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

[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

Reforms needed in the voting process | Explained

Why in the news? The Supreme Court has decided to hear petitions seeking 100% cross-verification of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with the vote count as per Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). What is the history of the Voting Process? First two General Elections: In the Elections of 1952 and 1957, a separate… Continue reading

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

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

UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

Why in the News? The 23rd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, commenced on April 15 in New York. It focuses on the pressing need to accelerate the recognition and protection of Indigenous Territories (ITs) worldwide. About UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII): Details What is it? One of three UN… Continue reading

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

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

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’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

What share of Global CO2 Emissions comes from Aviation?

Why in the news? Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. But it has contributed around 4% to global warming to date Year-wise Global Aviation demand, Energy Efficiency, and CO2 emissions Global Co2 emissions from aviation The reason behind Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions: CO2 Emissions: When jet fuel burns, it… Continue reading

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

Siachen: 40 years of Operation Meghdoot

Why in the News? April 13, 2024, marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Meghdoot, which was launched by the Indian Army to pre-empt Pakistan and occupy the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram ranges. The genesis of Operation Meghdoot Launched: April 13, 1984 (by the Indian Armed Forces); Aim: To seize control of the Siachen Glacier… Continue reading

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

Jiadhal River and Change of its Course

Why in the news? Climate Change is disrupting Jiadhal River’s (Dhemaji district, Assam) tranquil flow, leading to unprecedented shifts in its course and causing upheaval for residents. About Jiadhal River: It flows through the districts of Darrang, Udalguri, and Baksa in the northeastern state of Assam. It is also known Kumotiya River after flowing from… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise DUSTLIK

Why in the news? Indian Army contingent departed for the 5th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK in Uzbekistan. Exercise DUSTLIK Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual event alternating between India and Uzbekistan. It is named after Dustlik, a town in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan. The first edition of the exercise was held in 2019 near Tashkent.… Continue reading

Easement Rights and Recent Supreme Court Ruling

Why in the news? The Supreme Court observed that a claimant of an Easementary Right cannot claim an Easement by necessity if there exists an alternative way to access the property owned by the claimant, known as the ‘Dominant Heritage‘. The court referred to Section 13 of the Indian Easements Act, of 1882, which deals… Continue reading

[15 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A manifesto where inclusivity takes center stage

Mains PYQ Relevance: Q Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019) Q “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)… Continue reading

Urbanization, no liberating force for Dalits

Why in the News? The Indian cities have failed with the aspirations and expectations of the Dalit liberation movement in urbanization. View of Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule on Urbanisation: Urbanization as an Opportunity for Dalit Liberation: Both Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule saw urbanization as an opportunity for Dalit liberation. They believed that the systems of… Continue reading

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