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In news: Pokkali Rice

Farmers from West Bengal are betting on the Pokkali variety of rice from Kerala to tide over a crisis-like situation created by severe seawater incursion into paddy fields in vast areas of the Sundarbans after the cyclone Amphan. Try this MCQ: Q.Which of the following is the striking feature of the Pokkali Rice recently seen… Continue reading In news: Pokkali Rice

National Education Policy and current status of education

The article contrasts the targets set in the National Education Polity with the present state of education in the country. Key recommendations Redesigning the school curriculum to accommodate early childhood care and education. Ensuring universal access to education. Increasing gross enrolment in higher education to 50% by 2035. Improving research in higher education institutes by… Continue reading National Education Policy and current status of education

What is Pyrolysis?

Plastic from used personal protective equipment (PPE) can be transformed into renewable liquid fuels using chemical a process called pyrolysis, says a new study. Try this PYQ: Q.In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned? (CSP 2019) (a) Extraction of rare earth elements (b) Natural gas… Continue reading What is Pyrolysis?

Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA)

The JNU has got approval for a fund from the Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA) for the construction of new infrastructure. Try this PYQ: What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’? (CSP 2017) (a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities. (b) Connecting… Continue reading Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA)

In news: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

One-third of the way through the financial year, government data shows that the MGNREGA scheme has used up almost half its allocated funds. Its spending has been more than ₹48,500 crores out of the expanded ₹1 lakh crore allocations announced following the COVID-19 outbreak. Try this question for mains: Q.Discuss how the MGNREG Scheme has… Continue reading In news: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

What are Time Capsules?

Ahead of the laying of the foundation stone for a temple, claims and denials have emerged about plans to put in a time capsule, or ‘Kaal Patra’. Do you know? A rubidium standard or rubidium atomic clock is the most inexpensive, compact, and widely produced atomic clock, used to control the frequency of television stations,… Continue reading What are Time Capsules?

In news: Galapagos Islands

Chinese ships are frequently entering Ecuador’s waters for commercial fishing near the Galapagos Islands. Try this question from CSP 2018: Q.Which one of the following can one comes across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca? (a) Bali (b) Brunei (c) Java (d) Singapore The Galapagos Islands Renowned worldwide for its unique species, the… Continue reading In news: Galapagos Islands

Species in news: Hoolock Gibbons

Hoolock Gibbons, the only species of apes found in India, are threatened with extinction in the Ukhrul and Kamjong districts of Manipur, a report has claimed. Try this PYQ from CSP2013: Q.Consider the following pairs: Protected area:: Well-known for Bhitarkanika, Orissa:: Salt Water Crocodile Desert National Park, Rajasthan:: Great Indian Bustard Eravikulam, Kerala:: Hoolock Gibbon… Continue reading Species in news: Hoolock Gibbons

Issues metropolitan cities face

Metropolitan cities of India suffers from various issues. This article analyses such issues and suggests some steps to deal with them. Inadequate public health infrastructure India’s public health expenditure in 2018 was a mere 1.28% of GDP. According to the World Bank, India’s out-of-pocket health expenditure was 62.4% in 2017, against the world average of… Continue reading Issues metropolitan cities face

Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has unveiled a new platform to help accelerate the global reduction in food loss and waste. Try this PYQ from CSP 2016: Q. The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? To provide… Continue reading Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste

Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)

The CHRI has released a report on “Eradicating Modern Slavery: An assessment of Commonwealth government progress”. Try this PYQ from CSP 2012: Q.Consider the following statements: The Commonwealth has no charter, treaty or constitution All the territories/countries once under the British Empire (jurisdiction/rule/mandate) automatically joined the Commonwealth as its members Which of the statements given… Continue reading Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)

What is Black Rain?

Ahead of the 75th anniversary of Hiroshima, a Japanese court has recognised 84 survivors of the post-nuclear explosion “black rain” as the atomic bomb survivors. This would enable them to avail free medical benefits. Try this question from CSP 2011: Q.Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment by: (a) Carbon dioxide and… Continue reading What is Black Rain?

Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance: A strong EC Act is still needed

As the Union government announced massive reforms as a response to the coronavirus pandemic.  All attention went to three agriculture sector ordinances related to farmers’ trade, contract farming and amendments in the Essential Commodities Act. Try this question for mains: Q.Discuss how Essential Commodities Act works to maintain fair prices of commodities for consumers. Recent… Continue reading Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance: A strong EC Act is still needed

How aerial seeding is helping plantation in hard-to-access Aravalli regions?

The Haryana Forest Department has started aerial seeding across the state on a pilot basis with special focus on the Aravalli region. Do you know? The Aravalli range is considered the “lungs” of the polluted National Capital Region. What is Aerial Seeding? Aerial seeding is a technique of plantation wherein seed balls – seeds covered… Continue reading How aerial seeding is helping plantation in hard-to-access Aravalli regions?

Dassault Rafale Fighter Jets

The five Rafale fighter jets that landed in Ambala will resurrect the Number 17 Golden Arrows squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Try this PYQ 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 Dassault Rafale Fighter Jets

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