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Governing OTT Platforms

In a move that will have a far-reaching impact, the Union government has brought Over The Top (OTT) platforms, or video streaming service providers under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). Try answering this Q.What is Over the Top (OTT) media services? Critically analyse the benefits and challenges offered by the… Continue reading Governing OTT Platforms

What is the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme?

The government has expanded the provision of financial support by means of viability gap funding for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure projects to include critical social sector investments in sectors such as health, education, water and waste treatment. Note the minutes of VGF, its meaning, funding mechanism, various sectors included and its nodal ministry etc.… Continue reading What is the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme?

Home Ministry amends FCRA rules

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has relaxed FCRA norms for farmer, student, religious and other groups who are not directly aligned to any political party to receive foreign funds if the groups are not involved in “active politics”. Must read: What is Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, and how does it control donations? What is… Continue reading Home Ministry amends FCRA rules

Religious Code for Sarna Tribals

The Jharkhand government convened a special Assembly session to pass a resolution to recognise Sarna religion and include it as a separate code in the Census of 2021. The Sarna Religion The followers of Sarna faith believe pray to nature. The holy grail of the faith is “Jal (water), Jungle (forest), Zameen (land)” and its… Continue reading Religious Code for Sarna Tribals

State Pollution Control Boards

The article deals with the issues faced by the State Pollution Control Boards. Role of CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards The pollution crisis is a highly complex, multi-disciplinary issue with several contributory factors. To address this crisis, India has a plethora of rules, laws and specialised agencies which, at least on paper, seem very… Continue reading State Pollution Control Boards

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

In an indirect reference to the Chinese infrastructure projects in PoK, our PM has urged members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to respect “territorial integrity” and “sovereignty”. What is SCO? After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the then security and economic architecture in the Eurasian region dissolved and new structures had… Continue reading Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

What is OPEC+?

Oil prices jumped by close to 10% for its biggest daily gain in almost six months after news of a highly effective vaccine against COVID-19 and Saudi Arabia’s assurance that an OPEC+ oil output deal could be adjusted to balance the market. About OPEC OPEC stands for Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. It is… Continue reading What is OPEC+?

UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ)

In a significant victory for India at the United Nations, Indian diplomat Vidisha Maitra was elected to the U.N. Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). Try this PYQ: Which one of the following is not related to the United Nations? (a) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (b) International Finance Corporation (c) International Centre for… Continue reading UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ)

What is Einstein’s Eclipse?

This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the DownToEarth. Einstein’s Eclipse Albert Einstein’s prediction of the bending of light by the gravity of the Sun, one of the components of his general theory of relativity, can be tested during a solar eclipse. Following an unsuccessful attempt to validate this prediction during… Continue reading What is Einstein’s Eclipse?

State coverage ratios under NFSA

The government has initiated the process of ascertaining the new State/UT-specific coverage ratios for rural and urban areas under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA). Try this question: Q.In the ongoing crisis, maintaining the level of food security has become one of the most essential needs. In light of the above statement, critically examine… Continue reading State coverage ratios under NFSA

Equity in education matters

Fairness and inclusiveness are two important aspects of education system. Growing shift toward digital education in India has implications for these two aspects. The article suggests ways to make the education system fair and inclusive. Knowledge economy in India The new National Education Policy (NEP) as well as other factors have lately brightened up education… Continue reading Equity in education matters

Green Hydrogen based vehicular fuel

Transport sector has been a major contributor of Green House Gases in India. Moving towards cleaner fuels brings to fore two options battery-operated electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen fuel cell EV. The article compares the two. Vehicular emission and steps taken to deal  with it The transport sector in India contributes one-third of the total… Continue reading Green Hydrogen based vehicular fuel

Brown Carbon ‘Tarballs’

A study has highlighted that brown carbon ‘tarballs’ that fasten the glacial melting has been found in the Himalayan atmosphere. We are still to find a solution for the ill-fated Delhi air,  and here comes another blow from the stubble burnings. What are Brown Carbon ‘Tarballs’? Tarballs are small light-absorbing, carbonaceous particles formed due to… Continue reading Brown Carbon ‘Tarballs’

Back in news: Kartarpur Corridor

Pakistan has decided to transfer the management of the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara from a Sikh body to a separate trust, saying it runs against the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. Try this PYQ: Consider the following Bhakti Saints: Dadu Dayal Guru Nanak Tyagaraja Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell… Continue reading Back in news: Kartarpur Corridor

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