INDIA’S PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO UKRAINE India's Prime Minister recently made a historic visit to Ukraine, marking the first such trip by an Indian head of state since Ukraine's independence in 1991. This visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in areas of defence, trade, and humanitarian assistance. The visit holds particular importance given the
INDIA, AFRICA CAN DOUBLE TRADE TO $200 BILLION India has unveiled an ambitious plan to double its exports to African countries to USD 200 billion by 2030, as revealed at the 19th India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This strategic initiative aims to strengthen economic ties between
VACCINE-DERIVED POLIO: A PERSISTENT THREAT TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDI Vaccine-derived polio (VDP) is a rare but serious complication of the oral polio vaccine (OPV). Despite India's successful eradication of wild polio, VDP cases continue to be reported, highlighting the challenges in maintaining polio-free status. What is VDP? VDP is a
UNIFIED PENSION SCHEME The Union Cabinet has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), designed to provide government employees with an assured pension after retirement. The scheme is scheduled to come into effect on 1st April 2025, shifting central government employees from the current National Pension System (NPS) to the UPS. This new pension framework offers
REASONABLE LIMITS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The case of Telegram and its founder, Pavel Durov, presents a complex interplay between the principles of free speech and the responsibilities of technology platforms. Durov's unwavering commitment to absolute free speech has positioned Telegram as a haven for dissidents and anti-state actors. However,
PRADHAN MANTRI JAN-DHAN YOJANA (PMJDY) The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched on August 28, 2014, as a flagship financial inclusion initiative of the Government of India. Its primary objective is to provide affordable financial services like banking, credit, insurance, and pensions to all citizens, especially the underprivileged. Now, as it completes a decade,
TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS BETWEEN INDIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES India shares numerous rivers with its neighbouring countries, making water management and distribution an essential aspect of bilateral relations. These transboundary rivers not only support agriculture and industry but are also vital for energy production and drinking water supply. Many agreements and treaties have been established to govern
ISRO'S HUMANOID SKULL TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a humanoid robot named Vyomitra to accompany its upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The design of Vyomitra's skull, a crucial component of the robot, is a testament to ISRO's technological prowess. The Design of Vyomitra's Skull: Material:
NATURAL RUBBER SHORTAGE IN INDIA India is currently grappling with a significant shortage of natural rubber (NR), with domestic production falling short of demand by around 550,000 tonnes. Despite efforts to increase production, the gap between supply and consumption continues to widen, impacting various industries and contributing to higher import dependency. Causes of Natural Rubber
VOLUNTARY VEHICLE-FLEET MODERNIZATION PROGRAM (V-VMP) The Vehicle Scrapping Policy 2021, also known as the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program (V-VMP), is a recent initiative by the Indian government aimed at modernizing the vehicle fleet on Indian roads. This policy encourages the scrapping of old and unfit vehicles through various incentives, with the ultimate goal of reducing
STRENGTHENING STATE ELECTION COMMISSIONS FOR GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU State Election Commissions (SECs) are critical to maintaining democracy at the grassroots level, managing elections for local bodies like panchayats and municipalities. However, SECs face systemic challenges that undermine their autonomy and effectiveness, impacting the democratic process. Systemic Disempowerment
PATHWAYS AND STRATEGIES FOR ACCELERATING GROWTH IN EDIBLE OILS TOWARDS GOAL OF ATMANIRBHARTA The NITI Aayog's recent report titled "Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils towards Goal of Atmanirbharta" provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s edible oil sector. It outlines current challenges, future potential, and strategies to achieve self-sufficiency. This report is
