[14th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Being ‘trans’ is being human

PYQ Relevance: Q National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human… Continue reading

Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

Why in the News? Union Home Minister announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. On December 30, 2018, three islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were renamed by the Government of India to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to commemorate India’s independence… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise AL NAJAH

Why in the News? The Indian Army contingent has departed to Salalah, Oman for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH. T About Exercise AL NAJAH AL NAJAH has been conducted biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. The last edition of the exercise was held at Mahajan, Rajasthan. Aim:… Continue reading

What is OpenAI o1?

Why in the News? OpenAI has introduced OpenAI o1, the first in a series of advanced AI models under its ‘Project Strawberry’ initiative. This new model is designed for tackling more complex tasks in science, coding, and maths. About OpenAI o1 This model has been built to approach problems like humans, carefully considering various angles… Continue reading

[13th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Putting the brakes on ‘bulldozer justice’

PYQ Relevance: Q ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.(UPSC IAS/2021) Q Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the… Continue reading

What does the dissolution of SCoS entail?

Why in the News? The Union Ministry dissolved the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) headed by eminent economist and former chief statistician of the country Pronab Sen citing overlapping roles with the Steering Committee. Why was the SCoS dissolved? Overlapping Responsibilities: The primary reason cited for the dissolution of the SCoS was that its functions… Continue reading

Is it time for India to introduce a Universal Basic Income?

Why in the News? The rise in jobless growth, driven by automation and AI, has led to growing inequality, prompting discussions on implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) in many countries. What does the ILO say on Inflation and unemployment in India? The ILO reports that 83% of the unemployed population in India are youth, due… Continue reading

The Great Stupa of Sanchi

Why in the News? External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in Berlin. About the Great Stupa of Sanchi Details Establishment Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Purpose Built to enshrine the relics of Buddha and symbolise the Buddhist… Continue reading

Why September 12 is observed as Saragarhi Day?

Why in the News? 127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12. About the Battle of Saragarhi The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals. The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi,… Continue reading

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Why in the News? Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance. About Asiatic Lion Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly… Continue reading

PM E-Drive Scheme

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years. About PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Details Name PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme Total Outlay ₹10,900 crore for two years Goal Promote… Continue reading

With an eye on Indo-Pacific, Germany seeks greater defence ties with India

Why in the News? External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Germany as part of a three-nation tour, met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin. They discussed various defence topics, including Ukraine, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific region. Defence Partnership between India and Germany: Late Engagement: Germany has been late in engaging India’s defence… Continue reading

India’s Sickle Cell Challenge

Why in the News? The Prime Minister has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that alters the shape of red blood cells. About the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: The Union Budget 2023-24 announced a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. The mission focuses on… Continue reading

Who was Sakthan Thampuran (1751-1805)?

Why in the News? Ministry of Tourism has pledged to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue that was knocked over by a state transport bus in Thrissur. Who was Sakthan Thampuran? Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma IX in 1751, was a powerful ruler of the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805. He was raised by… Continue reading

Cabinet approves ₹5 lakh Health Cover for Senior Citizens

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage of ₹5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly… Continue reading

Launch of PM Gram Sadak Yojana- Phase IV

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) to build 62,500 km of all-weather roads, connecting villages across India. About Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Details Launch In 2000 by former PM Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. To provide connectivity to unconnected habitations. Nodal… Continue reading

Union Cabinet approves ‘Mission Mausam’

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with a budget of ₹2,000 crore over two years. About Mission Mausam Mission Mausam focuses on strengthening R&D in weather surveillance, forecasting, and atmospheric sciences. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the nodal body responsible for implementing the mission. It aims to… Continue reading

[11th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A panoramic view of the 2024 China-Africa summit

PYQ Relevance: Q Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine. (UPSC IAS/2015) Q “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (UPSC IAS/2021) Prelims:Consider… Continue reading

UAE-India ties are rooted in affnity, trust, and respect

Why in the News? During Sheikh Khaled’s recent visit, new cooperation agreements were signed, including those related to civil nuclear technology and renewable energy, showcasing the commitment to collaborative advancements in critical sectors. Evolving Bilateral Relations: In 1972: India and the UAE bilateral relationship has been formalized since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972,… Continue reading

What is Wallace Line?

Why in the news? The Wallace Line, a distinct transition zone between Asia and Australia, has long fascinated researchers due to its unique characteristics. What is Wallace Line? Details What is it? A bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Asia and Australia. It was identified by British explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his… Continue reading

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