💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship (Dec Batch) + Access To XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

[16th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed:  An obstinate refusal to focus on welfare

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q. 1 Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2014)  Q. 2 Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how… Continue reading [16th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed:  An obstinate refusal to focus on welfare

How can traffic which causes air pollution be controlled?    

Why in the News? India has 83 of the world’s 100 most polluted cities. Air pollution caused 2.1 million deaths, with 99% breathing air below WHO standards. Share of Road Transport in India’s CO2 Emissions as per the International Energy Associates Road transport is responsible for approximately 12% of India’s total CO2 emissions. Within this… Continue reading How can traffic which causes air pollution be controlled?    

Jiyo Parsi Scheme

Why in the News? The Minister for Minority Affairs has launched a dedicated portal for Jiyo Parsi Scheme. What is the Jiyo Parsi Scheme? It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2013-14 by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. It aims to arrest the population decline of the Parsis, a minority community in India. It… Continue reading Jiyo Parsi Scheme

Indian Astronomers discover new method for Solar Cycle Amplitude Prediction

Why in the News? Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have developed a new method to predict the amplitude of the upcoming solar cycle. This discovery is based on 100 years of solar data from the IIA’s Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. What is Space Weather? Space weather refers to the varying conditions within the… Continue reading Indian Astronomers discover new method for Solar Cycle Amplitude Prediction

Corbett Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? The Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve authorities have recently concluded an awareness campaign to celebrate World Elephant Day (August 12). About Corbett Tiger Reserve Details Location Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Spread over Pauri, Nainital, and Almora districts. Establishment Established in 1936 as Hailey National… Continue reading Corbett Tiger Reserve

Freedom from dependence, a new era in health care

Why in the News? India’s healthcare since globalization has improved greatly, and is globally recognized due to skilled professionals, effective policies, and strong institutions which draw patients from over 147 countries. Economic implications of being a preferred Medical Destination: Foreign Exchange Savings: India saves billions in foreign exchange as fewer Indians need to travel abroad… Continue reading Freedom from dependence, a new era in health care

3 more Ramsar Wetland sites now in India, taking total to 85

Why in the News? The Environment Ministry announced the designation of three more wetlands: Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (TN), Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (TN) and Tawa Reservoir (MP) as Ramsar Sites. This makes the total Ramsar sites count in India to 85. About the newly designated Ramsar Sites: Location Geographical Features Key Species Ecosystem Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary… Continue reading 3 more Ramsar Wetland sites now in India, taking total to 85

What is the drug Captagon?

Why in the News? Captagon, the “poor man’s cocaine,” has become increasingly popular among young adults in the Middle East and North Africa. What is the Drug Captagon? Captagon is a synthetic drug that was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. It was initially created as a pharmaceutical treatment for attention deficit… Continue reading What is the drug Captagon?

Extremophile bacteria have learnt to survive microwaves

Why in the News? Researchers have isolated extremophile bacteria from harsh environments like volcanic vents, permafrost, acid mines, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and lakes beneath polar ice caps. What are Extremophiles? Extremophiles are microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions where other life forms typically cannot survive. For example: Volcanic vents, Permafrost, Acid mines, Deep-sea hydrothermal… Continue reading Extremophile bacteria have learnt to survive microwaves

WHO declares Mpox as Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Why in the news? The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). What is a PHEIC? A PHEIC is a formal declaration by the WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005. It refers to an “extraordinary event” posing a public health risk through the international… Continue reading WHO declares Mpox as Public Health Emergency of International Concern

[14th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The shock-effects of South Asian tumult

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q1 Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?  (UPSC IAS/2022)  Q2 Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence… Continue reading [14th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The shock-effects of South Asian tumult

An overview of governance in Delhi

Why in the News? The Supreme Court ruled that Delhi’s LG can independently nominate 10 aldermen to the MCD which escalates tensions between the Union, Delhi, and local governments. How did the Delhi government evolve? At the commencement of the Constitution in 1950, Delhi was classified as a Part C State. Following the state reorganisation… Continue reading An overview of governance in Delhi

Hints of the corporatization of science research in India 

Why in the News? The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and its funding structure clearly signals the government’s intended direction. Research Policy in India Shift Towards Corporatisation: The Indian government’s approach encourages research institutions to generate revenue through external sources, moving away from reliance on public funding. This trend aligns with the 2015… Continue reading Hints of the corporatization of science research in India 

[pib] Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024

Why in the News? The recent edition of Exercise Udara Shakti was recently concluded in Malaysia. About Exercise Udara Shakti Udara Shakti is a bilateral air force exercise conducted between India and Malaysia. The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance military cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and share operational expertise. Features of the Exercise  … Continue reading [pib] Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024

St Martin’s Island

Why in the News? The ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina claimed she could have stayed in power if she had given up St. Martin’s Island and parts of the Bay of Bengal to the United States. About St Martin’s Island St. Martin’s Island is located in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal, near… Continue reading St Martin’s Island

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