India-Oman to sign FTA in Jan 2024

Central Idea India and Oman are rapidly progressing in their negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected to be signed in January 2024. The second round of talks was recently concluded in Muscat, indicating both countries’ eagerness to finalize the deal. India-Oman Trade Relations Export Destination: Oman is India’s third-largest export destination in… Continue reading

Loneliness in India: A Deepening Public Health Concern

Central Idea The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared loneliness a significant global health threat, with an estimated 10% of adolescents and 25% of older people affected worldwide. Despite being a collectivistic society with over 140 billion people, loneliness in India remains relatively understudied and unacknowledged as a public health and social issue. Understanding Loneliness… Continue reading

Kashmiri political outfit declared unlawful under UAPA

Central Idea The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir faction as an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for five years. It is a very rare occasion that any election-contesting political party has been banned under UAPA. Government’s Stance The Union Home Minister emphasized that the… Continue reading

INS Imphal: Everything you need to know

Central Idea INS Imphal (Pennant D68), the third ship of the Visakhapatnam class stealth-guided missile destroyers, is set to join the Indian Navy. Part of Project 15B, INS Imphal follows the lineage of the Delhi and Kolkata classes of indigenous destroyers. About INS Imphal Details Ship Name INS Imphal (Pennant D68) Class Visakhapatnam class stealth-guided… Continue reading

SEBI’s Proposal for T+0 Instant Settlement Cycles

Central Idea The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed introducing T+0 (same day) and instant settlement cycles in the equity cash segment, alongside the existing T+1 cycle. Current Settlement Cycle Evolution: SEBI shortened the settlement cycle from T+5 to T+3 in 2002, and then to T+2 in 2003. The T+1 cycle… Continue reading

Space Exploration in 2024: Key Missions and Scientific Endeavors

Central Idea The year 2024 is set to be a landmark year in space exploration, following significant achievements in 2023, including NASA’s OSIRIS-REx and India’s Chandrayaan-3 missions. Upcoming Missions The year will feature several key missions under NASA’s Artemis plan and Commercial Lunar Payload Services, along with other international endeavors. [1] Europa Clipper Mission Objective:… Continue reading

India’s Steel Sector: Advancements, Challenges, and Global Position in 2024

Central Idea The Indian government is focusing on the steel sector with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme 2.0 and ensuring raw material supply in 2024. Minister of State for Steel highlighted these initiatives, emphasizing the promotion of scrap usage in steel production. Growth and Recovery Post-Pandemic Resilience: The steel sector has shown a strong… Continue reading

In news: Veer Bal Diwas

Introduction The Prime Minister paid homage to the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzade, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. This day, announced on January 9, 2022, commemorates the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. Veer Bal Divas: A Day of Remembrance Inception: Veer Bal Divas was established… Continue reading

Goa’s Konsachem Festival and St. Bartholomew’s Feast

Central Idea In Goa, August marks the formation of new rice grains, celebrated through the festival of Konsachem. Konsachem Festival and Its Traditions Background: Konsachem, observed by Goan Hindus and Catholics, honors the new rice grains, known as konxeo in Konkani. Shared Rituals: The first harvested rice sheaves are taken for blessings – to deities… Continue reading

Century of Change in Indian Villages: Insights from Longitudinal Studies

Central Idea Historical Surveys: Starting in 1916-17, Gilbert Slater initiated a series of surveys in five Tamil Nadu villages, marking the beginning of a century-long study of rural India. Unique Village Studies: Palakurichi and Palanpur stand out as unique Indian villages extensively studied over a century and decades, respectively. Methodology and Evolution of Village Studies… Continue reading

Self-pollination in Field Pansy Flower

Central Idea Researchers have found that a flower species in Paris, the field pansy (Viola arvensis), is evolving rapidly, exhibiting reduced nectar production and smaller flower sizes. This study aims to understand the impact of these evolutionary changes on plant-pollinator interactions. Changing Nature of Field Pansy Decreased Nectar and Size: The wild pansy variety in… Continue reading

RBI reports reduced risk of Stagflation in India

Central Idea The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials have reported a decreased risk of stagflation in India, now estimated at 1%, down from 3% in August What is Stagflation? Details Definition An economic condition characterized by stagnant growth, high unemployment, and high inflation. Indian context Fluctuating growth rates; periods of slowdown have raised… Continue reading

Review of ASEAN- India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA)

Central Idea India seeks to modernize the ASEAN India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA) to reduce the significant trade deficit with ASEAN nations in February 2023 with a target to complete the revamp by 2025. About ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA) Details Signing Date August 13, 2009, w.e.f. January 1, 2010. Objectives Eliminate tariffs… Continue reading

India’s Disinvestment Strategy amidst upcoming Elections

Central Idea India’s disinvestment process, primarily focusing on minority stake sales rather than full privatisation, is expected to fall short of its fiscal year 2024 target. The government’s cautious approach, influenced by the upcoming general elections, has led to a slowdown in the privatisation of major public sector undertakings (PSUs). Disinvestment Performance and Targets Past… Continue reading

In news: Mediterranean Sea

Central Idea Iranian Revolutionary Guards has warned that the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the US and its allies continued to commit “crimes” in Gaza. About Mediterranean Sea Details Location Between Europe, Africa, and Asia Size Approximately 2.5 million square kilometers Depth Average depth 1,500 meters ; Calypso Deep in the Ionian Sea, over… Continue reading

Nematocysts in Aquatic Ecosystems

Central Idea Evolution has crafted unique defense mechanisms in the animal kingdom, one of which is the nematocyst. Understanding Nematocysts Structural Composition: A nematocyst comprises a capsule with a coiled tubule and a toxin-filled bulbous structure. Rapid Deployment: Upon stimulation, the nematocyst ejects its tubule at an incredibly high acceleration, comparable to a bullet’s speed.… Continue reading

Project PRAYAS to help Indian youth migrate abroad

Central Idea The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) introduced Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals) to facilitate secure and regular migration for Indian workers and students. What is Project PRAYAS? Details Project Name Project PRAYAS Introduced By International Organization for Migration (IOM) Partnership Ministry of External Affairs, India Objective… Continue reading

Bab El-Mandeb: A Strategic Choke Point

Central Idea The war between Israel and Hamas in October raised concerns about Hezbollah’s involvement, but the focus shifted when the Houthis in Yemen expanded the conflict to the Red Sea. Despite tensions, Hezbollah and Israel avoided full-scale war, with Israel concentrating on Gaza. Houthi Involvement and Shift in Tactics Initial Actions: The Houthis, aligned… Continue reading

India’s Textile Crisis amid Rising MMF Fabric Imports

Central Idea Major textile hubs in India, including Ludhiana, Surat, and Erode, are grappling with the surge in imports of man-made fibre (MMF) fabrics, impacting a sector worth about $60 billion. Fabric processors and weavers across these hubs express concerns over the influx of cheaper imports, primarily from China, affecting their businesses. Impact of Imported… Continue reading

Time Measurement and Role of Ujjain in Ancient Astronomy

Central Idea The newly elected Madhya Pradesh CM asserted that Ujjain, was the reference for world time 300 years ago, before the Prime Meridian shifted to Paris and then Greenwich. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these nuances is essential for a comprehensive grasp of India’s scientific heritage and its global context. Time Measurement and Ujjain’s Role… Continue reading

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