Free trade has two faces and the one offering harmony must prevail

Why in the News? Recently, the discussion acknowledged free trade’s nuanced and multifaceted nature, highlighting its potential benefits for peace and economic development while recognizing historical and contemporary challenges in promoting equitable outcomes. Evolution of Free Trade ideology: 19th Century Political Reformers and Free Trade: Free trade was the rallying cry of 19th-century political reformers (Particularly Adam Smith who was inspired… Continue reading

7 Ghost Particles pierce through Earth: IceCube Observations

Why in the news Researchers at the IceCube Observatory, buried beneath the Antarctic ice, have identified seven potential instances of elusive “Ghost Particles” or astrophysical Tau Neutrinos as they penetrated through Earth. These neutrinos are pivotal for understanding the cosmic exchanges between Earth and the vast universe. What are Neutrinos? Neutrinos, often referred to as… Continue reading

What is the HbA1C Test for Diabetes?

Why in the news- India faces a significant burden of diabetes, with an estimated 10.13 crore people affected and an additional 13.6 crore individuals classified as pre-diabetic. One of the most commonly-used tests to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) and to help manage diabetes, is the haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test.… Continue reading

Geo-Heritage Sites in India

Why in the news Pandavula Gutta, an ancient geological marvel predating the Himalayan hills, has been officially designated as Telangana’s sole Geo-heritage site. Also the 165 million-year-old meteor Ramgarh Crater in Rajasthan was declared geo-heritage site. [A] Pandavula Gutta Pandavula Gutta is located in Jayashankar Bhupalpally District in Telangana. It is known for its rock… Continue reading

[pib] ULLAS Initiative

Why in the news The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education recently conducted the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram Initiative. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) FLNAT is a nationwide assessment test conducted as part of the ULLAS initiative.… Continue reading

Indigenous Drug for Sickle Cell Disease developed

What is the news- Based in Delhi, Akmus Drugs and Pharmaceutical Limited unveiled a groundbreaking drug for sickle cell disease on March 16. This drug marks India’s first indigenous, room-temperature stable solution for sickle cell disease, available at a mere 1% of the global price. What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)? Sickle Cell Disease… Continue reading

India abstains in UNGA on Pak Resolution on Islamophobia

Why in the news India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly draft resolution on Islamophobia introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China. India asserted that while condemning all acts of religious discrimination, it’s crucial to recognize religiophobia against various faiths rather than singling out one religion. India’s Position on Islamophobia: Prevalence of… Continue reading

Railways plans to develop multi-modal transport hubs

Why in the news? The Indian Railways will create mega railway terminals with multi-modal connectivity in aspirational cities with a population of more than 10 lakh across the country. About the ‘Viksit Bharat’ Initiative – The program is part of the infrastructure being developed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative Viksit Bharat 2047… Continue reading

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

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