CENTRE AND CONGRESS SPAR OVER KATCHATHEEVU ISSUE TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS– SOURCE: THE HINDU Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister address the long-standing controversy surrounding the cession of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974. They Referred agreements from 1974 and 1976, suggesting a change in fishing rights despite legal opinions suggesting otherwise. Opposition counters with
ED CAN SUMMON ANYONE FOR ‘ANY INFORMATION’: SC TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE– SOURCE: THE HINDU The Supreme Court directed four Tamil Nadu District Collectors to personally appear before the Enforcement Directorate, criticizing them for ignoring the ED summons, stating they lacked respect for the law, court, and Constitution. Enforcement directorate: Established in 1956 as
TURNING THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE URBAN POOR TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMICS– SOURCE: THE HINDU The India Employment Report (IER) 2024 highlights concerns about the trickle-down effect of economic growth on the working class amidst a 5.4% average real economic growth from 2015-16 to 2022-23. Divergent trends between rural and urban areas in terms of employment and
UNIVERSITIES MUST BUDGE ON COLLEGE AUTONOMY NUDGE TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE– SOURCE: THE HINDU The National Education Policy 2020 aims to transform colleges into autonomous institutions to foster innovation, self-governance, and academic freedom. Autonomy Regulation by UGC: UGC introduced a new regulation in April 2023 to grant autonomy to colleges. Response: 590 colleges applied
GROUNDWATER QUALITY CAN BE IMPROVED EVEN WHEN MIXED WITH NITRATE-LADEN SURFACE WATER TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH Many states in India are facing a water crisis due to stress on surface and groundwater sources, exacerbated by urbanization. Over-extraction and sewage mismanagement have deteriorated groundwater quality, making it unfit for consumption. ASR as a
MSMES PURSUE GST REFORMS WITH CANDIDATES TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU Over six years have passed since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), yet the matter continues to spark disagreement within various MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) hubs across the nation, including those in Tamil Nadu. The reduction
A DISTINCT RIGHT TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU The Supreme Court of India has recently recognized the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change as a distinct fundamental right. This landmark decision highlights the importance of a healthy environment and sustainable development in the face of escalating climate
CRAFTED AT HOME, NEXCAR19 TAKES INDIA TO NEXT LEVEL IN CANCER CARE TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY–SOURCE: THE HINDU Cancer remains a major healthcare challenge in India. However, recent development of NexCAR19, an indigenously-developed Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for certain blood cancers. T cells are immune system cells that fight infection. CAR-T
ANNUAL STATUS OF EDUCATION REPORT (ASER) 2023 TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU ASER 2023 annual educational assessment, sheds light on the foundational learning levels and aspirations of India's adolescents aged 14-18. This report offers critical insights into the challenges faced in education and the aspirations of the youth. ASER 2023 covered 28
FERTILITY LEVELS DROP BELOW ONE IN MANY ASIAN NATIONS TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU Many East and Southeast Asian countries are experiencing a population crisis marked by declining birth rates and record-low fertility rates. Hospitals in China have ceased newborn delivery services due to decreased demand, while South Korea has resorted to
CONSUMER RIGHTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15 to promote awareness about consumer rights. However, it often overlooks the challenges faced by consumers with disabilities. Struggles Faced by Consumers with Disabilities: Persons with disabilities encounter difficulties accessing goods and
WHY HAVE PRIVATE INVESTMENTS DROPPED? TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU Private investment rose until the global financial crisis of 2007-08 but began declining from 2011-12.Hit a low of 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21, indicating a worrying trend. GFCF stands for Gross Fixed Capital Formation, representing growth in fixed capital in an economy,
