National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) and the Dynamics of OBC Inclusion

Why in the news? The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has begun a comprehensive review of State OBC Lists to reassess the inclusion of communities benefiting from prolonged advantages. The NCBC’s scrutiny has led to questioning the overrepresentation of Muslim communities in State OBC lists, particularly in Karnataka and West Bengal. NCBC’s contention over… Continue reading

[4 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The paradox of India’s Global rise, its Regional decline

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario..(UPSC IAS/2016) Q India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.(UPSC IAS/2013) Note4Students: Prelims: NA Mains: Challenges… Continue reading

A look at how Article 361 provides immunity.

Why in the News? Even as a complaint alleging sexual harassment has been filed in Kolkata against West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, Constitutional immunity bars the police from naming the Governor as an accused or even investigating the case. What is Article 361? Article 361 of the Constitution that deals with immunity to… Continue reading

This is the year to get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track

Why in the News? 2024 is an election year across the world and newly elected governments need to focus on the all-important sustainability issue. Year 2024 is an election year across the world. At least 64 countries, both developed and developing, accounting for 49% of the world population, will go to the polls. Causes of… Continue reading

How Diplomatic Passports, visa regimes work?

Why in the news? After allegations of sexual abuse by Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna came to light, the politician fled to Germany on a Diplomatic Passport. What is a Diplomatic Passport? The normal passports, which have dark blue covers and are valid for 10 years (for adults) while the diplomatic passports have maroon… Continue reading

Financial Relief in Domestic Violence Cases

Why in the news? A recent question before the Supreme Court compelled it to deliberate on whether damages for domestic violence should be determined based on the injuries sustained by the victim or the perpetrator’s ability to pay. The petitioner contested orders from the Bombay High Court and a trial court directing him to pay… Continue reading

Mapping: Garo Hills

Why in the news? Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers have made a breakthrough, uncovering ancient fossils in Tolegre, South Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is speculated that the fossils could be linked to the genera Rhodocetus or Amulocetus (now extinct), considered ancestors of modern whales. About Garo Hills The Garo Hills, located in Meghalaya,… Continue reading

Mapping: Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago

Why in the news? Researchers disclosed that one of Norway’s Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago witnessed its first walrus death due to Bird Flu (H5N1). About Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago Hopen Island is situated in the southern part of the Svalbard Archipelago, between the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea. The island… Continue reading

[3 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Judiciary’s Shadow over Standard-Essential Patents

Mains PYQ Relevance: Q) To achieve the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in the recent past. (UPSC IAS/2015) Q) The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in the overlapping of products and services strengthens the case… Continue reading

Why are Indian spices facing the heat? | Explained

Why in the News? Many have announced an investigation into possible contamination of spice mixes sold by top Indian brands like MDH and Everest Masalas. Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) in a recent note held, “With nearly $700 million worth of exports to critical markets at stake.” What is Ethylene Oxide (ETO)?… Continue reading

A computer science conundrum that could transform healthcare

Why in the News? Indian Health Care system faces a new set of complex problems that seem to be harder to solve because of their inherent complexity and the constraints they threaten to impose on resources. Quick Problems versus Complex Problems in Health Care: Healthcare is filled with complex problems. Consider scheduling in a hospital:… Continue reading

[PREMIUM] To the South Pole – Antarctica

Why in the news? The Antarctic Treaty has sparked debates among policymakers, scientists, and the public, as they weigh the balance between environmental conservation, economic interests, and geopolitical concerns in Antarctica. About Antarctica Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, covering an area of approximately 14 million square km. It is situated entirely within the Antarctic Circle,… Continue reading

Hindu Marriage not valid without requisite Ceremonies: SC

Why in the news? The Supreme Court recently emphasized the sacredness of Hindu marriage, stating it is not merely a social event but a ‘samskara’ and a sacrament of significant value in Indian society. The court’s observations came in response to a case involving two commercial pilots seeking a divorce decree without a valid Hindu… Continue reading

Moon occulting the Antares (Jyeshtha)

Why in the news? The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) captured the moon passing in front of Antares, a bright red star. Moon occasionally occults bright stars such as Antares and planets as it orbits the Earth once a month. About Antares (Jyeshtha) Antares is a red supergiant star also called ‘Alpha Scorpii,’ located… Continue reading

Budgets and Bills passed with little deliberation

Why in the news? Madhya Pradesh passed 85% of its Budget without discussion in 2023 followed by Kerala and Jharkhand. These observations are based on repot of PRS Legislative Research’s Annual Review of State Laws 2023.The report analyses the performance of State legislatures in various key functions. BACK2BASICS: What is Public Accounts Committee (PAC)? The… Continue reading

[pib] 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

Why in the news? The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) in Kochi, Kerala. About Antarctic Treaty Details Signing and Entry into Force Signed on December 1, 1959 at Washington DC. Entered into force on June 23, 1961. 12 Initial Countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France,… Continue reading

Studies Suggest More Water Ice on Moon: ISRO

Why in the news? A study has revealed evidence for enhanced possibility of sub-surface water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the Moon, according to ISRO. Water Ice on Moon: ISRO’s Findings The research indicates that the amount of sub-surface ice within the first few meters is significantly greater, about 5-8x more, than that… Continue reading

Patachitra Scroll Paintings

Why in the news? Patachitra Paintings of women in Paschim Medinipur’s Pingla block in West Bengal has become popular worldwide. About Bengal Patachitra Patachitra, also spelled as Pattachitra, is a traditional form of scroll painting that originated in the eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal, as well as parts of Bangladesh. The term… Continue reading

[1 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Make EPI an ‘Essential Programme on Immunization’

Mains PYQ Relevance: Q) Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (UPSC IAS/2013) Q) “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2021) Prelims:‘Mission Indradhanush’… Continue reading

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