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The countdown to a pandemic treaty

Why in the news? In March 2021, a call for a pandemic treaty by 25 heads of government and international agencies marked a pivotal moment. The WHO Pandemic Agreement’s final negotiations began last week. With approval pending in May, its fate remains uncertain amid debates. Key features of Pandemic Agreement Aim of the Pandemic Agreement:… Continue reading The countdown to a pandemic treaty

Why are Rohingya refugees risking their lives at sea? | Explained

Why in the news? The recent incident involving a wooden boat carrying nearly 150 Rohingya refugees capsizing off the Indonesian coast last week has once more spotlighted the dire situation faced by these refugees. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 4,500 Rohingya refugees started risky trips across the Bay… Continue reading Why are Rohingya refugees risking their lives at sea? | Explained

Discovery of Amino Acid unveils How Light makes Stomata Open in Plants

Why in the news? Scientists from Nagoya University have made a discovery about the regulation of Stomatal opening in plants, a process vital for efficient photosynthesis by a type of amino acid threonine (Thr881). What are Stomatal Openings? Stomata are microscopic pores on plant leaves crucial for gas exchange. They particularly uptake carbon dioxide necessary… Continue reading Discovery of Amino Acid unveils How Light makes Stomata Open in Plants

Places in news: Afanasy Nikitin Seamount

Why in the news? India has applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for exploration rights in the Afanasy Nikitin (AN) Seamount in the Indian Ocean outside its jurisdiction. India’s application is motivated by reports of Chinese vessels conducting reconnaissance in the same region, raising concerns about strategic interests and resource competition. About International Seabed… Continue reading Places in news: Afanasy Nikitin Seamount

[28 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal

PYQ Relevance:Mains: Q) What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC CSE 2018)  Q) “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But… Continue reading [28 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal

Preventing a China-Taiwan conflict

Why in the News? India, with growing national interests, faces entanglements in disputes like Taiwan. While China claims Taiwan, India is unlikely to engage militarily, focusing on safeguarding its economic and security interests. Context: The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) recently achieved an unprecedented third consecutive term in Taiwan’s legislative elections, defying China’s threats and hostilities.… Continue reading Preventing a China-Taiwan conflict

Artform in news: Mohiniyattam Danceform

Why in the news? The Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has unanimously lifted gender restrictions allowing boys for learning Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form. About Mohiniyattam Description Name Meaning Mohini – female enchantress avatar of Vishnu; Aattam – rhythmic motion or dance (Malayalam) Roots Natya Shastra, ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on… Continue reading Artform in news: Mohiniyattam Danceform

50,000-year-old Magnetic Fossils found in Bay of Bengal

What is the news? Scientists from the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa have found in the Bay of Bengal a 50,000-year-old sediment containing giant magnetofossils, shedding light on ancient geological conditions. What are Magnetofossils? Magnetofossils are fossilized magnetic particles created by magnetotactic bacteria, aiding scientists in understanding past environmental conditions. Described initially in the 1960s… Continue reading 50,000-year-old Magnetic Fossils found in Bay of Bengal

India Employment Landscape: Insights from the ILO-IHD Report 2024

Why in the news? According to the India Employment Report 2024 released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD), India’s youth account for almost 83% of the unemployed workforce. About the International Labour Organization (ILO)   The ILO is a UN agency whose mandate is to advance social and… Continue reading India Employment Landscape: Insights from the ILO-IHD Report 2024

Monuments of National Importance (MNI) and their Listing/De-Listing

Why in the news? The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to remove 18 “centrally protected monuments” from its list of Monuments of National Importance (MNI), citing a lack of national significance. ASI currently has 3,693 monuments under its purview, which will fall to 3,675 once the current delisting exercise is completed in the… Continue reading Monuments of National Importance (MNI) and their Listing/De-Listing

It is time for Comprehensive Reforms to Municipal Elections 

Why in the news? Recently, the SC’s judgment on the Chandigarh Mayoral election gives us a good occasion to think more broadly about elections in municipalities. Context: Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are exemplary democratic processes known for their punctuality, well-organized procedures, and seamless transitions of power. However, when it comes to… Continue reading It is time for Comprehensive Reforms to Municipal Elections 

[27 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A cry for help, a call for reflection and action

PYQ Relevance: Mains:  Q) The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2022)  Q) Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What… Continue reading [27 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A cry for help, a call for reflection and action

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