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An unstated shift in Modi’s economic direction

Why in the news? The introduction of the new ELI scheme for corporates by the Narendra Modi government acknowledges the disconnect between GDP growth and job creation. About Employment Linked Incentives (ELI) The ELI scheme aims to encourage companies to hire more employees by providing financial incentives for each new hire. Target Sectors: The scheme… Continue reading

Why the Odisha government will plant palm trees to combat lightning strikes

Why in the news? In July, the Odisha government approved a proposal to plant 1.9 million palm trees to mitigate deaths caused by lightning strikes, which were declared a state-specific disaster in 2015. How many people have lost their lives to lightning in Odisha? Over the last 11 years, a total of 3,790 people have… Continue reading

Elephant in Civil Servant’s room

Why in the news? The government’s recent decision to lift the ban on government employees participating in RSS activities threatens to undermine the remnants of a free and fair bureaucracy. Whether or not civil servants are banned from joining RSS Lifting the Ban: The Central government has lifted a 58-year ban on government servants joining… Continue reading

Centre reissues draft notification on ecosensitive areas in Western Ghats

Why in the news? On Friday, the Central government released the sixth draft notification, designating 56,825.7 square kilometre of the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) across the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committees Gadgil Committee: Recommended that 75% of the Western… Continue reading

[pib] Update on Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

Why in the News? An Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (E-PMSMA) strategy was launched to ensure quality Antenatal Care (ANC) for pregnant women. The strategy focuses on individual tracking of high-risk pregnancies (HRP) and provision of additional PMSMA sessions beyond the 9th of every month. About High-Risk Pregnancy: A high-risk pregnancy involves greater risk… Continue reading

[pib] Schemes implemented by the WCD Ministry clubbed into 3 Verticals

Why in the News? For better implementation and efficient monitoring, all schemes implemented by the Ministry for the betterment of children have been consolidated into 3 verticals: Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya. These verticals aim to improve nutrition and health indicators, ensure safety and empowerment of women, and provide protection… Continue reading

[pib] Approval of Major Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra

Why in the News? The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved the project proposal for setting up a Major Port at Vadhavan, Palghar District of Maharashtra. About Vadhavan Port Project The project involves the development of core infrastructure, terminals, and other commercial infrastructure through a public-private partnership (PPP) mode. The shareholding for the… Continue reading

[2nd August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A verdict on the Money Bill that India awaits

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q1 The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint sessions of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (UPSC IAS/2017) Q2 Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful… Continue reading

Growing Bilateral Relations between India and Vietnam

Why in the news? During his welcome of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of freedom of navigation while subtly referencing China. Evolution of Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership Early Relations: Cultural and economic links between India and Vietnam date back to the 2nd century, with significant support… Continue reading

The relevance of pumped storage projects

Why in the news? The Union Budget for 2024-25 announced that “a policy will be introduced to promote pumped storage projects aimed at electricity storage and ensuring the seamless integration of the increasing share of renewable energy. Why is renewable power generation subject to variations and weather changes? Due to Intermittent nature: Renewable energy sources,… Continue reading

States can sub-classify SCs for quotas: top court

Why in the news? In a 6:1 majority ruling on August 1, the Supreme Court determined that sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) categories is permissible to extend the benefits of affirmative action. However, the seven-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized that this must be… Continue reading

Govt. introduces Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha

Why in the news? Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai presented the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Proposed Provisions in the Bill Creation of a Disaster Database: The Bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive disaster database at both national and state levels, which will include disaster… Continue reading

States can directly buy Rice from FCI

Why in the News? The Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister announced that States can now directly purchase rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) without participating in e-auctions. Key Announcements: Direct Rice Purchase of Rice by the States: States can procure rice directly from FCI at… Continue reading

What is the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme?

Why in the News? Recent reports suggest that the government might reduce or discontinue the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme due to its high cost. Decline in Popularity of SGB: This speculation follows the Union budget’s decision to slash customs duties on gold and silver from 15% to 6%. The reduction in customs duties is… Continue reading

Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

Why in the News? The Health Ministry has requested the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to implement measures to prevent surrogate advertisements of tobacco and alcoholrelated products by sportspersons. About Sports Authority of India (SAI) Details Establishment Founded in 1984 by the Ministry of Youth… Continue reading

[1st August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The global struggle for a pandemic treaty

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q1 COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020) Q2 Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19… Continue reading

Mapping: River Seine

Why in the News? The swimming events in the ongoing Paris Olympics were postponed due to concerns about the water quality of the River Seine. Issues with River Seine’s Water Quality: Old Sewage System: Paris’ aged sewage system combines rainwater and wastewater in the same pipes, leading to overflow during heavy rains. Untreated Sewage Discharge:… Continue reading

[pib] Artificial Insemination in Cattle

Why in the News? The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The mission aims to develop and conserve indigenous bovine breeds, genetically upgrade the bovine population, and enhance milk production and productivity. About Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Details About Initiated in December 2014. Announced under the National Programme for Bovine… Continue reading

85th death anniversary of Shaheed Udham Singh

Why in the News? On July 31, 1940, Indian revolutionary leader Udham Singh was executed at the Pentonville prison in London for killing Michael O’Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of Punjab. He avenged the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer. Udham Singh (1899-1940) and his Contributions: Details Birth and Early Life Singh was born… Continue reading

‘Zombies’ in our Genes helped us evolve

Why in the News? Research suggests that around 8% of the human genome is composed of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) often referred to as ‘zombie’ regions. Retroviruses and Human Genome Integration Most viruses can’t affect the human genome, but retroviruses are an exception. Retroviruses can integrate and reshape the genomes of their hosts. They have an… Continue reading

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