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India’s ‘steel frame’ does need a check

Why in the News? The recent government initiatives, such as “Mission Karmayogi,” aimed at enhancing the capacity of civil servants, underscores the ongoing dialogue about reforming India’s “steel frame” of governance. What is the current state of India’s bureaucratic structure? India’s bureaucratic structure, particularly the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), often referred to as the “steel… Continue reading India’s ‘steel frame’ does need a check

In today’s India, can the Constitution protect individual dignity?

Why in the News? The SC has emphasized the importance of individual dignity within the context of Article 21 in several landmark cases.  Discussions around individual dignity have again gained traction, especially when former SC Justice Kurian Joseph emphasized that the Constitution prioritizes individual dignity, making it a vital topic for contemporary legal discourse. How… Continue reading In today’s India, can the Constitution protect individual dignity?

Species: Lion-Tailed Macaque

Why in the News? A new study highlights that increased food provisioning and habituation to human presence endanger the lion-tailed macaque, a endangered species found only in the Western Ghats of India. Roads crossing the macaque habitats in eight key locations—Anamalai Hills, Nelliyampathy, Nilambur Ghats, Sholayar, Gavi, Sabarimala, Vallimalai Hills, and Agumbe—have facilitated frequent human-animal… Continue reading Species: Lion-Tailed Macaque

Mitochondrial Genome (mtDNA)

Why in the News? Recent research indicates that age-related losses in our cell’s mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)—specifically, deletion mutations—could be a major driver of aging. These mutations, once they accumulate, reduce the mitochondrion’s ability to produce energy (ATP), causing cell and tissue dysfunction. What are Mitochondria? Mitochondria generate most of the cell’s energy (hence called the… Continue reading Mitochondrial Genome (mtDNA)

[24th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The GATT-ification of the World Trade Organization

PYQ Relevance: Q) What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC CSE 2018) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on topics like ‘WTO’ (2018) and ‘International Trading routes’ (2022). An Allianz Trade survey… Continue reading [24th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The GATT-ification of the World Trade Organization

UN Internal Justice Council (IJC)

Why in the News? Justice Madan B Lokur, retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC). Justice Lokur’s Legacy: Justice Lokur served on the Supreme Court of India from June 2012 to December 2018, delivering landmark judgments across diverse areas of… Continue reading UN Internal Justice Council (IJC)

Mumps Vaccine

Why in the News? Tamil Nadu Government has requested the Centre to consider including the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) due to surge in the Mumps cases across the State. Tamil Nadu’s UIP currently offers 11 vaccines protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including: Tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B,… Continue reading Mumps Vaccine

India’s First Bio-Bitumen National Highway Inaugurated

Why in the News? India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch was inaugurated on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. About Bio-Bitumen Bio-bitumen is a bio-based binder derived from renewable, sustainable sources such as: Vegetable oils, Crop stubble, Algae, Lignin (a component of wood), Animal manure. It serves as an alternative to… Continue reading India’s First Bio-Bitumen National Highway Inaugurated

Google’s GenCast AI

Why in the News? Google DeepMind has unveiled its revolutionary GenCast AI model, designed to predict the weather more accurately and farther in advance than current forecasting tools. About GenCast: What is it? GenCast is an AI-based weather forecasting model developed by Google DeepMind. It uses machine learning techniques for more accurate and long-term predictions… Continue reading Google’s GenCast AI

On Kisan Diwas: Why terms of trade have improved more for farm workers than farmers

Why in the News? Crop prices have lagged behind the rising production costs, while agricultural wages have grown faster than inflation over the past two decades. What is ‘Terms of Trade’? Terms of Trade (ToT) refers to the relative prices of goods and services that a country exports compared to the prices of goods and… Continue reading On Kisan Diwas: Why terms of trade have improved more for farm workers than farmers

India, Kuwait lift ties to ‘strategic partnership’

Why in the News? During the first bilateral meeting, the leaders of India and Kuwait elevated their relationship to a “strategic partnership,” with trade and defense cooperation identified as the key pillars of their ties. What are the main areas of cooperation outlined in the new partnership? Defence: Enhanced collaboration in training, joint exercises, defence… Continue reading India, Kuwait lift ties to ‘strategic partnership’

In news: Panama Canal

Why in the News? US President-elect Donald Trump criticized Panama for charging excessively for US ships’ use of the Panama Canal and threatened a US takeover of the canal. About Panama Canal: Geographical Location: Located in Central America, connecting the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean. 80 km long, spanning across… Continue reading In news: Panama Canal

What are the new Interception Rules and Safeguards?

Why in the News? The Centre has introduced the Telecommunications (Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, replacing Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, allowing certain agencies to intercept phone messages under specific conditions. About the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 The Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 are a set of regulations that govern the establishment,… Continue reading What are the new Interception Rules and Safeguards?

What is Starlink?

Why in the News? Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, denied claims that militants in Manipur (India) were using his Starlink satellite internet technology after the Indian Army and police seized Starlink devices alongside weapons. Starlink’s involvement in Terrorism: The Indian Army shared photos showing weapons and what seemed to be Starlink devices seized in Manipur.… Continue reading What is Starlink?

Crimes against humanity and an obtuse Indian stance

Why in the News? India’s stance on a ‘crimes against humanity’ treaty reflects its longstanding reservations about the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court. What is India’s stance on the proposed Crimes Against Humanity treaty? Non-Party to the Rome Statute: India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and has consistently expressed objections… Continue reading Crimes against humanity and an obtuse Indian stance

The political crisis in South Korea

Why in the News? President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to declare martial law caused a nationwide crisis, leading to an impeachment and a long legal fight in South Korea’s Constitutional Court. What Led to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Declaration of Martial Law? Political Frustration: Facing increasing opposition and a loss of support from the National… Continue reading The political crisis in South Korea

What are Hydrothermal Vents?

Why in the News? Indian oceanographers have captured the first-ever image of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean. This discovery is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with a total outlay of ₹4,000 crore. What are Hydrothermal Vents? Hydrothermal vents are… Continue reading What are Hydrothermal Vents?

What is Protected Area Regime (PAR)?

Why in the News? The Manipur government has announced that the Central government has re-imposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, all of which share borders with Myanmar. The reimposition of the PAR comes after 13 years of relaxation and is aimed at addressing security concerns, primarily the alleged illegal immigration… Continue reading What is Protected Area Regime (PAR)?

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