Project Veer Gatha 4.0

Why in the News? Over 1.76 crore school students participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0, sharing creative tributes to the bravery and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel. About Project Veer Gatha: Details About • Launched in 2021 to honor the acts of bravery and selfless sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees. • 1.76 crore students from 36… Continue reading

Why India’s trade deficit is not necessarily a weakness?

Why in the News? India’s ongoing trade deficit, where imports exceed exports, is often viewed as a sign of weakness in Indian manufacturing. What is the nature of India’s trade deficit? Trade Deficit in Goods: As of October 2024, India recorded a merchandise trade deficit of $27.1 billion, which narrowed from $31.5 billion in the… Continue reading

Coffee Board devises road map with eye on doubling production, exports

Why in the News? The Coffee Board of India has launched a 10-year roadmap with a goal to double the country’s coffee production and coffee exports by 2034. About Coffee Board of India: Details About • Coffee cultivation in India began with the planting of 7 seeds of coffee during 1600 AD by saint Baba… Continue reading

Chancay Port Project in Peru

Why in the News? The Chancay Port was inaugurated in Peru by Chinese President Xi Jinping. About Chancay Port Project: The Chancay Port Project was inaugurated in Peru as part of a new land-sea corridor linking China with Latin America. It is funded under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a total cost of $3.6… Continue reading

[pib] MJS launches ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal for Ground Water Withdrawal Permits

Why in the News? The ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal was digitally launched by Minister of Jal Shakti, during the India Water Week 2024. About the ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal: Details About • Centralized platform for managing groundwater withdrawal permits. • Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). • Aims to regulate groundwater usage… Continue reading

[20th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A community on the margins, its hidden scars

PYQ Relevance: Q) What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC CSE 2019) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always been focused on Minority Section of the Society –esp. Women and children. Some recent micro themes have been asked like – Mental Healthcare challenges faced by Women in India (Mains… Continue reading

How India could counter the CBAM?

Why in the News? India has called protectionist policies like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and Deforestation Regulation as “unfair” and “unjust”. What is CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)? CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is a proposed policy by the European Union (EU) aimed at addressing carbon leakage,… Continue reading

Telangana’s new EV policy

Why in the News? The Telangana government has decided to completely waive road tax and registration fees for people buying electric vehicles. What are the key features of Telangana’s EV policy? 100% Road Tax and Registration Fee Exemption: Electric two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles (such as taxis, autorickshaws, electric light goods carriers, and buses) will… Continue reading

[pib] World Toilet Day, 2024

Why in the News? World Toilet Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is an official United Nations observance aimed at raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and promoting action for safe toilets worldwide. 2024 Theme: “Sanitation for Peace” – highlights the role of sanitation in promoting peace, security, and resilience. About World Toilet… Continue reading

India’s 56th Tiger Reserve notified in Chhatisgarh

Why in the News? The Indian government has notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the country’s 56th Tiger Reserve, now recognized as the third-largest tiger reserve in India. Largest Tiger Reserves in India: First: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh Second: Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam Third: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh About… Continue reading

Salt Chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea

Why in the News? Researchers have identified unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor. Key facts about the Dead Sea: Details Location • Located between Jordan and Israel, with the eastern shore in Jordan and the western shore in Israel. • The southern half of the western shore belongs to Israel, and the northern… Continue reading

[pib] Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029)

Why in the News? India and Italy signed an ambitious 5-year ‘joint strategic action plan 2025-2029’ that would include cooperation in space sector, critical technology, research, co-production of military equipment and widening the ambit of economic cooperation. Key Focus Areas of the Joint Strategic Action Plan: Details Political Dialogue • Regular high-level meetings and reciprocal… Continue reading

[19th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Manipur as a case for imposing Article 356

PYQ Relevance: Q) Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that priniciple is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. (UPSC CSE 2014) Q) Given the… Continue reading

CAG flags 42% resource-expenditure gap, 37% staff vacancy

Why in the News? The CAG found that urban local bodies in 18 states, serving 241 million people, face a 42% gap between income and spending, with just 29% used for development work. What are the key findings of the report? Resource-Expenditure Gap: Urban local bodies (ULBs) in 18 states face a 42% gap between… Continue reading

COP-29 discussions flagging, no progress made on issues critical to developing countries: India

Why in the News? The first week of the COP29 summit in Baku ended without major progress, as stark divisions between developed and developing nations hindered agreements on climate finance, trade measures, and equitable climate responsibilities. What is a COP meeting? Establishment and Early Meetings: The COP was established in 1995 following the adoption of… Continue reading

[pib] Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana

Why in the News? Within just three weeks of its launch, over 10 lakh senior citizens have enrolled for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana. Note: Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PM-VVY) is a pension scheme and insurance policy for senior citizens in India. One must not get confused with Ayushman-VVY. About Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana:… Continue reading

Why BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have been banned in Delhi

Why in the News? To tackle Delhi’s severe pollution and smog, the Delhi government started implementing GRAP Stage III on November 15, which bans BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the National Capital Region (NCR) to help improve air quality. What are Bharat Stage Emission Standards? Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards are regulations established… Continue reading

Will Riyadh summit have an impact on Gaza war?

Why in the News? Saudi Arabia recently hosted a summit of Arab and Islamic leaders, urging an immediate halt to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon while addressing the broader Palestine issue. What were the key outcomes of the Riyadh summit on the Gaza conflict? Condemnation of Israeli Actions: The leaders from Arab and… Continue reading

Species in News: Western Honey Bees

Why in the News? Western Honey Bees widely used for boosting pollination has led to unintended ecological consequences. Now they inadvertently carry and transmit Thai Sacbrood Virus to native bee colonies. About Western Honey Bees Scientific Name: Apis mellifera Introduced globally for their pollination abilities and honey production. In India, they were introduced in 1983… Continue reading

[pib] Press Council of India

Why in the News? National Press Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to honour the critical role of a free and responsible press in society. It marks the start of the Press Council of India in 1966, established as a moral watchdog to uphold press standards and protect it from undue influence or threats.… Continue reading

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