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Distribution: weekly

India and Sri Lanka need to go beyond the stated positions

Why in the News? Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India, his first international trip as per tradition, underscores the continuity in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. What are the current China-related challenges in India-Sri Lanka relations? Geopolitical Tensions: Sri Lanka’s historical ties with China, particularly during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime, have raised concerns… Continue reading India and Sri Lanka need to go beyond the stated positions

Why the government could discontinue the sovereign gold scheme?

Why in the News? Sovereign gold bonds provide a safer and more cost-effective alternative to holding physical gold, as they reduce risks and storage expenses. However, the central government is considering discontinuing the SGB scheme. What is the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme? About GOI launched it on October 30, 2015. Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry… Continue reading Why the government could discontinue the sovereign gold scheme?

IPBES Report, 2024

Why in the News? The 11th plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) took place in Namibia to discuss key scientific findings and evidence addressing the global biodiversity crisis. About IPBES IPBES aims to improve the interface between science and policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Membership: Comprises over 130… Continue reading IPBES Report, 2024

US Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

Why in the News? Bitcoin surged to a record high of over $107,000 after President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed plans to create a US bitcoin reserve, boosting investor excitement. Do you know? The legal status of cryptocurrency in India is uncertain. RBI has warned against cryptocurrencies, citing risks to investors and confirming they are not legal… Continue reading US Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

[17th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Levy a higher GST rate on tobacco, sugared beverages

PYQ Relevance: Q) “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC CSE 2021) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on major issues like the Conflict of interest in the public sector (2017) and Life Expectancy (2022). Tobacco is responsible for approximately… Continue reading [17th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Levy a higher GST rate on tobacco, sugared beverages

India’s wage challenge has shifted from chronic to immediate

Why in the news?  India’s Rural low wages pose a significant challenge, but adopting a ground-level perspective on employers’ daily realities highlights policy measures to increase the number of high-productivity employers. What are the root causes of the current wage stagnation in India? Economic Structure: The shift from agriculture to non-farm jobs has not been… Continue reading India’s wage challenge has shifted from chronic to immediate

The hidden cost of greenwashing the Indian Railways

Why in the news? The ‘Mission 100% Electrification’ project is like chasing an unrealistic dream of becoming a green railway, leading to many usable diesel locomotives becoming unnecessary. What are the key points of the report?  Export of Repurposed Locomotives: RITES Ltd. is exporting six refurbished broad-gauge diesel locomotives to African railways after complex gauge… Continue reading The hidden cost of greenwashing the Indian Railways

Olive Ridley Turtles

Why in the News? Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles have been found along the Visakhapatnam coast during their breeding season, raising concerns about their conservation. About Olive Ridley Turtles: Details Olive Ridley turtles are sea turtles known for their olive-colored carapace. They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Unique mass nesting behavior… Continue reading Olive Ridley Turtles

[pib] Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Program

Why in the News? The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) has facilitated a collaboration between the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Trois Infotech on the development of “Face Recognition Using Drone” technology. About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF): Details Launched on October 1, 2022 under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Ministry of… Continue reading [pib] Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Program

[pib] Import of Hazardous Waste

Why in the News? The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has provided details of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 to the Lok Sabha. About Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016: Details Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)… Continue reading [pib] Import of Hazardous Waste

[pib] Green Cover around Coalfields

Why in the News? Coal & Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have implemented various innovative plantation techniques in addition to traditional methods to increase green cover in and around coalfields. Achievements in Green Cover Creation: Coal & Lignite PSUs… Continue reading [pib] Green Cover around Coalfields

Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)

Why in the News? The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour has recommended increasing the minimum pension of ₹1,000 paid by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). About the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS): Details Introduced in 1995 by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and… Continue reading Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)

[16th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Let’s talk about ‘one candidate, multiple constituencies’

PYQ Relevance:Q) Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party… Continue reading [16th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Let’s talk about ‘one candidate, multiple constituencies’

India’s firmer attempts at mineral diplomacy

Why in the News? Reliance on critical mineral imports, especially from China, poses strategic concerns. To address this, the Indian government is advancing its Mineral Diplomacy to enhance security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. What is Mineral diplomacy?  Mineral diplomacy refers to a nation’s strategic efforts to secure critical mineral supplies through international partnerships, trade agreements,… Continue reading India’s firmer attempts at mineral diplomacy

Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

Why in the News? James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has identified a rare galaxy, Firefly Sparkle, offering a unique look into early galaxy formation. About Galaxy Firefly Sparkle: Details Discovered by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), dating back to 600 million years after Big Bang. It is one of the earliest low-mass galaxies discovered,… Continue reading Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

In news: Bharatmala Pariyojana

Why in the News? Bharatmala Pariyojana is a comprehensive road development project initiated by the Government of India to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs across the country. The total length covered under the scheme is 34,800 km, with an estimated cost of Rs. 5.35 lakh crore. About Bharatmala Pariyojana Details Launched to improve road… Continue reading In news: Bharatmala Pariyojana

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