SURAT DIAMOND INDUSTRY CRISIS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AMD GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES Surat, renowned for its diamond industry, is currently experiencing a significant downturn due to various global economic and geopolitical challenges. This crisis has led to widespread layoffs, pay cuts, and financial distress among the workers. Causes of the Crisis Global Economic Slowdown:
NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL RANKING FRAMEWORK (NIRF) 2024 The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2015, is a significant initiative aimed at assessing and ranking higher education institutions in India. The NIRF rankings are highly anticipated each year, as they provide a transparent and objective evaluation of institutions based on
MELTING POLAR ICE DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IS MAKING EARTH’S DAYS LONGER Recent scientific studies have revealed that climate change, particularly the melting of polar ice caps, is not only influencing weather patterns and sea levels but also affecting Earth's rotation. As ice melts and water redistributes, subtle but significant changes are occurring in the
SC STAYS COERCIVE STEPS AGAINST YOUTUBER ‘SAVUKKU’ TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Supreme Court of India recently intervened in the legal proceedings against YouTuber 'Savukku' Shankar, who was facing multiple FIRs in Tamil Nadu. The case highlights concern over free speech and the use of preventive detention laws. Supreme Court's
BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT Ballast water management has recently come under scrutiny due to a case involving the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) demanding ₹160 crore from the Kamarajar Port in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, for ineffective ballast water management. The WRD claims that poor management has led to the proliferation of Mytella strigata, or charru
DISINFORMATION, AI AND ‘CYBER CHAKRAVYUH’ The year 2024 has seen a significant rise in digital threats, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in forms like Generative AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), posing new challenges. The evolving landscape includes risks such as digital attacks, disinformation, and cyber threats, highlighted by a global disruption caused by a
COAL INDIA MANDATED TO PAY PENALTY FOR NON-SUPPLY OF COAL SOLD IN E-AUCTIONS TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU The Indian government has taken a significant step by mandating Coal India Ltd. (CIL) to pay penalties for failing to supply coal procured through e-auctions. This move aims to enhance the ease of doing business, particularly
SUSTAINABLE COFFEE PRODUCTION India is recognized globally as one of the top coffee producers, renowned for its high-quality coffee varieties. However, recent environmental challenges have posed significant threats to coffee production in the country. Unfavourable weather conditions, including high temperatures, excessive rainfall, and landslides, have led to considerable losses in coffee plantations, raising concerns about
NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY (NUE) Recent advancements in biotechnology have led to the discovery of significant variation in nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) among popular Indian rice varieties. This discovery has paved the way for the development of high-yielding, low-nitrogen varieties, which can help reduce fertilizer costs and mitigate environmental pollution. Additionally, the Prime Minister of India has
J&K ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THREE PHASES TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE– SOURCE: THE HINDU The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly election will be held in three phases from September 18 to October 1, 2024, marking the first Assembly polls in the region since the revocation of
BROILER CHICKEN INDUSTRY IN INDIA The broiler chicken industry in India has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from traditional, small-scale farming into a highly organized and vertically integrated agribusiness. This evolution has enabled even smallholders to engage in commercial poultry farming, resulting in increased productivity and profitability. The industry's growth has been fueled by technological
MARTAND SUN TEMPLE The Martand Sun Temple, located in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, holds immense historical and architectural significance. Recently, the temple was illuminated with the tricolors of the Indian flag as part of Independence Day celebrations, evoking pride among locals and tourists. The temple is a testament to India's ancient architectural
