GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS FOR LGBTQIA+ INCLUSIVITY The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has initiated a public consultation process to enhance inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. This move follows key actions by the Government of India in response to directives from the Supreme Court (SC) in 2023 to protect queer rights and clarify their entitlements.
OPEC+ DISCUSSING DELAY TO PLANNED OIL OUTPUT HIKE IN OCTOBER The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its alliance OPEC+ play a crucial role in determining global oil production and prices. Recently, OPEC+ nations have announced a reduction in oil output, raising concerns about global oil markets and India’s energy security. As India’s
GENOME MAPPING OF CHANDIPURA VIRUS TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) recently mapped the genome of the Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), a virus causing severe encephalitis and brain swelling cases in Gujarat. The mapping provides insights into the virus's behaviour, mutations, and its impact on public health. What
DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 The Indian government recently introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha to make significant changes to the existing Disaster Management Act, 2005. The amendment aims to strengthen disaster response mechanisms, improve coordination, and decentralize disaster management. However, it has sparked debates regarding the increased centralization of
HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS IN INDIA POST-PANDEMIC The Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), during the Financing 3.0 Summit by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), emphasized the importance of household savings in the post-pandemic recovery phase. With significant changes in saving patterns, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, household savings are becoming a crucial
THE IMPACT OF THE FOOD SECURITY ACT ON THE PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (PDS) TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 aimed to enhance food security by revamping the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. The Act addressed widespread issues like high leakage rates and inefficiencies, which were prevalent
INDIAN RAILWAYS - NUCLEAR POWERED TRAINS Indian Railways (IR) is actively exploring alternative energy sources, including nuclear power, as part of its efforts to shift from fossil fuels and reduce its carbon footprint. IR has already been working on solar and wind power projects, and now it aims to explore nuclear-powered trains to meet its
PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND INSURGENT GROUPS IN TRIPURA The Central Government, in collaboration with the state government of Tripura, recently signed a peace agreement with two major insurgent groups—National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF). This agreement aims to end a 35-year-long insurgency, promote stability, and foster development
APARAJITA WOMEN AND CHILD (WEST BENGAL CRIMINAL LAWS AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 The West Bengal Assembly has recently passed the Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill aims to tackle the alarming rise in violence against women by introducing stringent punishments for crimes such as rape and sexual harassment. It
MAIZE-BASED ETHANOL AND INDIA'S SHIFT FROM EXPORTER TO IMPORTER India has been pushing to increase ethanol production, particularly from maize (corn), to achieve its fuel blending goals. This drive has led to a significant transformation in India’s maize industry, turning the country from Asia’s top maize exporter to a net importer. This shift has impacted
INDIA-BRAZIL BILATERAL RELATIONS India and Brazil, two emerging global powers, share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has deepened over the years. Their collaboration spans a wide array of sectors, including defence, space, security, technology, and people-to-people ties. Both countries are significant players in global economic forums and have worked together to address global
SAMAGRA SHIKSHA FUND DELAY: A PUNISHMENT FOR ROLE-MODEL STATES TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN SOCIETY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Samagra Shiksha scheme (SSA) is a comprehensive program for school education in India. However, the Centre's decision to withhold funds to Opposition-ruled states has raised concerns. Key Findings: Political Motivation: The Centre's decision to withhold funds is
