The dramatic transformation of India’s oil trade with Russia

What’s the news? For over a year, India, the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil with an import dependency of more than 85%, has been entangled in a passionate affair with Russian oil. Central idea Aftermath invasion of Ukraine, Russia began offering deep discounts to willing buyers as Western countries turned their backs on its… Continue reading

Demographic transition and change in women’s lives

What is the news? The observance of World Population Day (11 July) provides an opportunity to reflect upon India’s demographic journey and its transformative impact on the lives of its citizens, particularly women. This article presents insights and perspectives on how population growth, fertility decline, and social norms have influenced various aspects of women’s lives… Continue reading

What is an adjournment motion, moved by Congress MPs in Parliament?

What’s the news? In the second day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha witnessed adjournment proceedings as Opposition parties demanded an urgent discussion on the alleged sexual assault of women in Manipur amid the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. Central idea Congress MPs moved adjournment motions, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi… Continue reading

Places in news: Kerch Bridge

Central Idea The Kerch Bridge, linking the Russian mainland to the Crimean Peninsula, suffered an attack by Ukrainian sea drones, leading to retaliatory actions by Russia. About Kerch Bridge The Kerch Bridge, across the Kerch Strait, is 19 km long and has two parallel rail and roadways. It was opened in 2018 by Russian President… Continue reading

Section 69 (A) of IT Act

Central Idea The Indian government has exercised its powers under Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. It requested Twitter and other social media platforms to remove a video depicting the naked parade and sexual assault of two Manipur women. What is Section 69(A) of the IT Act? Empowering Content Takedown: Section 69(A) allows… Continue reading

Short Duration Discussions in Parliament

Central Idea The Opposition called for the suspension of all other business under Rule 267 to discuss the Manipur issue, while the government preferred a “Short Duration Discussion” under Rule 176. Understanding the nuances of these rules and their implications is essential for effective parliamentary discussions. Rule 267: Suspension of Business Overview: Rule 267 allows… Continue reading

Monsoon session of Parliament to decide fate of Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill

What’s the news? The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 is set to be tabled during the monsoon session of the Parliament. Earlier, it was to be discussed in the Lok Sabha on March 29, 2023 but was deferred. Central idea The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, introduced in 2021 seeks to amend the existing Biological… Continue reading

Heat domes, anticyclones and climate change: What’s causing heat waves across the world?

What’s the news? The average daily global temperature on Thursday was recorded at 17.12 degrees Celsius, encompassing measurements over land, ocean, ice sheets, and mountainous snow regions. Central idea In a concerning announcement, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared June as the hottest month ever recorded on Earth since temperature tracking began… Continue reading

Using name ‘INDIA’ in Political Alliances

Central Idea A complaint has been lodged with the Delhi police against 26 Opposition parties for the alleged “improper use” of the name ‘INDIA’ in their newly formed alliance. Why discuss this? The complainant argues that the parties have violated the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. It has allegedly attempted to… Continue reading

India secures 80th rank on Henley Passport Index

Central Idea India has seen an improvement in its ranking on the Henley Passport Index 2023, climbing seven places to the 80th position from 87 last year. However, despite the rise in ranking, the number of countries allowing visa-free access to Indian passport holders remains the same. What is Henley Passport Index? The Henley Passport… Continue reading

Bacteriophages: The Good Viruses that fight Bacteria

Central Idea Viruses have had a significant impact on human history, causing deadly outbreaks of diseases. However, not all viruses are harmful, and scientists are discovering the importance of the virome (bacteriophages). Do you know? Viromes and bacteriophages are closely related because bacteriophages, or phages for short, are a type of virus that specifically infects… Continue reading

Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) to curb Land-Linked Illegal Activities

Central Idea President Murmu emphasized the importance of implementing a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN). What is ULPIN? ULPIN or Bhu-Aadhaar is a 14-digit Alpha–Numeric Unique ID for each land parcel. This is the next step in the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) which began in 2008. The identification will be based… Continue reading

NATO Vilnius Summit, 2023: Key Takeaways

Central Idea The Vilnius Summit held in July 2023 was significant in assessing the progress made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the past year and preparing for future conflicts. While expectations were high regarding Ukraine’s membership timeline, the summit fell short in this regard. About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Formation Established… Continue reading

Marital Rape Case hearing soon: SC

Central Idea CJI DY Chandrachud has agreed to list a series of petitions seeking the criminalisation of marital rape for an early hearing. The petitions, triggered by decisions from the Karnataka and Delhi High Courts, aim to challenge the exception in Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that currently decriminalises marital rape. What… Continue reading

Rajasthan minimum income Bill: provisions, what makes it unique

What’s the news? Rajasthan government has introduced ‘The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023’ in the Assembly, what is widely expected to be the last session before the State goes for polls in less than four months. Central Idea Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023, aim at providing guaranteed wages or pensions to the entire… Continue reading

More than court action, revisit the Indus Waters Treaty

What’s the news? India raised objection when Pakistan initiated arbitration at the Permanent Court of Arbitration to address the interpretation and application of the IWT. On July 6, 2023, the court unanimously passed a decision (which is binding on both parties without appeal) rejecting each of India’s objections. Central Idea The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT),… Continue reading

Genetic Resources Commission gathers in Rome

Central Idea Delegates from around the world have convened in Rome, Italy for the 19th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA). What is Commission on Genetic Resources? Description Establishment Established in 1983 by the FAO Membership 181 member countries including India Governing Body Bureau consisting of Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and… Continue reading

India achieves record DPT3 vaccination coverage in 2022: WHO

Central Idea The coverage rate for DPT3 vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) in India reached an all-time high of 93% in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 91% in 2019. This significant increase from the 85% coverage in 2021 was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). What is DPT3? DPT3 vaccines refer to a… Continue reading

EC to issue Online Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning

Central Idea The Election Commission of India has implemented a fully online process for allotting airtime to political parties for campaigning on Akashvani and Doordarshan. The new system replaces the traditional method of collecting physical vouchers and instead issues digital time vouchers through an online platform. Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning Objective: To provide equitable access… Continue reading

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