India ranks 134th in global human development index, says UNDP report

Why in the news? Recently, India’s progress in the global Human Development Index (HDI), as reported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Context- India’s ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) improved by one position in 2022 to 134 out of 193 countries compared to 135 out of 191 countries in 2021.… Continue reading

Food factor: On the latest retail inflation data

Why in the news? India’s retail inflation remained virtually unchanged at 5.09% in February, even as food prices paid by consumers resurged from 8.3% in January to 8.66% in February. Context- Most economists expect inflation to stay in the 5.1%-5.2% range in March as well, which would lift average inflation in the last quarter of… Continue reading

Nana Jagannath Shankarseth: The ‘Architect of Mumbai’

Why in the news- The Maharashtra cabinet has resolved to request the Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth, a revered social reformer, educationist, and philanthropist often hailed as the “architect” of Mumbai. About Nana Jagannath Shankarseth (1803-1865) Born on February 10, 1803, in Murbad, Thane, into the affluent Murkute… Continue reading

[pib] Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

Why in the news- India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, virtually took part in IPEF’s (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) 1st Ministerial meeting in 2024, along with other IPEF partners. What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)? It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnerships among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic… Continue reading

Mission Palm Oil: Achieving Self-sufficiency in Edible Oil Production

Why in the news- The Prime Minister highlighted the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurating the first oil mill under this mission. Why discuss this? This results in a substantial outflow of $20.56 billion in foreign exchange, the need for self-reliance in edible oil production… Continue reading

[pib] E- Vehicle Policy to promote India as a Manufacturing Destination for EVs

Why in the news- The Union Government has approved a scheme aimed at promoting India as a manufacturing destination for e-vehicles (EVs) with the latest technology. The policy aims to attract investments from reputed global EV manufacturers to bolster the EV ecosystem in the country. About E- Vehicle Manufacturing Policy Access to Latest Technology: Indian… Continue reading

[pib] Integration of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries Scheme and JanSamarth Portal

Why in the news- The Department of Fisheries inaugurated the integration of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme onto the JanSamarth Portal, marking a revolutionary step in providing credit facilities to fishers and fish farmers nationwide. JanSamarth Portal It is a first-of-its-kind online platform for directly connecting lenders with beneficiaries. Citizens can avail loans… Continue reading

AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters Fleet inducted to the Army

Why in the news- The Indian Army Aviation Corps inaugurated its first unit of AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters into its fleet at Jodhpur Air Base. AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters The AH-64E Apache also known as ‘Apache Guardian’ is widely recognized as the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. It originates from the United States and… Continue reading

[16 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Looking to the future on St. Patrick’s Day

PYQ Relevance:Mains: At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on 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 2015] Some… Continue reading

[15 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit

Mains PYQ Relevance: How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. [UPSC 2014] Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border… Continue reading

U.S. to moot first-of-its-kind resolution at UN seeking equal global access to AI

Why in the news? The United States is leading an effort at the United Nations to create rules for Artificial intelligence (AI). Context- The draft resolution, which recognizes the rapid acceleration of AI development and use, aims to close the digital divide between countries. The United States initiated negotiations with all 193 UN member nations… Continue reading

The Flaring Conflict in Eastern Congo | Explained

Why in the news? Renewed clashes in eastern DRC between the Congolese army and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have raised global concerns. Context: The conflict exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region, with increased fatalities, displacements, and food security risks. The United Nations and several Western countries denounce the attacks and urge the M23 rebels to… Continue reading

Ram Nath Kovind panel for simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly polls

Why in the news? A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind has proposed conducting simultaneous elections Context It has proposed conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as the initial step. Subsequently, municipal and panchayat elections would be held within 100 days following the general elections. What is Simultaneous… Continue reading

[14 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Karnataka civil engineers Bill, its pathway

Mains PYQ Relevance: Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (2015) Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. (2013) Note4Students: Mains: Social Issues; Governance; Urbanization; Mentor comments: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka Professional Civil Engineers Bill, 2024 to allow only… Continue reading

Has poverty really dropped to 5% in India?

Why in the news? NITI Aayog’s B.V.R. Subrahmanyam stated that less than 5% of Indians live below the poverty line based on HCES(Household Consumption Expenditure Survey) 2022-23 findings. Context: According to the World Bank, in India, 21.9% of the population lives below the national poverty line in 2011. In 2018, almost 8% of the world’s… Continue reading

Citizenship Amendment Act: Legal issues and status of judicial proceedings

Why in the news? The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the rules to implement the CAA, which fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from neighbouring countries. Despite delays, the Act faces challenges in the Supreme Court. Context Petitions challenge the CAA’s constitutionality, arguing it violates Article 14 by making religion a qualifier for citizenship. Petitions seek… Continue reading

Mapping: Darien Gap

Why in the news: Much of the discussion over illegal immigration to the US has in recent weeks moved its focus south to the Darien Gap. What is Darien Gap? The Darien Gap spans northern Colombia and Southern Panama, covering approximately 97 km of dense jungle terrain. It is situated in the narrowest part of… Continue reading

RBI may move some NBFCs to Top Layer this year

In the news Nearly two years after introducing a revised regulatory framework for non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), the Reserve Bank of India is set to review the categorisation of NBFCs in 2024. Currently, 16 NBFCs are placed in the upper layer. What are Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)? A NBFC is a company registered under the… Continue reading

Centre bans 18 OTT Platforms for Inappropriate Content

In the news The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has blocked 18 OTT platforms on the charge of publishing obscene and vulgar content. How were these platforms banned? The contents listed on the OTT platforms was found to be prima facie violation of: Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000; Section 292 of… Continue reading

Lyme Disease reported in Ernakulam

In the news A suspected case of Lyme disease caused by the bite of a tick carrying borrelia bacteria has been reported from Koovapady in Ernakulam district. What is Lyme Disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms… Continue reading

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