NITI AAYOG REPORT PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS IN INDIA TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India has recognized the need for a robust framework to effectively handle future public health emergencies. The NITI Aayog, through its expert group, has put forward several recommendations aimed at strengthening
LADAKH'S DEMAND FOR SPECIAL STATUS: SIXTH SCHEDULE INCLUSION TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU Ladakh, after its separation from Jammu and Kashmir and its designation as a Union Territory in 2019, has been pressing for greater autonomy. The main demand is for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This demand reflects
SWACHH BHARAT MISSION 2.0 TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) or "Clean India Mission" is a flagship initiative launched by the Indian government aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene across the country. While the first phase of SBM focused on eliminating open defecation, SBM 2.0, which was launched in October 2021, primarily
INDIA'S 5 NEW CLASSICAL LANGUAGES: WHAT THE TAG MEANS TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE: INDIAN EXPRESS Recently, the Union Cabinet extended the "Classical Language" status to five new languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This designation comes with significant cultural and academic benefits, enhancing the preservation and promotion of these languages. Prior to this announcement, Tamil,
CIVIL WAR IN SUDAN TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since April 2023, involving two major factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has caused widespread suffering and displacement, with millions affected. Origins of the Conflict Power Struggle:
CASTE-BASED DISCRIMINATION IN PRISON MANUALS AND ITS UNCONSTITUTIONALITY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a landmark judgment on October 3, 2024, declaring the caste-based division of labour in prisons as unconstitutional. The ruling addresses several discriminatory provisions in prison manuals across various Indian states, which perpetuate caste-based labour assignments.
PHYSICS NOBEL PRIZE 2024 TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS In 2024, the Nobel Prize in Physics recognized two scientists, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, for their groundbreaking contributions to artificial neural networks (ANNs), which are the backbone of modern artificial intelligence (AI). Their work has significantly advanced the field of machine learning, enabling
RBI MONETARY POLICY UPDATE TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently held its policy review meeting and shifted its stance from "withdrawal of accommodation" to a "neutral" stance, indicating a potential rate cut in the near future. This move reflects the balanced state of inflation and economic growth at present.
WHY PRECISION MEDICINE IN INDIA CAN’T ADVANCE WITHOUT BIOBANK LAWS TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU Precision medicine, driven by advancements in genomics and technologies like gene editing and mRNA therapeutics, is revolutionizing healthcare worldwide. India’s biobanking ecosystem is expanding but encounters challenge due to inconsistent regulations regarding data protection and ethical standards. Precision
HALF OF UAPA INVESTIGATIONS PENDING FOR OVER THREE YEARS TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967, meant to address issues of national security, has drawn criticism due to its stringent provisions, particularly around delays in trials and the denial of bail. Recent developments, including prolonged detentions, have intensified
CENTRE INCREASES MSP FOR WHEAT, FIVE OTHER RABI CROPS TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU The Indian government recently announced a significant increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rabi crops for the 2025-26 marketing season. These decisions aim to ensure fair pricing for farmers and protect employees from inflation, especially ahead of the
ASSAM ACCORD: SC UPHOLDS CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY OF SECTION 6A OF THE CITIZENSHIP ACT TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: HINDUSTHAN TIMES Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, is a unique provision introduced to address the migration issues in Assam, specifically to regulate citizenship for those who migrated from Bangladesh before March 24, 1971. This provision was a
