HDI: Addressing India’s Subnational Human Development

Central Idea India is now one of the fastest-growing economies globally. However, this growth has not resulted in a corresponding increase in its Human Development Index (HDI). According to the Human Development Report of 2021-22, India ranks 132 out of 191 countries, behind Bangladesh (129) and Sri Lanka (73). Facts for Prelims: Human Development Index… Continue reading

UNSC: India’s Remarkable Tenure

Central idea India’s two-year stint in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was unprecedented, with a focus on maritime security, terrorism, UN peacekeeping, reformed multilateralism, and the Global South. India served as the Chair of three important UNSC Committees, made efforts to bring conflicting parties on the same page, and raised important issues like religiophobia.… Continue reading

Home Ministry begins process to sell Enemy Properties

The home ministry has begun the process to sell enemy properties, immovable assets left behind by people who have taken citizenship in Pakistan and China after wars with these countries. What one means by Enemy Property? Enemy property refers to the assets and properties of individuals or entities that have been declared as “enemies” by… Continue reading

World’s 1st Sand Battery developed in Finland

Finland has successfully installed the world’s first sand battery that can store heat from various energy sources for months. What is the Sand Battery System? The battery is a massive steel silo, 7 m tall and 4 m wide with 100 tonnes of sand, and was installed in Finland’s Kankaanpaa town in June 2022. It… Continue reading

What is Generative AI?

Central idea: Google and Microsoft have added generative AI to their search engines and browsers, as well as to consumer products such as Gmail, Docs, Copilot 365, Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and more. What is Generative AI? Like other forms of artificial intelligence, generative AI learns how to take actions from past data. It creates… Continue reading

Finmin lifts bar on CPSUs issuing Letters of Comfort

Central idea: The Finance Ministry has allowed central public sector firms (CPSUs) to issue letters of comfort with a condition that they should clearly state that the Government of India will not be liable for any consequences arising from such letters. What is a Letter of Comfort? A letter of comfort is a support document… Continue reading

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)

Central idea: The Indian government lodged a strong protest against the UK government and reminded obligations of the host nation under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations amid the vandalism incident that occurred at the Indian High Commission in London. What is the Vienna Convention? The treaty being referred to by the MEA in this… Continue reading

Latest Trade Data : India’s Merchandise Exports and Imports

Central Idea The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released the latest trade data that shows a continued contraction in India’s merchandise exports and imports in February. It indicates a slowdown in both the global and domestic economies. Overview The pace of contraction has deepened, and this has resulted in a further narrowing of the… Continue reading

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Must be Affordable to All

Central Idea The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and its implementation in India raises the question of whether we believe in health as a basic human right, which India’s Constitution guarantees under the right to life. The UHC should encompass primary, secondary, and tertiary care for all who need it at an affordable cost without discrimination.… Continue reading

Growth Prospects: India Better Positioned Than China

Central Idea The Chinese government’s growth target of 5% for 2023 has disappointed observers, given that it is lower than last year’s target and below the expected GDP growth for India in 2023. This is all the more surprising if one considers that India is benefiting from the positive impact of the country reopening after… Continue reading

Data Sharing Governance And India’s Opportunity

Central Idea India’s digital strategies and data governance have advanced in recent years, but there are concerns regarding inclusivity, transparency, security, and sustainability. India’s G-20 presidency presents an opportunity to showcase advancements in data infrastructures and governance, while balancing the interests of stakeholders, promoting ethical and responsible practices, and navigating the complex issues of data… Continue reading

India-China: Border Management Mechanism

Central Idea India and China appear to be moving towards a new modus vivendi to maintain peace and tranquillity along their disputed 4,000 kilometre border. They are discussing measures to ease the border situation, including creating no-patrol zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and upgrading the border management mechanism. Older arrangements and need… Continue reading

Return of the Net Neutrality debate in India

Since November 2022, India’s Cellular Operators Association (COAI) has been requesting that platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp pay a share of revenue to offset network costs, reigniting the net neutrality debate. What is Net Neutrality? Net Neutrality is the concept that all traffic on the internet should be treated equally, without discrimination or preference given… Continue reading

What is India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP)?

Prime Minister and his Bangladeshi counterpart inaugurated a 131.5-kilometre-long India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) from Siliguri in North Bengal to Parbatipur in Banglaesh’s Dinajpur province. India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) IBFP is a cross-border energy pipeline that connects Siliguri in West Bengal, India to Parbatipur in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. It has a capacity of transporting 1… Continue reading

Tamil Nadu’s TN-KET initiative results in reduced TB deaths

Tamil Nadu has pioneered an initiative across the State to reduce the mortality rate among people with tuberculosis named: TN-KET (Tamil Nadu Kasanoi Erappila Thittam) meaning TB death-free project. What is TN-KET? TN-KET aims to reduce the mortality rate among people with tuberculosis. This initiative, which began in April 2022, has already achieved significant reduction… Continue reading

Background Radiation high in Kerala: Study

Central idea: The article discusses a pan-India study conducted by scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) which found that background radiation levels in parts of Kerala are nearly three times more than what’s been assumed. What is Background Radiation? Background radiation is a measure of the level of ionizing radiation present in the… Continue reading

How India’s Sugar Exports to the world are surging?

Central idea: India’s success story in sugar exports India’s sugar exports have soared from $810.9 million in 2017-18 to $4.6 billion in 2021-22, and could cross $5.5 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31. The increase is significant in quantity terms too, with India’s shipments increasing from a mere 0.46 lakh tonnes in 2016-17… Continue reading

The Decolonization Drive: Monuments of National Importance Reflects Bharat’s history

Central Idea The decolonization drive started by the present government in India to change the British mindset of those responsible for writing history books, which led to the neglect of important monuments and archaeological sites. The Economic Advisory Council’s report on Monuments of National Importance, which he sees as a significant step in the right… Continue reading

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for war crimes for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights. Charges against Putin The ICC issued the warrants because it believes that Putin bear individual criminal responsibility for the war crime of – Unlawful deportation of population and Unlawful… Continue reading

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