[16th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Democratic engagement with a digital plug-in

PYQ Relevance: Q Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example. (UPSC CSE 2021) Q “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2016) Mentor’s… Continue reading

Public comments on the PM-CJI puja meet are based on a 1997 document on judicial values

Why in the News? Concerns about Prime Minister Modi’s visit to CJI Chandrachud’s residence for the Ganapati puja stem from the 1997 ‘Restatement of Values of Judicial Life’ guidelines on judicial conduct. What does the ‘Restatement of values of judicial life’ state? It is a 16-point code of conduct adopted by the Supreme Court of… Continue reading

Controversy over Mumbai’s salt pans

Why in the News? The Centre has recently approved transferring 256 acres of Mumbai’s salt pan land to DRPPL, a joint venture with Adani Realty, for constructing rental housing for slum residents. What are Salt Pan Lands? Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater is allowed to flow in and evaporate, leaving behind salt… Continue reading

[14th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Being ‘trans’ is being human

PYQ Relevance: Q National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human… Continue reading

Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

Why in the News? Union Home Minister announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. On December 30, 2018, three islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were renamed by the Government of India to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to commemorate India’s independence… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise AL NAJAH

Why in the News? The Indian Army contingent has departed to Salalah, Oman for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH. T About Exercise AL NAJAH AL NAJAH has been conducted biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. The last edition of the exercise was held at Mahajan, Rajasthan. Aim:… Continue reading

What is OpenAI o1?

Why in the News? OpenAI has introduced OpenAI o1, the first in a series of advanced AI models under its ‘Project Strawberry’ initiative. This new model is designed for tackling more complex tasks in science, coding, and maths. About OpenAI o1 This model has been built to approach problems like humans, carefully considering various angles… Continue reading

[13th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Putting the brakes on ‘bulldozer justice’

PYQ Relevance: Q ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.(UPSC IAS/2021) Q Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the… Continue reading

What does the dissolution of SCoS entail?

Why in the News? The Union Ministry dissolved the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) headed by eminent economist and former chief statistician of the country Pronab Sen citing overlapping roles with the Steering Committee. Why was the SCoS dissolved? Overlapping Responsibilities: The primary reason cited for the dissolution of the SCoS was that its functions… Continue reading

Is it time for India to introduce a Universal Basic Income?

Why in the News? The rise in jobless growth, driven by automation and AI, has led to growing inequality, prompting discussions on implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) in many countries. What does the ILO say on Inflation and unemployment in India? The ILO reports that 83% of the unemployed population in India are youth, due… Continue reading

The Great Stupa of Sanchi

Why in the News? External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in Berlin. About the Great Stupa of Sanchi Details Establishment Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Purpose Built to enshrine the relics of Buddha and symbolise the Buddhist… Continue reading

Why September 12 is observed as Saragarhi Day?

Why in the News? 127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12. About the Battle of Saragarhi The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals. The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi,… Continue reading

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Why in the News? Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance. About Asiatic Lion Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly… Continue reading

PM E-Drive Scheme

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years. About PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Details Name PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme Total Outlay ₹10,900 crore for two years Goal Promote… Continue reading

With an eye on Indo-Pacific, Germany seeks greater defence ties with India

Why in the News? External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Germany as part of a three-nation tour, met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin. They discussed various defence topics, including Ukraine, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific region. Defence Partnership between India and Germany: Late Engagement: Germany has been late in engaging India’s defence… Continue reading

India’s Sickle Cell Challenge

Why in the News? The Prime Minister has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that alters the shape of red blood cells. About the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: The Union Budget 2023-24 announced a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. The mission focuses on… Continue reading

Who was Sakthan Thampuran (1751-1805)?

Why in the News? Ministry of Tourism has pledged to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue that was knocked over by a state transport bus in Thrissur. Who was Sakthan Thampuran? Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma IX in 1751, was a powerful ruler of the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805. He was raised by… Continue reading

Cabinet approves ₹5 lakh Health Cover for Senior Citizens

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage of ₹5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly… Continue reading

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