The Sixth Mass Extinction

Click here for high resolution of the image: National Geographic The ongoing sixth mass extinction may be one of the most serious environmental threats to the persistence of civilization, according to new research published in an American journal. Try this question from CSP 2018: The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the… Continue reading

Tribes in news: Changpa Tribe

The Chinese Army’s intrusion in Chumur and Demchok has left Ladakh’s nomadic herding Changpa community cut off from large parts of summer pastures. Pashmina shawl is a landmark product of the Kashmir Valley. But make a note here. It carries only a BIS certification and not a Geographical Indicator. Also try this PYQ from CSP… Continue reading

What are Social Stock Exchanges?

A working group constituted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Social Stock Exchanges (SSEs) has recommended allowing non-profit organisations to directly list on such platforms. Practice questions for mains: Q. What are Social Stock Exchanges? Discuss how it will help finance social enterprises in India. What are Social Stock Exchanges (SSEs)?… Continue reading

PM Swanidhi Scheme for street vendors

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a micro-credit facility for street vendors under the Swanidhi Scheme. Try this question from CSP 2016: Q.Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide then with suitable sources of livelihood (b) release the sex workers from the… Continue reading

PM-CARES is not a public authority under RTI Act

The PMO has refused to disclose details on the creation and operation of the PM-CARES Fund, telling a Right to Information applicant that the fund is “not a public authority” under the ambit of the RTI Act, 2005. Practice question for mains: Q. The PM-CARES fund is an old wine in a new bottle. Discuss… Continue reading

Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for 1.5 crore dairy farmers

The Union Govt. is set to provide Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to 1.5 crore dairy farmers belonging to Milk Unions and Milk producing Companies within the next two months under a special drive. We can expect multiple statements based prelim question here. Note the following features of the KCC from the newscard: 1. Year of… Continue reading

What is Antifa Movement?

As massive protests following the death of a person in racial discrimination continued to rock the US, President Donald Trump has announced that the alleged far-left group Antifa would be designated as a terrorist organisation by his government. One can expect a similar prelims question: Q. The Antifa movement recently seen in news is an:… Continue reading

Using COVID crisis to reorient India towards reforms

Following the announcement of relief and stimulus package, the debate began over its various aspects. This article assesses the various aspects of the package and draws comparison with the package announced by the other countries. So, how does India fare compared with other countries? Fiscal component of stimulus package According to the IMF-PT (policy tracker),… Continue reading

What is the National Numbering Plan?

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that a new National Numbering Plan be issued at the earliest so that a uniquely identifiable number can be provided to every subscriber in India. The TRAI and Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal are quite often seen in the news. Most recent was the dispute… Continue reading

THAAD defence system

China has issued a statement reiterating its long-standing objections to the presence of the US THAAD missile defence system in South Korea. Try this question from CSP 2018: Q. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme (c) An American… Continue reading

The 5G Club ‘D10’

Britain said that it was pushing the U.S. to form a club of 10 nations that could develop its own 5G technology and reduce dependence on Huawei. We can expect prelims question asking the purpose of the D10 group like- Q. The D10 Club recently seen in news is a- Environment NGO/ Group of Democracies/… Continue reading

In news: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP)

The Oil India Ltd (OIL) leak in Assam has contaminated water bodies that flow into the Maguri Motapung Beel, a large wetland, and the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP). Try this PYQ from CSP 2019: Q. Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve? (a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger… Continue reading

Species in news: Band-tail Scorpionfish

A rare band-tail scorpionfish was recently found in the Gulf of Mannar. A stand-alone species being mentioned in the news for the first time (and that too from Southern India) 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… Continue reading

Three thresholds in Industrial Disputes Act that need revision

Sometimes the measures we come up with end up doing exactly the opposite of what they were supposed to do. This might be the case with some provisions in the Industrial Dispute Act. This article deals with 3 such provisions in the IDA. So, what are these provisions? How the issues caused by these provisions… Continue reading

How would Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of power subsidy work?

Context Punjab has been providing free power to the agriculture sector. The new Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 has proposed providing subsidy on power to farmers through DBT, which is contrary to the prevailing ‘free power’ system in Punjab. Free or subsidised power is being provided to millions of consumers in almost every state. Punjab is… Continue reading

Delimitation Commission for NE states and UTs

Lok Sabha speaker has nominated 15 MPs to assist the Delimitation Commission in redrawing the Lok Sabha and the Assembly constituencies of the northeastern states and the Union Territories. Practice question for mains: Q. What is the Delimitation of Constituencies? Discuss its significance. What is Delimitation? Why is it needed? Delimitation is the act of… Continue reading

‘Rozgar Setu’ Scheme for skilled workers

The Madhya Pradesh has announced the launch of the ‘Rozgar Setu’ Scheme to help secure employment for skilled workers who have returned. State schemes are quite often seen in the news. They are very important from the prelims perspective: Rytha Bandu (Telangana): Cash transfer scheme of Rs 5,000/acre, per season KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood… Continue reading

Expansion of the Amery Ice Shelf

There would be a 24% increase in the expansion of the Amery Ice Shelf (AIS) boundaries in Antarctica by 2021 and another 24 per cent by 2026 from its 2016 positions, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa has predicted. Practice question for mains: Q. Discuss the interrelation between Cryosphere… Continue reading

Missile Park ‘AGNEEPRASTHA’

Foundation Stone for a Missile Park “AGNEEPRASTHA” was recently laid at INS Kalinga, Vizag. Caution: Agneeprastha is a missile park of the eastern naval command of the Indian Navy. It has nothing to do with the Agni missiles. Missile Park ‘Agneeprastha’ ‘Agneeprastha’ aims to capture glimpses of Missile History of INS Kalinga since 1981 till… Continue reading

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India

The FDI in India grew by 13% to a record of $49.97 billion in the 2019-20 financial years, according to official data. Get aware with the recently updated FDI norms. Key facts mentioned in this newscard can make a direct statement based MCQ in the prelims. Ex. FDI source in decreasing order: Singapore – Mauritius… Continue reading

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