INDIA’S FIRST MISSION TO VENUS TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS India's first mission to Venus has been officially approved by the Union Cabinet, with a planned launch by ISRO in March 2028. This mission will be India's second inter-planetary endeavor, following the successful Mars Orbiter Mission in 2013. The spacecraft aims to explore
6TH QUAD SUMMIT The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic alliance between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. It aims to promote a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Initially formed in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Quad was formally established in 2007 but became dormant until its
SUPREME COURT RULING ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY UNDER THE POCSO ACT, 2012 The Supreme Court of India recently ruled that possessing or watching sexually explicit content involving minors is a punishable offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. This judgment emphasizes the illegality of child pornography, even if the material is
METHANE EMISSIONS AND THEIR IMPACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE Methane (CH₄) emissions are rapidly increasing and pose a significant threat to achieving the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement. While carbon dioxide (CO₂) has long dominated climate discussions, methane—a much more powerful greenhouse gas (GHG)—is increasingly becoming a focal point. Tackling methane emissions offers a
RACIAL INEQUALITY IN POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA AND BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT POLICY Even after the end of apartheid three decades ago, South Africa continues to grapple with significant racial inequalities, particularly in the economic sphere. Despite efforts like the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy, the country's economy remains divided along racial lines. This has sparked ongoing
TREATY ON THE PROHIBITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (TPNW) TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU The International Day for the Total Elimination of nuclear weapons on September 26 highlights the need for disarmament. The TPNW, effective since 2021, aims for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, standing in contrast to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
WITNESS PROTECTION SCHEME, 2018 Witnesses are integral to the criminal justice system as they help ensure a fair trial by providing crucial evidence. However, in India, witnesses often face intimidation, threats, and even harm, leading to their reluctance in testifying. To address these concerns, the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018 was introduced. Despite being an important
PLASTIC WASTE CRISIS IN THE HIMALAYAN REGION The Himalayan region, renowned for its pristine landscapes and ecological significance, is grappling with a rising plastic waste crisis. Since 2018, the "Himalayan Cleanup (THC)" initiative has united volunteers annually to not only clean waste from the area but also to track its sources through detailed audits. This
JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN INDIA TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU Judicial accountability refers to the mechanisms that ensure judges perform their duties in an ethical, impartial, and transparent manner. Recently, the Supreme Court expressed concern over comments made by a Karnataka High Court judge, sparking discussions about the challenges in disciplining members of the judiciary. The
SHIPBUILDING MISSION India's shipbuilding industry has seen significant focus in recent years, driven by the "Make in India" initiative and the government's goal of becoming a global maritime hub by 2047. The Shipbuilding Mission aims to propel India into the ranks of leading maritime nations through a combination of strategic planning, investment, and international collaboration.
8th INDIA WATER WEEK (IWW) 2024 The 8th India Water Week (IWW) 2024 was inaugurated by the President of India in New Delhi, organized under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. This significant international event serves as a platform for discussions and collaboration on water resource management, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in addressing water-related
AIR QUALITY LIFE INDEX (AQLI) 2024 The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) recently released the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024, highlighting critical issues regarding air pollution and its impact on global health. The report highlights the severe consequences of poor air quality, particularly in countries like India, where a significant
