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Can India escape middle-income trap?

Why in the News? The World Development Report 2024 highlights the “middle-income trap,” where economies stagnate as growth slows. Only 34 middle-income nations advanced to high-income status in 34 years. How does the World Bank define the threshold for middle-income economies? The World Bank defines middle-income economies as those with incomes between $1,136 and $13,845… Continue reading Can India escape middle-income trap?

[pib] India’s Statement at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit 

Why in the News? In alignment with the theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit—“Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”—PM Modi laid out the following ten key suggestions for strengthening cooperation. Back2Basics: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ASEAN, founded in 1967 with the Bangkok Declaration, aims for economic growth, regional peace, and an integrated ASEAN community. The… Continue reading [pib] India’s Statement at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit 

[10th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Mental health in India’s material world

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) Q) The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives… Continue reading [10th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Mental health in India’s material world

What is the Samsung worker’s strike in Chennai about?

Why in the News? Approximately two-thirds of workers at Samsung’s flagship factory in Chennai have been on strike for a month, demanding higher wages, an eight-hour workday, improved conditions, and union recognition. What are the main demands of the striking workers? Higher Wages: Workers are demanding increased salaries to improve their financial conditions. Eight-Hour Work… Continue reading What is the Samsung worker’s strike in Chennai about?

Fairwork India report highlights the absence of local living wage for gig workers, aggregators turning their back to collectivization

Why in the News? The ‘Fairwork India Ratings 2024’ highlights that platform aggregators in India fail to ensure local living wages and resist recognizing the collective rights of workers. Who are the Gig Workers? Gig workers are individuals who take up short-term, flexible work assignments, typically managed via digital platforms. In the Indian context, gig… Continue reading Fairwork India report highlights the absence of local living wage for gig workers, aggregators turning their back to collectivization

What is fortified rice? Why did the Centre extend the initiative for its distribution of schemes

Why in the News? On October 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved extending the free fortified rice supply under welfare programs until December 2028. Why Rice Fortification is needed? Widespread Micronutrient Deficiency: India faces a significant public health challenge with micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid. Anaemia, caused by iron deficiency, is… Continue reading What is fortified rice? Why did the Centre extend the initiative for its distribution of schemes

Mount Dhaulagiri

Why in the News? Five Russian mountaineers lost their lives during an expedition on Mount Dhaulagiri in Nepal, the world’s seventh-highest peak. About Mount Dhaulagiri Details Location North-central Nepal, in the Dhaulagiri Himal range; “Dhaulagiri” from Sanskrit: “dhawala” (white/dazzling), “giri” (mountain); Dhaulagiri Himal is part of the Nepal Himalayas. Elevation 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) Prominence… Continue reading Mount Dhaulagiri

Amangarh Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? The body of an eight-year-old tiger was found on the border of Amangarh Tiger Reserve of Bijnor and Jim Corbett National Park. About Amangarh Tiger Reserve Details Location Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, India Established 2012 Area 80 square kilometers (approx.) Significance Part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve landscape (buffer zone of… Continue reading Amangarh Tiger Reserve

[pib] WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

Why in the News? The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that India has successfully eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem. This makes India the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to achieve this milestone. WHO has classified Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). WHO estimates that around 150 million people worldwide… Continue reading [pib] WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

What is the Marburg Virus?

Why in the News? Rwanda has reported a Marburg virus outbreak with several confirmed cases and deaths, making it a country of concern for public health. About the Marburg Virus The Marburg virus is a highly dangerous virus that causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever. It belongs to the same… Continue reading What is the Marburg Virus?

[9th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India

PYQ Relevance: Q). Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)Q) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of… Continue reading [9th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India

2023 driest for global rivers in 33 years, reveals WMO’s report

Why in the News? The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)‘s October 2024 report revealed that 2023 was the driest year for global rivers in 33 years, intensifying stress on water supplies globally. What factors contributed to 2023 being the driest year for global rivers? Record High Temperatures: 2023 was marked as the hottest year on record,… Continue reading 2023 driest for global rivers in 33 years, reveals WMO’s report

Why is the textile industry struggling to perform better?

Why in the News? Union Minister announced the Indian textile sector’s $350 billion business target by 2030, aiming to generate 3.5 crore jobs, despite recent challenges affecting the projected 10% CAGR. Present Status: The Indian textile and apparel industry is currently valued at $153 billion (2021), contributing significantly to India’s GDP (2.3%) and manufacturing GVA… Continue reading Why is the textile industry struggling to perform better?

[pib] Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant

Why in the News? Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, in collaboration with other researchers have developed the Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant. What is the Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant? It is a hybrid implant made of metal-based nano-medicine combined with patient-derived blood clotting components. It is designed to reduce localized… Continue reading [pib] Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant

[8th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Unpacking the Centre’s affidavit on marital rape

PYQ Relevance: Q). The soul of new law, Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system. (UPSC CSE 2024) Q) Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women… Continue reading [8th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Unpacking the Centre’s affidavit on marital rape

How high-performance buildings are the next step towards a sustainable future?

Why in the News? Due to rapid urbanization, India is facing the challenge of exceeding global energy efficiency and carbon benchmarks. High-performance buildings (HPBs) offer resilient, adaptive, and self-sufficient designs, promoting healthier indoor environments and better air quality. What are High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)? These are structures designed to achieve peak levels of energy efficiency, sustainability,… Continue reading How high-performance buildings are the next step towards a sustainable future?

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