Recent GI tags awarded

Central Idea Many GI tags were awarded in this month. Let’s take a look: GI Tags in News: [1] Jaderi Namakatti Jaderi namakatti are clay sticks that are white in colour, usually available in finger-like shape with a smooth texture. They are used to adorn the foreheads of idols, men and temple elephants. Jaderi is… Continue reading

War Crimes Laws invoked in Israel-Palestinian Conflict

Central Idea The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces, triggered by Hamas’ barbaric assault, has resulted in a distressing and increasing death toll on both sides. This conflict operates within a multifaceted international system of justice that has evolved since World War II. Various War Crime Laws 1949 Geneva Conventions: Internationally accepted rules of… Continue reading

India ranks 111/125 in Global Hunger Index, 2023

Central Idea India has been ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index-2023, a stark decline from its 107th position in 2022. The index highlights a concerning statistic – India reports the world’s highest child wasting rate at a staggering 18.7 percent. Interestingly, India’s neighboring countries, including Pakistan (102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal… Continue reading

Labour force participation

What’s the news? The issue of employment has been a central topic in economic policy discussions, especially in recent decades, as the correlation between economic growth and job creation has appeared fragile. Central idea The COVID-19 pandemic intensified economic disruptions, causing financial distress, surging unemployment, and rural migration. The 2022-23 labor force survey shows rising… Continue reading

CPEC: A Decade On and Challenges Ahead

Central Idea As China celebrates the 10th anniversary of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2023, the progress of one of its flagship projects, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), appears to have slowed down. Despite its initial promise, challenges related to economic, security, and political factors have led to a reevaluation of… Continue reading

Finfluencers: What You Need to Know

Central Idea A recent front-page advertisement in a business daily, featuring a financial influencer (finfluencer), YouTube’s logo, and the IT Ministry’s logo, has stirred controversy and raised concerns about the role of finfluencers and their impact. Understanding Finfluencers Finfluencers are individuals with a significant presence on social media platforms who offer financial advice, share personal… Continue reading

Operation Ajay to evacuate Indian nationals from Israel

Central Idea India has initiated Operation Ajay to evacuate its citizens who wish to return from conflict-ridden Israel. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced this operation, emphasizing the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. Operation Ajay Evacuation Plan: Special chartered flights and other arrangements are being organized for the return of Indian citizens from… Continue reading

New Royalty Rates for Strategic Minerals, Lithium and REEs

Central Idea The Centre has approved royalty rates of 3% each for lithium and niobium and 1% for Rare Earth Elements (REEs). These changes enable competitive royalty rates for these strategically vital minerals (critical minerals) and open the doors to private sector participation through concession auctions. What are Critical Minerals? Critical minerals are elements that… Continue reading

Supreme Court’s divided on Abortion: A Complex Legal Dilemma

Central Idea A Division Bench of two judges of the Supreme Court grappled with divergent views regarding the abortion of a 26-week pregnancy and the government’s stance to protect the “unborn child.” The judges, unable to reach a consensus, opted to refer the case to the CJI to convene a three-judge Bench for further deliberation.… Continue reading

Debate on UN Security Council reform

What’s the news? The issue of fundamental reforms at the United Nations (UN) has resurfaced at the ongoing General Assembly session. Central idea President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye has declared that the Security Council no longer guarantees world security but serves as a battleground for a select few. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that… Continue reading

Gandhi’s Stance on Israel and Palestine: A Closer Look

Central Idea Mahatma Gandhi’s perspective on the Israel-Palestine issue has been a topic of extensive debate over the years. His article, ‘The Jews,’ written in 1938, offers insights into his complex views on the matter. Gandhi’s sentiments regarding the Jewish people, the Holocaust, and the creation of a Zionist state in Palestine are subjects of… Continue reading

PCA Framework extended to government NBFCs

Central Idea The RBI has announced the extension of the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework to Government Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), excluding those in the Base Layer, starting from October 1, 2024. PCA Framework Expansion Scope: Government-owned NBFCs, such as PFC, REC, IRFC, and IFCI, will now fall under the PCA framework. Impact: These NBFCs… Continue reading

Climate Change Trends: Trends, Shifts, or Decadal Cycles

Central Idea Studies have highlighted various climate phenomena in India, including declining monsoon rainfall, intensifying extreme weather events, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones. However, a critical question that demands attention is whether these changes represent long-term trends, abrupt shifts, or decadal cycles. These distinctions hold significant implications for resource planning and management. Understanding Climate Change Terminology… Continue reading

Baiga Tribal group gets habitat rights in Chhattisgarh

Central Idea The Baiga Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) recently became the second community in the state to receive habitat rights, following the Kamar PVTG in Chhattisgarh. Habitat rights recognition marks a crucial step towards preserving the culture, livelihoods, and heritage of these indigenous groups. Baiga PVTG The Baiga are an ethnic group found in… Continue reading

Direct Tax Collections surged by 21.8%

Central Idea India’s net direct tax collections have surged, exceeding over half of this year’s Budget estimates. By October 9, the collections had grown by 21.8% to reach ₹9.57 lakh crore. Factors Driving Tax Collections Personal Income Tax Growth: Personal income tax collections have seen a remarkable increase of 32.5%, reflecting higher income levels and… Continue reading

Women’s Reservation Bill: A Fresh Start

What’s the news? The recently released 17th edition of the Global Gender Gap Report (2023) predicts it will take 131 years to close the global gender gap, rising to 149 years in South Asian countries, including India. Central idea The recently released Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, based on data from… Continue reading

Sri Lanka to take over as Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

Central Idea Sri Lanka is set to take over Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) succeeding Bangladesh. It will hold this prestigious position for the next two years. About Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Establishment: Founded in 1997, IORA serves as a regional forum aimed at fostering understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation through… Continue reading

Scheduled Areas in India: A Constitutional Framework

Central Idea India’s diverse landscape is home to 705 Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, constituting 8.6% of the nation’s population. These communities reside across 26 States and six Union Territories. A crucial constitutional provision, Article 244, governs the administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas, significantly impacting the lives of STs. Constitutional Framework for STs Fifth Schedule… Continue reading

Economics Nobel to study Women in Workforce

Central Idea In 2023, Claudia Goldin, a distinguished economist and Professor at Harvard University, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for her pioneering work on women’s labor market outcomes. Claudia Goldin: A Trailblazer in Economics Harvard Tenure: In 1990, Claudia Goldin made history by becoming the first woman to achieve tenure in Harvard… Continue reading

India’s Unemployment Rate Declines: PLFS 2022-2023

Central Idea The latest findings from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), reveal a decrease in India’s unemployment rate for the period between April and June 2023. This encouraging trend is accompanied by improvements in the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and the Worker-Population Ratio (WPR), signifying… Continue reading

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