Explained: First Advance Estimates (FAE)

The First Advance Estimates (FAE) were recently released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The First Advance Estimates and their significance The First Advance Estimates (FAE) extrapolate a variety of data, such as the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), the financial performance of listed companies, first advance estimates of crop production etc.,… Continue reading

UAE’s new 5-year visa scheme

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a five-year multiple-entry visa scheme for all nationalities, in a move that is geared towards promoting tourism in the country. What is UAE’s new visa scheme? According to the Dubai-based Gulf News, prior to this, tourists could get single or multiple-entry visas for a duration of 30 or… Continue reading

Species in news: Great Indian Bustard

Since June last year, nine GIB eggs collected from the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer where a conservation centre has been set up, have hatched, and the chicks are reported to be doing well. Great Indian Bustard The Great Indian Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds, can weigh up to 15 kg and grow… Continue reading

State can regulate minority institutions, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has held that the state is well within its rights to introduce a regulatory regime in the “national interest” to provide minority educational institutions with well-qualified teachers in order for them to “achieve excellence in education.” Article 30 is not absolute The verdict said that Article 30(1) (right of minorities to establish… Continue reading

Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS)

India plans to ring in its own era of space-to-space tracking and communication of its space assets this year by putting up a new satellite series called the Indian Data Relay Satellite System. Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS) The IDRSS is planned to track and be constantly in touch with Indian satellites, in particular… Continue reading

What is Jus Cogens?

The US has threatened to target few historical sites if Iran retaliates to attack US in revenge. This is a breach of JUS COGENS as targeting cultural sites amounts to a a war crime. Jus Cogens The jus cogens rules have been sanctioned by the Vienna Conventions on the Law of Treaties of 1969 and… Continue reading

Ethical Veganism

An employment tribunal in the UK has ruled that “ethical veganism” is a philosophical belief and has to be protected by law against discrimination. What’s the issue about? A man was fired from an animal welfare charity for raising concerns about its pension funds’ alleged investment in companies that use animal testing. He for gross… Continue reading

Places in news: Nankana Sahib

Recently tension mounted in Pakistan after few goons vandalized the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara. Nankana Sahib Nankana Sahib is a city of 80,000 in Pakistan’s Punjab province, where Gurdwara Janam Asthan (also called Nankana Sahib Gurdwara) is located. The shrine is built over the site where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was believed to be… Continue reading

Miyawaki Method

Kerala Forest Dept. has adopted Miyawaki afforestation concept to be used in govt. offices, schools and puramboke land. Miyawaki Method Miyawaki method is a method of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests. It includes planting trees as close as possible in the same area which not only saves space, but the planted saplings also… Continue reading

Carbon Stock in Indian forests

The State of Forest Report (SFR) 2019 has shown an increase in the carbon stock trapped in Indian forests in the last two years. However it shows why it is going to be an uphill task for India in meeting one of its international obligations on climate change. India’s carbon commitment India, as part of… Continue reading

WHO prequalifies Serum’s low-cost Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccine developed by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India has been pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Pneumococcal Vaccine Pneumococcal vaccination is a method of preventing a specific type of lung infection (pneumonia) that is caused by the pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumonia) bacterium. There are more than 80 different types of pneumococcus bacteria –… Continue reading

[op-ed snap]Eradication of TB by 2025

At the End TB summit, 2018 the prime minister of India made a bold commitment to end tuberculosis by 2025-five years ahead of the global target. Which is possible to achieve if the efforts are put at the level it was done in case of polio. The toll taken by TB Despite the disease being fully curable,… Continue reading

India’s policies for ‘Urban Lakes’

Context Historically, cities were built along waterways or lakes. Over time, human settlements near water bodies and lakes have transformed the natural environment into the towns and cities we see today. Urban lakes are an important part of city ecosystems as they play a major role in providing environmental, social and economic services. Famous Urban… Continue reading

Restructuring of the Railways Board

The Cabinet recently approved trimming of the Railway Board, the powerful body that governs the Indian Railways. From nine, the Board will now have only five Members. The move has led to protests from serving civil servants, prompting the Railway Board to reach out to them to allay their concerns. What is the proposed restructure?… Continue reading

Savitribai Phule’s impact on women’s education in India

Yesterday, January 3rd was birth anniversary of one of India’s first modern feminists and a social reformer Savitribai Phule. She is especially remembered for being India’s first female teacher who worked for the upliftment of women and untouchables in the field of education and literacy. Who was Savitribai Phule? Phule was born in Naigaon, Maharashtra… Continue reading

Turtle rehab centre in Bhagalpur, Bihar

A first-of-its-kind rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles will be inaugurated in Bihar’s Bhagalpur forest division in January 2020. About the rehab centre The centre, spread over half a hectare, will be able to shelter 500 turtles at a time. Earlier, rescued turtles were released into rivers without much treatment in the absence of any facility.… Continue reading

[pib] Patola Saree

In a historic initiative taken by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a first Silk Processing Plant was inaugurated at Surendranagar in Gujarat. It would help cut down the cost of production of silk yarn drastically and increase the sale and availability of raw material for Gujarati Patola Sarees. Patola Sarees Patola is a double… Continue reading

[op-ed of the day] Data and its discontents

Context The Personal Data Protection Bill which was introduced in Lok Sabha contains a certain provision that might have implications for India’s digital economy. These provisions must be carefully considered as Parliament reviews the proposed legislation. What are the stated objectives of the bill? The first purpose deals with privacy concerns. Its purpose is to… Continue reading

In news: Partition of Bengal

West Bengal Governor drew widespread condemnation over his tweet referring to a table, apparently used by Lord Curzon to sign papers pertaining to the Partition of Bengal in 1905, as “iconic”. Who was Lord Curzon? Curzon, India’s Viceroy between 1899 and 1905, was one of the most controversial and consequential holders of that post. The… Continue reading

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