SMART-PDS: The Transformative Potential Beyond Food Security

Central Idea India’s National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) governs the largest beneficiary-centric program, the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), providing food security to 81.35 crore persons every month. The government is now implementing the Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS). This initiative generates vast amounts of data, which… Continue reading

How to manage India’s Solar PV waste problem?

Central idea: India is rapidly expanding its solar photovoltaic (PV) sector, but effective waste management strategies for this sector are still lacking. This article explores the challenges and gaps in solar PV waste management in India. Solar PV Waste in India India has the world’s fourth-highest solar PV deployment, and the installed solar capacity was… Continue reading

[Sansad TV] Mudda Aapka: Victory over Left-Wing Extremism

Central idea Left vs. Right: Behind the Political Dichotomy Being ‘Right’ means People and groups, as well as their positions, are collectively referred to as the Right or the right wing. Confused between Maoists and Naxalities? The actual difference between the terms is as follows: (1) Naxalism (2) Maoism History and evolution Root cause of… Continue reading

What is Model Code of Conduct?

The Election Commission of India announced the date for Karnataka Assembly elections. Hence the model code of conduct comes into the picture. Model Code of Conduct It is a set of guidelines issued by ECI to regulate political parties and candidates before elections. The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths,… Continue reading

Z-Morh tunnel to be ready in April

The crucial Z-Morh tunnel that connects Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway will be inaugurated next month in April. What is Z-Morh tunnel? Z-Morh tunnel, also known as the Zoji-Morh Tunnel, is an under-construction tunnel located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel is being constructed at an elevation of 11,578… Continue reading

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): New Backbone of India’s Economy

Central Idea India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) is a unique marvel of our times that has brought together the government, regulators, private sector, volunteers, startups, and academia to create a superstructure that delivers consistent, affordable, and across-the-board value to citizens, government, and corporate sector alike. What is India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) India’s digital public… Continue reading

India’s WTO Challenge on MSP Programs for Food Grain

Central idea: India has been criticized at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for not adequately addressing questions raised by members regarding its Minimum Support Price (MSP) programs for food grain, particularly rice. Minimum Support Price (MSP) MSP is the price at which the government buys crops from farmers to support them against any sharp fall… Continue reading

Prices of Essential Medicines set to hike

Prices of 384 essential drugs and over 1,000 formulations are set to see a hike of over 11%, due to a sharp rise in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Implications for customers Annual hikes in the prices of drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) are based on the WPI. The price… Continue reading

What is the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972?

A person in UP was booked under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for “illegally” keeping and nursing an injured Sarus crane (Grus Antigone) he found in his village. About Sarus The Sarus crane is usually found in wetlands and is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh. Standing at 152-156 centimetres, it is the world’s tallest… Continue reading

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes among Children

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to Education Boards of all States/UTs, stating schools must ensure proper care/facilities for children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly. Blood sugar, also known as… Continue reading

Scrapping Tax Benefit for Debt Mutual Funds: Analysis

Central Idea The Finance Bill 2023, passed by the Lok Sabha with 64 amendments, includes the controversial decision to remove the tax benefit for debt mutual funds. While the aim is to remove the advantage of debt funds over bank deposits, this decision will have far-reaching consequences that need to be examined. Mutual Funds Investment… Continue reading

What is Bilkis Bano Case?

The Supreme Court has indicated it will primarily focus on the question of Gujarat’s jurisdiction to prematurely release 11 men sentenced to life for the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of her family during the 2002 riots. Central idea The Bilkis Bano case is a landmark case of gangrape and mass murder… Continue reading

India’s Support for Marine Protected Areas in Antarctica

Central idea: India has pledged its continued support for the establishment of two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Antarctica, with the aim of protecting marine life and the ecosystem services that it provides. What are Marine Protected Areas? An MPA is a defined region that is managed for the long-term conservation of marine resources, ecosystem… Continue reading

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate operationalized

Finance Minister while presenting the Budget 2023 announced a new scheme for women, Mahila Samman Saving Certificate. This scheme has now been operationalized. Mahila Samman Saving Certificate It is a one-time new small savings scheme of the government of India announced in the Budget 2023. It will be made available for a two-year period up… Continue reading

Healthcare: Public Health and The Insurance Funding

Central Idea The Tamil Nadu public health model has achieved success in improving healthcare outcomes and maintaining equity in healthcare delivery. However, the shift in healthcare funding to insurance companies has brought both benefits and drawbacks to the public healthcare system. The key features of the Tamil Nadu public health model Primary Healthcare: The Tamil… Continue reading

Understanding IMF Bailouts and their drawbacks

Central idea: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week confirmed a $3 billion bailout plan for Sri Lanka’s struggling economy. However, Pakistan failed to get a penny. Countries seek help from the IMF usually when their economies face a major macroeconomic risk, mostly in the form of a currency crisis. International Monetary Fund (IMF) IMF… Continue reading

AFSPA further reduced in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland: MHA

Central idea: Home Minister recently announced the decision to reduce the Disturbed Areas under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur. Reason for the decision Improved security: The decision was taken due to a significant improvement in the security situation in Northeast India. Decrease in Violence: The prevalence of… Continue reading

What is Biotransformation Technology?

Central idea: The article highlights the issue of plastic waste generated by e-commerce giant Amazon and the need for a biotransformation technology that can make plastics biodegradable and its potential applications in reducing plastic waste in various industries. Amazon’s Plastic Waste Problem Amazon generated 321 million kilograms (709 million pounds) of plastic from packaging waste… Continue reading

What is Patent Evergreening?

Central idea: Patent Evergreening Indian Patent Office rejects Johnson & Johnson’s attempt to extend monopoly on manufacturing Bedaquiline in India beyond July 2023. This is a victory for patients fighting for wider access to crucial anti-tuberculosis drug Bedaquiline. Expired primary patents pave the way for generic drug manufacturers to produce Bedaquiline, thus ensuring cheaper and… Continue reading

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