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Hazards of using fertilizers in Punjab

  Studies have pegged consumption of phosphatic fertilizers in Punjab at ten times higher than the national average. Thence media has consistently reported on cancer deaths in the Malwa region of Punjab. What are phosphatic fertilizers? Phosphatic fertilizers are chemical substances that contain the nutrient phosphorus in an absorbable form (Phosphate anions) or that yield… Continue reading Hazards of using fertilizers in Punjab

[pib] Star Labelling Programme

  The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has included Deep Freezer and Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC) under its Star Rating Programme on a voluntary basis. What is the news? The program will be initially launched in voluntary mode from 2ndMarch, 2020 to 31st December, 2021. Thereafter, it will be made mandatory after reviewing the… Continue reading [pib] Star Labelling Programme

Whither tribunal independence?

Context The reframed Tribunal rules are in contempt of several Constitution Bench decisions of the Supreme Court. What the SC said in Rojer Mathew case Rules being unconstitutional: In November 2019, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, in Rojer Mathew, declared the Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal and other Authorities (Qualification, Experience and other Conditions of Service… Continue reading Whither tribunal independence?

Tracking the big three

Context The article focuses on the top three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, namely poverty elimination, zero hunger, and good health and well-being by 2030. India’s record on extreme poverty, hunger and health Decline in extreme poverty: The World Bank’s estimates of extreme poverty- measured as $1.9/per capita/per day at purchasing power… Continue reading Tracking the big three

Defining Anti-national Activities

Ever since the anti-CAA protests erupted across the country, the MHA has been quite active in filtering out foreigners among the protesters and serving them with ‘Leave India’ notices’. What contributes to ‘Anti-government’ activities? According to visa guidelines laid out by the MHA, Foreign nationals shall be required to strictly adhere to the purpose of… Continue reading Defining Anti-national Activities

Species in news: Eurasian Otters

    Researchers conducting a study in Odisha’s Chilika Lake have found the presence of a viable, breeding population of Eurasian Otters, a fishing cat in the brackish water lagoon. Eurasian Otters IUCN Status: Near Threatened Species in India: Smooth-coated, Asian small-clawed and Eurasian Otters Habitat: Smooth-coated — all over India; Asian small-clawed — only… Continue reading Species in news: Eurasian Otters

One country, two viruses

Context China’s handling of coronavirus, in contrast to SARS, has been effective, should be a template for others. Why lockdown of Wuhan is a big deal? A move without precedent: China’s lockdown of roughly 60 million people in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province for more than a month now is without precedent in… Continue reading One country, two viruses

Explained: Marine Heatwave (MHW)

    Scientists have observed unusually high sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Pacific Ocean around the western coast of the United States.  This marine heatwave (MHW), covering an area of roughly 6.5 million square kilometres, can affect marine life and lead to droughts in the surrounding regions. What are MHWs? We know that heatwaves… Continue reading Explained: Marine Heatwave (MHW)

Locust Invasions and its mitigation

    The locust, a short-horned, desert grasshopper that attacks standing crops and green vegetation, has been making news in India since May-June 2019 when it appeared in Rajasthan and Gujarat. In Kharif season last year, it was also seen in a few areas along Punjab’s border with Rajasthan. Context The Locust Warning Organisation (LWO)… Continue reading Locust Invasions and its mitigation

Red Snow in Antarctica

    Over the last few weeks, photographs of “red snow” off the coast of Antarctica’s northernmost peninsula, have gone viral. “Red snow” or “watermelon” is a phenomenon that has been known since ancient times. Now, it raises concerns about climate change. Red snow in Antarctica: Why it happens  Aristotle is believed to be one… Continue reading Red Snow in Antarctica

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

  The Svalbard Global Seed Vault — referred to as the earth’s ‘doomsday vault’ — now contains about 1.05 million seeds. Global Seed Vault The vault — in the island of Spitsbergen, midway between Norway and the North Pole — opened in 2008 and preserves seeds for several food varieties. The aim of the vault… Continue reading Svalbard Global Seed Vault

No gains for taxpayers

Context Loss expected from lower tax rates may be countered by gains from the settlement of cases, higher dividend taxes on top incomes, and the wider scope for taxing international incomes. Simplification and providing ease to the taxpayers Fiscal constraints leaving no room for a lower rate: Ahead of The Union budget, taxpayers had anticipated a… Continue reading No gains for taxpayers

Aadhaar, no standout performer in welfare delivery

Context Aadhaar-based biometric authentication did not reduce PDS leakages, finds Jharkhand-based empirical study What was the rationale behind Aadhaar? What did the UIDAI’s report say? Aadhaar has curtailed leakages of government subsidies. Through Aadhaar, savings worth ₹90,000 crores have accrued to the government– UIDAI’s2017-18 annual report. Plugging the leakages in the schemes: When Aadhaar was conceived… Continue reading Aadhaar, no standout performer in welfare delivery

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