Is Russia winning the Ukraine War?

Central Idea It has been six months since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive against Russian forces. Despite initial expectations, Ukraine has failed to achieve significant advancements on the battlefield. President Zelensky is actively touring Western capitals, including Washington, to secure ongoing military assistance. Ukraine’s Counteroffensive: Progress and Challenges Initial Strategy and Targets: The counteroffensive focused on… Continue reading

Explained: Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Case

Central Idea On December 14, the Allahabad High Court allowed an application for the inspection of the Shahi Idgah mosque complex, reigniting the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute. Hindu petitioners assert that the mosque, constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1670, was built over Lord Krishna’s birthplace in Mathura. The mosque is adjacent to the… Continue reading

[pib] Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

Central Idea The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has introduced the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme to promote sustainable management of forests and trees outside forests. Understanding Forest Certification Definition: Forest certification is a process for evaluating the quality of timber, wood, pulp products, and non-timber forest products against set standards. Purpose:… Continue reading

Specie in news: Saiga Antelope

Central Idea The Saiga Antelope has been reclassified from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). About Saiga Antelope Details Scientific Name Saiga tatarica Physical Characteristics Notable for its distinctive bulbous nose; relatively small, with a thin build and long, thin legs Habitat Primarily found in the steppe… Continue reading

GST Rates Rationalisation back on table

Central Idea The government has revived its focus on Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalization by reconstituting the ministerial group of the GST Council. About Goods and Services Tax (GST) Launch and Purpose: GST, implemented on 1 July 2017, is a comprehensive indirect tax across India, replacing multiple cascading taxes levied by the central… Continue reading

COP28 : Understanding CCS and CDR

Central Idea At the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, discussions have centered on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon-dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. The interpretation of ‘abatement’ is crucial in understanding the role and limitations of CCS and CDR in climate action. Understanding CCS and CDR CCS: This involves capturing CO₂ emissions at their source,… Continue reading

Bhagat Singh’s Bombing of Delhi Central Assembly

Central Idea A serious security breach occurred in the Indian Parliament when two individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing yellow smoke. Police sources indicated that the act, involving a total of six individuals, was apparently inspired by the revolutionary Bhagat Singh. Bhagat Singh’s Historic Act in 1929 Central Assembly Incident: Over 94 years… Continue reading

Dubai Consensus for ‘transition away’ from Fossil Fuels

Central Idea The Dubai Consensus, a significant resolution towards reducing fossil fuel dependency, was adopted in COP 28, Dubai. Dubai Consensus Key Clause: The resolution emphasizes transitioning away from fossil fuels to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with scientific recommendations to limit global temperature rise. Balance between Countries: The text reflects a compromise between… Continue reading

US, EU slap Countervailing Duties on 4 Indian goods

Central Idea The US and the European Union have imposed countervailing duties (CVDs) on select Indian products such as paper file folders, common alloy aluminum sheet, and forged steel fluid end blocks. These measures are in retaliation against India’s Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme, initiated in January 2021. About Countervailing… Continue reading

Places in news: Kambalakonda WLS

Central Idea The Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre situated along the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary’s periphery, near PM Palem in Visakhapatnam, features a new Nature Interpretation Centre. About Kambalakonda WLS Details Location Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India Establishment Declared in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India Area Approximately 71 square kilometers (27 square miles) Ecosystem… Continue reading

[pib] Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit

Central Idea The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit began in New Delhi on December 12, inaugurated by Prime Minister. India, along with 28 member countries, is working towards a consensus on a declaration document focusing on the proper use of AI, establishing guardrails for the technology, and its democratization. GPAI and India Founding… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise VINBAX 2023

Central Idea The Indian Armed Forces contingent, consisting of 45 personnel, has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in the fourth edition of the Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023. Exercise VINBAX-2023 Inception: VINBAX was established in 2018, with its inaugural edition held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Annual Event: This training event is conducted annually, alternating… Continue reading

Kidney Transplants in India: Law, Demand and Alleged Rackets

Central Idea The government has initiated an investigation into allegations that poor villagers from Myanmar were coerced into selling their kidneys to wealthy patients, with Delhi’s Apollo hospital implicated in the scheme. India’s Transplant Law and Kidney Scams India’s Transplantation Law: The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, in India allows organ donations… Continue reading

What does Unabated Fossil Fuels mean?

Central Idea At the ongoing COP28 climate summit, the term “unabated” fossil fuels has become a focal point in discussions about climate change mitigation. The draft climate agreement mentions phasing down unabated coal, and US climate envoy John Kerry emphasized the need to phase out all unabated fossil fuels. Understanding ‘Unabated’ Fossil Fuels Definition: “Unabated”… Continue reading

Red Sprites: Atmospheric Wonders above Thunderstorms

Central Idea ESA astronauts recorded a red sprite over a thundercloud as part of the Thor-Davis experiment at Danish Technical University. What are Red Sprites? Details Type Transient Luminous Event (TLE) Appearance Reddish-orange flashes, often in clusters, with shapes resembling tendrils, jellyfish, or carrots Altitude Typically occur at altitudes between 50 to 90 kilometers (31… Continue reading

Legislative Development in Election Commission Appointments

Central Idea The Rajya Sabha passed a bill that revises the process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), replacing the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991. Election Commission Appointments Bill:Key Features Appointment Process: The President will appoint the CEC and ECs based… Continue reading

Explained: SC Verdict on Abrogation of Article 370

Central Idea A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on Monday unanimously upheld the power of the President to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019, leading to the reorganisation of the full-fledged State of Jammu and Kashmir to two Union Territories and denuding it of its special privileges. Key Issues and Court’s Findings [A] On… Continue reading

Karan Singh’s Proclamation of 1949

Central Idea On December 11, the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370, affirming that Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) did not retain sovereignty after joining the Union of India. CJI D Y Chandrachud, writing for himself and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, cited a 1949 proclamation by Yuvraj Karan Singh (successor of… Continue reading

SR Bommai Judgment and its Relevance in Article 370 Verdict

Central Idea The Supreme Court’s reliance on the 1994 SR Bommai judgment was pivotal in upholding the abrogation of Article 370. The SR Bommai case is a landmark judgment interpreting Article 356 of the Constitution, which deals with President’s rule in states. SR Bommai Case: An Overview Origin of the Case: The case arose from… Continue reading

What are Foreigners’ Tribunals?

Central Idea Since 1966, Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam have identified 32,381 people as foreigners. Foreigners Tribunals in Assam Unique Quasi-Judicial Bodies: FTs are specific to Assam, tasked with determining whether a person is illegally staying as a “foreigner” in India. Backdrop of Assam’s NRC: With the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, the… Continue reading

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