Why the world needs a Global Plastic Treaty?

Why in the News? Over 170 countries will meet in Busan, South Korea, starting for the fifth and final round of negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic and marine pollution by 2024. Why is a Global Plastic Treaty required? Massive Increase in Plastic Production: Global plastic production has rapidly increased from… Continue reading

Guru Tegh Bahadur

Why in the News? November 24 is commemorated as the Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th guru of the Sikhs, who was executed on the orders of Aurangzeb in 1675. Guru Tegh Bahadur: Everything you need to know Details Who was Guru Tegh Bahadur? Born on April 1, 1621 in Amritsar, Punjab to… Continue reading

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Why in the News? Delhi has been experiencing severe air pollution for 10 days, leading the Supreme Court to criticize the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its poor response. About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): Details About A statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining… Continue reading

[pib] India’s first modern Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant

Why in the News? PM Modi inaugurated the 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior. About the CBG Plant The plant is located in Laltipara, Gwalior, within the largest cowshed in the region, Adarsh Gaushala, which houses over 10,000 cattle. It spans over 5 acres. It is India’s first self-sufficient gaushala with… Continue reading

What is Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched at Brazil G20?

Why in the News? The recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featured the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (referred to as “the Alliance”). What are the primary objectives of the Global Alliance? Eradication of Hunger and Poverty: The Alliance aims to eliminate hunger and poverty by 2030,… Continue reading

International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

Why in the News? India is set to host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference in Delhi this month. It will mark the first time in the 130-year history of ICA that the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference are being hosted in India. About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA): Details About… Continue reading

International Criminal Court (ICC)

Why in the News? The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. About the International Criminal Court (ICC) Details What is it? • First international permanent court to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes. • Established under the Rome Statute… Continue reading

In news: Ashtamudi Lake

Why in the News? Several dead fish are floating on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala due to illegal use of ‘thotta’ (explosives) and ‘nanchu’ (poisons) for fishing. About Ashtamudi Lake: Details About • Brackish-water estuarine lake, located in Kerala, covering 5,700 hectares. • Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar… Continue reading

[22nd November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: India needs an environmental health regulatory agency

PYQ Relevance:Q) “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC CSE 2022) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has recently focused on Environmental Issues (2020) and regional Environmental Challenges (2023). According to the Emissions Gap… Continue reading

A bilateral investment treaty with a ‘bit’ of change

Why in the News? The bilateral investment treaty (BIT) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signed earlier this year, has recently been made public. This new treaty will replace the 2014 India-UAE investment agreement and holds significant importance. What is the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) for investors? The Model BIT is a framework… Continue reading

[pib] India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic: Nafithromycin

Why in the News? The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic to combat drug-resistant infections. About Nafithromycin: Details About • It was developed with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a unit under the Department of Biotechnology, to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). • It aims… Continue reading

Species in news: King Cobra

Why in the News? A 12-year study by researchers from the Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology has revealed that the king cobra, previously believed to be a single species, actually comprises four distinct species. Important facts related to King Cobra: Details About • Scientific Name: Ophiophagus hannah. • It is the largest Venomous Snake; Reaches… Continue reading

Project Veer Gatha 4.0

Why in the News? Over 1.76 crore school students participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0, sharing creative tributes to the bravery and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel. About Project Veer Gatha: Details About • Launched in 2021 to honor the acts of bravery and selfless sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees. • 1.76 crore students from 36… Continue reading

Why India’s trade deficit is not necessarily a weakness?

Why in the News? India’s ongoing trade deficit, where imports exceed exports, is often viewed as a sign of weakness in Indian manufacturing. What is the nature of India’s trade deficit? Trade Deficit in Goods: As of October 2024, India recorded a merchandise trade deficit of $27.1 billion, which narrowed from $31.5 billion in the… Continue reading

Coffee Board devises road map with eye on doubling production, exports

Why in the News? The Coffee Board of India has launched a 10-year roadmap with a goal to double the country’s coffee production and coffee exports by 2034. About Coffee Board of India: Details About • Coffee cultivation in India began with the planting of 7 seeds of coffee during 1600 AD by saint Baba… Continue reading

Chancay Port Project in Peru

Why in the News? The Chancay Port was inaugurated in Peru by Chinese President Xi Jinping. About Chancay Port Project: The Chancay Port Project was inaugurated in Peru as part of a new land-sea corridor linking China with Latin America. It is funded under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a total cost of $3.6… Continue reading

[pib] MJS launches ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal for Ground Water Withdrawal Permits

Why in the News? The ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal was digitally launched by Minister of Jal Shakti, during the India Water Week 2024. About the ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal: Details About • Centralized platform for managing groundwater withdrawal permits. • Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). • Aims to regulate groundwater usage… Continue reading

How India could counter the CBAM?

Why in the News? India has called protectionist policies like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and Deforestation Regulation as “unfair” and “unjust”. What is CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)? CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is a proposed policy by the European Union (EU) aimed at addressing carbon leakage,… Continue reading

Telangana’s new EV policy

Why in the News? The Telangana government has decided to completely waive road tax and registration fees for people buying electric vehicles. What are the key features of Telangana’s EV policy? 100% Road Tax and Registration Fee Exemption: Electric two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles (such as taxis, autorickshaws, electric light goods carriers, and buses) will… Continue reading

[pib] World Toilet Day, 2024

Why in the News? World Toilet Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is an official United Nations observance aimed at raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and promoting action for safe toilets worldwide. 2024 Theme: “Sanitation for Peace” – highlights the role of sanitation in promoting peace, security, and resilience. About World Toilet… Continue reading

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