Could the POSH Act apply to political parties?

Why in the News? Recently, the SC considered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) advocating for the applicability of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 to political parties. What is the legal status of political parties concerning the POSH Act? Current Legal Interpretation: The Kerala HC previously ruled that… Continue reading

India’s firmer attempts at mineral diplomacy

Why in the News? Reliance on critical mineral imports, especially from China, poses strategic concerns. To address this, the Indian government is advancing its Mineral Diplomacy to enhance security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. What is Mineral diplomacy? Mineral diplomacy refers to a nation’s strategic efforts to secure critical mineral supplies through international partnerships, trade agreements,… Continue reading

What Ambedkar, KM Munshi said on Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

Why in the News? Prime Minister renewed his call for a nationwide Uniform Civil Code (UCC), citing the views of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and KM Munshi from the Constituent Assembly discussions. What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? UCC is envisioned under Article 44 of the Constitution, which calls for securing a UCC for all citizens… Continue reading

Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

Why in the News? James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has identified a rare galaxy, Firefly Sparkle, offering a unique look into early galaxy formation. About Galaxy Firefly Sparkle: Details Discovered by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), dating back to 600 million years after Big Bang. It is one of the earliest low-mass galaxies discovered,… Continue reading

In news: Bharatmala Pariyojana

Why in the News? Bharatmala Pariyojana is a comprehensive road development project initiated by the Government of India to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs across the country. The total length covered under the scheme is 34,800 km, with an estimated cost of Rs. 5.35 lakh crore. About Bharatmala Pariyojana Details Launched to improve road… Continue reading

First Ice-Free day in the Arctic could come by 2030: Study

Why in the News? A recent study suggests that the Arctic Ocean may experience its first ice-free day—where sea ice falls below one million square kilometres—by 2030, or even sooner. Key Highlights of the Study First Ice-Free Day Prediction: The study predicts that the Arctic Ocean could experience its first ice-free day (less than one… Continue reading

[14th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Wounding the spirit of the Constitution of India

PYQ Relevance:Q) Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (UPSC CSE 2019) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on major issues like Constitutional Principles (2019) and Basic structure (2014 and 2019) of our… Continue reading

Why Railways Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced?

Why in the News? Amid intense debates between the government and the opposition, the Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, in 2024. What were the significant key features of the bill? Repeal of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905: The Bill repeals the 1905 Act, which governed the establishment and powers of the Railway… Continue reading

[pib] National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

Why in the News? The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at addressing the growing mental health challenges in the country. About National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Details Initiated in 1982 and restructured in 2003, the NMHP aims to modernize mental health facilities and upgrade psychiatric… Continue reading

In news: Nicaragua

Why in the News? Indian and Nicaragua has signed an umbrella agreement on Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). The agreement aims at socio-economic development by implementing QIPs in Nicaragua, which will directly benefit local communities. About Nicaragua: Quick Facts Nicaragua is located in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north, Costa Rica to the south,… Continue reading

[pib] Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Why in the News? In February 2018, the Centre had launched the initiative to establish 1,50,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), formerly known as Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), by December 2022. As of 31st July 2024, 1,73,881 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been set up and are fully operational, exceeding the original target. About… Continue reading

India launched the World’s first Green Steel Taxonomy

Why in the News? The Ministry of Steel unveiled the world’s first Taxonomy of Green Steel, setting a benchmark for decarbonizing the steel industry. About the Green Steel Taxonomy: What is it? A formal framework introduced by India to define and promote the production of steel with reduced carbon emissions. It sets clear standards for… Continue reading

[13th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Pakistan at the UNSC, the points of its compass

PYQ Relevance: Q) Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC. (UPSC CSE 2015) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have previously ‘ India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC’ (in 2015). Pakistan will join the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a… Continue reading

What is Disease X and why should the world prepare for it?

Why in the News? The outbreak reported in the first week of December 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already claimed more than 400 lives and is yet to be classified, has sparked concerns that it might be an example of Disease X. What is Disease X? Definition: Disease X is a… Continue reading

The missing spotlight on urban local government polls

Why in the News? The ongoing debate on simultaneous elections, commonly referred to as One Nation One Election (ONOE), presents a valuable opportunity to highlight a fundamental aspect of local democracy: the need for elections to Urban Local Governments (ULGs). What is the Significance of Urban Local Government elections? Decentralized Governance: ULGs are crucial for… Continue reading

Assessment of Water Resources of India, 2024 by CWC

Why in the News? The Central Water Commission (CWC) recently released its study titled ‘Assessment of Water Resources of India, 2024. It estimated India’s average annual water availability from 1985 to 2023 at 2,115.95 billion cubic meters (BCM). Key Highlights of CWC’s ‘Assessment of Water Resources of India 2024’ Report: Total Water Availability: India’s average… Continue reading

[pib] DAE-Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme

Why in the News? The DAE—Homi Bhabha Chair for Distinguished Scientists/Professors was launched in 2021 by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). About DAE – Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme Details Aims and Objectives To recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, including retired professionals, in atomic energy and related technologies. Allow retired professionals to continue research aligned… Continue reading

In news: Durgadi Fort

Why in the News? The Kalyan civil court ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims of the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust. The Trust first filed its claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall) alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Key facts about… Continue reading

[12th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The long and complex road to assisted dying

PYQ Relevance: [2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State… Continue reading

Vaikom- two States, two leaders and a tale of reform

Why in the News? Over a century ago, the Vaikom Struggle broke caste barriers in Travancore, sparking mass movements for religious reform, inspiring Periyar’s Dravidian Movement, and advancing egalitarian principles within Hindu society. What were the key motivations and outcomes of the Vaikom Satyagraha? Motivations: Social Inequality: The primary motivation was to challenge the caste-based… Continue reading

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