[pib] ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative

Why in the news- The NITI Aayog launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). About Vocal for Local Initiative Under this program, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated for sale. District collectors and block-level officials will collaborate with partners such as Government e-Marketplace (GeM)… Continue reading

Kerala Cabinet asks Advocate General to explore legal options to challenge CAA notification in Supreme Court

Why in the news? The Kerala Cabinet aims to challenge the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, expressing opposition to its perceived anti-Muslim bias. Legal options are explored to contest the Act’s rules. Context: The government notified rules for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, simplifying the process for granting Indian citizenship to persecuted… Continue reading

Appointment of EC | Supreme Court to hear plea to bring CJI back into the selection committee

Why in the news? The plea filed by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms seeks an urgent hearing as it raises concerns about potential unfair advantage in filling Election Commission vacancies after Arun Goel’s resignation. Context The unexpected resignation of Arun Goel ahead of the Lok Sabha elections raised concerns about potential unfair advantage in… Continue reading

India world’s top arms importer between 2019-23: SIPRI

Why in the news? In recent years, India has decreased its reliance on the top arms supplier of Russia from 76% (2009-13) to 36% (2019-23), as per SIPRI, indicating diversification in arms imports. Context: India’s arms imports have marked an eventual shift from Russia to France and the U.S. impacting India’s defensive modernization, regional security… Continue reading

Celebrating Pi Day: A Tribute to Mathematics

In the news March 14, or 3/14, is celebrated globally as Pi Day, paying homage to the mathematical constant Pi (π). About Pi Day Initiated by: Physicist Larry Shaw of the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco started the tradition in 1988, which has since gained international recognition. UNESCO Designation: In 2019, UNESCO designated Pi Day… Continue reading

In news: Popocatepetl Volcano

In the news Popocatepetl, Mexico’s most dangerous active volcano has erupted 13 times in the past day, hurling columns of ash and smoke into the sky. About Popocatepetl Volcano Popocatepetl — which means “Smoking Mountain” in the Aztec Nahuatl language — is located in central Mexico roughly 72 km southeast of Mexico City. Popocatepetl is… Continue reading

President approves Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill

In the news Under Article 201 of the Indian Constitution, the President gave assent to the ‘Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024’ Bill passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, on March 11 2024. What is the Uniform Civil Code? The UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution as part of the Directive Principles of… Continue reading

Places in news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in the news? The Supreme Court halted the Assam government’s attempt to revoke a 26-year-old notification establishing the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a significant rhino population. What was the reason behind this decision? The Supreme Court asserted that withdrawing a notification for a wildlife sanctuary required permission from the National Board of Wildlife,… Continue reading

[13 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Intra-group caste variances, equality and the Court’s gaze

PYQ Relevance: Mains:1. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine (2018) 2. What are the two major legal initiatives by state since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST)? (2017) 3. Why are the tribals in India… Continue reading

India ‘one of the Worst Autocratisers’: V-Dem Democracy Report

In the news India, previously categorized as an “electoral autocracy” in 2018, has further declined to become one of the “worst autocratizers,” according to the ‘Democracy Report 2024’ by the Gothenburg-based V-Dem (or Varieties of Democracy) Institute. Key highlights on India Deteriorating Status: India, previously downgraded to an electoral autocracy in 2018, has further declined… Continue reading

Nuclear Waste Management and India

In the news India recently achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear program with the loading of the core of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). However, as India progresses towards energy independence, it faces the complex challenge of managing nuclear waste. What is Nuclear Waste? Composition: Nuclear waste comprises radioactive by-products generated during the… Continue reading

In news: Sabarmati Ashram

In the news Prime Minister’s recent activities, commemorating the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March at the Sabarmati Ashram, mark a significant step towards the redevelopment and expansion of this historic site. Ashrams Built by Mahatma Gandhi Gandhi set up five settlements during his lifetime — two in South Africa (Phoenix Settlement in Natal,… Continue reading

11 African countries sign ‘Yaounde Declaration’

In the news Health ministers from 11 African nations grappling with the heaviest malaria burdens have recently signed the Yaounde Declaration. What is Yaounde Declaration? Details Signed at Yaoundé conference, hosted by WHO and the Government of Cameroon in Yaoundé, Cameroon (capital). Participants Ministers of Health, global malaria partners, funding agencies, scientists, civil society organizations,… Continue reading

[12 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Central transfers — arresting the decline in shares of some States

PYQ Relevance:Prelims:The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the [UPSC CSE 2015]a) Human Rights Commissionb) Finance Commissionc) Law Commissiond) Planning Commission Mains:1. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? [UPSC CSE 2021] 2. How is the Finance Commission of India… Continue reading

Mission Divyastra: Agni-5 Missile with MIRV Technology

In the news India’s recent successful testing of an Agni-5 Missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology with multiple warhead capabilities, termed Mission Divyastra, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s defense capabilities. What are Agni Missiles? Agni missiles are long range, nuclear weapons capable surface to surface ballistic missile. The first… Continue reading

India’s First Cattle Dung-based Bio-CNG Station in Gujarat

In the news Nestled along the Deesa-Tharad highway in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district lies India’s pioneering gas-filling station, seemingly unremarkable at first glance. However, this station, powered by cattle and buffalo dung, marks a significant leap in renewable energy innovation. Fuel Production from Dung: A Technological Marvel Innovative Concept: The ‘BioCNG’ outlet in Dama village of… Continue reading

FAO publishes first national report on AMR Surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors

In the news The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly published the surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22. This report marks the first comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends in India’s fisheries and… Continue reading

ASI told to conduct Scientific Survey of Bhojshala Complex

In the news The Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district, an ASI-protected 11th-century monument, has been a subject of contention regarding its nature and usage. To address this, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey of the site.… Continue reading

[11 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: France’s exceptional women, their imprint on diplomacy

PYQ Relevance:Mains:1. Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. (UPSC CSE 2021) 2. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (UPSC CSE 2018)nt in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is… Continue reading

India-EFTA Trade Pact: A Game-Changer in Economic Cooperation

In the news India has inked a momentous Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The accord, aimed at attracting a staggering $100 billion in investment over 15 years, signifies a significant leap towards diversifying imports and forging robust economic ties with key European nations.… Continue reading

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