Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan 3.0 Package

Finance Minister has announced a fresh set of relief and stimulus measures for the economy worth ₹1.19 lakh crore, including a scheme to boost re-employment chances of formal sector employees who lost their jobs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Assist this newscard with: [Burning Issues] Atmanirbhar Abhiyan Package Atmanirbhar Bharat Atmanirbhar Bharat, which translates to ‘self-reliant… Continue reading

What is a Technical Recession?

Latest RBI bulletin projects contraction for a second consecutive quarter, which means the economy, is in a ‘technical recession’. Nowcasts by RBI In its latest monthly bulletin, the Reserve Bank of India has dedicated a chapter on the “State of the economy”. The idea is to provide a monthly snapshot of some of the key… Continue reading

[pib] Project-75

The fifth Scorpene submarine of Project-75 named ‘Vagir’ has been launched at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. In a rare case we would see a question based on various classes of Indian Submarines in the CSP. However, we can expect a question based on Project-75 in the CSP and CAPF exam very well.… Continue reading

Species in news: Rohanixalus -the frogs of the new genus

Indian researchers have discovered a genus of tree frog found in the Andaman Islands and the northeast. A stand-alone species being mentioned in the news for the first time find their way into the prelims. Make special note here. Usually, note the species and its habitat location (IUCN status if available), in the purview of… Continue reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15th Finance Commission submits report to President

The 15th Finance Commission, chaired by NK Singh, on Monday submitted its final report for 2021-22 to 2025-26 to the President. Try this PYQ: With reference to the Finance Commission of India, which of the following statements is correct? (a) It encourages the inflow of foreign capital for infrastructure development (b) It facilitates the proper… Continue reading

[pib] Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

PM will inaugurate the office cum residential complex of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) at Cuttack in Odisha. Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, also known as ITAT, is an important statutory body in the field of direct taxes and its orders are accepted as final, on findings of fact. ITAT was the… Continue reading

Interfaith marriages and religious conversions

Forced religious conversions for interfaith marriages cases are widely seen in news these days. And many states are attempting to ban religious conversion for the sole purpose of marriage. Try answering this: Q. The recent withdrawal of a TV commercial advertisement showing an interfaith marriage has led to an astonishing blowback. In light of this,… Continue reading

Himachal Pradesh’s law against religious conversion

Haryana government is considering a law against forced religious conversions and has sought information about such a law already in force in Himachal Pradesh. Try this question Q. How forced or misguided religious conversions pose a grave threat to the secular fabric of the Indian Society? Discuss. The Himachal anti-conversion law The state had already… Continue reading

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

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

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

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

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

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