[pib] Saryu Nahar National Project

PM will inaugurate the Saryu Nahar National Project. Saryu Nahar National Project The Project involves the interlinking of five rivers – Ghaghara, Saryu, Rapti, Banganga and Rohini to ensure optimum usage of water resources of the region. It will benefit nine districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh namely – Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Gonda, Siddharthnagar, Basti,… Continue reading

Suspension of MPs for entire Winter Session is worrying

Context Twelve members of the Rajya Sabha were suspended for their alleged involvement in the grave disorder in the House on the last day of the previous session. What do Rajya Sabha’s rules of procedure say about the suspension of a member? Rule 256 of Rajya Sabha’s rules of procedure provides for the suspension of a… Continue reading

Tobacco Consumption in India

Tobacco use is known to be a major risk factor for several non-communicable diseases in India. Tobacco abuse in India In India, 28.6% of adults above 15 years and 8.5% of students aged 13-15 years use tobacco in some form or the other. This makes the country the second-largest consumer of tobacco in the world.… Continue reading

Constituent Assembly debates around Citizenship

This newscard is an excerpt from the ‘Letter and Spirit’ section in the print edition of TH, which is a new column that will focus on explaining and understanding basic Acts and Articles enshrined in our Constitution. Context With the contentious farm laws repealed, the discussions turn to the second most politically and legally resisted… Continue reading

What are Non-convertible Debentures?

Several companies have announced public issues to raise funds through non-convertible debentures. What are Debentures? Debentures are long-term financial instruments issued by a company for specified tenure with a promise to pay fixed interest to the investor. They can be held by individuals, banking companies, primary dealers other corporate bodies registered or incorporated in India… Continue reading

Global Health Security Index, 2021

Countries across all income levels remain dangerously unprepared to meet future epidemic and pandemic threats, according to the new 2021 Global Health Security (GHS) Index. About GHS Index The GHS Index is the first comprehensive assessment and benchmarking of health security and related capabilities across the 195 countries that make up the States Parties to… Continue reading

Cabinet nods for Ken-Betwa Interlinking Project

The Union Cabinet has approved the funding and implementation of the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project at the 2020-21 price level. Ken-Betwa Interlinking Project The Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers. Under this project, water from the Ken River will be transferred to the Betwa… Continue reading

In news: Law Commission of India

The Government has informed the Supreme Court that the appointment of Chairperson and Members of the 22nd Law Commission of India is under consideration. Why in news? The setting up of the 22nd Law Commission was constituted by the Government on February 21, 2020. However, no progress has been made in the appointments till date.… Continue reading

In news: Two principles of Justice

This newscard is an excerpt of the original article published in TH. Note: This article is of extreme theoretical nature. But it leaves scope for many vague questions for prelims as well as mains where most of us go clueless. Two principles of Justice The concept, so-called, of “two principles of justice”, is synonymous with… Continue reading

Ambergris: The Floating Gold

The Crime Branch in Pune and seized 550 grams of ambergris, also known as ‘floating gold’. What is Ambergris? Ambergris, which means gray amber in French, is a waxy substance that originates from the digestive system of the protected sperm whales. It is incorrectly referred to as ‘whale vomit’. It is produced in the gastrointestinal… Continue reading

Need for closer scrutiny of reduced out-of-pocket expenditure on health

Context The National Health Accounts (NHA) report for 2017-18 is being celebrated widely as it shows that total public spending on health as a percentage of GDP has increased to a historic high of 1.35% of GDP. India’s total public spending on health One of the lowest in the world: India’s total public spending on… Continue reading

Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics (RELOS) Agreement with Russia

India and Russia are set to ink the RELOS logistics exchange pact during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the Indo-Russia summit. What are Logistics Agreements, in general? Logistical exchange agreements are designed so that partner countries can enjoy ease of access to use each other’s military facilities like ports, bases, and military… Continue reading

Kasturirangan Committee Recommendations for Western Ghats Conservation

Recently, the Karnataka CM has informed the Centre that the state is opposed to the Kasturirangan Committee report on the Western Ghats. What is the issue? The Kasturirangan committee report proposes 37 per cent of the total area of Western Ghats, which is roughly 60,000 square kilometers, to be declared as eco-sensitive area (ESA). Declaring… Continue reading

World Inequality Report, 2022

As per the ‘World Inequality Report 2022’, India is among the most unequal countries in the world, with rising poverty and an ‘affluent elite.’ World Inequality Report This report is published by Mr. Lucas Chancel, the co-director of the World Inequality Lab of the Paris School of Economics. It was coordinated by famed French economist… Continue reading

Significance of Raigad Fort in Maratha History

President Ram Nath Kovind is commencing his visit to Maharashtra by visiting the Raigad Fort where he will pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Where is Raigad fort located? Raigad is a hill fort situated about 25 km from Mahad in the Raigad district and stands 2,851 feet above sea level. The British Gazette… Continue reading

Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD)

NASA has launched its new Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) — the agency’s first-ever laser communications system. What is LCRD? LCRD involves laser communications – also called optical communications which uses infrared light to send information. LCRD is launched in a geosynchronous orbit, over 35,000km above Earth. LCRD has two optical terminals – one to… Continue reading

Why India will be scrutinised at Summit for Democracy

Context On December 9 and 10, US President Joe Biden will host a virtual “summit for democracy”, which will bring together leaders of 100 countries, civil society and private sector representatives. Challenges to India’s democratic image India categorised as partly free: The US-based Freedom House’s “Freedoms of the World” index categorises India as only “partly… Continue reading

What the NFHS data reveals about inequality in India

Context The release of the NFHS data (and the Niti Aayog’s study on developing a multi-dimensional index of poverty — MPI) has led to a considerable amount of discussion, and justifiably so. Understanding the progress and development: MPI The MPI is an Oxford-based initiative that develops an exclusive broadly non-monetary living standard index of poverty.… Continue reading

Species in news: Physella Acuta

A tiny snail with a striking, pellucid golden-yellow shell found in the Edappally canal in Kochi has been flagged as an invasive species that could play havoc with native ecosystems. Snail Physella Acuta First described by J.P.R. Draparnaud in 1805, Physella acuta is considered native to North America but is now found in all continents… Continue reading

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