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The promise of parametric insurance

Why in the news? In 2023, natural disaster losses hit $280 billion, with only $100 billion insured, highlighting a need for innovative insurance solutions amid rising extreme weather events. Present Method of Disaster Risk Reduction Indemnity-based Insurance Products: Indemnity-based insurance products require a physical assessment of damage after a disaster to determine the payout amount.… Continue reading

The Green Revolution in Maize

Why in the news? Over the past two decades, India’s maize production has more than tripled, emerging as a private sector-driven green revolution success story. Maize has transitioned from being primarily a feed crop to also serving as a fuel crop. What was the Green Revolution? Began in 1968 with the introduction of high-yielding variety… Continue reading

India plans to enter into a carbon crediting mechanism with Japan

Why in the news? India is set to establish a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) with Japan for carbon trading and emission-reduction credits. Memorandum of Cooperation for Setting Up a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Objective and Framework: India and Japan plan to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation to establish a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for sharing… Continue reading

Bombay HC quashes Exemption from RTE Quota for Private Schools

Why in the News? The Bombay High Court has cancelled the Maharashtra government’s new rule that allowed private schools within 1 kilometer of government or government-aided schools to avoid reserving 25% of their seats for students from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. Right to Education (RTE) Act: Overview The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009… Continue reading

Bhil Tribe have again demanded a separate ‘Bhil Pradesh’

Why in the News? A large number of people from the Bhil tribe recently gathered at a rally in Rajasthan’s Mangarh Dham to raise the demand for an independent ‘Bhil state’. Background of the Bhil Pradesh Demand The idea of a tribal state, comprising parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, has been discussed… Continue reading

Who was Prithipal Singh Randhawa, student leader shot dead 45 years ago?

Why in the News? Prithipal Singh Randhawa, leader of the Punjab Students Union (PSU), was murdered in Ludhiana on July 18, 1979. At the time of his death, he was 27 years old and among the most prominent leaders of the student union movement in Punjab during the 1970s. Who was Prithipal Singh Randhawa? Randhawa… Continue reading

Sighting of Peru’s uncontacted Mashko Piro people

Why in the News? An NGO has released rare photographs of the Mashco Piro tribespeople, one of the world’s 100-odd uncontacted tribes. Who are the Mashko Piro people? The Mashco Piro tribe, possibly numbering over 750, are nomadic hunter-gatherers. They live in the Amazon jungles of the Madre de Dios Region, near Peru’s border with… Continue reading

[19th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: India and a Case for Strategic Autonomy

PYQ Relevance: Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020) Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020) Mentor comment: India’s strategic autonomy refers to… Continue reading

Vasco da Gama’s toxic legacy is now a ‘pandemic’ that kills 8 million globally

Why in the news? On July 8th, 1497, Vasco da Gama’s historic voyage began, reshaping global maritime routes and leaving a lasting impact on trade and culture. This era of exploration introduced and disseminated tobacco, profoundly affecting societies in numerous ways. Cultivation and Production of Tobacco Historical Introduction: Tobacco was originally cultivated by Native Americans… Continue reading

How do Assam’s Foreigners Tribunals function?

Why in the news? On July 5, the Assam government instructed the Border wing of the State police not to refer cases of non-Muslims who entered India illegally before 2014 to the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs). About Foreigners Tribunals: Foreigners Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies established to determine if a person staying illegally in India is a… Continue reading

The issue with India’s tree planting schemes

Why in the news? India’s tree planting schemes have garnered attention as part of the country’s efforts to combat climate change and restore degraded ecosystems. However, these initiatives face several challenges and criticisms. Recent Trends of Special Conservation Drives: Increased Initiatives: There has been a surge in global and national tree planting drives, such as… Continue reading

Decline in popularity of Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS)

Why in the News? Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) are mutual fund schemes that offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Recently, ELSS has seen a decline in popularity, with more money being withdrawn from these schemes than invested. What is Section 80C of the Income Tax Act? Section 80C permits… Continue reading

What is OpenAI’s secret Project ‘Strawberry’?

Why in the News? US-based OpenAI emerged as a major player with its AI chatbot ChatGPT, capable of answering questions and processing images. OpenAI is now reportedly developing a new AI model with improved reasoning capabilities, potentially changing the AI landscape. What is Project Strawberry? Nearly six months ago, OpenAI’s secretive Project Q* (Q-Star) gained… Continue reading

845 Elephant Deaths recorded in Kerala in eight years

Why in the News? Kerala’s forests have recorded 845 elephant deaths between 2015 and 2023. Studies indicate an increasing trend in the death rate over time. Habitat and Population Challenges Elephants face increasing vulnerability due to shrinking habitats and rising fragmentation exacerbated by climate change. Factors contributing to their susceptibility include: Declining population sizes Sensitivity… Continue reading

Places in News: Niger, Ivory Coast and Pacific Island States

Why in the News? Details Niger Turkish delegation visited to strengthen military cooperation with the junta, shifting alliances to Turkey and Russia. Geography: Landlocked in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Population ~26.3 million; capital Niamey. Key Points: Gained independence from France in 1960. Political instability with coups… Continue reading

The State of India’s Informal Economy

Why in the news? The NSSO’s 2021-22 and 2022-23 survey outcomes reveal effects of significant economic shocks due to demonetisation, GST implementation, and the COVID-19 pandemic on India’s economy. About NSSO: The NSSO is India’s premier agency for conducting large-scale nationwide sample surveys on socio-economic aspects that collects data on employment, consumption, health, education, and… Continue reading

On political representation of women

Why in the News? In the recently concluded general elections in the U.K., a record 263 women MPs, making up 40% of the total, have been elected to the House of Commons. Political representation of Women in the world: Have women been fairly represented in Parliament in independent India? Women were granted the right to… Continue reading

The problems with sub-caste reservations

Why in the News? The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on sub-caste reservations for SC/STs. Any ruling on this matter must be substantiated not only legally but also academically. What is the Sub-categorization of castes? It refers to the practice of further dividing larger caste categories into smaller groups or sub-groups based on specific… Continue reading

Cave on the Moon: What this discovery means for space exploration?

Why in the News? Scientists have confirmed the presence of a cave on the Moon, near the site of the first lunar landing 55 years ago. This discovery could provide astronauts with a potential habitat on the Moon in the future. About the Cave on Mare Tranquillitatis A study titled “Radar evidence of an accessible… Continue reading

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