Global Peace Index, 2023

Central Idea: The 17th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI), ranking 163 independent states and territories based on their level of peacefulness was released. What is Global Peace Index? Released by: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) since May 2009. Extensive Coverage: The GPI covers 163 countries, representing 99.7% of the world’s population, utilizing… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise SALVEX

Central Idea The Indian Navy and the US Navy recently concluded the seventh edition of the Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, known as SALVEX. Exercise SALVEX Since its inception in 2005, SALVEX has facilitated the exchange of expertise and the enhancement of capabilities in maritime salvage and EOD operations. The IN-USN SALVEX exercise… Continue reading

Should Internet shutdowns be used to maintain public order?

Central Idea In recent years, the Indian government has increasingly resorted to internet shutdowns as a means to control law and order in various regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Manipur, and Punjab. India has witnessed a staggering 60% of internet shutdowns worldwide between 2016 and 2022. Relevance of the topic India emerged as… Continue reading

Annapurti: The grain ATM

Central Idea The recent demonstration of the Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machine, Annapurti, during the ‘National Conference of Food Ministers of States/UTs,’ showcased an innovative solution developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) India. What is Annapurti? Annapurti, also known as the Grain ATM, offers a fast, clean, and precise method of providing subsidized grains… Continue reading

What is High Seas Treaty?

Central Idea The Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) or the High Seas Treaty was adopted by the UN on June 19. It became the third agreement under UNCLOS, following the establishment of the International Seabed Authority (ISB) and the Fish Stocks Agreement (FSA). BBNJ/ High Seas Treaty The idea of protecting the… Continue reading

Supreme Court asks NGO to move govt against Sarpanch-Patism

Central Idea The Supreme Court of India has stated that the government, rather than the judiciary, should address the issue of men exerting power behind elected women who remain “faceless wives and daughters-in-law” in grassroots politics. The court’s remarks came in response to a petition filed by an NGO which highlighted the phenomenon of unelected… Continue reading

Issues with our national surveys

Central Idea In India, the accuracy and reliability of data related to poverty, growth, employment, and unemployment are crucial for effective policy formulation. To ensure the well-being of its vast population, it is essential that surveys generating these estimates are conducted regularly, adhering to predetermined schedules, and maintain the highest standards of quality. *Relevance of… Continue reading

Internationalising the rupee without the ‘coin tossing’

Central Idea The recent announcement by the Indian government regarding a long-term road map for the internationalization of the rupee holds immense potential for the country’s economic growth. This move aims to revive the rupee’s historical prominence as a widely accepted currency in the Gulf region and strengthen its position in the global foreign exchange… Continue reading

Bio-Banks

Central Idea The biotechnology economy, commonly known as the bioeconomy, has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by advancements in genetic research, healthcare applications, and innovations in food security and bioproduction. However, the responsible collection, storage, and sharing of biological data, particularly in the form of biobanks, necessitate robust governance to ensure equitable access… Continue reading

Data Protection Bill approved by Cabinet: Content, concerns

Central Idea Nearly six years after the Supreme Court recognized privacy as a fundamental right, the Indian government has taken a significant step towards safeguarding personal data with the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022. This legislation, expected to be tabled in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, aims to address concerns regarding data protection,… Continue reading

Kanwar Yatra: What is it?

Central Idea: The Kanwar Yatra, a significant annual pilgrimage, commenced on July 4 and will continue until July 15. What is Kanwar Yatra? This pilgrimage sees millions of devotees, known as Kanwariyas or Kriyas, undertaking a journey to collect water from the Ganga River and offer it to Lord Shiva. The Kanwar Yatra symbolizes the… Continue reading

Tomato Crop affected by different Mosiac Viruses

Central Idea Tomato growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka have reported significant yield losses due to the impact of two different Mosiac Viruses. The cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has affected tomato crops in Maharashtra, while the tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) has been blamed for crop losses in Karnataka and other South Indian states. Cucumber Mosaic… Continue reading

What is Ambergris?

Central Idea The discovery of a sperm whale carcass on the shore of the Canary Island of La Palma has led to an extraordinary find. During the post-mortem examination, a pathologist found ambergris, a highly valuable substance often referred to as “floating gold,” stuck in the whale’s colon. The estimated worth of the retrieved lump… Continue reading

Iran dragged to International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Central Idea The UK, Canada, Sweden, and Ukraine have jointly initiated legal proceedings against Iran at the International Court of Justice, the highest court of the United Nations. The case pertains to the tragic downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet in 2020, resulting in the loss of all 176 passengers and crew members. Iran recently… Continue reading

A macro view of the fiscal health of States

Central Idea In India, the States play a crucial role in revenue mobilization, government expenditure, and borrowing. Understanding their fiscal situation is essential for drawing evidence-based conclusions about the country’s overall fiscal health. Relevance of the topic Despite the decrease in fiscal deficits, it remains important to address the challenges associated with fiscal imbalances, including… Continue reading

Iran Joins Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Central Idea Prime Minister Modi welcomed Iran as the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the virtual summit of the grouping. Iran’s membership has been discussed for years, and recent geopolitical shifts have made it more relevant. About SCO The SCO, formed in 2001, aims to enhance regional cooperation in combating terrorism,… Continue reading

Leptospirosis: A disease that surges in monsoons

Central Idea Leptospirosis has emerged as an important infectious disease in the world today. It is a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease that tends to have large outbreaks after heavy rainfall or flooding. What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that poses a significant global health threat, particularly after heavy rainfall or flooding.… Continue reading

GIFT NIFTY: Connecting India and Singapore’s Capital Markets

Central Idea GIFT NIFTY (formerly known as SGX NIFTY) commenced trading from GIFT City in Gujarat, marking the first cross-border initiative between India and Singapore’s capital markets. The trading session witnessed over 30,000 trades, signifying the growing significance of this collaboration. What is GIFT NIFTY? The migration to GIFT NIFTY was initiated by PM Modi… Continue reading

Who was Alluri Sitarama Raju?

Central Idea The President of India, Draupadi Murmu, honoured the freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju during the closing ceremony of his 125th birth anniversary celebrations in Hyderabad. The President highlighted the significance of Alluri Seetharama Raju’s struggle against injustice and exploitation in India’s freedom struggle. About Alluri Sitarama Raju Raju was believed to be born… Continue reading

Deep sea mining

Central Idea The International Seabed Authority (ISA), the United Nations body responsible for regulating the ocean floor, is poised to resume negotiations on deep sea mining. The potential opening of the international seabed for mining raises concerns about its impact on fragile marine ecosystems and deep-sea habitats What is Deep Sea Mining? Deep sea mining… Continue reading

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