals of foreign policy of any country and so does of India’s, thereby maintaining dynamism in the foreign policy. India is the fifth largest economy in the world and third actually by PPP terms. Thus, its foreign policy has turned over a new leaf from independence

In Focus
Direct Seeding of Rice
Recently, the Punjab government announced Rs 1,500 incentive per acre for farmers opting for Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR). About DSR It refers to the process of establishing a rice crop from seeds sown in the field rather than by transplanting seedlings from the nursery. There are three principal methods of direct seeding
Agriculture
System of Rice Intensification
According to the experts, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method is beneficial for the soil, environment and farmers. About SRI It is a method of cultivating rice with as much organic manure as possible, starting with young seedlings planted singly at wider spacing in a square pattern. It involves intermittent irrigation that
Breed-Wise Report of Livestock and Poultry
On 12th May 2022, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying released the Breed-Wise Report of Livestock and Poultry based on 20th Livestock Census. The breed-wise data collection was done along with 20th Livestock Census during the year 2019. The livestock as well as poultry birds were counted according to their
Plans/Policies
Cabinet Approves Amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels 2018
On 18th May, 2022, government approved amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. The proposed amendments are in line with vision of India becoming energy independent by 2047. Need The amendments have been brought about due to- advancements in the field of Biofuels, Various decisions taken in the National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC)
Wheat Crisis: India’s Ban on Wheat Export
On 13th May, 2022, the government banned all private wheat exports with immediate effect. Rationale behind the Ban Heat Wave: The decision came amid widespread loss of yield due to abnormal heat waves in the major wheat-growing states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Large parts of the crop had shrivelled
Infrastructure
Infrastructure Development in North East India
On 30th May, 2022, Union Finance Minister mentioned the Union Government is implementing various railway, road & air connectivity projects worth Rs 1,34,200 crore in the northeast area. Road: 4,000 km of roads, 20 railway projects for 2,011 km and 15 air connectivity projects are being developed. Waterways Connectivity: National waterways on
Infrastructure Investment Trusts
Recently, state-owned PowerGrid Corp of India Ltd launched the public offer of the first Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) ever by a PSU. About InvITs An InvIT is a collective investment scheme, just like a mutual fund, and is set up in the form of a trust. Typically, such a vehicle is designed to
Industry
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
On 31st March, 2022, Prime Minister virtually interacted with a beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana hailing from Mehsana in Gujarat and appreciated him for choosing to be a “job creator” instead of becoming a “job seeker”. About PM MUDRA Yojana In April 2015, the government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Micro
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program
On 30th May, 2022, the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) was approved for continuation over the 15th Finance Commission Cycle for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs.13554.42 Crore. About PMEGP The scheme is implemented by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) functioning as the nodal agency
Metal Industry: Current Outlook and Future Trends
On 20th May, 2022, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) organized a conference named Indian Metal Industry: Current Outlook and Future Trends. The per capita consumption of Steel in India grew by ten percent to 77 kg during financial year 2021-22. India has exported a record 13.5 million tonnes
National Startup Advisory Council
On 17th May, 2022, the Minister of Commerce and Industry chaired the 4th meeting of National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) in New Delhi. About National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) It was constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to advise the government on measures needed to build
Reports & Indices
Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2022
On 11th May, 2022, the World Economic Forum released a report titled – ‘Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2022’. It says energy transition must address the challenges to environmental sustainability, energy security and energy justice and affordability. Key Findings Transition not in Pace with Climate Urgency The energy transition is not keeping pace
News Snippets
Sharing Economy
A sharing economy is defined as an economic system in which assets and services are shared between private individuals. It includes segments such as co-working (Awfis, WeWork India), co-living (Stanza Living, OYO Life, Oxford Caps), shared mobility (Uber, Ola, Shuttl) and furniture rental (Furlenco,
Passive Funds
Passive funds are a type of funds that consistently tracks a Market index to allow a fund get maximum gains. It invests in a portfolio that replicates a Market Index like Nifty, the Sensex, etc. In passive funds, the fund manager does not actively choose what stocks will
Storage Gain
Wheat, considered a ‘living grain’, tends to gain some weight during storage. This is known as ‘storage gain’ and it mostly happens due to absorption of moisture. There are three parts of the grain — bran (outer layer rich in fibre), germ (inner layer rich in nutrients) and
BP Kanungo Committee
Reserve Bank of India has set up a six-member committee headed by former Deputy Governor, B. P. Kanungo. Mandates: To evaluate the efficacy, adequacy and quality of customer service in regulated entities (REs) vis-à-vis the existing RBI guidelines on customer service. To identify gaps, if any, and suggest measures to
Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal
It is the new online single point interface of the Government of India for investors to facilitate Foreign Direct Investment. It is administered by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It will continue to facilitate the single window clearance
Indian Gas Exchange (IGX)
ONGC has become the first Exploration and Production (E&P) company in India to trade domestic gas on IGX. IGX, a subsidiary of Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), is a trading platform for natural gas. Trading is allowed across three hubs —Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat, and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. It
Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)
Recently, the commerce and industry ministry has launched the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) The importer will have to provide advance information online about the import of these papers and obtain a registration number. The import policy of major paper products has been amended from ‘Free’ to ‘Free subject to

In Focus
Draft National Data Governance Framework Policy
On 27th May, 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the revised draft National Data Governance Framework Policy. The development comes after a strong criticism of the previous ‘Draft India Data Accessibility and Use Policy, 2022’, which was opened for public consultation in February, 2022. Need In the post-COVID-19
Indian Polity & Governance
Delimitation Commission Notifies New J&K Assembly Constituencies
Recently, the Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir submitted its final report for the delimitation of Assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. The Delimitation Commission was constituted by the Centre on March 6, 2020 in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the Delimitation Act, 2002 (33 of
Grievance Appellate Committee
On 2nd June, 2022, the Centre proposed to set up a grievance appellate committee to look into appeals filed by individuals against the decisions of grievance officers of social media platforms. The idea to constitute appellate committees has been proposed as an amendment to the controversial IT Rules, 2021. Rationale behind the
Place of Worship Act 1991
The ongoing row over the survey of Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi has bought the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 to the fore once again. About Place of Worship Act, 1991 The Places of Worship Act, 1991 has been in force since July 11, 1991. According to the Act, no person
Guidelines for Safety Assessment of Genome Edited Plants 2022
On 21st May, 2022, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) issued guidelines easing norms for research into genetically modified (GM) crops and circumventing challenges of using foreign genes to change crops profile. About Guidelines It exempts researchers who use gene-editing technology to modify the genome of the plant from seeking approvals from the
Article 142 of the Constitution
On 18th May, 2022, the Supreme Court exercised the power conferred on it under Article 142 of the Constitution to order the release of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict A.G. Perarivalan. In the case of Perarivalan, the Supreme Court invoked Article 142(1) under which it was empowered to
Judiciary
Tribunals Subordinate to High Courts: Supreme Court
On 1st June, 2022, the Supreme Court (SC) set aside a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order prohibiting construction work at Rushikonda hills in Visakhapatnam. What SC Said? The Bench noted that the NGT was subordinate to the High Court in so far as territorial jurisdiction was concerned. The conflicting orders passed by the
Transit Anticipatory Bail
Recently, the Bombay High Court referred to a larger bench - the issue of whether a high court or other court can grant transit anticipatory bail to a person booked for an offence in another state. About Transit Anticipatory Bail No legislation or law defines ‘transit or anticipatory bail’ in definitive or
Plan/Policy/Initiatives
Jal Jeevan Mission
Recently, India achieved the milestone of 50 per cent of rural households having access to tap water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Jal Jeevan Mission Launched in August, 2019, the Mission is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in
News Snippets
Scheme of Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD)
It was introduced in the country under the provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969. Since then, it has been operational in the country, but with varying levels of efficiency across the States/Union Territories. Under the scheme, the Office of the Registrar General, India (ORGI) obtains
‘Ayurveda Aahara’ Products
Recently, Ministry of Ayush and Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has formulated regulations of safety & quality standards for food products under ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ category. A special logo has been created for “Ayurveda Aahara” category. It will enable easier identification and reinforce quality in Ayurveda food products.
Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. It

In Focus
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity
On 23rd May, 2022, the United States launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). This economic initiative came a day before the summit of the Quad leaders in Tokyo. About IPEF It is a US-led initiative that aims to aims to strengthen economic partnership among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability,
International Relations
India-US Investment Incentive Agreement
Recently, India and the United States signed an Investment Incentive Agreement (IIA) at Tokyo, Japan. It supersedes the Investment Incentive Agreement signed between the Government of India and the Government of the United States of America in the year 1997. Need Significant developments have taken place since the signing of the earlier
Quad Leaders’ Summit
On 24th May, 2022, India’s Prime Minister participated in the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, Japan along with Prime Minister of Japan, President of the United States of America and Prime Minister of Australia. India, the US, Japan and Australia are the members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). This was
India and Japan to Boost Bilateral Cooperation
On 24th May, 2022, India’s Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan. Both leaders had productive exchange of views on enhancing bilateral relations in various spheres as well as on some regional and global issues. Key Highlights Bilateral Security and Defence Cooperation: The two countries agreed to
India and Senegal Sign Three MoUs
Recently, during the visit of the Indian Vice President to Senegal, three MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) for cultural exchange, visa free regime and cooperation in youth matters were signed. It will further deepen the bilateral partnership in various areas. Key Points Visa-Free Regime: The first MoU pertains to visa-free regime for Diplomatic
Second Global COVID-19 Summit
On May 12, 2022, the United States as first COVID Summit Chair; Belize, as CARICOM Chair; Germany, holding the G7 Presidency; Indonesia, holding the G20 Presidency; and Senegal as African Union Chair, co-hosted the second Global COVID-19 Summit. The summit, held virtually, called on the world leaders to make new commitments
SCO RATS Meeting
Recently, a meeting of the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) under the framework of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) was held in New Delhi. The meeting was hosted by India. Key Points The major focus of the discussion was the situation in Afghanistan, especially in dealing with the
Reports
Worldwide Governance Indicators
Recently, the World Bank released the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). WGI play a key role in deciding sovereign credit rating of countries. About WGI It assesses 215 countries and territories based on the following dimensions of governance: Voice and Accountability; Political Stability and Absence of Violence; Government Effectiveness; Regulatory Quality; Rule of Law; and Control of Corruption. Sources: These
News Snippets
International Migration Review Forum
Recently, the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. It comprised four interactive multi-stakeholder round tables, a policy dialogue, and a plenary. The goal of IMRF is to review the progress made at the local, national, regional and global levels in
Intersolar Europe 2022
India recently attended the Intersolar Europe 2022 held at Munich, Germany. Intersolar Europe is the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry. It takes place as part of The smarter E Europe – the continent’s largest platform for the energy industry. It focuses on photovoltaics, solar thermal technologies and

Space Science
EHT Reveals First Image of Sagittarius A*
Recently, scientists from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) facility revealed the first image of the black hole named Sagittarius A* (SgrA*) at the centre of our galaxy, i.e., the Milky Way. About Sagittarius A* It is a supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy, located near the border of
InSight Mars Lander Detects Largest Marsquake
Recently, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported that its InSight Mars lander detected the largest quake ever observed on another planet. The rover first landed on Mars in November 2018, and has since heard 1,313 quakes. Cause of Marsquakes On Earth, quakes are caused by shifts in tectonic plates. Mars, however, does
ISRO Successfully Tests HS200 Solid Rocket Booster
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out the static test of the HS200 solid rocket booster. This takes the space agency one more step closer to the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. About HS200 Solid Rocket Booster Human-rated Version: The HS200 is the human-rated version of the S200 rocket booster
New Insight into Evolution of Galaxies
A recent study by an international team of astronomers, including those from the Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), has offered new insights into the role of supermassive black holes in the evolution of their host galaxies. Context Supermassive black holes at the centres of galaxies are known to give
New Technology & Innovations
Indigenous Potential mRNA Vaccine against COVID
Recently, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) announced the success of ‘proof of principle’ of the first indigenous mRNA vaccine technology. The technology is ready to be tranferred to any interested firm to take it to the next level of conducting human trials and
New Biomaterial Helps Heal Wounds
Recently, scientists from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, IIT Delhi and National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, have developed a new biomaterial from pullulan that can be used to disinfect wounds and hastens the process of healing. Biomaterials are materials that have been designed to interface with
Basic Sciences
W Boson Measurement Challenges the Standard Model
A recent measurement of a fundamental particle called the W boson appears to defy the Standard Model of particle physics, our current understanding of how the basic building blocks of the universe interact. The scientists at the Fermilab Collider Detector (CDF) in Illinois, USA have found that elusive W boson has
Defence
Project WARDEC
On 13th May, 2022, the Army Training Command signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to develop a ‘Wargame Research and Development Centre’ in New Delhi. Given a prototype name ‘WARDEC’, the project will be a first-of-its-kind simulation-based training centre in India that will use artificial
News Snippets
Buffalopox
In recent times, India has been witnessing increased buffalopox infections. Buffalopox is caused by buffalopox virus (BPXV); it is a Poxviridae for which the natural host is buffalo. It mainly infects buffalo but has been known to infect cows and humans. When the virus infects milk animals it
BioRRAP
Recently, a single national portal for biotech researchers and start-ups - BioRRAP - was launched. The portal will cater to all those seeking regulatory approval for biological research & development activity in the country and thus offer a huge relief with respect to “Ease of Science as well as Ease
Retinoblastoma
It is the most common eye cancer occurring in young children. This form of cancer develops in the retina, which is the specialised light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that detects light and colour. The most common first sign of retinoblastoma is a visible whiteness in the
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
According to a new estimate published in The Lancet, lower respiratory infection attributable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was responsible for more than 1,00,000 deaths in children under five worldwide in 2019. RSV is the most common cause of acute lower respiratory infection in young children. The illness normally lasts
Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN)
It is a key part of a mobile network system that uses cellular radio connections to link individual devices to other parts of a network. It comprises antennae, which transmits and receives signals to and from our smartphones or other compatible devices. The signal is then digitised in the

In Focus
Lancet Report on Pollution and Health
On 17th May, 2022, a report titled ‘Pollution and health: a progress update’ was published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal. The report, which is an update to The Lancet’s 2015 study, takes into account data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. According to the
Climate Change
WMO’s Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update
Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released the Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update. The report is produced by the United Kingdom’s Met Office, the WMO lead centre for such predictions. The annual update harnesses the expertise of internationally acclaimed climate scientists and the best prediction systems from leading climate centres
Biodiversity
The State of the World’s Birds
Recently, 'The State of the World’s Birds', an annual review of environmental resources was published. The study reviewed changes in avian biodiversity using data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List to reveal the changes in fortunes of all the global bird species. Since birds are highly visible and
XV World Forestry Congress
Recently, the XV World Forestry Congress was co-organised by the Republic of Korea and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). 141 participants at the Congress endorsed the Seoul Forest Declaration to convey the urgent need for action to achieve a green, healthy and resilient future with forests. This
Sela Macaque: A New Species of Primate
Recently, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and University of Calcutta discovered a new species of primate in Arunachal Pradesh. The species has been named Sela macaque. About Sela Macaque The species has been named after the Sela pass situated between Dirang and Tawang towns in western Arunachal Pradesh.
Sustainable Development
Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2022
Recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) released a report titled Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2022. The report provides a perspective on the current energy transition challenges and recommendations on how to navigate the transition through a turbulent macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. Key Highlights The energy transition is not keeping pace with the
India Joins First Movers Coalition
Recently, at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting 2022 held in Davos, India joined the First Movers Coalition, a global initiative aimed at decarbonising the heavy industry and long-distance transport sectors that are responsible for 30 per cent of global emissions. About First Movers Coalition The First Movers Coalition is a
Reports
The State of the Global Climate 2021
Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a report, titled ‘The State of the Global Climate 2021’. According to the report, four key climate change indicators – greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification – set new records in 2021. It highlights that human activities are causing
News Snippets
Money Spiders
Money spiders have been reported for the first time in the country from the Muthanga range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It has been given the name Prosoponoides biflectogynus. The spider belongs to the family of dwarf spiders (Linyphiidae) under the genus Prosoponoides. Linyphiidae spiders are commonly known as
Himalayan Bird Count
Recently, Himalayan Bird Count was undertaken by India, Nepal and Bhutan. About 607 species were recorded in the first edition of the Himalayan Bird Count (HBC). It was co-organised by Bird Count India, Bird Conservation Nepal and the Royal Society of the Protection of Nature, Bhutan. From preliminary
Urban Heat Island
Currently, several parts of the country are reeling under heat wave conditions due to a phenomenon called “urban heat island effect”. An urban heat island is a local and temporary phenomenon experienced when certain pockets within a city experience higher heat load than surrounding or neighbouring areas on the same
Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary
The Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary in Rajasthan was notified as India’s 52nd tiger reserve recently. In 1982, it was declared as Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary under Section 5 of the Rajasthan Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act, 1951. Currently, the sanctuary acts as a cushion for the Ranthambore National Park.
Pantanal Wetland
Pantanal is a natural region encompassing the world’s largest tropical freshwater wetland area, and the world’s largest flooded grasslands. It is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay. The formation of the wetland
News Notes
Persons In News
Captain Abhilasha Barak
On May 25, 2022, Captain Abhilasha Barak became the first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army.The Officer from Haryana has joined the Army Aviation Corps as a helicopter pilot after concluding a year-long course at the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik, Maharashtra.
Appointments
Rajiv Kumar
On 12 May 2022, Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner.He assumed charge on May 15 after incumbent Sushil Chandra demitted office on May 14.At present, Anup Chandra Pandey is the other Election Commissioner in the three member
S L Thaosen
IPS officer S L Thaosen has been appointed as the Director-General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The post of SSB chief has been lying vacant after incumbent DG Kumar Rajesh Chandra retired on December 31 last year. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) DG Sanjay Arora has been holding the additional charge of
Elisabeth Borne
She was appointed as France’s new prime minister, becoming the second woman after Édith Cresson, who served from 1991 to
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
He has been appointed as the President of the UAE after the demise of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al
Jose Ramos-Horta
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta was sworn in as president of East Timor - Asia’s youngest
Justice Pradip Mohanty
He has been appointed as the Acting Chairperson, Lokpal by President Ram Nath Kovind after Justice Pinaki Chandra Bose’s term
Suresh Bhai Kotak
He has been appointed as the Chairman of the Cotton Council of India –that was formed recently by the Union
Anwar Hussain Shaik
An Indian Government Officer has been made the chair of the World Trade Organisation’s Committee on Technical Barriers on
Devendra Kumar Sharma
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission Chairman, who is a dam expert, has been elected as Chairman of the Asia Pacific Group of the International Commission on Large Dams
A. R. Dave
He will head the Supreme Court appointed 3-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to manage affairs of All India Football Federation
Obituary
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma
Legendary musician and santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma passed away on 10th May 2022.He was the recipient of national and international awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986, the Padma Shri in 1991, and the Padma Vibhushan in
Pandit Bhajan Sopori
Legendary Santoor maestro and Padma Shree awardee Pandit Bhajan Sopori passed away on 2nd June, 2022.Born as Pandit Bhajan Lal in 1948 in Srinagar, Sopori is regarded as the cultural bridge of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of the country and is hailed as the “Saint of the Santoor”
Anjalai Ponnusamy Ammal
Anjalai was a Malaysian national and a veteran of Indian National Army (INA) - an armed force formed by Indian freedom fighters and Imperial Japan on 1 September 1942 in Southeast Asia during World War II.Anjalai had joined the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the women’s unit of the INA, during
Awards
International Booker Prize 2022
Indian writer Geetanjali Shree and American translator Daisy Rockwell won the International Booker Prize 2022 for the book “Tomb of Sand”.Originally written in Hindi – (‘Ret Samadhi’), it’s the first book in any Indian language to win the International Booker Prize.Shree was the first Indian to get nominated to the
Other Awards
Award Awardee & their Contribution UN Sasakawa Award 2022 SEEDS (Sustainable Ecological & Environmental Development Society) was awarded the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2022 for Disaster Risk Reduction at the 7th Session of Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2022 held in Bali, Indonesia. Dr. V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award Sanjit Narwekar was
Defence
Indigenous Warships ‘Surat’ & ‘Udaygiri’ Launched
On 17 May 2022, two indigenous frontline warships of Indian Navy were launched concurrently at Mazgaon Docks Limited, Mumbai.
INS Surat: A Project 15B Destroyer
‘INS Surat’ is the fourth ship of Project 15B Destroyers. The first warship of Project 15B, INS Visakhapatnam had joined the Indian Navy last year i.e. 2021 while the remaining two, INS Marmugao and INS Imphal, are undergoing
INS Udaygiri: A Project 17A Frigate
‘Udaygiri’ is the reincarnation of erstwhile ‘Udaygiri’, the Leander Class ASW Frigate.‘Udaygiri’is named after a mountain range in the state of Andhra Pradesh.It is the third ship of Project 17A Frigates. Under Project17A, a total of 07 frigates were to be built in the country. Of these, four were to
EX Bongosagar
The third edition of Indian Navy (IN) – Bangladesh Navy (BN) Bilateral Exercise ‘Bongosagar’ was carried out at Port Mongla, Bangladesh.Exercise Bongosagar is aimed at developing a high degree of interoperability and joint operational skills through the conduct of a wide spectrum of maritime exercises and operations between the two
Important Days

Art & Culture
Cultural Significance of India’s Gifts to Quad Partners
At the recent Quad Summit held at Tokyo, Indian Prime Minister carried with him gifts for leaders of the US, Australia and Japan showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and art forms. Rogan Painting Rogan painting is an art of cloth printing practised in the Kutch District of Gujarat. In this craft, paint
Kanheri Caves
On 16th May, 2022, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the Union Government upgraded several facilities and amenities in the historic Kanheri Caves. About Kanheri Caves These are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments located on the western outskirts of Mumbai. The caves are located within Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The name
Vadnagar’s Link with Buddhism
On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, Indian Prime Minister in Lumbini said that his birthplace Vadnagar in Gujarat’s Mehsana district had been a great centre for Buddhist learning centuries ago. Vadnagar and Buddhism Vadnagar, located in the Mehsana district in Gujarat is also called Chamatkarpur, Anandpur, Snehpur and Vimalpur; the city of
Amitabha Buddha Sculptures
Recently, two Buddha sculptures have surfaced at the Navabraheswara temple complex in Alampur, a temple town in Jogulamba-Gadwal district, Telangana. Alampur is considered as the western gateway to Srisailam and is also seat to one of the Sakthi Peethas. About Buddha Sculptures The sculpture at Suryanarayan temple has Buddha seated under the Bodhi
International Museum Day
International Museum Day (IMD) is celebrated every year on 18 May. The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness on the fact that, “museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. International Museum Day 2022 Theme-
Bhojshala Dispute
Recently, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by a Hindu organisation challenging the ASI order of April 7, 2003, imposing restriction on Hindus to worship at Bhojshala daily. Hindus claim it as a temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community treats it as Kamal Maula Mosque. Current Status The disputes
History
New Archaeological Findings at Rakhigarhi
On 8th May, 2022, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Rakhigarhi village (Hisar, Haryana) uncovered significant evidence pointing towards the possibility of a meticulous and well-planned Harappan Civilisation settlement. In 2020 Budget, Finance Minister named Rakhigarhi as one of five ancient sites that the Indian government will develop as iconic
Iron Excavation in Tamil Nadu
Recently, iron implements unearthed from excavations in Mayiladumparai in Tamil Nadu have revealed that the Iron Age in Tamil Nadu dates back 4,200 years. Mayiladumparai is an important site with cultural material dating back between the Microlithic (30,000 BCE) and Early Historic (600 BCE) ages. Before Mayiladumparai, the earliest evidence of the
Personality
Sree Narayana Guru
Recently, the Karnataka government is caught in a controversy over the exclusion of text on reformer Narayana Guru in the new social science textbook of class 10. About Narayan Guru Born in 1856 in Chempazhanthy, a village near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, he belonged to the Ezhava caste. Sree Narayana Guru was a catalyst and
News Snippets
Shirui Lily Festival
It is an annual cultural event that spans multiple venues in Manipur and is typically held in the month of May, the blooming season of the Shirui Lily, the state flower of Manipur. It seeks to spread awareness about the endangered Shirui Lily and promote the district of Ukhrul
Puri Heritage Corridor Project
It is a redevelopment project of the Odisha government in Puri to create an international heritage site, including the Jagannath temple. Though conceived in 2016, it was unveiled in December 2019. Under the umbrella project falls the Shree Jagannatha Heritage Corridor (SJHC) or the Shree Mandira Parikrama Project, for the
Madras Music Academy
It is one of the earliest established music academies in South India. It emerged as an offshoot of the All-India Congress Session held in Madras in December 1927. It plays an important role in encouraging and promoting primarily the Carnatic Music Indian art form. It played a vital role in

In Focus
The Global Report on Food Crises 2022
On 5th May, 2022, Global Report on Food Crises 2022 was released by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC). The report is the flagship publication of the GNAFC and is facilitated by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN). The report focuses on those countries and territories where the magnitude and severity
Social Issues
Surrogacy
On 27th May, 2022, a petition was filed before Delhi High Court, challenging the exclusion of a single man and a woman having a child from surrogacy and demanded the decriminalization of commercial surrogacy. The petitioners have challenged their exclusion from availing surrogacy under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021
Social Justice
Community Forest Resource Rights
Recently, the Chhattisgarh government has become only the second state in the country to recognise Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights of a village inside Kanger Ghati National Park.in Bastar district. Kanger Ghati National Park is the second national park, after Simlipal in Odisha, wher e CFR rights have been recognised. About
Residential Education For Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas
On 3rd June, 2022, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the Scheme for Residential Education For Students in High schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA). Need The students from the Scheduled Caste communities, for long been subjects to inequality, were kept out of quality education and a situation that perpetuates the disadvantages
Eklavya Model Residential School
Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has laid the foundation stone for the construction of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Nashik, Maharashtra. About EMRS EMRS is a scheme for making model residential schools for Indian tribals (ST- Scheduled Tribes) across India. It started in the year 1997-98. These Schools are being developed
Indian Society
Multi Hazard Vulnerabilities in Jaipur: UN Habitat
Recently, the UN-Habitat has identified issues associated with Jaipur city like multi hazard vulnerabilities, weak mobility and Green-Blue economy. UN-Habitat has based its findings on sustainable cities integrated approach pilot project and a “sustainable urban planning and management” component was implemented in partnership with the Jaipur Development Authority and Jaipur Greater
Reports & Indices
Progress from NFHS-4 (2015-16) to NFHS-5 (2019-21)
On 5th May 2022, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the National Report of the fifth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) at Gujarat's Vadodara. The NFHS-5 National Report lists progress from NFHS-4 (2015-16) to NFHS-5 (2019-21). The main objective of successive rounds of the NFHS has been to provide reliable
The State of Inequality in India Report
On 18th May, 2022, the State of Inequality in India Report was released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The report has been written by the Institute for Competitiveness and presents a holistic analysis of the depth and nature of inequality in India. It compiles information on
News Snippets
Utkarsh Samaroh
Recently, the Prime Minister addressed ‘Utkarsh Samaroh’ held at Bharuch in Gujarat. Utkarsh Samaroh aims to ensure complete coverage of schemes providing assistance to widows, elderly and destitute citizens. A total of 12,854 beneficiaries were identified across the four schemes namely:Indira Gandhi Vrudh Sahay YojanaNiradhar Vrudh Aarthik Sahay YojanaGanga Swaroopa
Har Ghar Dastak Campaign
It was launched in November 2021 with an aim to accelerate the pace and coverage of COVID19 vaccination across States and UTs across the country. The objective of the ‘Har GharDastak2.0’ Abhiyan is to vaccinate and cover the eligible population groups for first, second, and precaution doses through door-to-door campaigns.
Padhe Bharat Campaign
It is a 100 days reading campaign. It is in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which focuses on encouraging joyful reading culture for children by ensuring the availability of age appropriate reading books for children in local/mother tongue/regional/tribal
National Creche Scheme(NCS)
Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is implementing the NCS to provide day care facilities to children (age group of months to 6 years) of working mothers. It was previously known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme for the children of working mothers. Scheme provides an integrated package
PM Shri Schools
Union Education Ministry is planning to set up “PM Shri Schools”. PM Shri Schools will be the laboratory of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. They will be fully equipped to prepare students for the future. It could imbibe 5+3+3+4 (to replace the 10+2 schooling system) approach of NEP covering pre-school
Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme(PMSSS)
Recently, the Union Government has extended Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme for students of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for another five years. The Scheme was introduced in 2011 to provide funding to 5,000 meritorious students each year to study in both private and Government educational institutions in India.
Caste-based Census
Caste-based Census is the enumeration of people or households based on Caste identity to identify the actual demographic composition of different castes and their share of national assets. It was started in India during the British period and continued till 1931. In 1951, as a conscious policy decision, the caste-wise

Haryana
e-Adhigam Scheme
The Haryana State Government has launched the ‘e-Adhigam’ scheme, under which nearly 3 lakh students will receive tablet computers that will help in their online education. The government launched the Advance Digital Haryana Initiative of Government with Adaptive Modules (Adigham) scheme at Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak, Haryana.
Chaara-Bijaee Yojana
Haryana government has launched the Chaara – Bijaee Yojana, a scheme to provide financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per acre (upto 10 acres) to farmers cultivating and supplying fodder to Gaushalas (Cowsheds). The rationale behind the scheme is to address the State’s fodder shortage and rising stray cattle.
Vehicle Movement Tracking System Mobile App
A Vehicle Movement Tracking System (VMTS) mobile app has been launched to track the vehicles carrying sand and other mining material. The app will be used at different checkpoints in all the districts of Haryana. All vehicle details including vehicle type, vehicle number, moving from, moving to, and driver details
Telangana
India’s First-Ever Kind of Flow Chemistry Technology Hub
Hyderabad hosts India's first-ever unique kind of Flow Chemistry Technology Hub_40.1, at Dr. Reddy’s Institute of Life Sciences (DRILS). This is the first of its kind in our country and an enabler for the pharma business in India. This hub would usher in a paradigm shift in the pharmaceutical sector,
Nethanna Bima Scheme
Telangana Government has announced the extension of insurance coverage to handloom and power loom weavers under the ‘Nethanna Bima’ (Weaver’s Insurance) Scheme. The Government has issued orders to extend insurance coverage of 5 lakh rupees for weavers under the Insurance Scheme on par with farmers’ insurance schemes. The insurance coverage
Gujarat
SRESTHA-G Project
World Bank has approved USD 350 million as financial aid for the Systems Reform Endeavors for Transformed Health Achievement in Gujarat (SRESTHA-G) project. The SRESTHA-G project will be worth USD 500 million, with the World Bank contributing USD 350 million. The project will include transforming key health delivery systems
Uttar Pradesh
Sambhav Portal
Minister for energy and urban development has launched the SAMBHAV (Systemic Administration Mechanism for Bringing Happiness and Value) portal for disposal of public grievances and monitoring programmes and schemes of the two departments in Uttar Pradesh. The portal, www.sambhav.up.gov.in, will work as a platform for flagging grievances received from the
Maharashtra
Jivhala Scheme
A loan scheme named Jivhala has been launched by the Maharashtra government for the inmates who are serving sentences in various jails across Maharashtra. The scheme, implemented by the Department of Prisons and Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank, has been started in Pune’s Yerawada Central Jail. Bank and prison officials believe
Odisha
India’s First Olympic Values Education launched in Odisha
The Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was launched in Odisha, in collaboration with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT). OVEP is a series of free and accessible teaching resources created by the IOC, to complement academic curricula using the context of Olympic sports
Odisha to Host India’s First Tribal Health Observatory
Odisha is planning to create India's "only" observatory, which will house data on the state's indigenous population's health. The Tribal Health Observatory (TriHOb) will be the “first in the nation,” according to the Information Department, and is aimed to be an effective, evidence-based, and policy-oriented centre. It will monitor illness
Rajasthan
Rajasthan Turns Out as the First 10 GW Solar State
According to Mercom's India Solar Project Tracker, Rajasthan became the first state in India to reach 10 GW of cumulative large-scale solar installations. The state has a total installed power capacity of 32.5 GW, with renewables accounting for 55 percent, thermal energy for 43 percent, and nuclear energy accounting for
Revised Criteria for IG Shehri Rozgar Guarantee Yojana
New rules for the implementation of the Indira Gandhi Shahari Rozgar Yojana have been accepted by Rajasthan government. The scheme, modelled after the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Jobs Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), was introduced in the 2022-23 budget to create employment in metropolitan areas. Families living in urban areas will receive
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand to Roll out Drone in Healthcare 2022
Drones being used commercially to deliver great healthcare to Indians in the rural locations seems to be a possibility now, through a commercial drone corridor. In the United States’ Redcliffe Labs, a division of Redcliffe Lifetech, has completed its first commercial drone flight in the healthcare sector. Between Uttarkashi and
Chhattisgarh
Mukhyamantri Mitaan Yojana
Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh has launched ‘Mukhyamantri Mitaan Yojana’ (Mitaan stands for a friend), which will be implemented on a pilot basis in 14 municipal corporations including the cities like Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. Under the Scheme, the residents of Chhattisgarh can avail around 100 public
Punjab
Sports In News
Badminton
Tomas Cup & Uber Cup 2022
India’s men’s badminton team beat 14-time champion Indonesia 3-0 in the final to win its maiden Thomas Cup title in its 32nd edition.The biennial international badminton championship was held at Bangkok, Thailand.Indian men had previously reached the Thomas Cup semis in 1952, 1955, and 1979. India is only the sixth
The Champions
Lakshya Sen beat Olympic bronze medallist Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the first singles.K. Srikanth beat Jonatan Christie in the second singles.Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty beat Mohammad Ahsan & Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo in the doubles
Uber Cup 2022
The 2022 Uber Cup was the 29th edition, the biennial international badminton championship contested by the women's national teams of the member associations of Badminton World Federation (BWF).The tournament was held alongside the Thomas Cup at Bangkok, Thailand. The final was played between defending champion China and South Korea in
Hockey
Tennis
French Open 2022
The 2022 French Open, season’s second Grand Slam tennis tournament after Australian Open was played on outdoor clay courts at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, from 22 May to 5 June
Major Titles
Men’s Singles Spain's Rafael Nadal beat Norway's Casper Ruud in the men's singles final. It was his 14th championship at Roland Garros and 22nd Grand Slam title overall. Nadal’s victory came two days after his 36th birthday and made him the oldest title winner in the history of the clay-court tournament. The Spaniard’s first
Info Bytes
Info Bytes
How many States in India are above replacement level of fertility (of 2.1) as per the national report of the NFHS-5? - Five - Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya (2.91), Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26) Manipur (2.17) In which six states the rate of underage marriages has increased despite national average has come
Mains Specials
Mains
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Indian History and Culture
Non-cooperation Movement (100 Years to Chauri Chaura Incident)Rationale/Causes Resentment at the British after the War: Indians felt that in compensation for their substantial contribution of people and resources to Britain during World War-I, they would be granted autonomy at the end of the war. The Government of Indian Act of 1919,
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Geography
Deep Ocean MissionNeed India's Exclusive Economic Zone covers 2.2 million square kilometres. And its deep-sea, which contains polymetallic nodules or rare-earth metals, is still "unexplored and unutilized." It is projected that recovering 10% of ocean resources will be enough to supply India's energy needs for the next 100 years. The International Seabed Authority
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Society
Elderly Care in IndiaNeed India, a demographically young country, is steadily ageing. By 2050, one in every five Indians will be over the age of 60. India is home to 1/8th of the world's elderly population. According to the First Secretary of India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the percentage of elderly
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Indian Constitution and Polity
Parliamentary CommitteesNeed Tool to Implement People’s Will: The people's will is embodied in Parliament. Committees are a tool used by Parliament to ensure that it operates efficiently. Committees are places where a proposed law can be discussed in depth. Time-consuming and Expert-based Analysis: Members of Parliament may have a high level of
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - International Relations
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)Significance Market Access: FTA partners gain easier market access into each other's markets by eliminating tariffs and some non-tariff barriers. Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), customs processes, and other non-tariff barriers are examples. Preferential treatment for FTA members over non-FTA members: For example, ASEAN
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Social Issues and Justice
Quality of Education in Indian Schools Significance Critical for an Individual's Development: According to global studies, 90 per cent of brain growth happens by the age of five, implying that the quality of early childhood education has a significant impact on a child's development. Low Dropout Rates: While a positive primary school experience
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Economy
Sagarmala ProgrammeNeed Poor Ports and Capacity Constraints: India is situated along vital international commerce routes in the Indian Ocean, with a 7,500-kilometer coastline. Capacity limits and a lack of modern facilities at Indian ports, on the other hand, significantly lengthen the time it takes to carry goods in and out of
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Science and Technology
Net Neutrality Need Unlocking Possibilities: Internet access that is open and non-discriminatory has resulted in a rapid increase in people-to-people, business-to-people, and government-to-people communications, resulting in new forms of social interactions, businesses, and governance. An Important Feature of the Open Internet: Policies such as data equality and open web standards allow people
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Environment
Draft National Water Policy Need Competitive Groundwater Extraction: India is the world's greatest groundwater extractor. Nearly 600 million Indians are under moderate to severe water stress, which is expected to intensify as the average annual per capita water availability falls by 37% by 2050, potentially making India water scarce. Groundwater's crucial ecosystem
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Disaster Management
Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati RajFeatures & Significance Coverage: In 2020, India's rural population was estimated to be 65.07 per cent of the total population. Because of India's unique climate and socioeconomic conditions, the country is prone to a variety of natural and man-made disasters. As a result, local
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Security
Military Logistics Agreements (MLAs)India signed Military Logistics Agreements (MLAs) with Australia, Japan, US – the Quad countries – as well as with France, Singapore, and South Korea. Also, India is in the process of finalizing such an agreement with U.K. and in talks with other partners like Vietnam. Significance Saves both Time
Mains Exclusive Topics with Questions & Answers - Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Ethical IssuesQ. What do you understand by inner conscience? Can inner conscience be efficient tool to solve ethical dilemmas?250 words (20 Marks) Ans: Inner conscience is the voice of the inner-self which differentiate between what is right or wrong at a situation of moral question. Thus, it is an internal monitor.