THE ART OF INDIA’S HIV/AIDS RESPONSE TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: THE HINDU The initiation of Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in India on April 1, 2004, stands as a momentous milestone in the nation's efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. From Stigma to Hope: The Need for Free ART In the early 1980s, HIV/AIDS
CENTRE AND CONGRESS SPAR OVER KATCHATHEEVU ISSUE TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS– SOURCE: THE HINDU Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister address the long-standing controversy surrounding the cession of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974. They Referred agreements from 1974 and 1976, suggesting a change in fishing rights despite legal opinions suggesting otherwise. Opposition counters with
ED CAN SUMMON ANYONE FOR ‘ANY INFORMATION’: SC TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE– SOURCE: THE HINDU The Supreme Court directed four Tamil Nadu District Collectors to personally appear before the Enforcement Directorate, criticizing them for ignoring the ED summons, stating they lacked respect for the law, court, and Constitution. Enforcement directorate: Established in 1956 as
TURNING THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE URBAN POOR TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMICS– SOURCE: THE HINDU The India Employment Report (IER) 2024 highlights concerns about the trickle-down effect of economic growth on the working class amidst a 5.4% average real economic growth from 2015-16 to 2022-23. Divergent trends between rural and urban areas in terms of employment and
UNIVERSITIES MUST BUDGE ON COLLEGE AUTONOMY NUDGE TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE– SOURCE: THE HINDU The National Education Policy 2020 aims to transform colleges into autonomous institutions to foster innovation, self-governance, and academic freedom. Autonomy Regulation by UGC: UGC introduced a new regulation in April 2023 to grant autonomy to colleges. Response: 590 colleges applied
GROUNDWATER QUALITY CAN BE IMPROVED EVEN WHEN MIXED WITH NITRATE-LADEN SURFACE WATER TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH Many states in India are facing a water crisis due to stress on surface and groundwater sources, exacerbated by urbanization. Over-extraction and sewage mismanagement have deteriorated groundwater quality, making it unfit for consumption. ASR as a
CAN STATES REGULATE 'INDUSTRIAL ALCOHOL' The Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), is examining a pivotal case involving a 9-judge Constitution Bench. The focus is on determining whether states possess the authority to regulate and levy excise duty on industrial alcohol. Constitutional Framework: State List (Entry 8): Grants state governments the
MADURAI BENCH CAN ALSO HEAR PIL PETITIONS RELATING TO PAN-STATE MATTERS, RULES MADRAS HIGH COURT The Madras High Court, principal seat, recently issued a significant ruling reinstating the authority of the Madurai Bench to adjudicate on all types of Public Interest Litigations (PILs), not just those limited to the 13 districts under its jurisdiction but
MSMES PURSUE GST REFORMS WITH CANDIDATES TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU Over six years have passed since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), yet the matter continues to spark disagreement within various MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) hubs across the nation, including those in Tamil Nadu. The reduction
TATA GROUP TO BUILD THE NATION’S FIRST FAB IN DHOLERA Semiconductor chips play a pivotal role in modern technology, powering various electronic devices. India's efforts in developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem aim to reduce import dependence and foster domestic manufacturing capabilities. Semiconductor Chips: Definition: Semiconductor chips are tiny electronic devices made of semiconductor materials like
WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has released its 2022 report highlighting concerning statistics on global doping violations. The findings spotlight India's prominent role in doping offences, urging the need for rigorous measures to uphold sports' integrity. Key Findings India's Doping Offences: India led globally with 3.26% doping offenders among tested athletes. Out
GLOBAL HEPATITIS REPORT 2024 The recently released Global Hepatitis Report 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on India's significant burden of viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C infections. India's Hepatitis Burden: Prevalence in India: India bears one of the highest burdens of viral hepatitis globally. Approximately 2.9 crore people in
MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE HITS TAIWAN Taiwan recently experienced a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter Scale, marking it as one of the most significant seismic events in the past 25 years. The earthquake's impact was felt far beyond Taiwan, with Japan issuing a tsunami alert for the Ryukyu chain of islands.
A DISTINCT RIGHT TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU The Supreme Court of India has recently recognized the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change as a distinct fundamental right. This landmark decision highlights the importance of a healthy environment and sustainable development in the face of escalating climate
SOIL EROSION CRISIS IN INDIA Soil erosion is a significant environmental concern impacting agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. A recent study employing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) highlighted alarming rates of soil erosion across India. Key Highlights of the Study: 30% of India's landmass experiences "minor" soil erosion. 3% of the land faces
INDIA TO CONSIDER EXPANDING RELAXATION IN OCI CARD NORMS India has been deliberating on extending the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card benefits to overseas Indians in Fiji and other nations, following the relaxation of rules for Suriname in 2023. The OCI scheme is a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering stronger ties with the Indian
CRAFTED AT HOME, NEXCAR19 TAKES INDIA TO NEXT LEVEL IN CANCER CARE TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY–SOURCE: THE HINDU Cancer remains a major healthcare challenge in India. However, recent development of NexCAR19, an indigenously-developed Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for certain blood cancers. T cells are immune system cells that fight infection. CAR-T
INDIA'S DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION India's population dynamics have long been a focal point of discussions, with projections indicating a potential population of 1.7 billion by 2065. This brings attention not only to the growth aspect but also to the changing fertility rates, a less-explored dimension of demographic transition. About Demographic Transition and Dividend Demographic Transition: Refers
CANDIDATES HAVE A RIGHT TO PRIVACY FROM VOTERS: SC JUDGMENT The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a significant judgement concerning the declaration of movable assets by candidates contesting elections. The ruling touched upon the delicate balance between the right to privacy of the candidates and the voters' right to information. Key Facts of the
ANNUAL STATUS OF EDUCATION REPORT (ASER) 2023 TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU ASER 2023 annual educational assessment, sheds light on the foundational learning levels and aspirations of India's adolescents aged 14-18. This report offers critical insights into the challenges faced in education and the aspirations of the youth. ASER 2023 covered 28
FERTILITY LEVELS DROP BELOW ONE IN MANY ASIAN NATIONS TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU Many East and Southeast Asian countries are experiencing a population crisis marked by declining birth rates and record-low fertility rates. Hospitals in China have ceased newborn delivery services due to decreased demand, while South Korea has resorted to
STRICTER VIEW NEEDED IN CUSTODIAL DEATH CASES Custodial death, the tragic demise of an individual under the watch of law enforcement or correctional facilities, remains a pressing issue in India. This phenomenon raises concerns about human rights violations, abuse of power, and the need for legal reforms to ensure justice and accountability. About Custodial Death
DRYING RIVERS IN INDIA The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported alarming water storage levels in several river basins, particularly in east-flowing rivers between Mahanadi and Pennar. This crisis poses significant challenges to India's water security, impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and the environment. Water Crisis in East-Flowing Rivers Basin Affected Rivers: 13 rivers, including Rushikulya, Bahuda,
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) hold immense strategic importance for India in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian government's renewed focus on these islands reflects their recognition as vital assets for maritime security, trade routes, and regional stability. Strategic Importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Geographical Location: Located
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN INDIA Domestic violence remains a significant issue in India, affecting women from all backgrounds and perpetuating cycles of abuse and inequality. Despite legal frameworks in place, enforcement and eradication of domestic violence pose several challenges. Magnitude of Domestic Violence: Reports indicate that a significant percentage of ever-married women in India have experienced
CONSUMER RIGHTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15 to promote awareness about consumer rights. However, it often overlooks the challenges faced by consumers with disabilities. Struggles Faced by Consumers with Disabilities: Persons with disabilities encounter difficulties accessing goods and
CDP-SURAKSHA, GOVT’S NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM TO DISBURSE SUBSIDIES TO HORTICULTURE FARMERS The Central government has recently introduced a new platform, CDP-SURAKSHA, to streamline the disbursement of subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). This initiative aims to bolster India's horticulture sector, which plays a pivotal role in the country's agricultural Gross Value
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS The recent Supreme Court ruling on the Chandigarh mayoral election brings attention to the challenges faced by India's local urban body electoral processes. Despite robust national and state electoral systems, municipal elections often encounter issues with timely elections and smooth transitions of power. Legal Framework for Local Elections Constitutional Provisions: The State Election
COTTON CULTIVATION IN NORTH INDIA As the 2024-25 kharif cotton planting season approaches in North India, stakeholders anticipate a potential decline in cotton acreages due to various challenges. These challenges include severe pink bollworm (PBW) infestation, low prices for cotton, and rising labour costs. Pink Bollworm (PBW) Infestation About PBW: PBW, or Pectinophora gossypiella, is
WHY HAVE PRIVATE INVESTMENTS DROPPED? TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU Private investment rose until the global financial crisis of 2007-08 but began declining from 2011-12.Hit a low of 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21, indicating a worrying trend. GFCF stands for Gross Fixed Capital Formation, representing growth in fixed capital in an economy,
INDIA EXPANDS ANTARCTIC POSTAL NETWORK The Department of Posts has recently inaugurated a second post office branch at the Bharati research station in Antarctica, marking a significant milestone after nearly four decades. Historical Context: India’s Post Office Legacy in Antarctica 1984: India established its first post office at Dakshin Gangotri, India's initial research station in
INDIA'S SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently permitted Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) operating within the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to invest in India's Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs). This decision aims to accelerate India's transition to a low-carbon economy by expanding the capital pool for green projects. What are Sovereign
TIANTONG PROJECT The Tiantong Project signifies China's strategic response to the evolving landscape of telecommunications, especially in remote and disaster-prone regions. It aims to enhance communication resilience, particularly in emergencies where traditional mobile connectivity may be disrupted. About the Tiantong Project: Initiative: A satellite communication system initiated by the Chinese government post the 2008 Sichuan
FOSSILS OF HUGE PREHISTORIC SNAKE FOUND IN KUTCH MINE TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY – SOURCE: THE HINDU Researchers discovered fossils of a massive snake named vasuki indicus, believed to have lived 47 million years ago in kutch, gujarat. The snake, possibly 10 to 15 meters long, belonged to the extinct madtsoiidae family, This finding, sheds light
HOW ARE HYDROCARBONS EXTRACTED FROM UNDER THE GROUND? The two Industrial Revolutions were ignited by human’s breakthrough in extracting hydrocarbons. These substances fuelled large engines, resulting in the pollution of the air, water, and atmosphere, and significantly exacerbating global warming. Given the escalating threat of global warming, it is imperative for the world to explore
NET DIRECT TAX COLLECTIONS EXCEED 2023-24 TARGET TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU In 2023-24, India's net direct tax collections increased by 17.7% to ₹19.58 lakh crore. This growth was mainly driven by a rise in personal income tax, which made up 53.3% of the total tax collected, up from 50.06% in the previous
INDIA ALLOWS 'REVOCATION ORDER' FOR GOANS WITH PORTUGUESE CITIZENSHIP TO APPLY FOR OCI CARDS Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a memorandum leading to the revocation of passports of more than 100 individuals from Goa who had acquired Portuguese citizenship. This move has significant implications for those involved and highlights the complexities surrounding
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently convened a meeting involving all seven national commissions to address the protection of vulnerable sections' rights. The seven bodies include the National Commission for Women (NCW), National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), National Commission for Protection of Child
GLOBAL FOREST WATCH Global Forest Watch (GFW) provides crucial insights into global forest cover changes, emphasizing the environmental impact and regional trends. The latest data highlights significant tree cover loss in India, posing challenges for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Key Findings from Global Forest Watch (GFW): Total Loss in India: India lost 2.33
A LESSON FROM TAIWAN IN QUAKE RESILIENCE TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT– SOURCE: THE HINDU Recent seismic activity in Taiwan offers valuable lessons for enhancing earthquake resilience, showcasing proactive measures that vulnerable regions like India can adopt to minimize future seismic impacts. Earthquakes in Taiwan: Taiwan sits on the convergence of the Philippine Sea and Eurasian
MARINE CLOUD BRIGHTENING Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) is a geoengineering technique currently being tested by scientists to address climate change. It involves the injection of tiny saltwater particles into marine stratocumulus clouds to increase their reflectivity and cool the Earth. About Marine Cloud Brightening: Purpose: MCB aims to explore how altering atmospheric particles, known as
INSURING THE FUTURE TOPIC: (GS3) SOCIAL ISSUES – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has instructed insurance companies to extend health insurance coverage to a wider demographic, including senior citizens above 65 years old. Currently, seniors are unable to obtain new health insurance policies for themselves. Demographic Trends India's
MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are vital international financial institutions established to provide funding and expertise for economic and social development projects in developing countries. They play a crucial role in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development worldwide. Overview of MDBs: About: MDBs are formed and capitalized by multiple countries through pooled
RESERVATION FOR MUSLIMS IN ANDHRA PRADESH Religion-based reservation in India has been a topic of debate, particularly in states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where quotas for Muslims have been proposed or implemented. This issue raises questions about the principles of equality, secularism, and social justice enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Background of Reservation for
SWACHH BHARAT MISSION The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a significant initiative launched by the Indian government to achieve the goal of a Clean India by addressing sanitation issues in both rural and urban areas. The mission, inaugurated on October 2, 2014, aligns with Mahatma Gandhi's vision of cleanliness as essential for a healthy and
GOVERNMENT'S GUIDELINES ON SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATIONS Social media has become an integral part of modern society, shaping interactions, disseminating information, and influencing public discourse. However, with its widespread usage comes challenges such as the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns. In India, the Supreme Court has expressed apprehensions about the misuse of social media
ONLY 16% OF INDIAN STEM FACULTY MEMBERS ARE WOMEN In recent years, there has been growing concern about the significant gender gap in Indian STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) faculties. Despite strides made in education and professional fields, women remain vastly underrepresented in these critical areas. Understanding the reasons behind this gap and implementing
SUPREME COURT REGISTRY REFUSES TO RECEIVE PETITION TO ABOLISH COLLEGIUM SYSTEM & REVIVE NJAC TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: LIVELAW.in The Supreme Court refuses to accept a petition aiming to end the Collegium system of judicial appointments and revive the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). The Supreme Court's validated the Collegium system and dismissed
NAXALISM IN INDIA Naxalism, a term rooted in the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal, has grown into a significant challenge for India, particularly in its central, eastern, and southern regions. Stemming from socio-economic grievances and fueled by political disillusionment, Naxalism advocates for armed revolution and the establishment of a communist state. Despite recent declines
STUDY FINDS EVEN VULTURES IN PROTECTED AREAS NOT SAFE FROM TOXIC DRUGS Vultures, those majestic scavengers of the sky, play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. However, their populations in India, among other South Asian nations, have faced a perilous decline due to various factors, primarily the widespread use of
EVMS AND VVPATS IN INDIA The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems has become a cornerstone of India's electoral process, revolutionizing the way elections are conducted in the country. The Supreme Court's recent decision in the Association of Democratic Reforms v. Election Commission of India Case, 2024,
GLARE ON FSSAI FOR RAISING LIMITS OF PESTICIDES IN SPICES AND CULINARY HERBS The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of food products consumed by millions of people across the country. However, a recent decision by the FSSAI to raise the maximum residue limit (MRL)
INDIA’S CHINESE IMPORT BILL UP 2.3 TIMES IN 15 YEARS TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS– SOURCE: THE HINDU India's imports from China surged to over $101 billion in 2023-24 from around $70 billion in 2018-19. China’s share of India's industrial goods imports increased from 21% to 30% over 15 years. Report by the Global Trade Research
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY POPULATION With India's demographic landscape rapidly evolving, the care for the elderly population has emerged as a pressing challenge. As the country experiences the benefits of its demographic dividend, it also witnesses a significant rise in the elderly population. Status of Elderly Population in India Projected Growth: The elderly population (aged
STUDY WARNS OF ‘DECREASING TREND’ IN SOLAR RADIATION FOR ELECTRICITY IN INDIA A recent study conducted by scientists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised alarms regarding the declining trend in solar radiation availability across various regions in India. This decline in solar radiation poses significant challenges to India's ambitious goals of scaling up
HOW A ‘NEW’ JAPAN PROMISES TO TRANSFORM ASIAN GEOPOLITICS Japan's recent shift in its diplomatic posture marks a significant departure from its longstanding policy of post-war pacifism. This transformation has arisen due to a combination of external and internal factors, including China's rise, North Korea's threat, and uncertainties in US commitment. This shift is manifesting
CHUNK OF INDIA’S FORESTS ‘MISSING’ AFTER 27-YEAR-DELAY TO FILE REPORTS The recent actions taken by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in compliance with a Supreme Court order, have brought attention to the challenges surrounding the identification and protection of unclassed forests in India. Implications of Supreme Court Order: MoEFCC uploaded various
MAKE EPI AN ‘ESSENTIAL PROGRAMME ON IMMUNISATION’ TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974, with the aim to expand immunization benefits globally. India initiated its EPI in 1978, later renamed as the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in
INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATION COMMITTEE ON PLASTIC POLLUTION Plastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental crisis, with detrimental impacts on ecosystems, human health, and climate. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, the United Nations Environment Agency (UNEA) initiated negotiations for a global plastics treaty. Despite significant efforts, the recent fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating
THE SERVICES STORY TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Goldman Sachs report emphasizes India's outpacing of the global average in services exports, underscoring the nation's burgeoning success in the global services sector. Services Export Growth Professional consulting experienced fastest growth. Travel services showed slowest growth. Financial services poised to grow with initiatives like
NEW IUCN REPORT SHOWS WAY TOWARD REGENERATIVE BLUE ECONOMY The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has published a report presenting a blueprint for a Regenerative Blue Economy (RBE), seeking to surpass conventional sustainability strategies by actively rejuvenating and revitalizing ocean ecosystems. This approach represents a paradigm shift in ocean governance, emphasizing the protection
RECOGNISE ‘THIS LEAVE’ AS A WOMAN’S RIGHT TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU Legislative efforts for menstrual leave in India have seen advocacy through Private Member Bills, with varying provisions aimed at recognizing menstruation as a natural process and promoting gender equality. About Menstrual Leave: Menstrual leave refers to the provision of
CASE BEFORE SUPREME COURT: CAN GOVT REDISTRIBUTE PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTY? The Supreme Court (SC) of India is currently hearing a case concerning the government's authority to acquire and redistribute privately owned properties, focusing on whether private properties can be considered "material resources of the community" under Article 39(b) of the Constitution. This case arose from
THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL'S PANEL ON CRITICAL ENERGY TRANSITION MINERALS The United Nations (UN) has established a panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals to develop global principles for the minerals value chain, aiming to ensure environmental and social standards and justice in the energy transition. This initiative is crucial in the context of renewable energy technologies
HOW THE NEXT GOVERNMENT WILL PUSH ‘BALANCED FERTILISATION’ After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the government is expected to prioritize balanced fertilization as a key policy goal to address issues in Indian agriculture. Despite efforts to regulate fertiliser consumption, urea usage has surged, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach. Balanced
HUNDREDS OF GLACIAL LAKES EXPANDING IN HIMALAYAN REGION, FLAGS ISRO The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has observed a concerning trend of large-scale expansion in glacial lakes in the Himalayan region between 1984 and 2023. This expansion, documented through satellite monitoring, poses significant risks to downstream areas and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures
THIS IS THE YEAR TO GET THE SDG GOALS BACK ON TRACK TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, aim to tackle global challenges by 2030. Despite initial progress, recent reports suggest significant obstacles remain, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Urgent action is needed, focusing
