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

Tribunals cannot direct Government to frame policy: SC

Central Idea The Supreme Court clarified that tribunals, bound by their governing legislations, cannot compel the government to formulate policy. It emphasized the separation of powers, stating that policy-making is outside the judiciary’s domain, including quasi-judicial bodies like tribunals. What are Tribunals? Details Nature Judicial or quasi-judicial institutions established by law Purpose Provide faster adjudication… Continue reading

Explained: Creating new Districts

Central Idea Amid reports that Odisha may create a few more districts before the end of the year, the Orissa High Court has directed the government not to issue any final order in this regard without its permission. Districts in India Historical Background: Districts, as local administrative units, are a legacy from the British Raj… Continue reading

[pib] PM-AJAY Scheme for Upliftment of SC Community

Central Idea The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment recently informed about the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) Scheme during 2023 year-end review. About PM-AJAY Scheme Details Launch Implemented since 2021-22 Aim To reduce poverty of SC communities through employment generation, skill development, income generation, and infrastructure development. Nature 100% Centrally… Continue reading

Lapses in the implementation of PM-DevINE Scheme

Central Idea Only about 10% of the funds under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) have been sanctioned. About PM-DevINE Scheme Details Genesis of PM-DevINE – Introduced in Union Budget 2022-23 – Approved by the Cabinet on 12th October 2022 Funding 100% Central funding Implementing Ministry Ministry of Development of North-East… Continue reading

How India chooses its Republic Day chief guest?

Central Idea France’s President Emmanuel Macron is set to be the chief guest for India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations. The invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi signifies a high diplomatic honor and reflects the strong ties between India and France. Honor of Republic Day Chief Guest Ceremonial Significance: Being the chief guest at India’s… Continue reading

Evolution of Passports in the Context of ‘Dunki’

Central Idea A recent Bollywood movie ‘Dunki’ addresses the complex issue of immigration. The term “donkey journey” in the title refers to the perilous routes taken by people lacking legal permits or financial means to immigrate. The film highlights that the current system of visas and passports is a relatively recent development, dating back about… Continue reading

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