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Private Digital Currencies

What is the news? The emergence of Private digital currencies presents a challenge to central banks’ control and can disrupt the established order by introducing new dynamics and possibilities. Central idea The control over money supply, circulation, and value holds significant influence over economic systems and national trajectories. Governments and central banks play a crucial… Continue reading Private Digital Currencies

Tech Diplomacy

What’s the News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to the US and France have focused on enhancing strategic and economic cooperation in the technology sector. These visits took place against the backdrop of global political and economic instability, including the Ukraine war and concerns surrounding China’s rise. Central Idea Prime Minister Modi’s visits to… Continue reading Tech Diplomacy

UK signs CPTPP Trade Deal

Central Idea The UK has formally signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major Indo-Pacific trade deal. Joining the bloc is seen as the UK’s biggest trade deal since leaving the European Union. What is CPTPP? The CPTPP, established in 2018, reduces trade barriers among 11 countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan,… Continue reading UK signs CPTPP Trade Deal

Lightning not a Natural Disaster: Centre

Central Idea A senior government official stated that lightning deaths can be prevented through education and awareness, and thus, the government is against declaring it a natural disaster. Why discuss this? State Demands: States like Bihar and West Bengal have requested that lightning-related deaths be considered natural disaster, making victims eligible for compensation from the… Continue reading Lightning not a Natural Disaster: Centre

Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) to review all NSO Data

Central Idea Revamping the SCES: Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) set up in late 2019 faced criticism for data quality issues in previous surveys. Broader Mandate: The government establishes the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) to replace the SCES, with a mandate to review all surveys conducted under the National Statistical Office (NSO). Standing… Continue reading Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) to review all NSO Data

Cash Transfers vs Foodgrain Distribution

Central idea Three years ago, financial constraints prevented the Centre and states from providing cash transfers to vulnerable households during pandemic lockdowns. However, there was an abundance of wheat and rice in FCI’s warehouses, allowing distribution to 813.5 million people. However, the current scenario has reversed, with governments having funds but limited grain stocks, raising… Continue reading Cash Transfers vs Foodgrain Distribution

What are AT-1 Bonds?

Central Idea Subscription Disappointment: State Bank of India (SBI)’s additional tier-1 (AT-1) bond issue saw a very low response from investors, raising ₹3,101 crore against an issue size of ₹10,000 crore. Market Sentiment Impact: The lackluster response is expected to dampen market sentiment and make fundraising more challenging for other PSU banks, potentially leading to… Continue reading What are AT-1 Bonds?

New Scorpene Class Submarines for Navy

Central Idea Procurement Announcement: The three additional Scorpene submarines will be procured under the Buy (Indian) category. The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai will build the submarines. Scorpene Submarines and Project-75 Project-75: MDL is already building six Scorpene class submarines under Project-75, with technology transfer from the French defense firm. Commissioned Submarines: Five… Continue reading New Scorpene Class Submarines for Navy

National Green Tribunal (NGT): A failing institution in need of revival

What is the news? There are concerns regarding the underperformance of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over the past five years which highlights the need for reform and revival. Central idea The National Green Tribunal (NGT) plays a crucial role in adjudicating environmental cases in India, upholding the principles of justice and fairness. However, over… Continue reading National Green Tribunal (NGT): A failing institution in need of revival

Age of Consent for Data Protection

Central Idea Empowering the Central Government: The upcoming data protection Bill in India could grant the Centre the authority to lower the age of consent from 18 for accessing Internet services without parental oversight. Exemptions for Certain Companies: The Bill may exempt specific companies from additional obligations in protecting children’s privacy if they can process… Continue reading Age of Consent for Data Protection

Affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)  

Central Idea Researchers in India are collaborating to develop an affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and incurable genetic disorder. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur, is collaborating to develop affordable therapeutics for DMD. What is DMD? DMD is a progressive muscle degeneration disorder caused by alterations in the dystrophin protein.… Continue reading Affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)  

India’s diabetes epidemic is making its widespread TB problem worse

What is the news? India has long grappled with two major epidemics: type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus, DM) and tuberculosis (TB). With a staggering 74.2 million people living with diabetes and 2.6 million new TB cases each year, it is crucial to understand the deep interconnection between these diseases. Central Idea The diabetes mellitus (DM)… Continue reading India’s diabetes epidemic is making its widespread TB problem worse

What is Bastille Day?

Central idea The National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day, is celebrated on July 14 every year. Known as La Fete Nationale or Le 14 Juillet in French, the day is celebrated with fireworks and a parade. One of the most important days in the history of France, it marks the fall of… Continue reading What is Bastille Day?

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