[pib] VisioNxt Fashion Forecasting Initiative

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Textiles has launched India’s first fashion forecasting initiative ‘VisioNxt’. About VisioNxt Initiative Details Launched By National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Objective To provide India-specific fashion trend insights and reduce dependence on global forecasting agencies. Significance India’s… Continue reading

What is Vertical Fiscal Imbalance?

Why in the News? The financial relationship between the Union and State governments in India is imbalanced, similar to other nations with a federal constitutional structure. What is Vertical Fiscal Imbalance (VFI)? Vertical fiscal imbalance (VFI) refers to the mismatch between the revenue-raising powers and expenditure responsibilities of different levels of government (between the Center… Continue reading

Africa can make India’s ‘critical mineral mission’ shine

Why in the News? India has invested approximately $75 billion in Africa, focused on energy assets and mining. This includes reaching out to resource-rich countries in Africa and Latin America to negotiate access to critical mineral resources. Recent Initiatives by the Indian Government: Critical Mineral Mission (Union Budget 2024-25): This mission aimed at securing the… Continue reading

State changes in Rape law

Why in the News? Due to the ongoing protest in Kolkata, the WB Assembly has unanimously passed a Bill mandating the death penalty for rape cases where victims die or are left in vegetative states. Features of West Bengal’s Aparajita Bill: Death Penalty: The Bill mandates the death penalty for individuals convicted of rape if… Continue reading

Singapore: A partner in India’s growth story

Why in the News? The PM’s upcoming visit to Singapore offers a chance to reflect on the current state of the relationship. India-Singapore ties are dynamic, continually presenting new opportunities. India-Singapore Bilateral Relations Historical Ties: Diplomatic relations were established shortly after Singapore’s independence in 1965, with India being one of the first countries to recognize… Continue reading

Gap between allocations for health, outcomes in States

Why in the News? Realizing the full potential of Union Budget 2024-25 health allocations depends on State-level factors, as states share costs and handle the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). About the two major Centrally Sponsored initiatives Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): Focuses on improving health infrastructure through health and… Continue reading

Ancient India Temple Music: Haveli Sangeet

Why in the News? Haveli Sangeet is a unique form of classical music rooted in ancient temple traditions in India. About Haveli Sangeet: Details Origin Linked to the Pushti Margiya temples of the Vaishnava Tradition; rooted in ancient temple music traditions. Historical Background Revived during the Bhakti movement; declined during the medieval period due to… Continue reading

Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR)

Why in the News? An elephant was rescued from a rail barricade in the Maddur range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve. About the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR): Details Location Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts, Karnataka; at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Geography “Ecological confluence”… Continue reading

Project Strawberry by OpenAI

Why in the News? OpenAI has planned to release its most powerful AI model likely as part of ChatGPT-5. Initially called Project Q* (Q-star), it is now codenamed Project Strawberry. What is Project Strawberry? Nearly six months ago, OpenAI’s secretive Project Q* (Q-Star) gained attention for its innovative approach to AI training. OpenAI is now… Continue reading

What is a Review Petition?

Why in the News? Some medical students have filed a review petition against the Supreme Court’s dismissal of their plea to cancel NEET UG 2024 over alleged malpractices. What is a Review Petition? Details Constitutional Provision Article 137 of the Constitution allows the Supreme Court to review any of its judgments or orders. Scope of… Continue reading

Why gold nuggets are found in quartz veins?

Why in the News? Researchers have been curious about why the majority of gold nuggets discovered throughout history have been found in orogenic quartz veins. Location and distribution of Gold: Orogenic gold systems are commonly found in mountainous regions where large-scale geological processes, such as the collision of tectonic plates, have occurred. For example, the… Continue reading

Did Corporate Tax cuts increase Wages?

Why in the News? Before the pandemic, the U.S. and India reduced corporate taxes to boost growth but we now we can evaluate their effects. Case Study on the Effects of Tax Cuts in the U.S. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted in December 2017, significantly reduced the corporate tax rate from 35%… Continue reading

How does John Mill’s theory define the Extent of Liberty?

Why in the News? A minor girl’s gang rape in Assam led to Chief Minister Sarma’s anti-Muslim remarks, criticized as hate speech, violating India’s secular Constitution and potentially harming societal harmony, breaching Mill’s Harm Principle. What does the Harm Principle Say? The harm principle, articulated by philosopher John Stuart Mill in his essay on ‘Liberty’,… Continue reading

World Heritage City of Jaipur

Why in the News? The Walled City of Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, is set for heritage conservation and development with a budget of ₹100 crore. About the World Heritage City of Jaipur: Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was designed as a commercial capital with a grid… Continue reading

Study confirms the existence of a Dockyard at Lothal

Why in the News? A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) has presented new evidence supporting the presence of a dockyard (222 x 37 metres) at Lothal, which was earlier debated. Evidence of Lothal’s Dockyard The discovery of Lothal, located in the Bhal region of Gujarat during the 1950s, initiated debates among… Continue reading

Anti-Naxal Operation in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh

Why in the News? In a significant anti-Naxal operation, nine Maoists were killed by security forces in the forests along the border of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada. This operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate Naxalite influence in the region. Anti-Naxal Operation in Dantewada Dantewada, a district in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India, is known… Continue reading

[4th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A discourse on AI governance that India must shape

PYQ Relevance: Q At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed by the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. (UPSC… Continue reading

[pib] SCOMET List

Why in the News? The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has released the updated SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) list for the year 2024. What is the SCOMET List? Details Purpose To regulate the export of dual-use items that can be used for both… Continue reading

Dealings at a China-Africa forum that India must track

Why in the News? The 9th edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is scheduled to be held in Beijing from 4th to 6th September, 2024. About the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established in 2000 to enhance the strategic partnership between China and African nations. It serves as… Continue reading

On Germany’s electoral architecture

Why in the News? On July 30, Germany’s constitutional court approved downsizing the Bundestag, citing concerns over financial strain and efficiency due to its unprecedented 736 deputies. (Note: The Bundestag is the Lower house of Germany) Why has the German Constitutional Court upheld the move to downsize the lower house of parliament? Constitutional Rationale: The… Continue reading

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