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Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme launched

Central Idea The Centre has launched the Vivad se Vishwas II scheme, a one-time settlement scheme, to effectively resolve pending contractual disputes with vendors or suppliers to the government and its undertakings. Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24. It aims to settle government and government undertakings’ contractual… Continue reading Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme launched

Post-1957, President retains power to scrap Article 370: Supreme Court

Central Idea The Supreme Court deliberated on the President’s power to declare Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to J&K, inoperative after the dissolution of the State’s Constituent Assembly in 1957. The court questioned whether the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution nullifies the substantive part of Clause 3 in Article 370. Senior counsel argued… Continue reading Post-1957, President retains power to scrap Article 370: Supreme Court

Room Temperature Superconductivity

Central Idea Recently, two South Korean researchers sparked excitement in the physics community by claiming to have achieved Superconductivity at room temperature. They claim to have developed a lead-based compound exhibiting superconducting properties at normal room temperature and pressure (NTP) conditions. NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure): Normal Temperature: Defined as 20 degrees Celsius (20°C) or… Continue reading Room Temperature Superconductivity

National Youth Policy—Will it help India reap the promised demographic dividend?

What’s the news? India, with 66 percent of its population below the age of 35, possesses the world’s largest youth population. The National Youth Policy (NYP) aims to provide a comprehensive framework and vision for the development and empowerment of young people, recognizing them as a critical national demographic. Central idea As other countries grapple… Continue reading National Youth Policy—Will it help India reap the promised demographic dividend?

IoT & SMART technology threats from China: Pathways for India’s military

What’s the news? Chinese software technologies and applications that were once widespread are now facing bans and restrictions worldwide due to data leaks, vulnerabilities, and national security risks. Central Idea While many countries have taken action against Chinese applications, there still exists a concerning lack of clarity on the security risks posed by SMART products… Continue reading IoT & SMART technology threats from China: Pathways for India’s military

WHO Report on Tobacco Control

Central Idea The WHO has released a report on the progress made in global tobacco control in the last 15 years. The report highlights the impact of the MPOWER measures, introduced by WHO, to combat tobacco use and protect public health. What are MPOWER measures by WHO? The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a… Continue reading WHO Report on Tobacco Control

In news: New GI Tags Awards

Central Idea The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai recently granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag to many distinctive products from across India. GI Tags for Rajasthani Crafts Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: This traditional craft involves ornamenting weapons with intricate designs, gold and silver wire embedding, and polishing. The process results in exquisite and finely… Continue reading In news: New GI Tags Awards

IIM bill 2023

What’s the news? A new amendment bill introduced by the Centre in the Lok Sabha has sparked a debate on the autonomy of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The bill proposes to make the President of India the Visitor to IIMs with powers to audit their functioning, order probes, and appoint as well as… Continue reading IIM bill 2023

CERT-IN warns against Akira Ransomware

Central Idea The Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) issued a warning about the Akira ransomware, a highly dangerous cyber threat that has been wreaking havoc on corporate networks worldwide. What is the Akira Ransomware? Encryption and Data Theft: Akira ransomware encrypts sensitive data on targeted devices and appends the “akira” extension to filenames,… Continue reading CERT-IN warns against Akira Ransomware

Places in news: Kuril Islands

Central Idea Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, leading to challenges in resource allocation along its western border. Japan sees a chance to reclaim the Kuril Islands, also known as the Northern Territories in Japan, which were seized by Soviet forces during WWII. About Kuril Islands The Kuril Islands, also known as the Kurile Islands,… Continue reading Places in news: Kuril Islands

What is Zero FIR?

Central Idea Recent incidents of violence and crime in Manipur have brought the concept of the ‘Zero First Information Report (FIR)’ into the spotlight. The Supreme Court has sought for all data regarding such FIRs in Manipur Gangrape Incidence. What is Zero FIR? Provision and Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an… Continue reading What is Zero FIR?

Hybrid EVs: A Viable Path to Net-Zero Mobility

Central Idea The global transition towards net-zero emissions is a critical aspect of combating climate change, and electric vehicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in this endeavour. In economically developing countries, hybrid EVs offer a significant opportunity to kickstart the transition, considering challenges related to power generation, grid capacity, and fast-charging infrastructure. Understanding Net-Zero for… Continue reading Hybrid EVs: A Viable Path to Net-Zero Mobility

Centre publishes Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy

Central Idea The office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government released a draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) for public feedback. What is Deep Technology? Deep Tech refers to advanced and sophisticated technologies that have a significant impact on various industries. These technologies are complex, innovation-driven, and often require interdisciplinary collaboration. Examples… Continue reading Centre publishes Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy

MSP as a legal right: Pros and Cons

What’s the news? For years, farmers have been demanding a legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP), calculated according to the Swaminathan Commission formula. Central idea The significance of MSP lies in its role in maintaining agricultural viability and preventing farmers from falling into debt and bankruptcy. However, the current MSP system falls short… Continue reading MSP as a legal right: Pros and Cons

WorldCoin: Building a Global Digital Network with Biometric Identity

Central Idea OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently reintroduced Worldcoin, a project that was previously overshadowed by the popularity of ChatGPT. What is WorldCoin? The Worldcoin venture involves a unique model where individuals have their eyes scanned to establish their human uniqueness. In return for the eye scan, participants receive cryptocurrency and a World ID, forming… Continue reading WorldCoin: Building a Global Digital Network with Biometric Identity

Israel Judicial Reform Explained: What is the crisis about?

Central Idea On July 24, the governing coalition in Israel’s Parliament (Knesset) passed a critical part of its judicial overhaul plan, aimed at curbing the Supreme Court’s oversight powers over government decisions. This has sparked months of protests against the right-religious government’s plans to transform the judiciary. Judiciary Overhaul: The Crisis Trigger Abolishing the “Reasonability… Continue reading Israel Judicial Reform Explained: What is the crisis about?

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