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Distribution: yearly

Norms tweaked for Green Credit Programme

Why in the news? The Union Environment Ministry has rolled out norms for the Green Credit Programme (GCP). Guidelines and Modifications: The Environment Ministry’s recent guidelines empower ‘States’ to determine afforestation density based on local conditions, acknowledging the variability in forest ecosystems. Indigenous species are prioritized, and naturally occurring seedlings are retained to foster ecosystem… Continue reading Norms tweaked for Green Credit Programme

Places in news: Veeranam Lake 

Why in the news? Chennai’s main drinking water source Veeranam Lake dries up. Its supply was halted due to the lack of inflow from the Mettur dam located across the Kaveri River. About Veeranam Lake Veeranarayanapuram Lake, commonly known as Veeranam Lake, serves as a crucial water source for Chennai city. It is a manmade… Continue reading Places in news: Veeranam Lake 

KAVACH Anti-Collision System

The Supreme Court has acknowledged and appreciated the implementation of the indigenous anti-collision system KAVACH. What is KAVACH? Kavach, an automatic train protection (ATP) system, was initially named Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Development commenced in 2011 as Indian Railways and Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) sought a domestically developed ATP system. B. Rajaram,… Continue reading KAVACH Anti-Collision System

Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA)

Why in the news? India has simplified the payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar, requiring them to use the Rupee/Kyat direct payment system through the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) through the Punjab National Bank. International Transactions Settlement Mechanism: [1] Vostro Accounts: Named from the Latin word “vostro,” meaning “yours.” Represents a domestic… Continue reading Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA)

[17 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A referendum on India’s future

Mains PYQ Relevance:  Q  To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (UPSC IAS/2017) Q  “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms… Continue reading [17 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A referendum on India’s future

Centre Directs Gas-Based Power Plants To Begin Operations Amid Rising Summer Demand

Why in the News?  The Central government has issued directives under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, of 2003 to all gas-based generating stations to ensure Maximum Power Generation. This section empowers the Central/state government to specify the operation of generating stations in extraordinary circumstances. Why India Needs Gas-based Plants? Electricity Demand in India: India… Continue reading Centre Directs Gas-Based Power Plants To Begin Operations Amid Rising Summer Demand

Why has India allowed FIIs to invest in its Green Bonds? | Explained

Why in the News?  On April 5 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greenlighted investments in the country’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS). These are the investors such as insurance companies, pension funds, and nation-states’ sovereign wealth funds. What is the Sovereign Green Bond? It is a type of bond issued… Continue reading Why has India allowed FIIs to invest in its Green Bonds? | Explained

Mapping: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Why in the news? A pack of wild dogs, or Dholes, in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) have suffered severe exfoliating skin infection which is an alarming fungal and bacterial infection. About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris District, at the intersection of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.  It forms… Continue reading Mapping: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Growth in Ashwagandha Exports

Why in the news? Ashwagandha exports have surged by 8 times in the past six years, penetrating markets like the United States, Czech Republic, and Canada. The Ayurvedic industry in India has been growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17%, with the industry size increasing from $3 billion in 2014 to $24… Continue reading Growth in Ashwagandha Exports

India could face ‘Imported Inflation’: Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Why in the News? The Asian Development Bank recently issued a cautionary note for India’s susceptibility to imported inflation due to potential rupee depreciation amidst escalating interest rates in the West. What is Imported Inflation? Imported inflation refers to the increase in the prices of goods and services within a country caused by a rise… Continue reading India could face ‘Imported Inflation’: Asian Development Bank (ADB)

India’s Arctic imperative

Why in the news?  The Indian government appears interested in capitalizing on seabed mining and resource exploitation in the Arctic About Artice Region: The Arctic region is rich in energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and tidal power. The Arctic covers an area of approximately… Continue reading India’s Arctic imperative

How are hydrocarbons extracted from under the ground? | Explained

Why in the news?  The geological processes, extraction methods, and environmental impact of hydrocarbon extraction. BACK2BASICS Where are Hydrocarbons located? Hydrocarbons originate from plant and animal fossils that were formed by the forces of temperature and weight over millennia. They are mostly found deep underground, in porous rock formations, such as sandstone, limestone, and shale.… Continue reading How are hydrocarbons extracted from under the ground? | Explained

What is Exoatmospheric Interception?

Why in the news? Israel successfully intercepted an Iranian missile outside Earth’s atmosphere using an Exoatmospheric kill vehicle. Israeli Air-Defence Systems Israel’s multi-layered air defence system, including Iron Dome, The Arrow, and David’s Sling, was activated in anticipation of the attack. IRON DOME: The short-range Iron Dome air defence system was built to intercept the… Continue reading What is Exoatmospheric Interception?

What is Shrinkflation?

Why in the news? As input prices turn inflationary, the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) segment faces the spectre of shrinking packs, impacting consumer choices and industry dynamics. What are FMCGs? Fast-moving consumer goods, also known as consumer packaged goods, are products that are sold quickly and at a relatively low cost. Examples include non-durable household… Continue reading What is Shrinkflation?

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