Niti Aayog moots policy measures to develop workers’ accommodation around factories

Why in the News? NITI Aayog has proposed a set of policy interventions to enable the creation of mega workers’ accommodations near factories under its initiative called S.A.F.E (Site Adjacent Factory Employee) Accommodation-Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth. About the S.A.F.E. (Site Adjacent Factory Employee) Initiative Overview S.A.F.E. initiative by NITI Aayog aims to provide affordable… Continue reading

[20th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Reality check on Sri Lanka’s Tamil question

PYQ Relevance: Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka’ (in 2022), and ‘how domestic factors influence foreign policy… Continue reading

Should legislatures in India have fixed tenures?

Why in the News? The 129th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024, mandates fixed five-year Lok Sabha terms, aligning State Assembly elections, with mid-term polls serving only the remainder of the five-year tenure if dissolved. Do fixed legislative tenures promote better governance? Potential for Improved Stability: Fixed tenures can provide a stable political environment, reducing frequent electoral… Continue reading

Japan, India startups collaborate to tackle space debris

Why in the News? space startups from Japan and India announced a joint agreement to explore the use of laser-equipped satellites for removing debris from orbit, addressing the growing issue of orbital congestion. What is Space Debris? Space debris, often referred to as space junk, consists of non-functional spacecraft, spent rocket stages, and fragments from… Continue reading

IRIS² Program

Why in the News? The European Union has signed a contract for IRIS², a network of 290 satellites aimed at improving resilience, connectivity, and security. About IRIS²: Details IRIS² stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite. It consists of a 290-satellite constellation, including 264 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18… Continue reading

Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

Why in the News? Law Minister is proposing that the Bills on “One Nation, One Election” be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further examination. The committee will have 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 members from the Rajya Sabha. About Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC): What is a JPC? JPC is… Continue reading

Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS)

Why in the News? All 17,130 police stations in India are now connected through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), a centralized online platform for filing FIRs, chargesheets, and investigation reports, accessible to law enforcement across the country. About Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS): What is CCTNS? A centralized online platform… Continue reading

Places in News: Kailash Mansarovar

Why in the News? India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. The pilgrimage has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and non-renewal of arrangements by China. India-China Talks on Border Management: Disengagement and De-escalation: Agreed to continue implementing the October 2024 disengagement agreements for safe patrolling and grazing in… Continue reading

[19th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act — why it fails Assam?

PYQ Relevance:Q) Consider the following statements: 1. Aadhaar card can be used as proof of citizenship or domicile. 2. Once issued, the Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2018)(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Mentor’s Comment: UPSC… Continue reading

Making affordable generics more reliable

Why in the News? India’s decentralised drug regulation system dominated by State Drug Regulatory Authorities causes inconsistent quality standards. Strengthening oversight is essential to ensure generics are as affordable and effective as branded drugs. How Reliable Are Generic Medicines? Bioequivalence to Innovators: Generic medicines are bioequivalent to brand-name drugs, meaning they have the same active… Continue reading

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

Why in the News? Since its launch, PM-AASHA has significantly benefitted farmers, contributing to the procurement of 195.39 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of agricultural commodities, valued at ₹1,07,433.73 crore, from over 99 lakh farmers. Procurement Details: In the Rabi 2023-24 season, 6.41 LMT of pulses, valued at ₹4,820 crore, were procured from 2.75 lakh farmers.… Continue reading

[pib] Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan

Why in the News? The Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North Eastern Region (NER) funded from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) aims to provide mobile coverage to uncovered villages and National Highways. About the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP): Overview CTDP aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure in India’s North Eastern Region (NER) by improving mobile and… Continue reading

What is OPEC+?

Why in the News? With Donald Trump potentially returning to the White House, OPEC+ delegates express concern over higher US oil production. His administration’s focus on deregulating the energy sector could lead to increased oil output, contributing to a further erosion of OPEC+’s market share. About ‘Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ Plus (OPEC+) What… Continue reading

India conducts first-ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging in Assam

Why in the News? The first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) has been tagged in Assam, marking a major achievement in wildlife conservation. About Ganges River Dolphin: Details Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) – Known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” discovered in 1801. Declared National Aquatic Animal in 2009 and State Aquatic Animal of… Continue reading

India and Sri Lanka need to go beyond the stated positions

Why in the News? Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India, his first international trip as per tradition, underscores the continuity in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. What are the current China-related challenges in India-Sri Lanka relations? Geopolitical Tensions: Sri Lanka’s historical ties with China, particularly during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime, have raised concerns… Continue reading

Why the government could discontinue the sovereign gold scheme?

Why in the News? Sovereign gold bonds provide a safer and more cost-effective alternative to holding physical gold, as they reduce risks and storage expenses. However, the central government is considering discontinuing the SGB scheme. What is the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme? About GOI launched it on October 30, 2015. Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry… Continue reading

IPBES Report, 2024

Why in the News? The 11th plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) took place in Namibia to discuss key scientific findings and evidence addressing the global biodiversity crisis. About IPBES IPBES aims to improve the interface between science and policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Membership: Comprises over 130… Continue reading

US Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

Why in the News? Bitcoin surged to a record high of over $107,000 after President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed plans to create a US bitcoin reserve, boosting investor excitement. Do you know? The legal status of cryptocurrency in India is uncertain. RBI has warned against cryptocurrencies, citing risks to investors and confirming they are not legal… Continue reading

Arctic Tundra is emitting more Carbon than it absorbs: NOAA

Why in the News? The Arctic Tundra, a frozen treeless biome, has traditionally served as a carbon sink, storing vast amounts of carbon for thousands of years. However, recent changes in this ecosystem are turning it into a source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) according to National Oceanic and… Continue reading

[17th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Levy a higher GST rate on tobacco, sugared beverages

PYQ Relevance: Q) “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC CSE 2021) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on major issues like the Conflict of interest in the public sector (2017) and Life Expectancy (2022). Tobacco is responsible for approximately… Continue reading

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