SCREEN ALL PREGNANT WOMEN FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES WITH POINT-OF-CARE TEST, SAY EXPERTS TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS Gestational diabetes is a significant concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. Researchers from India, London, and Africa have proposed a shift from the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to an HbA1c
ROOFTOP SOLAR PROGRAMME By March 2024, India achieved an installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity of 11.87 gigawatts (GW), reflecting a growth of 2.99 GW during 2023-2024. Government Initiative: The Rooftop Solar Programme was launched in 2014 to promote rooftop solar installations across the country. About the Rooftop Solar Programme Launch Year: 2014. Initial Target: 40
INDIAN MUSIC EVOLUTION Indian music has a rich and diverse history that spans millennia, evolving through distinct phases influenced by cultural, religious, and regional factors. From its ancient origins rooted in Vedic hymns to the sophisticated classical forms of today, Indian music reflects a profound cultural heritage and artistic expression. Ancient Period (Pre-13th Century) Origins
END OF PETRODOLLAR? WE WOULDN’T HOLD OUR BREATH TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU In the past decade, both Western and Eastern countries have shifted towards self-sufficient economic and political policies, moving away from a previously global approach. This shift has sparked debates about the future of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve
DRUG ABUSE IN INDIA Drug abuse and trafficking pose significant challenges globally, impacting public health, national security, and socio-economic stability. In India, these issues are particularly complex due to various factors such as poverty, social influences, and geographical proximity to major drug-producing regions like the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive
CHINA-TIBET ISSUE The China-Tibet issue has been a longstanding conflict centered around Tibet's status and autonomy within the People's Republic of China (PRC). Tibet, an autonomous region on the Tibetan Plateau, has a distinct cultural, religious, and linguistic identity that has been a focal point of contention between China and the international community. Historical Background
NHRC ISSUES NOTICES TO CENTRE, T.N. GOVT. OVER RECRUITMENT PRACTICES AT FOXCONN TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns over alleged discrimination against married women by Foxconn, a major Apple device manufacturer, at its Sriperumbudur iPhone assembly plant. NHRC issued a notice to: Secretary,
SIMLA AGREEMENT AND INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS The Simla Agreement, signed on 2nd July 1972, marked a significant milestone in the history of India-Pakistan relations, aimed at resolving conflicts arising from the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. This agreement, facilitated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India and President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan, sought to establish peace and
PUDUCHERRY Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a Union Territory located on the southeastern coast of India. It comprises four regions: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, each with its own unique cultural influences due to their proximity to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Historical Background Ancient History: Puducherry has a rich maritime history dating
MIXED SIGNALS TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The industrial output data for May from India's eight core infrastructure sectors indicate a slowdown, primarily due to a severe heatwave. This has impacted various sectors differently, highlighting the need for focused policy interventions. Core Sectors Performance: Growth: Coal and electricity generation saw significant growth, expanding
FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organization that sets standards and promotes effective implementation of legal, regulatory, and operational measures to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) assesses member countries' compliance
REGULATING FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY (FRT) IN INDIA Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) has become a subject of significant concern globally due to its potential implications for privacy, security, and ethical considerations. In India, the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for FRT has prompted calls for robust policies to govern its use effectively. Status of Regulation
