[16th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: ‘Big brother’ to ‘Brother’, a Nepal-India reset

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q) ‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (UPSC IAS/2019) Prelims:Consider the following statements: (UPSC IAS/2020)1) The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.2) “Textile… Continue reading

ISRO has a problem: many rockets, but too few satellites to launch

Why in the News? After the ambitious Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) was finalized in June 2024, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated its launch capability exceeded demand threefold, highlighting a need for robust domestic market demand for launch vehicles. What is the present scenario of Satellites in India? India operates a diverse fleet of satellites… Continue reading

SC to look into the use of ‘Money Bills’ to pass laws

Why in the News? CJI D.Y. Chandrachud has accepted the plea to list petitions challenging the passage of contentious legislation in Parliament as Money Bills. This has given rise to the expectation that the matter could be heard and decided before Chandrachud demits office in November this year. Presently, the three key issues are referred… Continue reading

What is Maharashtra’s new bill to combat Naxalism in urban areas?

Why in the News? The Maharashtra state government has introduced a comprehensive new legislation – Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPC) Bill, 2024, to address the growing incidence of Naxalism in urban areas. The Maharashtra government claims that Naxalism is no longer limited to remote rural areas, but has now spread its influence to urban centers… Continue reading

Tirzepatide: the Weight-loss Drug nearing Approval in India

Why in the News? India’s apex drug regulator Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) gave preliminary approval to the drug Tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is known to have assisted in weight control treatment among diabetic patients. About Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO): CDSCO is India’s national regulatory body for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. It serves… Continue reading

Uniform IGST Rate of 5% on Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Parts

Why in the News? The government has implemented a uniform Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate of 5% on all aircraft and aircraft engine parts. Background: Prior to the implementation of GST in 2017, the taxation of aircraft and aircraft parts was complex, with different central and state taxes being levied. Under the pre-GST… Continue reading

ICAR launches ‘One scientist, One product’ Scheme

Why in the News? The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to launch its ‘One Scientist-One Product’ program. This initiative aims to enhance research in agriculture and animal husbandry. About the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) ICAR is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of… Continue reading

Appointment of the new Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA)

Why in the News? A new Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) was appointed on July 1, 2024, marking the first time this position has been filled. The ANSA will assist the National Security Advisor (NSA) in managing the country’s national security affairs. Recent Controversies about the NSA’s Role Recent controversies involving R&AW and the Agniveer… Continue reading

100 years of Electroencephalography (EEG)

Why in the News? This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first human electroencephalography (EEG) by German physiologist Hans Berger. Historical Development of EEG The development of EEG started with Richard Caton in 1875, who first noticed electrical signals in the brains of animals. His work was expanded by Adolf Beck and later by… Continue reading

On the Jurisdiction of the CBI

Why in the News? The Supreme Court upheld the West Bengal government’s suit, which accuses the Union government of “Constitutional overreach” by using the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register and investigate cases in the state, despite the state’s withdrawal of general consent on November 16, 2018. Background In November 2018, the West Bengal… Continue reading

The SC ruling on the portrayal of disability in films

Why in the News? On July 8, the Supreme Court issued guidelines against stereotyping and discriminating persons with disabilities in visual media, prompted by a plea to ban Aaankh Micholi. Background: The Supreme Court’s guidelines came in response to a plea filed by activist Nipun Malhotra challenging the alleged insensitive portrayal of differently-abled individuals in… Continue reading

The Yuan Challenge: How India-Russia trade gap may threaten rupee internationalization efforts

Why in the News? New Delhi aims to boost trade with Moscow to $100 billion by 2030, but India faces a $57 billion trade deficit due to strong oil imports from Russia. Background India’s trade with Russia has been skewed since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022. Russia has become India’s top oil… Continue reading

Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple, opened after 46 years

Why in the News? After 46 years, the sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, known as Ratna Bhandar, was reopened amid years of legal battles, controversies, and debates. About the Ratna Bhandar The Ratna Bhandar stores the gold and jewels offered by devotees to the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. It… Continue reading

India-based Neutrino Observatory

Why in the News? Takaaki Kajita, a Nobel laureate has supported India’s pursuit of a neutrino lab. Despite numerous obstacles, Kajita believes that the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project, which would rank as one of the largest basic science projects in the country, is still worth pursuing. Who is Takaaki Kajita? Takaaki Kajita is a… Continue reading

Asur Tribes to get Forest Land Rights

Why in the News? The Gumla district administration in Jharkhand has announced that the Asur community, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) residing in the Netarhat plateau region of Gumla, will soon benefit from the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. About Asur Community The Asur tribe primarily resides in the districts of Gumla, Lohardaga, Palamu,… Continue reading

[pib] Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ on 25th June Every Year

Why in the News? The Government of India has decided to observe 25th June every year as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.’ National Emergency imposition in India June 25, 2025, will mark fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency. The Emergency lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. It was characterized by the suspension… Continue reading

Squalus hima: A new deep-water Dogfish Shark discovered in Kerala

Why in the News? Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus hima, from the Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kerala along the Arabian Sea. About Squalus hima Squalus is a genus of dogfish sharks in the family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs, characterized by smooth… Continue reading

RBI Circular on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

Why in the News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has broadened the regulations governing remittances to International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). The RBI’s circular authorizes “authorised persons” to facilitate remittances for all permissible purposes under LRS to IFSCs. About Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) LRS is governed by the… Continue reading

Species in News

Description Cyrtobagus salvinia Context: Used to eradicate the invasive weed Salvinia molesta from the Sarani reservoir in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh. Biological Details: Exotic beetle from Brazil, targets and eradicates Salvinia molesta, dies naturally post-eradication. Bioremediation: Implemented by ICAR-DWR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Weed Research), started in April 2022, completed within 15 to… Continue reading

How PM Modi’s visit to Austria sends a message both to Moscow and the West

Why in the news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi selected Vienna as a neutral location to convey a message to both Moscow and the Western countries. What message it sent? India’s Diplomatic Signal: Modi’s visit to Vienna after meeting Putin in Moscow underscored India’s commitment to global peace and non-violence.Statements emphasized India’s concern over civilian casualties… Continue reading

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