Indian National Congress (INC): From Foundation to Present Day

Central Idea On December 28, 1885, the Indian National Congress (INC) was established, marking the beginning of a significant journey in Indian politics. The INC’s journey from influencing British policy to leading India’s nationalist movement, dominating post-independence politics, and its current decline offers a rich political narrative. Indian National Congress: Inception in 1885 Founding by… Continue reading

Rise in Participatory Notes Investment

Central Idea Indian capital markets witnessed a significant increase in investments through participatory notes (P-notes), reaching ₹1.31 lakh crore by the end of November. What are Participatory Notes? Details Nature of Instrument Offshore derivative instruments with Indian shares as underlying assets. Issuers Issued by registered Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) to overseas investors. Purpose To allow… Continue reading

Huntington’s Disease: Insights from Medical Genetics and Fruit Fly Research

Central Idea The Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad reports three to four cases of Huntington’s disease monthly, with each case impacting entire families. Understanding Huntington’s Disease Details Nature of Disorder Genetic, progressive brain disorder Genetic Cause Mutation in the huntingtin gene on chromosome 4 Inheritance Pattern Autosomal dominant disorder (only one copy… Continue reading

Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) Mission

Central Idea Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft successfully entered lunar orbit on December 25, ahead of its planned moon landing on January 19. If successful, Japan will join an elite group of nations to achieve a soft lunar landing, following India’s Chandrayaan 3 mission in August. SLIM: An Overview Launch and Design:… Continue reading

Youth Unemployment in India: A Persistent Challenge

Central Idea In 1932, M Visvesvaraya highlighted the issue of unemployment among educated individuals in India. Ninety years later, the issue of youth unemployment remains a significant concern, despite official data indicating a decrease in the overall unemployment rate. Unemployment Trends: Data Analysis Official Statistics: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the unemployment… Continue reading

RBI enhances Digital Payment Security with CoFT through Banks

Central Idea The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded the scope of card-on-file tokenisation (CoFT) services to include card-issuing banks and institutions, enhancing the security of digital payments. Previously, tokenisation services were primarily provided through merchants. The RBI’s recent notification marks a significant shift in this approach. Understanding CoFT and Its Importance Card-on-File (CoF)… Continue reading

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

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