BHARAT Campaign

On 12th July, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has launched the BHARAT (Banks Heralding Accelerated Rural & Agriculture Transformation) campaign. This campaign is part of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). Key Points Aim: To get active involvement and support of members of commercial Banks in the public and private sector,

Corporate Debt Market Development Fund

On 28th July, 2023, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs inaugurated the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF) in Mumbai. She also initiated the trading on Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation mechanism called AMC Repo Clearing Limited (ARCL). About CDMDF It is a backstop facility for specified debt funds during market dislocations. It will

Guarantee Scheme for Corporate Debt

On 26th July, 2023, the Central Government approved the ‘Guarantee Scheme for Corporate Debt’ (GSCD) for providing a guarantee cover against debt raised or to be raised by the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF). About Guarantee Scheme for Corporate Debt (GSCD) Management The Trust/Fund managing the scheme is named “Guarantee Fund

Offer for Sale

On 26th July, 2023, the central government announced the 'Offer for Sale' (OFS) of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd's 5.36% stake via a stock regulatory filing. About Offer for Sale It is a simpler method of share sale through the exchange platform for listed companies. The mechanism was first introduced by India’s securities market

Expected Credit Loss Framework

On 22 July, 2023, private sector lender ICICI Bank said the bank is ready to move to an expected credit loss (ECL) framework for provisioning. Expected Credit Loss (ECL) ECL is a method of accounting for credit risk based on the loss likely to occur on a loan or portfolio of loans. Under

External Commercial Borrowings

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), agreements for external commercial borrowings (ECBs) signed by Corporate India jumped to a massive $12 billion in the April-June quarter of 2023, three times the level in the previous year. About External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) It refer to commercial loans [in the form of

E-Way Bill

On 11th July, 2023, the GST Council, during its 50th meeting, gave sanction to issue the order making e-way bill mandatory for intra-state transportation of gold, gold jewellery and precious stones. In accordance, the Council has recommended to insert rule 138F in Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, as well

Total Expense Ratio

Recently, the Indian capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to issue a fresh consultation on the issue of total expense ratio (TER) for mutual funds. Back in February, 2023, SEBI had discovered that a significant number of new fund offerings (NFOs) of equity mutual funds have

Advance Authorisation Scheme

On 17th July, 2023, the Central government streamlined the process for duty-free import of export inputs under the Advance Authorisation Scheme. Key Points Database of Ad-hoc Norms To enhance efficiency in the norms fixation process, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has established a user-friendly and searchable database of Ad-hoc Norms. Any exporter

Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region

On 14th July, 2023, a two-day stakeholder workshop to review the progress of phase-III of the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) was held in New Delhi. The representatives of the eight NE states (Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Tripura), North Eastern development

Logistics Data Bank Project

On 21st July, 2023, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) held a Logistics Data Bank Project (LDB) meeting to review the measures taken by Port Authorities to improve port performance. About Logistics Data Bank Project It was launched on 2016 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai. Objectives: The project

SWAMIH Investment Fund

Recently, the Prime Minister congratulated new home owners in Bengaluru’s first project under SWAMIH Fund which has helped more than 3000 families in owning their dream homes. About SWAMIH Investment Fund The Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Investment Fund I is a social impact fund specifically formed for

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Recently, 1309 Railway Stations have been identified by the Central government under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for their development. About Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Launched in December, 2022, it envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision. The scheme aims at preparation of Master Plans of the Railway stations

National Digital Nagrik Forum

On 30th July, 2023, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced the creation of a National Digital Nagrik Forum (NDNF). About NDNF It is an online platform that aims to advance the rights of traders and consumers and other sections of society, and shape policy to boost the digital trade economy. Aim:

PM-MITRA Scheme

Recently foundation stones were laid for two mega textile parks in Amravati (Maharashtra) and Navsari (Gujarat) under the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) scheme. About PM MITRA Scheme Launch Date & Aim: It was launched in 2021 to strengthen the Indian textile industry by way of enabling scale

Export Preparedness Index 2022

On 17th July, 2023, NITI Aayog released the third edition of the report titled ‘Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022’ for States/UTs of India. About the Report The EPI 2022 Report evaluates the performance of the states across four pillars – Policy, Business Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem, and Export Performance. The index uses 56

Urea Gold

Recently, Prime Minister launched "Urea Gold", a new variety of Urea, during an event in Rajasthan's Sikar. Urea Gold is a new variety of Urea coated with Sulphur. It is being introduced to address the Sulphur deficiency in soil and save input costs for the farmers. Urea Gold surpasses the

National Coal Index (NCI)

Recently, the National Coal Index (NCI) has shown a significant decline of 33.8% in May 2023 compared to May 2022. This decline is an indication of a robust supply of coal in the market. NCI is a price index that combines coal prices from all sales channels, including notified prices,

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)

The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) in the Indian economy has significantly increased. GFCF consists of resident producers’ investments, deducting disposals, in fixed assets during a given period. It also includes certain additions to the value of non-produced assets realized by producers or institutional units. Fixed assets are tangible or

New Wheat Variety (PBW RS1)

Recently, the Ludhiana-based institution has developed a new variety of wheat called PBW RS1. It contains high amylose starch content. Resistant starch (RS) won’t cause an immediate and rapid rise in glucose levels. The high amylose and resistant starch, instead, ensure that glucose is released more slowly into the bloodstream.

Rights Issue

Recently, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) plans to raise capital through rights issue of equity shares as part of a government's plan to infuse capital into three state-owned fuel retailers to fund their net zero carbon emission projects. A rights issue is an invitation to existing shareholders to purchase additional new

Annapurti

Recently, a demonstration of the Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machine – ‘Annapurti’ was conducted during the ‘National Conference of Food Ministers of States/UTs. GrainATM, Annapurti, is an automated multi-commodity dispensing solution that provides fast, clean, and precise access to commodities (rice, wheat, grains) to beneficiaries, post biometric authentication. It is

Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (GVY)

Recently, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi distributed Honey Bee-Boxes and Toolkits to 130 beneficiaries in the program which was organized under the 'Gramodyog Vikas Yojna' of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). GVY is one of the two components of Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana which aims to promote and develop

Greenfield Airport

Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated Gujarat’s first Greenfield Airport at Hirasar near Rajkot. Greenfield airports are aviation facilities built from scratch on previously undeveloped or empty land. The term "greenfield" emphasises their environmentally friendly characteristics, as they aim to minimise the impact on nature during the construction and commissioning processes.

National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF)

Recently, Hyperlocal e-commerce startup magicpin in a pact with NCCF started selling tomatoes for Rs.70 per kilogram through select online platforms registered on the government-backed ONDC. NCCF was established in October 1965 to function as the apex body of consumer cooperatives in the country. It is an organization to

Derivatives

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) clarified that it was not looking to reduce retail participation in the derivatives segment. A derivative is a contract between two parties which derives its value/price from an underlying asset. The commonly used assets are stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities and market

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2023

On 27th July, 2023, the Lok Sabha passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023. It seeks to redefine the regulatory landscape of the country with decriminalisation of minor offences under 42 Acts to reduce compliance burden and promote ease of living and doing business in the country. Need For the

Zero FIR

Recently, in Manipur violence incidents, nearly 30% of First Information Reports (FIRs) were ‘Zero FIRs’, filed suo-motu by the police, irrespective of jurisdiction. About Zero FIR A Zero FIR, unlike regular FIRs, can be filed at any police station across the country by the victim, their family members, a relative, or any

Rule 176 vs Rule 267 of Rajya Sabha

Since the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, proceedings in the Rajya Sabha have been marred by continuous protests and disruptions over differences between the Opposition and the Government on the nature of discussion on the situation in Manipur. The Opposition is demanding a longer discussion under rule 267, while

Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000

On 20th July, 2023, the Centre asked Twitter and other social media platforms to take down the video showing violence against two women from the Kuki-Zomi community in the Manipur. The action is being taken under the Section 69(A) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. About Section 69(A) It confers on

ECI Introduces Digital Time Voucher System for Political Parties

On 18th July, 2023, the Election Commission of India (ECI) implemented a new digital time voucher system to facilitate political parties' access to government-owned electronic media like Doordarshan and All India Radio during election periods. A digital voucher is a type of voucher that is given online and can be redeemed

No-Confidence Motion

On 26th July, 2023, Lok Sabha Speaker accepted the no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition against the Union Government over Manipur violence. About In a parliamentary democracy, a government can be in power only if it commands a majority in the directly elected House. Article 75(3) of our Constitution embodies this rule by

Central Board of Film Certification

Recently, taking note of an objectionable scene, Union Information & Broadcasting Minister sought an explanation from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over their nod to the Hollywood film Oppenheimer. About CBFC CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), tasked with regulating the public exhibition

Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023

On 27th July, 2023, the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill amends the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Salient Features Additional Certificate Categories The Bill substitutes the UA category with the following three categories to also indicate age-appropriateness: (i) UA 7+, (ii) UA 13+, or (iii) UA 16+. Separate Certificate

The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023

On 21st July, 2023, the Standing Committee on Defence, headed by Jual Oram, agreed to all the provisions of the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, saying it must be passed without any amendment. Salient Features Inter-services Organisations Existing Inter-services Organisations will be deemed to have been constituted under the Bill.

New Guidelines for Designation of Senior Advocates

On 18th July, 2023, the Supreme Court issued new guidelines for the designation of senior advocates practicing primarily in the Apex Court. These guidelines replace the ones issued in 2018, following the 2017 ruling in Indira Jaisingh vs. Union of India. Need for New Guidelines The need for new guidelines arose after a

Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme

On 18th July, 2023, the President of India presented the “Bhoomi Samman” 2023 awards to the State Secretaries and District Collectors who have excelled in achieving saturation of the core components of Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). The “Bhoomi Samman” is a prestigious award scheme launched by the Union

All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Amendment Rules, 2023

On 6th July, 2023, the Central Government amended the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958. Key Amendments The Central Government empowers itself to act against IAS, IPS and IFos officers and withhold or withdraw their pension even without a reference from the state government if they are found guilty of grave

District Mineral Foundation

Recently, Comptroller and Auditor General of India reported under-utilization of DMF funds in Chhattisgarh. DMF is a trust, setup as a non-profit body in all mining affected districts. It is established under Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015. Mining companies are required to contribute to DMFs between

AuditOnline

Recently, Action Taken Report (ATR) Module of AuditOnline was launched. Launched in April, 2020, AuditOnline is an open-source application, developed as a part of Panchayat Enterprise Suite under e-panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP), initiated by Ministry of Panchayati Raj. It facilitates internal & external audit of Government department / Panchayati

Right to Silence

Recently, Supreme Court said that all accused have a right to silence and investigators cannot force them to speak up or admit guilt. Right to silence emanates from Article 20(3), which states that no one can be compelled to be a witness against himself. This protection is limited only to

Income Tax Day (24th July)

On 24th July, 1860, Sir James Wilson introduced income tax for the first time in India. It is observed to spread awareness around the importance of taxes and encourage more and more people to pay taxes for the development of the nation. On the sidelines of celebration, the Ministry of

Vibrant Villages Programme

Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs provided valuable insights into the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) during a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. VVP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme focusing on the comprehensive development of select villages in 46 blocks across 19 districts abutting the northern border in Arunachal Pradesh,

Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE)

Recently, the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region has recently stated about the PM-DevINE scheme in Lok Sabha. PM-DevINE is a Central Sector Scheme that aims at rapid and holistic development of the North- East Region by funding infrastructure and social development projects. It envisages creation of infrastructure,

Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (PAEC)

Recently, the Director General of Postal Services inaugurated first Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (PAEC) for Army through Army Postal Service. The PAEC will facilitate Aadhaar related services such as enrolment and updation for tri-services personnel (defence & civil) and their dependents through their Field Post Offices (FPO). The expansion of

Panel of Vice-Chairpersons in Rajya Sabha

Recently, Rajya Sabha Chairman nominated four women parliamentarians to the panel of Vice-chairpersons during monsoon session of the parliament. Chairman nominates members to a panel of Vice-chairpersons from among the members of Rajya Sabha. Any Vice-chairperson from the panel can lead the house if the Chairman or Deputy Chairman is

Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS)

Recently, the Sahara Refund Portal was launched by the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) to facilitate refunds for investors of Sahara Group’s Cooperative Societies. The Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies is appointed as per article 243ZH(f) of the Constitution read with subsection (1) of section (4) of Multi-State Co-operative

First BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

On 17th July 2023, Thailand hosted the first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meeting in Bangkok. Key Highlights Renewed Resolve for Stronger Cooperation: The Ministers expressed their commitment to building a stronger, more resilient, and more relevant BIMSTEC grouping. Strengthening Organizational Framework: The Retreat emphasized the need to enhance BIMSTEC's organizational framework and collaborative mechanisms

India and Sri Lanka to Boost Bilateral Cooperation

On 21st July, 2023, Indian Prime Minister met Sri Lankan President for talks during which the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest. Sri Lanka is an important partner in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. Key MoUs Signed Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) in the field of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. MoU

India Hosts SCO Summit

On 4th July, 2023, India, as the host nation, held the virtual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit with the participation of China's President Xi Jinping, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Key Points Iran Joins as New Member: Indian PM welcomed Iran as the newest member of the

India-Japan Meeting on Steel Sector and Decarbonisation

Recently, India and Japan conducted bilateral talks to foster cooperation in the steel sector and address decarbonisation challenges. Key Points Strengthening Collaboration: Supporting India-Japan Public and Private Sectors Both nations demonstrated their commitment to fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors of India and Japan. This synergy aims to leverage expertise

UK Formally Signs CPTPP Trade Bloc Agreement

On 16th July, 2023, the United Kingdom (UK) officially signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade bloc. Key Points Ratification Process: The UK will now seek Parliamentary scrutiny and ratification from CPTPP member countries to admit Britain into the trade bloc. First European Member: The UK will be the

Russia withdraws from Black Sea Grain Initiative

On 17th July, 2023, Russia announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Deal. About Black Sea Grain Deal The Black Sea grain deal was established in July, 2022, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It aimed to address the disruption caused to Ukraine's grain exports, as it is one of

China-ASEAN Non-Aggression Pact

On 13th July, 2023, China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) agreed to try to conclude a long-awaited non-aggression pact within three years. The pact aims to prevent territorial disputes in the South China Sea from escalating into major armed conflicts. Key Points Finalizing a Code of Conduct: China and ASEAN agreed

European Sky Shield Initiative

Recently, Austria and Switzerland, known for their strong traditions of foreign policy neutrality, joined the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine. About European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) It is a project to build a ground-based integrated European air defence system which includes anti-ballistic missile capability. Aim:

Henley Passport Index 2023

On 18th July, 2023, Henley Passport Index 2023 was released which assess the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. About Henley Passport Index It is compiled and published by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm. This index encompasses 199

Young Professional Scheme

The British government on 25th July, 2023, opened its second ballot under the UK-India Young Professional Scheme for Indians aged between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications for visas to the UK. Eligible young Indians can live, work, or study in the UK for up to two years through

Algeria Applies for BRICS Membership

Recently, Algeria formally applied to join the BRICS group and submitted a request to become a shareholder member of the BRICS Bank. BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill

ISRO’s PSLV-C56/DS-SAR Mission

On 30th July, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a successful launch of the PSLV-C56 rocket, carrying Singapore's DS-SAR satellite and six other co-passenger satellites, placing them into their intended orbits from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Key Points Successful Orbit Placement: The mission achieved its objective, placing

Scientists Detect Low-Frequency Gravitational Waves

Recently, scientists announced a ground-breaking discovery, presenting evidence that the universe is teeming with low-frequency gravitational waves. The study focused on pulsar observations and their implications for gravitational waves, providing key findings that advance the understanding of these cosmic phenomena. Gravitational waves are undulations in the fabric of space-time that are

OneWeb to Establish First Satellite Network Portal Site in Gujarat

On 19th July, 2023, OneWeb India Communications signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to build India's first satellite network portal site in Mehsana, Gujarat. Key Points Satellite Network Portal Site: The site will serve as a signal and data downlink and uplink terminal, facilitating satellite communications through satellite tracking antenna systems. OneWeb's

Euclid Space Telescope to Explore 'Dark Universe'

Recently, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Florida, carrying the Euclid space telescope, an orbital instrument aimed at unravelling the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter, enigmatic forces that constitute 95% of the known universe. Key Points Mission Objectives: Euclid's mission is to study the evolution of the dark universe

India to Boost Naval Capabilities

On 13th July, 2023, in a significant move to bolster India's naval capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of three more Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Navy. Key Points Submarines to be Built in India: The Scorpene submarines will be built by the Mazagon

India's Scientists Develop Stable Perovskite Cells

Recently, Indian scientists successfully developed low-cost Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (CPSCs) with exceptional thermal and moisture stability. This breakthrough can help address the challenges of degradation faced by perovskite photovoltaic cells during operation. Key Points Overcoming Degradation Challenges: Perovskite solar cells, considered a third-generation solar cell, offer promising potential for increasing solar

CSIR-CRRI Pioneers World's Latest Steel Road Technology

Recently, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) developed a cutting-edge Steel Road technology that enables the large-scale utilization of waste steel slag from steel plants in road construction. Key Points Utilizing Industrial Waste: The technology involves utilizing waste steel slag, which is composed of impurities removed during

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Recently, Indo-Japanese researchers developed a "disease-modifying" treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) using a food additive called beta-glucan. DMD is a rare genetic disease that primarily affects male children, with around 80,000 patients in India. The disease leads to muscle weakness and damage, causing patients to become wheelchair-bound in

Lisa

Odisha TV (OTV) has achieved a significant milestone in the AI industry by introducing "Lisa," India's first regional AI news anchor. Lisa's debut marks a groundbreaking moment in TV broadcasting and journalism, with the potential to revolutionize the industry through the use of artificial intelligence. The AI news anchor will

Donanemab

A new drug called Donanemab has been hailed as a breakthrough in the world of health, providing hope for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.Donanemab, developed by Eli Lilly, has shown significant promise in slowing cognitive and functional decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The drug is a monoclonal antibody

Osteo HRNet

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, have successfully created an AI-based framework called Osteo HRNet, using Deep Learning (DL) techniques, to automatically assess the severity of Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) from X-ray images.The AI model offers a promising solution for knee osteoarthritis patients as it enables the detection of

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert about the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a viral infection transmitted by ticks. The disease has a high fatality rate and is a significant health concern. Traditionally, CCHF is endemic to regions in Africa, the Balkan countries, the Middle East, and parts

World's First Methane-Fuelled Space Rocket

On 12th July, 2023, a private Chinese company, LandSpace, achieved a historic milestone by successfully launching Zhuque-2, the world's first methane-liquid oxygen space rocket, into orbit. The use of methane as a propellant offers several advantages, including reduced pollution, enhanced safety, and cost-effectiveness. It is also a suitable choice for

Batagaika Crater Poses a Warning Sign for Earth

A recent study has revealed that the Batagaika crater, the world's largest permafrost crater, is expanding at an alarming rate. This has raised concerns about the impact of thawing permafrost on the environment. Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer below Earth's surface. It consists of soil, gravel, and sand, usually bound

Invasive Weed Threatens Elephant Habitats

Currently, the invasion of Ludwigia peruviana, an aquatic weed native to Central and South America, is posing a threat to elephant habitats and foraging areas in Tamil Nadu's Valparai, leading to potential human-elephant conflicts in the region. Valparai, located within the Annamalai Tiger Reserve, serves as a key habitat for elephants

Cheetah Deaths at Kuno National Park

On 20th July, 2023, the Supreme Court expressed dismay over the deaths of cheetahs brought as part of India’s ‘Project Cheetah’ to Kuno National Park from South Africa and Namibia within a year, urging the Union Government to take corrective actions. On 2nd August, 2023, another female cheetah died at the

Ecological Concerns Rise in Western Ghats

A recent study led by the Indian Institute of Science has highlighted the issue of loss of evergreen forest cover in the Western Ghats, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The Indian Institute of Science's Energy and Wetlands Research Group launched the Western Ghats Spatial Decision Support System (WGSDSS) to enhance

Sand and Dust Storms: UN Issues Global Alert

The United Nations (UN) has issued global alert to combat severe sand and dust storms (SDS) in the wake of a significant rise in their frequency and severity in recent years. Sand and Dust Storms are defined as storms caused by intense winds over areas of arid soil that pick up

Deep-Sea Mining Endangers Pacific Tuna

A new study published on 11th July, 2023, has highlighted the potential interference of deep-sea mining with the migration of tuna species in the Pacific Ocean, which is expected to be influenced by climate change. Key Points Impact on Tuna Migration: The study focused on three tuna species and found that climate

Groundwater Extraction Affects Earth's Axis

According to a recent study, the excessive extraction of groundwater for drinking and irrigation has been found to shift the Earth's axis of rotation, contributing to global rise in sea level. Key Points Impact on Earth's Axis: The study reveals that excessive groundwater extraction has led to a shift in the Earth's

​New Manual for Disaster Management Plan

On 22nd July, 2023, Union Minister for Jal Shakti unveiled the Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP) during a national conference of the Rural WASH Partners Forum in New Delhi. The manual has been developed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Key Points Aims: The Manual aims to ensure safety,

Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023

On 2nd August, 2023, the Rajya Sabha passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill on 26th July, 2023. The Bill amends the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to make it applicable to certain types of land. Salient Features Preamble and Name Change: The amendments introduce a preamble

Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021

On 1st August, 2023, the Rajya Sabha passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill on 25th July, 2023. The Bill amends the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to simplify compliance requirements for domestic companies. Salient Features Purpose of the Bill: The Bill seeks to address issues

Cloudbursts

The frequency of cloudbursts has been increasing in recent years, partly attributed to climate change. A cloudburst is an intense weather event that occurs in Himalayan regions, characterized by heavy rainfall exceeding 10 centimeters within a 10 square kilometers area in one hour. These events have the potential to

Tiger Orchid

The Palode Institute in South East Asia is witnessing the blooming of the Grammatophyllum speciosum orchid variety, popularly known as the 'Tiger Orchid.' The Tiger Orchid is the largest orchid species globally and is recognized for its splendid flowers with brown spots against a yellow backdrop, resembling tigers. Grammatophyllum speciosum

Seahorse Hotels

Over 350 endangered White's Seahorses find refuge in specially designed biodegradable seahorse hotels beneath Sydney's harbour waters, a collaborative effort by marine scientists and conservationists. White's Seahorses, native to Australia's east coast waters, were listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2017 due to habitat loss, with significant

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi

UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi has been elected as the chair of the World Trade Organisation’s 13th Ministerial Conference that will be held in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.

Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi

BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB) has elected Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi, Director of International Financial Relations and Organizations Department at the UAE Ministry of Finance, as a member of its Board of Directors and a Constituency Director. Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi will become the first Emirati and Arab woman to assume

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber

He is the President-designate of CoP28, to be held in

Phangnon Konyak

She is the first woman MP from Nagaland to preside over Rajya Sabha. She is also the first woman to be elected to Rajya Sabha from Nagaland (April 2022) and the second woman from the state to be elected to either house of the Parliament or the state

Brajendra Navnit

Indian government announced the extension of Brajendra Navnit’s tenure as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by nine

Naveen Patnaik

Naveen Patnaik has become the second longest serving chief minister of a state in India with tenure of over 23 years, surpassing the record of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu (23 years, 138 days). Patnaik is now second only to Pawan Kumar Chamling of Sikkim (24 years and

Nisha Biswal

Indian-American policy expert Nisha Biswal is confirmed by the US Senate to serve as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the United States International Development Finance

J Robert Oppenheimer

He led scientific research on the Manhattan Project, the US government effort during World War II that built the first atomic bombs. A film ‘Oppenheimer’ has been made by Christopher Nolan. The film was in controversy due to quoting ‘Bhagvad Gita’ in obscene

Edgars Rinkevics

He has been sworn in as Latvia's first openly gay head of state, and the first openly gay president of an EU member

QU Dongyu

From China, he has been re-elected to a second term as Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United

Admiral Lisa Franchetti

She became first woman to lead US

Tushar Mehta

The incumbent Solicitor General of India has been reappointed for a three-year term by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet

Ujjal Bhuyan/ S. Venkatanarayana Bhatti

Telangana Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Kerala Chief Justice S. Venkatanarayana Bhatti have been appointed as judges of the Supreme Court. The two new appointments increased the judicial strength of the apex court to 33, leaving only one

Justice Ashish Jitendra Desai

He has been appointed as the Chief Justice of Kerala High

Rakesh Pal

He has been appointed as the 25th Director General (DG) of the Indian Coast Guard

Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya

He has been appointed as the Chief Justice of Bombay High

Justice Alok Aradhe

He has been appointed as the Chief Justice of Telangana High

Pronab Sen

India’s first chief statistician and the former chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC), has been named the chair of the Standing Committee on Statistics that will review the framework and results of all surveys conducted under the aegis of the National Statistical Office

Manoj Yadava

He has been appointed as the Director General of the Railway Protection Force

Nivruti Rai

Ms. Nivruti Rai joined as the Managing Director & CEO of Invest India. Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, set up as a non-profit venture under the aegis of Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of

Sheikh Talal

Kuwait’s Sheikh Talal Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah has been elected as the new President of the Olympic Council of Asia

K Rajaraman

Telecom Secretary K Rajaraman has been selected by the government as the new chairperson of the International Financial Services Centres Authority

Jim Skea

Scottish scientist Jim Skea has been elected as chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Ajit Pawar

He recently became the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra after joining the Eknath Shinde-led government.

Ajit Agarkar

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Ajit Agarkar as chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection

Karuvattu Mana Vasudevan Namboothiri

He was a prolific illustrator who sketched characters of the Malayalam literary world over the last seven decades. Namboothiri also served as the chairman of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi. In 2003, the Akademi honoured him with the Raja Ravi Varma

Luis Suárez

Luis Suárez Miramontes, the so-called “Golden Galician” who is the only Spanish man to win soccer’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or, has

Oommen Chandy

He was the former Chief Minister of Kerala. He held the office of Chief Minister twice.

Dr Mangala Narlikar

She was an eminent mathematician and the wife of noted astrophysicist Dr Jayant Narlikar, the founder director of Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics

Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor

He was a Marathi poet, and lyricist. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991.

Vakkom B. Purushothaman

He served as the Governor of Mizoram from 2011 to 2014, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, state minister and Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar

Nirmala Buch

She was the first and only woman chief secretary of Madhya Pradesh who passed away

Argentina (Capital: Buenos Aires)

Recently, Argentina signed letter of intent with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to buy helicopters.Political BoundariesThe country is bounded by Chile to the south and west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, and Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.Geographical FeaturesTerrains: Rich plains of the Pampas in the northern

Nigeria (Capital: Abuja)

Nigeria has declared a State of Emergency over Food Security.Political BoundariesLocated on western coast of Africa.Bordered by Niger (north), Chad and Cameroon (east), Gulf of Guinea of Atlantic Ocean (south), and Benin (west).It is Africa’s most populous country.Geographical FeaturesMajor Rivers: Niger, Benue Highest Peak: Chappal Waddi

Solomon Islands (Capital: Honiara)

Recently China and Solomon Islands signed diplomatic agreements.Political BoundariesSolomon Islands are an archipelagic state comprising of volcanic islands and coral atolls in Melanesia, located in southwest Pacific Ocean.It has no direct neighbor.It is part of volcanic arc extending from extending from Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu.Geographical FeaturesClimate: Tropical Highest

Victoria

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are in doubt after the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its plans to host due to budget blowouts.

Peru

Peru has declared a state of national emergency amid a surge in patients suffering from Guillain-Barre syndrome. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral

Surat

India's gem capital Surat in Gujarat has surpassed the United States to host the largest office in the world. 'Surat Diamond Bourse' - a one stop shop for over 65,000 diamond professionals, is now the world's largest office building, replacing the Pentagon in the

Chennai

India’s first ‘Police Drone Unit’ has been launched in Chennai for aerial surveillance over vast areas and quick detection of criminal

Mehsana

Union Home Minister laid foundation stone of the first cooperative-run Sainik School in

JIMEX 23

The seventh edition of the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023 (JIMEX 23) was hosted by the Indian Navy.It was conducted off Visakhapatnam from 05 -10 July 2023. This edition marked the 11th anniversary of JIMEX, since its inception in

Tarang Shakti

Indian Air Force to hold its biggest air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’. The exercise will witness the participation of various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia, with the primary goal of enhancing military collaboration and fostering strategic

SALVEX

The Seventh edition of Indian Navy – US Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX was conducted from 26 Jun – 06 Jul 23 at Kochi.

Talisman Sabre

Recently, Australia and the United States conducted the biennial joint military exercise involving more than 30,000 troops and participants from 11 other

Security Bond-2023

It was a joint naval exercise carried out recently by China, Russia, and Iran in the Gulf of Oman.

Nomadic Elephant – 2023

It is an annual training event between India and Mongolia, held alternately in both countries. Recently, the exercise was carried out in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from July 17th to July 31st,

Institute for Economics and Peace

Recently, the institute released 2023 Global Peace Index which provides a comprehensive ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world. The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) is a global think tank headquartered in Sydney,

Nato Summit

The 2023 NATO summit was held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.Turkey withdrew its objections to Sweden joining the alliance.Hungary also announced to support Sweden’s membership into the defence bloc.The summit did not provide a firm timeline for when the Ukrainians will become official members. NATO is a security alliance

International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023)

International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) was organized during 5th – 7th July 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi by the Government of India. The main objective of the conference was to create a Green Hydrogen ecosystem and explore the latest developments in the green hydrogen value chain.

Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour

Narendra Modi has become the first Indian Prime Minister to have been conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian and military honour. The award was established in 1802 by Napoleon

PEN Pinter Prize 2023

Michael Rosen, the author of more than 200 books for children and adults, has won the 2023 PEN Pinter

UK PM’s Points of Light Award

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has honoured Rajindar Singh Dhatt, one of the last surviving Sikh soldiers who fought in the Second World War with a Points of Light honour for his service and his work running the “Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Association” to help bring together British Indian war veterans.Moksha

Eni Award

Prof. Thalappil Pradeep from the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras has been honored with the prestigious award. The Eni Award is a prize awarded by the Italian oil and gas company Eni with the aim of encouraging better use of energy sources and increased environmental

Elephant Family Environmental Award

Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla presented the Elephant Family environmental award to Indian conservationists — filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves behind Oscar-winning documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and the Real Elephant Collective (TREC) of 70 Adivasi artists.Tara Award: Gonsalves received the Tara Award, inspired by the sacred bond between elephants and

Lokmanya Tilak National Award

The Lokmanya Tilak National Award was conferred on the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in Pune, Maharashtra, during a ceremony that commemorated the 103rd death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak.The award, instituted by the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust in 1983, aims to honor the lasting legacy of Lokmanya Tilak.

Maharashtra Udyog Ratna Award

The Maharashtra Government will confer Tata group Chairman Ratan Tata with the first prestigious Maharashtra Udyog Ratna Award this

Bhoomi Samman 2023

The President of India presented the “Bhoomi Samman” 2023 in New Delhi.Madhya Pradesh has secured the first position in the field of Digital India Land Records modernization in the country.15 districts of Madhya Pradesh have been awarded Platinum Grading for 100 per cent achievement in all the components of Digital

UK-India Awards

Global Indian Icon of the Year: India’s first-ever Olympic medallist in women’s boxing, Mary Kom, was honoured with the Global Indian Icon of the Year award at the annual UK-India Awards. Lifetime Achievement Award: Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, directing Oscar-nominated ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ received a Lifetime Achievement Award

New Female Members in BCCI Umpiring Panel

The Indore-based Buley sisters, Nidhi and Ritika, are among the four retired female cricketers who have made their way into the BCCI umpires' panel.V Kritika from Tamil Nadu and Ankita Guha of Vidarbha were the other females who were elevated to the BCCI panel, taking the overall number of BCCI-empanelled

Asian Athletics Championships 2023

The 2023 Asian Athletics Championships was held from 12 to 16 July 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.India finished third, winning 27 medals, with 6 Gold, 12 Silver and 9 Bronze. Japan topped the medal table followed by

Wimbledon 2023

Major TitlesMen’s Singles: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic (Serbia) to claim his first Wimbledon title.Women’s Singles: Markéta Vondroušová (Czech Republic) beat Ons Jabeur (Tunisia) in the final and became the first unseeded ladies' singles Wimbledon champion in the Open Era.

Korea Open 2023

Men's DoublesIndian badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the men's doubles title at the Korea Open, defeating top-ranked Indonesian pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhamad Rian

AIFF Player of the Year Award 2022-23

Men’s Footballer of the Year: Lallianzuala ChhangteWomen’s Footballer of the Year: Manisha KalyanMen’s Emerging Footballer of the Year: Akash MishraWomen’s Emerging Footballer of the Year: Shilji Shaji

Duleep Trophy

South Zone beat West Zone in the final at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.Vidwath Kaverappa of South Zone won the ‘Player of the Series

Tour de France 2023

Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard won his second successive Tour de France.Vingegaard, finished clear of nearest rival, two-time winner (20220, 2021) Tadej Pogacar from Poland. The Tour de France is an annual men's multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in

Stuart Board

England's Stuart Broad has become the second pace bowler to take 600 wickets in Test cricket. England’s James Anderson is the only other quick bowler to achieve the feat.

Stuart Board

England's Stuart Broad has become the second pace bowler to take 600 wickets in Test cricket. England’s James Anderson is the only other quick bowler to achieve the feat.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli became the first batter to score a century in his 500th international match. He is the 10th cricketer to play 500 international matches and fourth Indian after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni. He also equalled Sir Don Bradman's record of most test centuries after smashing his

Uma Chhetri

From Assam's Golaghat district, she has made history by becoming the first cricketer from this north-eastern state to be selected for the Indian national women's cricket

Neeraj Chopra

With a best throw of 87.66 m, Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medalist, claimed the top spot in the Lausanne Diamond League 2023. The win is Chopra's second in Diamond League this season following his season-opening triumph at Doha Diamond League on May

Yashasvi Jaiswal

He recently became 17th Indian cricketer to score a century on Test debut. He is also the fifth Indian to score a ton on his debut overseas. He also became the third Indian batsman to score a century as an opener on Test debut after Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi

Important Days

Date Day Theme 6th July World Zoonoses Day “One World, One Health: Prevent Zoonoses, Stop the Spread” 11th July World Population Day “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities” 25th July World Youth Skills Day “Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future” 28th July World Nature Conversation Day “Forests and

GI Tags to Crafts from Rajasthan and U.P.

On 2nd August, 2023, the Geographical Indications Registry granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to various crafts from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Jalesar Dhatu Shilp It is a metal craft famous in the Jalesar in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh. It includes ghungrus (anklets), ghantis (bells) and other decorative metal craft and brassware. The

Meri Maati Mera Desh Campaign

On 30th July, 2023, in the 103rd edition of his monthly radio address, Prime Minister announced the launch of a new campaign ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ to honour the country’s martyred bravehearts. About ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ Campaign Under the campaign, soil collected from different parts of the country in August, 2023

Kui language

Recently, the Odisha State cabinet gave an approval to a proposal which recommended the inclusion of the Kui language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution of India. About Kui Language Kui is a South-Eastern Dravidian language primarily spoken by the Kandhas or Kondhs, residing in the hilly and forested areas of

Chachin Grazing Festival

The Chachin grazing festival was celebrated by the local graziers of the Tawang region near Bumla Pass, Arunachal Pradesh, during July 14-15, 2023. About the Festival This two-day event held at Chachin brought together local graziers from all over the region to celebrate their traditional occupation and honor their cultural heritage. The Monpa

Bengaluru joins ‘World Cities Culture Forum’

On 27th July, 2023, Bengaluru made history by becoming the first Indian city to join the prestigious World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF). Key Points Bengaluru Joins Elite League: With its inclusion in the WCCF, Bengaluru joins the ranks of renowned cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai, among others. The

Namda Art

On 14th July, 2023, the Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship flagged off the first batch of Namda Art products for export to the United Kingdom (UK). The Namda art of Kashmir is being successfully revived under a Skill India’s Pilot Project as part of the Pradhan Mantri

Lambani Embroidery

Recently, as part of the 3rd Culture Working Group Meeting of G20 in Hampi (Karnataka), under its ‘Culture Unites All’ campaign, the Culture Working Group, Ministry of Culture has set a Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Display of Lambani Items’. Over 450 Lambani women artisans and cultural practitioners associated with

Ker Puja

Recently, Prime Minister greeted people on the occasion of Ker Puja. About Ker Puja Ker puja is a festival held in Tripura. The term “Ker” signifies austerity and the festival takes place two weeks after Kharchi Puja. The celebration occurs two weeks after the Kharchi Puja to honour Ker. Ker is said to be the

Dedicated Cultural Heritage Squad

On 24th July, 2023, the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture laid its report under the title –‘Heritage Theft - The Illegal Trade in Indian Antiquities and the Challenges of Retrieving and Safeguarding Our Tangible Cultural Heritage’ in the Parliament. Key Findings On the National Mission on Monuments

Sushruta

Every year on 15th July Sushruta Jayanti is celebrated to honour the legendary Sushruta. About Sushruta He lived in the ancient city of Kashi, now known as Varanasi or Banaras in northern India. He is the listed author of the Sushruta Samhita - a treatise considered one of the most important surviving ancient

Bhojpatra

Recently, the Prime Minister of India, in the 103rd edition of Mann ki Baat programme highlighted the business of 'bhojpatra calligraphy' by the women of Mana village near Badrinath. It is a deciduous tree native to the Western Himalayas that grows at elevations of up to 4,500 metres. It has

Idol of Uma-Maheshwara

On 30th July, 2023, in the 103rd edition of his monthly radio address, Prime Minister mentioned about an idol of Uma-Maheshwara in Lalitasan from the 11th century, in which both are seated on Nandi, has been returned to India from USA. Uma-Maheshwara refers to one of the forms of Siva

Tankai Method of Ship Building

Recently, the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to revive the “ancient, stitched shipbuilding method (Tankai method). The Indian Navy will oversee the implementation and execution of the entire project. The 'stitched shipbuilding method' is a traditional boat building technique that involves sewing

Byculla Railway Station

Recently, Byculla Railway Station received UNESCO Award for Heritage Restoration. The restoration of the Byculla Station was undertaken by the NGO 'I Love Mumbai”. The heritage conservation architect Abha Lamba and Minal Bajaj of Bajaj Trust partnered in the conservation efforts. The UNESCO Asia Pacific Cultural Heritage award for

Chudanga Gada Fort

Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) planned to start documentation of the archaeological remains of Chudangagada Fort. The Fort was earlier known as Sarangagarh and is situated about 14 KM North of Bhubaneswar in the village of Baranga. According to the Madalapanji, the fort was constructed by Lalatendu Kesari

Parliamentary Panel on Persons with Disabilities

Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment pulled up the Union Government for failing to accurately estimate the current population of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the country. Issues Raised There is dissent over dropping disability-related questions in the sixth round of the National Family Health Survey. The Department

Manual Scavenging

According to data provided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 26th July, 2023, a total of 530 districts (out of total 766) across the country have so far reported themselves to be free of manual scavenging. Key Points While 100% of districts in States like Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu

Hindu Undivided Family & Uniform Civil Code

Recently, the Law Commission of India initiated fresh deliberation on Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which has triggered discussion on the institution of Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and its separate treatment under tax laws. About Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) Under Hindu Law, an HUF is a family which consists of all persons lineally

Pronab Sen Committee to Review Conduct of Surveys

On 16th July, 2023, the Central government appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Pronab Sen (former Chief Statistician of India) to review the methodology of the National Statistical Organisation (NSO). The newly formed Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) replaced the Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) that was formed in

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023

On 26th July, 2023, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha. It amends the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. Salient Features Database of Births and Deaths The Bill adds that the Registrar General will maintain a national database of registered births and deaths. Chief Registrars

Mission Shakti- Hub for Empowerment of Women

National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) organised the First Capacity Building Programme on ‘Mission Shakti- Hub for Empowerment of Women’ from 21st to 22nd July, 2023 in New Delhi. The event aimed to empower women and was attended by State Nodal Officers and State Mission Coordinators. About Mission

National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023

On 28th July, 2023, the Lok Sabha passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023. It repeals the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947. Salient Features National Nursing and Midwifery Commission: The Bill provides for the constitution of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission.It will consist of 29 members. The chairperson should have a

National Dental Commission Bill, 2023

On 28th July, 2023, the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 was passed in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to repeal the Dentists Act, 1948. Salient Features National Dental Commission (NDC) It seeks to replace the Dental Council of India with the National Dental Commission (NDC). It will draft policies and maintain quality standards in

Mission Vatsalya

Recently, the Ministry of Women and Child Development directed the Child Welfare and Protection Committees (CW&PC) at village level to identify the children who are eligible for support. These children include orphans, street children, and those in difficult circumstances. These children will be facilitated under the sponsorship component of Mission Vatsalya

The Paths to Equal: Twin Indices on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality

On 18th July, 2023, United Nations (UN) released a report on gender parity at the Women Deliver Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda under the title- ‘The Paths to Equal: Twin indices on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality’. About the Report This first-of-its-kind report presents a comprehensive analysis of the progress made

Estimates of National Immunisation Coverage for 2022

On 17th July, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF released WHO/UNICEF estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2022 for its 195 member states. Major Highlights The number of children missing out on any vaccination – so-called zero-dose children – improved from 18.1 million in 2021 to 14.3 million in 2022,

ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)

Recently, the Union Minister of Education launched the logo, slogan-Jan Jan Sakshar and mobile application of ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram on the occasion of completion of three years of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to revolutionise education and literacy across India, by fostering a learning ecosystem that

Controlled Human Infection Studies

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has embarked on introducing Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS). CHIS is also called human challenge studies, where healthy volunteers are intentionally exposed to a disease-causing microbe in a highly controlled and monitored environment. It has been carried out for hundreds of years. Example:

National Commission for Women

Recently, National Commission for Women (NCW) received many complaints regarding women’s safety during violence in Manipur. The NCW was set up as statutory body in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 to- review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women; recommend remedial legislative measures; facilitate redressal of

Stop TB Partnership

Johnson & Johnson is allowing Stop TB Partnership, a Switzerland-based nonprofit, to distribute a generic version of its tuberculosis drug SIRTURO, or bedaquiline, in low- and middle-income countries. The Stop TB Partnership was founded in 2001 to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health problem. It has been administered by the

Palliative Care

The rising incidence of lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases in recent times in India needs palliative care sooner. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life by addressing the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social domains of the health of people suffering from life-limiting diseases. Palliative care also includes bereavement support for

Sanipreneurs

Recently, the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB or Metrowater) has recently decided to convert the sanitary workers involved in manual scavenging into ‘sanipreneurs’. The Sanipreneurs or sanitary entrepreneurs will be awarded the tender for maintenance of the sewer system, using machines, for a period of seven years.

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been working towards creating an inclusive and equitable society for all its citizens with its flagship Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). AVYAY is a Central Sector Scheme, which was formerly known as National Action Plan for Senior Citizens. Its vision is to

Social Trailblazer Program

Recently, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched the 2nd edition of the Social Trailblazer Program by Incubator for Social Enterprises and Entrepreneurs Development, IRMA. Social Trailblazer Program is launched by IRMA iSEED Foundation along with the enabling partner LIC Housing Finance Ltd. It aims to further

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023

It was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 24, 2023. The Bill amends the Constitution (Scheduled Caste) Order, 1950, with respect to its application to Chhattisgarh.The Bill includes Mahara and Mahra communities as synonyms of the Mehra, Mahar, and Mehar communities in

The Constitution (J&K) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023

It was introduced in Lok Sabha on 26th July, 2023. The Bill amends the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order, 1956. The Order lists the castes deemed to be Scheduled Castes in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Bill adds Valmiki community as a

The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023

It was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 26, 2023. It amends the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989 to create separate lists for Scheduled Tribes for Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Bill also adds four communities to the list of Scheduled

Mpower Measures

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released a comprehensive report on tobacco control measures. The report evaluates the progress made globally since the introduction of the MPOWER measures – a set of strategies developed by WHO to combat tobacco use and its detrimental effects on health. In 2008, the WHO

India’s First Police Drone Unit

The Greater Chennai City Police (GCP) has launched ‘Police Drone Unit’ for aerial surveillance over vast areas and quick detection of criminal activities. The use of drones in law enforcement will provide the police with an additional tool to monitor and secure large areas more efficiently. The drones equipped with

Tamil Nadu’s First Flying Training School

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation gave its nod to EKVI Air Training Organization Pvt. Ltd. to be the first flying training organisation in Tamil Nadu. It will be India’s 36th flying training school. With access to professional training programs, students can now embark on a journey towards fulfilling their

Tamil Nadu Regained Top Spot in Electronic Exports in India

Recently, Tamil Nadu becomes India's leading exporter of Electronic goods in FY23 surpassing Uttar Pradesh, as the former reaches exports value of nearly triple as compared to FY22. The state’s electronic exports, valued at USD 5.37 billion in the 2022-23 financial year, now account for a 23% share in the

Jagananna Amma Vodi Scheme

The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to approximately 42 lakh mothers, offering them an annual gift of Rs. 15,000 for sending their children to school. Through the Amma Vodi scheme, approximately 83 lakh students from Class I to intermediate levels will benefit from the financial assistance provided by the

Gujarat Government Doubles Insurance Cover

The Gujarat government has doubled the insurance cover to 10 lakh rupees under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY). Starting from the 11th July, 2023, beneficiaries of PMJAY in Gujarat will now receive an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakhs, a twofold rise from the previous coverage of Rs 5

Gujarat to get Country’s 1st ‘Satellite Network Portal Site’

OneWeb Company is setting up two ‘Satellite Network Portal Site’ and one of them will be in Mehsana District of Gujarat. This Satellite network portal site is going to be initiated in Jotana taluka of Mehsana district. It will provide high-speed, low-latency and affordable connectivity to the government, businesses, consumers,

UP Government Approves Two Thermal Power Projects With NTPC

Uttar Pradesh government has approved two ultra-supercritical thermal power projects in a 50:50 partnership with NTPC in Sonbhadra district. These projects, with a capacity of 800MW each, aim to address the rising power demand and provide cheaper electricity to the people of the state. The power plants will be built

Gomti River Declared as a “Non Perennial River”

Recently, the Gomti River was officially designated as a "non perennial river" by a government order (GO) of the Uttar Pradesh government. The irrigation department of the Uttar Pradesh government issued a government order (GO) three years ago on September 3, 2020, designating the Gomti as a “non-perennial river” as

Mukhya Mantri Khet Suraksha Yojana

The UP government is all set to launch the Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana across the state, with the primary objective of protecting crops from stray animals. The scheme involves installation of a solar fence with a low 12-volt current to deter animals without causing harm. When animals come into

National Martyr's Memorial and National Railway Protection Museum

Recently, Director General, Railway Protection Force, inaugurated the newly constructed National Martyr's Memorial and National Railway Protection Museum at Jagjivan RPF Academy, Lucknow. This martyr's memorial is spread over an area of 4800 square meters and the names of 1014 martyred RPF personnel have been inscribed on this memorial since

Indore Municipal Corporation: First Urban Body to Get EPR Credit

Indore Municipal Corporation has become the first urban body in the country to receive the Extended Producers Responsibility credit by recycling 8 tonnes of banned single-use plastic items. Indore has implemented a complete ban on single-use plastic items within the city. In recent times, the IMC seized approximately eight tonnes

Highest Microlending Borrowings in India

Bihar has overtaken Tamil Nadu to become the state with the highest microlending borrowings in India as of March 2023. As of March 2023, Bihar’s microfinance (MFI) borrowings amounted to Rs 48,900 crore, accounting for 14.5 percent of the overall portfolio. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s MFI borrowings stood at Rs

Telangana High Court Declares Telangana Eunuchs Act Unconstitutional

The Telangana High Court recently made a landmark judgment, declaring the Telangana Eunuchs Act as unconstitutional. Previously called the Andhra Pradesh (Telangana Area) Eunuchs Act, it was first enacted in 1919 in the Hyderabad Nizam’s dominions and was applicable to “eunuchs”. The Telangana Eunuchs Act came under scrutiny after

Project Gajah Kotha

The "Gajah Kotha" campaign has been initiated by Assam to tackle the escalating problem of human-elephant conflict (HEC). This campaign focuses on HEC-affected villages in eastern Assam, where it aims to educate residents about the behaviour, ecology, and cultural significance of elephants in the region, emphasizing the importance of conservation.

Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act

Recently, the Jharkhand government published draft rules for implementing the Provisions of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act. The PESA Act was enacted to ensure self-governance through Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) for people living in the Scheduled Areas as referred to in Article 244(1) of the Indian Constitution. State

Evolution of Coinage System in India

Evolution Ancient Period (6th century BCE - 6th century CE) The earliest coins in India were punch-marked coins, made of silver and copper, and featured symbols and markings that denoted their weight and value. The Mauryan Empire (circa 322-185 BCE) introduced the first standardized coinage system under Emperor Ashoka. The coins featured

Indian Renaissance: Causes and Significance

Causes/Factors Religious Causes: Orthodoxy ruled Indian faiths and culture in the 18th and 19th centuries. There were several castes and sub-castes in Indian society. Missionaries from the Christian and Muslim faiths started persuading people to practise their respective faiths as a result of this circumstance. Spread of Western Education: Western education

Indentured Labour during British India

Rationale Industrial Demand: Since much of the worker force was being absorbed by industries and businesses, the need for food and agricultural products surged in Europe, particularly in Britain. Colonies in Africa and Asia became popular places to invest in raw materials and agricultural products. End of Slavery: The abolition of slavery

Contributions of India's Rich Scientific Heritage

Contributions Idea of Zero: Mathematician Aryabhatta was the first person to create a symbol for zero and it was through his efforts that mathematical operations like addition and subtraction started using the digit, zero. The Decimal System: India gave the ingenious method of expressing all numbers by means of ten symbols –

Significance of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movement

Significance Land Redistribution: The Bhoodan Movement, initiated in 1951, encouraged wealthy landowners and landlords to voluntarily donate a portion of their land to landless and marginalized farmers. It focused on the equitable distribution of land to reduce rural poverty and provide opportunities for livelihood to the landless and marginalized sections of

Administrative Policies of Mughals in India: Significance and Issues

Significance Centralized and Efficient Governance: The Mughals established a centralized system of governance, allowing for efficient administration and better control over the vast territories of their empire. Promotion of Art and Culture: The Mughals were great patrons of art, culture, and architecture. They encouraged the fusion of Persian, Indian, and Central

Role of Moderates in Indian Freedom Struggle

Q. Discuss the contribution of moderates in the Indian freedom movement by describing the various methods adopted by them. Ans: The main aim of the moderates was to achieve self-government within the British Empire. They adopted a moderate path, not fierce against the British Empire. Methods adopted by Moderates Criticism of Policies: Moderates

Indian Princely States during British Rule

Q. Give an account of the evolution of the relationship between the British power and the Indian princely states during the British rule, mentioning the key developments. Ans: During the British rule, more than 562 princely states were spread over an area of about 7,12,508 square miles of Indian territory. Development

Land Degradation

Causes Physical Factors: The loss of rich top spoil leads to a decline in soil quality due to rainfall, surface runoff, floods, wind erosion, tillage, and mass movements. Biological Factors: Biological variables include human and plant activities that have a tendency to degrade the soil's quality. A region's microbial activity may be

Land Subsidence

Causes Dissolution of Limestone: Subsidence frequently causes serious problems (such as caves) in karst terrains where the deterioration of limestone by subsurface fluid flow creates voids. This type of subsidence can result in sinkholes that can be hundreds of metres deep. Mining: Several subsurface mining methods, particularly those that purposefully cause the

Deep Ocean Exploration: Significance and Challenges

Significance Extraction of Rare Earth Metals: Rare earth metals extracted from deep ocean exploration can be utilised in manufacturing solar panels, batteries, smart phones, and other electronic gadgets, which could enable countries like India establish themselves as global hubs of electronics production. Energy Generation: Tapping tidal resources and energy can assist deep

Big Dams in India: Issues and Steps for Dam Safety

Q. Describing the importance of big dams in India, throw light on the problems associated with them. Discuss the efforts made for dam safety in the country. Ans: According to the National Register of Large Dams-2019, there are about 4,407 dams in India, out of which about 234 large dams are

Uniform Civil Code

Significance National Integration and Secularism: By fostering a feeling of community and common identity among all citizens, Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will promote secularism and national integration. Furthermore, it would reduce conflicts between communities and religions brought on by varied personal laws. Gender Justice and Equality: UCC will promote gender justice and

Religious Conversions & Indian Society

Constitutional and Legal Aspects Article 25 (1): All people have an equal right to religious freedom, including the freedom to practise, profess, and spread their faith. Article 21 of the Constitution, which grants people the freedom to wed whoever they choose. State of West Bengal v. Arun Ghosh, 1950: According to the Supreme

Forced Displacement

Impacts Economic Hardships: Many refugees experience economic instability and the loss of their livelihoods. They frequently encounter obstacles when trying to obtain financial resources, educational prospects, and work in host countries. Educational Disruptions: For children and young people who are refugees, access to schooling is sometimes hindered or completely denied. Their

Changing Dynamics of Modern Indian Society

Changes and Impact The Institution of Marriage: Love marriages are replacing the arranged marriages. The institution becomes a matter of choice and compatibility among the couples rather to carry heritance. Inter-faith and inter-caste marriages have risen significantly. In the same way, the numbers of divorces have also increased in the societies. Cultural

Urbanization and Women

Q. Urbanization is a double-edged sword for women. Discuss the challenges faced by women in cities and describe the measures to overcome them.Ans: Urban centers are considered important for socio-economic development. It is estimated that by the year 2050, two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities, but long-term

Civil Services Capacity Building: Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges Out-dated Training: The primary challenges of Civil Services capacity building is out-dated curriculum and methods of training. The curriculum and methods should be based on evolving nature of governance, technological changes and aspiration of people. Political Interference: Political interference in the selection process and training content can compromise the quality

Governor’s Discretionary Powers: Relevance and Issues

Relevance Constitutional Mandate: Under the Constitution, Governor is the head of the state and all the function of the state is executed on his name. Despite being a nominal head of executive, he acts as guardian to the State. He can guide and has a moral authority to prevent the state

Basic Structure Doctrine of Indian Constitution

Significance Constitutionalism: The basic structure doctrine is a testimony to the theory of constitutionalism to prevent the damage to essence of the Constitution of India by brute majority of the ruling majority. Limitation on Parliament: The basic doctrine saved the Indian democracy as it acts as a limitation of constituent power or

Special Courts: Significance and Relevance

Significance Expedite Justice: Special courts help judiciary to pronounce verdicts on important matters expediently. The purpose of special courts binds them to serve justice within a specific time period. Expertise in Complex Matters: Many special courts in India are formed due to technical/specific expertise needed while adjudicating on important matters. Protection

Extra Judicial Killings: Issues and Remedies

Issues Loss of Lives: According to National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), India reported 1722 cases of custodial deaths from 2001 to 2018. The most disastrous consequence is the loss of an innocent person that led to loss of trust in legal system. It again perpetrates violence in the society in name

Local Self Governance in India: Challenges & Remedies

Challenges Insufficient Devolution: The Economic Survey 2015 and 2nd ARC highlighted that many of the State governments have not taken adequate steps to devolve functions, funds and functionaries. Without this, local institutions cannot discharge their functions. Bureaucratization: Practically local bodies have subordinate position that leads to top approach of development. For example,

Judicial Majoritarianism

Need Majority Views: Judicial Majoritarianism refers to requirement for a majority consensus in the delivering judgment which involves a substantial interpretation of constitutional provisions. Constitutional Position: Article 145(5) of the Constitution states that no judgment can be delivered except with the concurrence of a majority of the judges but that judges

Ninth Schedule: Relevance and Issues

Relevance Doctrine of Eminent Domain: According to this principle, the power to acquire private property for public use is the attribute of sovereignty and essential to the existence of a government. The principle is upheld by the Supreme Court of India in Ram Chand vs. Union of India (1994). Protecting Land Reform

Model Code of Conduct: Importance and Challenges

Q. What is the Model Code of Conduct? Describe the importance and challenges of Model Code of Conduct.Ans: The Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates is a set of norms which has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented to abide

Functioning of the Election Commission of India

Q. Discuss the functions and role of the Election Commission of India. How does the Election Commission ensure free and fair elections in India?Ans: The most important role of the Election Commission of India is to ensure free and fair elections in accordance with the prescribed norms and model code

India and Quad: Significance and Challenges

Significance Countering China: Chinese interests in the maritime realm outweigh their opportunistic efforts to seize land in the Himalayas. Chinese trade is largely conducted via the Indian Ocean routes, which cross major shipping lanes. In the event of any border action by China, India may be able to stifle Chinese trade

India-Russia Relationship: Challenges and Opportunities

Significance Balancing China: A trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China helped to defuse tensions with China after Chinese aggression in the border regions of eastern Ladakh drove relations between the two countries to a breaking point. Emerging New Sectors of Economic Engagement: In addition to the conventional

India-USA Relationship: Challenges and Solutions

Challenges Trade and Economic Issues: Despite efforts to increase economic cooperation, trade conflicts and obstacles to market access may deteriorate US-Indian ties. Differences in customs, regulatory structures, and intellectual property rights may impede commerce and exacerbate tensions between the two nations. Geopolitical Considerations: There may be conflicts between US objectives and India's

India and NATO: Positives and Negatives

Positives Convergence on Many Issues: The opinions of India and NATO on China, terrorism, and Afghanistan, especially Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, were in agreement. Recent Perspective on Non-alignment: India's refusal to join any military alliance at the time of independence was motivated by non-alignment, but circumstances altered between 1989 and 1991 with

India and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

Significance Pillar of Resilient Economy: This pillar would lessen the reliance of the global and Indian supply chains on China by establishing early warning systems that guarantee a steady flow of products. The three Ts — "trust, transparency, and timeliness" — must be the foundation of supply chain resilience, according to

FTAs: Positives and Challenges

Significance Market Access: Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners get easier market access into one another's nations by eliminating tariffs and some non-tariff obstacles. Preferential Treatment for Exports: Exporters prefer FTAs because they receive preferential treatment over competitors from non-FTA member countries. Increased Investment: Potential for greater foreign investment from sources outside the FTA.

BIMSTEC and India

Q. BIMSTEC is an important organization to strengthen India's position in South-East Asia. Mention the major obstacles to the integration of BIMSTEC.Ans: Over the years, BIMSTEC as a regional organization has achieved wide success with regard to issues such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, coastal security cooperation including humanitarian assistance and

Indo-US Space Cooperation

Q. India and the US have agreed to move forward in the field of space cooperation. Discuss the limiting factors in the path of space cooperation between the two countries and suggest ways to solve them.Ans: India and the United States have agreed to advance space cooperation in a number

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and India

Q. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is considered important to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons; yet India is opposed to this treaty. Explain.Ans: The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty or NPT, is an international treaty signed in 1968, which envisages major objectives

Urban Poverty

Causes Rural-Urban Migration: Overcrowding in cities is a result of widespread migration from rural to urban areas in quest of greater economic opportunities. The rural poor are drawn to the urban poor by rapid urbanisation, but when they move, they regrettably join them. Lack of Opportunities: For the majority of people who

Gender Gap in India

Causes Poverty: Given all the progress and recent rise to fame, we frequently forget that India is still one of the world's poorest nations, which is one of the main causes of gender disparity in India. One of the main drawbacks is that, despite the availability of education in rural areas,

Child Malnutrition in India

Causes Poverty: Due to their limited purchasing power, the poor are unable to provide their families with the quantity and quality of food they would like. Their ability to perform physical labour is negatively impacted, and they are paid less. Thus, a vicious circle of undernourishment, decreased labour capacity, poor wages,

Pre-term Birth

Prevalence Complications from preterm birth resulted in the deaths of almost one million babies out of the estimated 13.4 million born prematurely in 2020. India, Pakistan, Nigeria, China, and Ethiopia accounted for 45% of babies born too soon globally. This puts these babies at a high risk of mortality and poses a “silent

Transgender Rights in India

Constitutional and Legal Aspects National Legal Service Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India: The Supreme Court declared that the "third gender" must have access to the fundamental rights in the same manner that men and women are expected to. The court concluded that in place of Articles 15, 16, and 21

Mental Healthcare in India

Challenges Neglected Area: Mental health, which is fundamental to who we are, is frequently disregarded, which prevents people from reaching their full potential. Stigmatized: Because mental health issues are frequently stigmatised, family members are reluctant to seek diagnosis and treatment for the patient. Burden of Demography: According to the WHO, young individuals have

Foundational Literacy in India

Challenges Encourages Rote-Learning: Since a long time, rote learning has been viewed as the main issue in the Indian educational system. Holistic forms of learning are hindered by the de-contextualized repeating of knowledge, memorising without questioning, and a general lack of critical thinking. False Farming: The term "foundational" has the unintentional connotation

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

Q. What are the criteria used for determination of 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' (PVTGs)? Mention the problems faced by these tribal groups alongwith the measures taken by the government to address them.Ans: Dhebar Commission (1973) recognised highly backward tribal groups as the 'Primitive Tribal Groups' (PTGs), and they were changed

Indian Discoms: Challenges and Suggestions

Challenges High AT&C Losses: The perilous financial situation of DISCOMs is a result of the high level of aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, the imposition of insufficient or lower prices when compared to the cost of providing electricity, and the lack of significant subsidy support from state governments. Poor Financial Standing:

Critical Minerals for India

Significance Economic Development: These minerals are crucial to sectors of the economy as high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transportation, and defence. Critical minerals are also necessary for eco-friendly technology including solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric cars. National Security: These minerals are essential for aerospace, nuclear, space, and defence applications, requiring the usage

Boosting Agricultural Exports: Challenges for India

Challenges Backward Integration: Backward integration in India, particularly for perishables, is ineffective and disorganised, leading to problems with quality and lifespan. In terms of production standards and farm-level traceability, the importing countries are becoming more and more demanding from the export perspective. Training and skill development for Exporters and Farmers: Usage

Toy Sector in India

Challenges Foreign Dependence for Sourcing Raw Materials: Indian producers are experts in puzzles, soft and plastic toys, and board games, among other things. To produce these toys, businesses must import raw ingredients from South Korea and Japan. Lack of technology appears to be another obstacle for the Indian toy sector. The majority

Challenges of Food Storage in India

Challenges Poor Farm Storage Facilities: Poor storage facilities at the farm level frequently result in pest and insect damage. Additionally, the storage facilities are unsuitable for long-term grain storage. Storage Capacity Availability Imbalances: Over the previous few years, FCI's storage capacity has increased. The 2013 CAG study found significant inequities in the

Agriculture Marketing: Issues & Challenges

Issues Improper Warehouses: In the villages, there are no suitable storing facilities. In order to store goods, the farmer is forced to employ trenches, mud vessels, "Kutcha" storehouses, etc. These illogical storage techniques result in a great deal of waste. Lack of Grading and Standardization: Different types of agricultural produce are

Indian Shipping Industry

Challenges Institutional Challenges: The bureaucracy in India is stiff and reluctant to cede control, which prolongs the process. Governments at all levels—federal, state, local—are involved in various ways, and their overlapping authority adds to the confusion. It is difficult for shipping companies in India because there is no single window clearance

India’s Dairy Sector

Significance Acts as a Buffer: During times of drought and flooding, milk animals protect farmers. Additionally, milk cows are dispersed among farmers more evenly than on agricultural land. Not a Seasonal Occupation: Dairying is not a seasonal occupation like farming. Milk and milk products may be produced all year round, generating money

Bulk Drug Manufacturing in India

Challenges Meeting Demand: The burden of disease in the nation is high. Additionally, India inherited the burden of 17 per cent of maternal, perinatal, and childhood disorders as well as 8.2% of TB cases, 2.8% of TB cases, and 2.1% of HIV/AIDS cases. This opens up a sizable local market for

Urban Cooperative Banks: Significance and Challenges

Challenges Capital Restriction: In India, UCBs are not allowed to pay their shareholders a dividend of more than 15%. This restriction may make it more difficult for them to obtain financing when they need it, particularly in hard times. Difficulty in Raising Capital: UCBs' choices for raising capital are more constrained than

Insurance Sector in India: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities

Current Status Private Life Insurers: Private Life Insurers are expected to grow their retail APE at a CAGR of over 17% during 2021-23 and new retail term premiums are expected to double in 5 years. The Private Non-Life insurance segment is forecasted to grow at 14% in FY23. Insurance Density: Insurance density

Tobacco Cultivation in India

Present Status According to Tobacco Board Report, tobacco cultivation provides employment directly and indirectly to 45.7 million people including 3.5 million are in India and contributed as much as 22,737.07 crore as excise duty and 5,975.08 crore in terms of foreign exchange to the National exchequer, during 2016-17. Tobacco use is known

MSMEs and their integration with E-Commerce in India

Significance Self-Reliance: E-commerce can make a big contribution to the realisation of the "vocal for local" and "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" visions. Expands Business Horizons: It makes it possible for goods to reach the national market even from the hinterlands, giving craftsmen and small business owners from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns

Cotton Cultivation in India: Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges Pest Infestation: India's cotton fields are vulnerable to pest infestation, which lowers both output and quality. Pest infestation in cotton fields can be attributed to a number of factors, including a lack of crop rotation, monoculture, weather patterns, poor soil quality, a lack of pest management, etc. Low Productivity: Compared to

De-globalisation & India: Factors and Impact

Factors of Rising De-globalisation Rise of Asia: Over the past few decades, developing countries like India, China, and Japan have experienced unprecedented growth. The West has been losing economic dominance to these Asian nations. As a result, industrialised nations have begun to inwards turn in an effort to halt the growth

Internationalization of Indian Currency

Q. Explain the need for internationalization of Indian currency. Also discuss its benefits and associated risks. Ans: Internationalization of Indian currency is the process that involves increased use of the rupee in cross-border transactions. As per data for the year 2022, the share of rupee in global trade was less than

Indigenization of Defense Sector

Q. Describe the present perspective of indigenization of defence sector in India. What are the associated challenges? Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this direction.Ans: Indigenization of the defence sector refers to initiatives to reduce dependence on foreign exporters for defence technology and equipment and to promote

Critical and Emerging Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): India is home to a vast talent pool of AI and ML professionals, with several leading educational institutions offering specialized courses in these fields. The AI market in India was projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2023, driven by applications in sectors like

Sodium-ion Batteries: Significance and Issues

Significance Abundant Availability: Sodium is the seventh most abundant element in the world and in comparison to lithium, it is available 1200 times more. Lithium-ion batteries require cobalt, which is limited in reserve and distributed across the world in an uneven manner. Cheaper: Affordable Sodium’s abundance makes this material much cheaper than

Intellectual Property Rights in India

Challenges Lack of Awareness: The value of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and how to safeguard one's intellectual property is not widely understood in India, especially in rural regions. Low levels of copyright, trademark, and patent registration are the result of this. Weak Enforcement: India's legal system for protecting IPRs is regarded as

Darknet: Concerns and Remedies

Concerns Identity Misuse: Leaked identity information may be used for online identity theft, social engineering, phishing, and other crimes that profit from the availability of such material on the Darknet, as well as for more in-depth data analysis and the creation of profiles. Ransomware and Malware: Malware and ransomware are another threat

Internet of Things (IoT) and India

Opportunities Smart Cities: IoT can play a crucial role in transforming Indian cities into smart and sustainable urban centers. Smart city initiatives can leverage IoT to improve transportation, waste management, energy efficiency, public safety, and citizen services. Agriculture: IoT can revolutionize Indian agriculture by enabling precision farming techniques. IoT sensors and devices

LIGO-India Project: Significance and Challenges

Significance Opportunity: The project will give researchers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore gravitational waves in more depth and to pioneer this brand-new discipline of astronomy. Technology Advancement: The LIGO-India project would provide the Indian sector enormous opportunities for cutting-edge technology, as it will be required to build an eight-kilometer-long beam tube at

Innovation in India: Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges Low Expenditure: India's spending on R&D is now much lower than the threshold of 2% of GDP that the majority of innovative nations use. Firm Size: The manufacturing industry in India is oddly constructed, with companies ranging in size from very small (fewer than 50 employees) to very large (more than

Artificial Intelligence in Education

Q. Mention the applications of Artificial Intelligence in education. Identify the challenges associated with implementation of Artificial Intelligence in the education sector of India.Ans: Intelligent tutor systems, smart classroom technologies, adaptive learning and educational agents are some of the major applications of AI in the field of education with the

Sustainable Development Goals and Digital Technology

Q. Analyze the importance of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.Ans: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals framed by the United Nations that are to be achieved by 2030. All the member countries of the United Nations have recognized the importance of technology

Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity

Impact Shifts in Climatic Envelopes: The geographic location of climatic envelopes, or the range of temperatures, precipitation, and other climate-related factors in which a species now resides, may change considerably as the climate warms, possibly to the point where certain species will no longer be able to survive in their current

Making Cities Environmentally Sustainable: Challenges and Solutions

Challenges Demand-Supply Gap: Due to India's growing urbanisation, there is currently a significant supply and demand gap in urban infrastructure and services. Urban sprawl is the result, and urban sprawl contributes to environmental degradation. Lack of Definition: Despite the fact that sustainable urban planning has become a crucial objective to meet the

Circular Economy: Advantages and Challenges

Advantages Protection of the Environment: Circular economies lower their ecological footprint by using less natural resources, which is good for the environment. It generates less harmful trash and assists in reducing emissions. As there is less strain on natural resources like forests, it aids in the preservation of biodiversity. Benefits for the

Role of Agriculture in Climate Change

Role Methane Emissions from Crops: Nearly 50% of all crop-related GHG emissions are accounted for by ethane emissions from global rice farming. Emissions from Inorganic Fertiliser Use: Nearly 30% of N2O emissions from the agricultural sector are attributable to the use of inorganic fertilisers. In addition, a significant amount of GHGs,

Organic Farming in India

Significance Better Taste: Because they grow slowly and aren't artificially pumped with chemicals, fruits and vegetables that are cultivated organically have a far greater flavour and more nutrition. Environmentally Friendly: Organic farming uses fewer pesticides and chemicals, which helps to mitigate a number of serious environmental problems. Better Fertility: Crop rotation boosts soil

Compressed Biogas (CBG): Role in Energy Security and Emission Reduction

Potential and Status Estimated Potential: With a capacity to produce 370 MMT of biomanure, India's estimated CBG potential from diverse sources is close to 62 MMT. Sources of Production: The sources of production for CBG include agricultural residue, municipal solid waste, sugarcane press mud, distillery wasted wash, cow manure, and sewage treatment

Urban Agriculture

Significance Business Growth: Urban farming boosts the local economy by generating jobs, money, and the expansion of small companies. Urban farms can provide excellent training and employment opportunities for many unemployed people, even if it is only temporary labour. Urban Redevelopment: Wastelands and unused land can be used for farming. It increases green

Sustainable Sand Mining in India

Need Change in River Course: Sand mining operations that are too extensive alter the river's normal path. River erosion is brought on by a shift in a river's channel, and this further contributes to monsoon floods. Impact on Wildlife: The neighbouring wildlife, which depends on the sand banks for survival, may

Vehicle Scrappage in India

Significance Reduction of Pollution: When unfit cars are scrapped, air pollution will drop and air quality will rise. It is anticipated that less harmful and environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicles, would replace them. Boost the Indian Auto Industry: Over 50 lakh private and commercial light motor vehicles have an average

Plastic Pollution in India

Impacts Groundwater Pollution: The leakage of garbage and plastic puts the world's water in grave peril. Groundwater and reservoirs can leak environmental contaminants, causing the water to become poisoned. It Disrupts the Food Chain: The majority of the organisms that make up the food chain consume plastic garbage. Plankton, the smallest organism

Carbon Inequality

Impact and Need for Policy Action Dramatic Rise in Carbon Emissions: The accumulation of emissions to the environment over time is what has led to the current era of extreme carbon disparity. Between 1990 and 2015, annual carbon emissions climbed by almost 60% while total emissions released into the atmosphere since

Invasive Species: Impact on Biodiversity & Associated Concerns

Impact Displacement of Native Species: Native plant and animal populations might diminish due to the displacement and out-competition of invasive species. Reduced biodiversity and the extinction of rare species may result from this disruption of the ecological balance. Alteration of Ecosystem Structure: Because invasive species frequently lack natural enemies or rivals in

50 Years of Stockholm Conference

Significance Environment- A Basic Right: The declaration that the right to live in a healthy environment is a fundamental right, adopted at the conference, was the first of its kind. Human Action: It acknowledged that humans are largely to blame for the environmental damage. The human environment has also been changed by

Sustainable Tourism

Q. What do you understand by sustainable tourism? Define the relationship between tourism and environment. Discuss the ways to achieve sustainable tourism. Also, describe the government efforts made in this direction.Ans: Sustainable tourism refers to addressing the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and host communities while taking full account

Water Crisis

Q. Water crisis has emerged as a major problem in India. Explain the causes and consequences of water crisis. Also, mention the government efforts to solve the problem of water crisis.Ans: Despite having 17% of the global population, India has only 4% of the world's fresh water resources. Water availability

Impact of Climate Change on Human Capital

Q. Discuss the effects of climate change on human capital. How can these effects be reduced? Ans: While human capital plays a central role in economic development, climate change creates economic risk by affecting human capital. Impact of Climate Change on Human Capital Effects on Education: Extreme heat hinders students' ability to learn,

Disaster Management for Cultural Heritage

Challenges Limited Resources: Budget restrictions frequently affect cultural heritage organisations, making it difficult for them to invest in readiness and response plans for disasters. Initiatives for training, conservation, and risk assessment must be implemented with sufficient resources. Lack of Awareness: Many local governments and communities might not fully appreciate the need of

Forest Fires in India

Impacts Loss of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: The intricate links between various flora and animals and their habitats are destroyed by forest fires, which results in the loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. The adaptive and habitable terrain for particular animal and plant species is damaged by wildfires. Forest deterioration is mostly brought on

Landslides Vulnerability of India

Causes Geology: Slope instability can be caused by weak or cracked rocks, varyingly strong soil layers, and geological discontinuities. Morphology: Because of the gravitational forces acting on the materials, steep slopes, cliffs, and regions with a concave shape are more likely to have landslides. Weather and climate factors like snowmelt and heavy rains

Heat Waves in India

Q. Discuss the reasons for the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves in India. What are the major effects of heat waves? Also, describe the measures to reduce heat waves.Ans: Qualitatively, heat wave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to human body when exposed. Quantitatively, it

Drug Menace in India

Causes Location of the Country: On one side, the Golden Triangle, which is made up of Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos, and on the other, the Golden Crescent, which is made up of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, is sandwiched between India and the two major opium-producing regions in the world. Peer pressure

International Terrorism: Challenges and Solutions

Challenges Terror Financing: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank believe that criminals may launder up to $4 trillion annually. Terrorists have also used charities and auxiliary remittance systems to mask their financial moves. The global financial system is tarnished, and public confidence in the system's integrity is declining. Politicisation of

Left Wing Extremism in India

Challenges Internal Security Threats: Left-wing extremism poses serious challenges to India's internal security, resulting in bloody battles and the deaths of both security personnel and civilians. For instance, Maoist militants frequently carry out lethal assaults on local security personnel. Social and Economic Disruptions: LWE in India impedes infrastructure and welfare projects while

Sports Ethics

Key Aspects Trustworthiness Always pursue victory with honour. Demonstrate and demand integrity. Observe and enforce the spirit and letter of the rules. Do not engage in or tolerate dishonesty, cheating, or dishonourable conduct. Respect Treat the traditions of the sports and other participants with respect. Do not engage in or tolerate disrespectful conduct, including verbal abuse of opponents

Child Artists and Ethics

Ethical Considerations Parental Consent and Informed Decision-making: Parents or legal guardians must provide informed consent for a child to participate in artistic endeavors. They should be fully aware of the nature of the work, its potential impact on the child, and any associated risks. Protection from Exploitation: Child artists should be protected

Ethics and Rights of People in Armed Conflict or War

Ethics and Rights Just Cause: The just war tradition holds that aggression is forbidden and that going to war in retaliation for aggression is morally justifiable. Aggression is the use or threat of force by one state against another's political independence or territorial integrity. The most obvious justification for starting a

Ethics of Equitable and Effective Work Culture

Key Aspects Accountability: A positive work environment is one where everyone in the organisation is responsible for their actions. Accountability encourages a workplace culture built on collaboration, honest communication, reliability, and accountability. Equity: Organisations with positive workplace cultures frequently treat all of their employees equally. Giving everyone the chance to succeed improves

Determinants of Effective Persuasion

Determinants Establishing Credibility: Credibility is based on two things: the depth of your knowledge and the quality of your connections. Consider expanding your understanding of the topic through classes, courses, work experience, or by bringing in an outside knowledge source to support your claims if you feel you lack competence in

Code of Ethics for Civil Servants

Q. What do you understand by code of ethics for civil servants? Throw light on its importance and shortcomings.Ans: A code of ethics is a set of general moral values intended to help civil servants to conduct their functions in an honest and ethical manner.Importance of Code of Ethics The

Online Gaming: Ethical Concerns

Q. Describe the prospects of online gaming in India. What kind of ethical implications arise from online gaming? Discuss.Ans: According to the 'India Gaming Report' for the financial year 2022, India's online gaming market is almost three times bigger than the US market and almost two and a half times