China’s recent ban on the export of technology for extracting and separating Rare Earth Metals (REEs) raises significant concerns globally. As China accounts for 90% of global refined output of these critical elements, the ban has implications for international supply chains and strategic dependence…………….

25 December 2023

INDIA’S JOBS CRISIS, THE MACROECONOMIC REASONS

Types of Employment in India
Jobless Growth in India’s Case
Addressing Unemployment in India
Conclusion

23 December 2023

RESEARCHERS PATENTING NEW TREATMENT FOR NICOTINE ADDICTION

Key Highlights of the Study
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Status of Tobacco Consumption in India
Government Initiatives Related to Tobacco Consumption
Conclusion
Mains Question

22 December 2023

INDIA’S ETHANOL CONUNDRUM

The global commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, as evidenced by over 100 countries at COP28 in Dubai, places India at a crucial juncture regarding its ethanol blending target. Despite the noteworthy increase in Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23, the 20% target by 2025 faces challenges due to low sugar stocks and an anticipated sugarcane production shortfall………………..

21 December 2023

INDIAN FOREST AND WOOD CERTIFICATION SCHEME

Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS)
Recent Announcements in Forest Management
Conclusion

20 December 2023

INDIAN NAVY HELPS EVACUATE INJURED CREW MEMBER FROM HIJACKED SHIP IN ARABIAN SEA

What is Maritime Piracy?
Strongest Zones of Pirate Activity
Global Initiatives Related to Maritime Piracy
India’s Initiatives Related to Maritime Piracy
Conclusion
Mains Question

19 December 2023

LOGISTICS EASE ACROSS DIFFERENT STATE (LEADS) 2023

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry recently unveiled the 5th edition of the “Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2023” report. This indigenous data-driven index plays a crucial role in assessing and enhancing logistics infrastructure, services, and human resources across India’s 36 States and Union Territories (UTs)……………………..

18 December 2023

ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE, ONE VALUE

Political equality is a cornerstone of democratic principles, ensuring that every citizen has an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. The fairness of this participation, however, is significantly influenced by the drawing of electoral constituencies.

16 December 2023

WHAT TAVLEEN SINGH DOESN’T GET: RESERVATION IS THE OXYGEN FOR MY UPHILL JOURNEY

Evolution of Reservation System
Constitutional Provisions and Amendments
Need for Reservation in India
Issues with Reservation System
Potential Solutions
Conclusion

15 December 2023

WORK OF CONSULTANCY FIRMS WITH GOVERNMENT MUST BE REGULATED

Benefits of Consultancy Firms in Public Policy Making
Challenges Posed by Consultancy Firms
Way Forward
Mains Question

14 December 2023

INDIA, DISABILITY INCLUSION AND THE POWER OF ‘BY’

Understanding Disability in India
Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities
Initiatives for Empowerment
Measures for Improvement
Mains Question

13 December 2023

CALIBRATING A STRATEGY FOR INDIA’S FUTURE GROWTH

Changing Global Conditions
Reasons behind Declining Export-led Growth Strategy
Impact on India
Measures for India
Conclusion
Mains Question

12 December 2023

NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI)
River Cities Alliance (RCA)
Objective of Collaboration
Other River Rejuvenation Initiatives in India
Conclusion
Mains Question

11 December 2023

INDIA’S GROWING NEIGHBOURHOOD DILEMMAS

John Mearsheimer’s Theory of Offensive Realism
Dilemmas before India in Current Geopolitics
How China Stands Out from India
Why India Faces These Dilemmas
Potential Result of Geopolitical Shift
Conclusion
Mains Question

09 December 2023

ONLINE GAMING INDUSTRY SIGNS VOLUNTARY CODE OF ETHICS

The online gaming industry has recently taken a significant step by voluntarily adopting a code of ethics. This move signifies a proactive effort towards self-regulation and the creation of a more stable and responsible gaming environment. The responsibility for matters related to online gaming has been entrusted to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology by the Government of India.

08 December 2023

WORLD SOIL DAY

World Soil Day (WSD)
Theme 2023
Study on Soil Micronutrients and Nutritional Status
Nutrient Deficiency in India Soil
Conclusion
Mains Question

07 December 2023

SHARED BLAME – CYCLONE MICHAUNG

Cyclone Michaung Overview
Factors Exacerbating the Situation
Recommended Measures
Conclusion
Mains Question

06 December 2023

THE CASE OF DELAYED BAIL AND TRIAL

Background and Overview of UAPA
Arguments in Favor
Arguments Against
Judiciary’s View
Reform Measures
Conclusion
Mains Question

05 December 2023

CLIMATE TARGETS WILL STAY ELUSIVE WITHOUT STRONGER SOCIAL CAPITAL

Social Capital
Challenges in Tackling Climate Change in Diverse Indian Societies
Strategies for Addressing the Challenges
Conclusion
Mains Question

04 December 2023

CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE IN INDIA

Key Highlights
Challenges
Key Terms/Phrases
Examples and References
Key Facts/Data
Critical Analysis
Way Forward
Mains Question

02 December 2023

SRI LANKA REACHES AGREEMENT WITH INDIA, PARIS CLUB ON DEBT TREATMENT

Recent developments highlight Sri Lanka’s successful negotiation of a preliminary debt restructuring deal with India and the Paris Club Group, signaling a potential revival of its IMF loan programme. This agreement…………….

01 December 2023

IT’S TIME TO REVAMP THE STRUCTURE OF THE SUPREME COURT

The burgeoning backlog of cases in the Supreme Court, totaling a staggering 80,000, has become a pressing concern, necessitating structural reforms to enhance efficiency and expedite justice delivery.

28 November 2023

CENTRE EXEMPTS CERT-IN FROM AMBIT OF RTI ACT

The recent exemption of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) from the Right to Information Act, 2005, has sparked discussions on the transparency of its operations. This move, executed under Section 24(2) of the RTI Act, raises concerns about limited public access to information regarding CERT-In’s activities.

27 November 2023

MGNREGA AND SOCIAL AUDITS

Recent data from the Management Information System (MIS) on Social Audit, maintained by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), provides insights into the progress and challenges of social audits within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The information sheds light on the efficacy of this anti-corruption mechanism.

24 November 2023

THE SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AI AND QUANTUM COMPUTING

Quantum Computing Overview
Quantum-AI Convergence and Its Implications
Addressing Data Challenges in Quantum-AI Convergence
Ethical Considerations
Overcoming Challenges
Conclusion
Mains Question

23 November 2023

2ND VOICE OF GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT

Key Highlights of Second VOGSS
Historical Context
Evidence of Escalating Influence of the Global South
Challenges for India as Voice of the Global South
Way Forward

22 November 2023

WHAT THE OECD REPORT SAYS OF CLIMATE FINANCE AHEAD OF COP 28

OECD Overview
Key Findings of the OECD Report
Significance of the OECD Report
Climate Finance Accountability and Issues
Climate Finance Needs and Future Projections
Role of the Private Sector
Conclusion
Mains Question

21 November 2023

IT IS HIGH TIME THE COLONIAL INSTITUTION OF THE GOVERNOR IS REINED IN

Governor’s Powers Regarding Bill Passage
Challenges Associated with Governor’s Office
Constitutional Makers’ Views
Should the Office of Governor be Abolished?
Reform Measures
Constitutional Reforms Suggested
Conclusion
Mains Question

20 November 2023

WHY PEACE IN WEST ASIA MATTERS TO INDIA

India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict reflects a commitment to fostering a political resolution and enduring peace in the volatile West Asian region. This perspective aligns with India’s overarching strategic interests, particularly……….

18 November 2023

NATO SUSPENDS CFE TREATY AS RUSSIA PULLS OUT, HEIGHTENING SECURITY CONCERNS

The recent announcement by NATO to formally suspend the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) in response to Russia’s withdrawal from the agreement has reignited Cold War-era discussions on security and geopolitical tensions. This move underscores the complex dynamics between Russia and NATO, with implications for global security, particularly in Eastern Europe.

17 November 2023

INDIA, ‘KILLER ROBOTS’ AND THE CHINA CHALLENGE

Artificial Intelligence (AI), a transformative force, presents challenges globally, particularly in responsible applications across civil and military domains. While civilian AI regulation has progressed, discussions on military use, especially lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), are gaining momentum.

16 November 2023

OUR HYPOCRISY ON ALCOHOL: IT’S ABOUT POLITICS AND MONEY — NOT HEALTH

The complex relationship between society, politics, and alcohol consumption in India reflects an intricate web of values, beliefs, and economic considerations. This article delves into the inherent contradictions and hypocrisies surrounding India’s approach to alcohol, emphasizing the need for a transparent and open dialogue to address the challenges associated with its consumption

14 November 2023

A TELCO DOUBLE DIP ATTEMPT THAT THREATENS NET NEUTRALITY

Understanding Net Neutrality
Key Principles of Net Neutrality
Stakeholders in the Net Neutrality Space
Significance of Net Neutrality
Regulatory Status in India
Key Debates on Net Neutrality in India
Perspective of OTT Platforms
Concerns for Consumers
Way Forward for an Inclusive Digital Landscape in India
Conclusion
Mains Question

10 November 2023

CHIP OFF THE BLOCKS: ON SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION IN INDIA

What are semiconductors?
Applications in Electronic Devices
About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
Underutilized Production-Linked Incentives
Need for a Holistic Approach
Challenges in Private Capital and Technological Advancements
Clarity in Objectives and Tangible Outcomes
Conclusion
Mains Question

09 November 2023

AN UNDER-DISCUSSED FACET OF COLONIAL HISTORY

Unearthing a Forgotten History
Imperial Exploitation and Its Consequences
Indentured Labour: A New Form of Bondage
Sri Lankan Tea and the Indian Tamil
Challenges and Discrimination
Resilience and Struggle
Decolonization for a Brighter Future
Conclusion
diversity and strength of the nation.
Mains Question

08 November 2023

DON’T IGNORE THE THREAT OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

The Delhi Declaration under India’s G20 presidency has highlighted crucial commitments to fortify global health architecture by promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health systems.

07 November 2023

CANCER, HEART DISEASE, DIABETES — THEY ARE ALL IN INDIA’S POLLUTED AIR.

The prevalence of air pollution in India, particularly in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, has raised significant concern due to its far-reaching effects on public health. Airborne pollutants, notably particulate matter and toxic gases have been associated with a myriad of chronic diseases and health issues.

06 November 2023

THE ZIKA GENOME AND INSIGHTS IN THE ERA OF EMERGING OUTBREAKS

The dengue virus and its equally infamous cousin, the Zika virus, together infect up to around 400 million people every year. The Zika virus and genomic studies of it have opened fascinating windows into our knowledge of the infectious disease and its relevance in the context of emerging outbreaks.

04 November 2023

PORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN INDIA

Port infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the economic development of a nation. It serves as a crucial facilitator for international trade, employment generation, reduction of logistics costs, and the enhancement of the blue economy.

03 November 2023

THIEVES & SERVERS

Recent cybersecurity breaches, notably the ICMR server incident exposing the data of 81 crore vaccinated Indians, highlight the vulnerability of healthcare systems in India.

02 November 2023

STOCKTAKING CLIMATE FINANCE — A CASE OF CIRCLES IN RED INK

The state of climate finance in global discourse is a pivotal matter, especially when considering the challenges and commitments pertaining to mitigation and adaptation. With a focus on commitments made and the need for global action, the issue of adequate climate finance remains a central concern.

01 November 2023

ELECTORAL BONDS HAVE BEEN A MIXED BAG

Electoral bonds introduced in 2018 as a unique instrument for political funding have garnered attention and controversy due to their impact on transparency in funding for political parties

31 October 2023

REVAMPING THE BIOGAS SECTOR IN INDIA

The Indian government has recently introduced significant policy changes aiming to augment the growth and investments in the biogas sector, signifying a renewed emphasis on biofuels. These initiatives encompass various schemes, a global alliance, and incentives to boost biogas production and utilization.

30 October 2023

A CHINA-INDIA PARTNERSHIP, ITS VAST GLOBAL POTENTIAL

The global landscape has been riddled with crises in recent times, exposing traditional and non-traditional security threats and raising questions about the state of the world. Amidst this, the collaboration between China and India presents an opportunity to reshape the world using ancient wisdom and modern diplomacy.

27 October 2023

BREAKING THE ICE: HOW INDIA CAN HELP SAVE THE ARCTIC

India, emerging as a leader in the Global South, has a pivotal role in shaping global climate policies, particularly in the Arctic. The rapid warming of the Arctic, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and developmental pressures, demands urgent attention. India’s consensus-building prowess, showcased at the G20 Summit, presents a unique opportunity to address the critical issues affecting the Arctic.

26 October 2023

INDIA MUST STRATEGISE AGAINST EU CARBON TAX

EU’s Carbon Border Tax (CBAM)
India’s Concerns regarding CBAM
Compliance Challenges
Against FTA Norms
Contradiction with Green Transition Commitments
How should India respond to the EU’s CBAM?
Conclusion
Mains Question

25 October 2023

BLOOD TRANSFUSION IN INDIA – BLOODY MESS

What is Blood Transfusion?
System of Blood Transfusion in India
Transfusion-Related Infections in Thalassemia Patients
Blood Transfusions in Chronic Conditions
Mismanagement of Blood Resources
Urgent Need for Reform
Conclusion
Mains Question

23 October 2023

RESTORING THE ECOLOGICAL HEALTH OF THE HIMALAYAS

The Himalayan region, particularly states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, has faced severe environmental devastation. To address these concerns, the Supreme Court of India has initiated a discussion on the carrying capacity of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and its towns and cities

21 October 2023

LEVERAGING AGROECOLOGICAL APPROACHES FOR CLEAN AND GREEN VILLAGES

In India, villages hold the key to the nation’s transformation, especially in an agrarian economy. The concept of ‘Clean and Green’ Villages is central to this rural development endeavour. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has adopted this as the fifth theme in its mission to rejuvenate rural ecosystems through the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).

20 October 2023

WHY ARE EARTHQUAKES FREQUENT IN AFGHANISTAN?

Afghanistan experiences a high frequency of devastating earthquakes due to its location over active fault lines where tectonic plates frequently collide.

19 October 2023

CROP RESIDUE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

Efficient and ecologically sustainable management of crop residue, often referred to as agricultural waste, is a pressing issue in India. The remnants of crops, including stubbles, stalks, husks, and other byproducts, present both a challenge and an opportunity. In recent years, the Indian government has recognized the importance of addressing this concern and has been striving to find effective solutions for crop residue management.

18 October 2023

A RENEWED SRI LANKAN ENGAGEMENT

The situation in Sri Lanka has faced a significant economic crisis, leading to a decline in the country’s financial stability. However, India has played a pivotal role in extending support, which not only has helped alleviate the economic distress but also strengthened the bilateral relationship between both nations.

17 October 2023

PALLIATIVE CARE

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a branch of medicine that looks at improving the quality of life of those having life-limiting illnesses like cancers, end-stage kidney disease, debilitating brain disorders, complications of diabetes, and heart disease among others. Early initiation of palliative care in patients with advanced disease has shown to reduce health expenditure by up to 25%.

11 October 2023

THE STATE OF INDIA’S SCHEDULED AREAS

The State of Scheduled Tribes

India’s 705 Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities — making up 8.6% of the country’s population — live in 26 States and six Union Territories.

09 October 2023

NEWSCLICK CONTROVERSY

What is the allegation against the NewsClick?

The main allegation in the FIR against NewsClick is that the news portal allegedly received illegal funding from China routed through the United States.

06 October 2023

DIABETES: THE TICKING TIME BOMB

Diabetes: Scenario in India

11.4% of India’s population or 10.13 crore people are living with diabetes and 15.3% of the population or an additional 13.6 crore people are pre-diabetic.

It also found that 28.6% of the population would be considered to be obese as per the BMI measure.

04 October 2023

INDIA-AFGHANISTAN RELATIONS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

(Source: Ministry of External Affairs Website)

Why in the News?

On September 30, Afghanistan announced the closure of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Delhi.

Embassy of Afghanistan blamed multiple factors including lack of cooperation from the Government of India and a lack of resources to operate any further.

03 October 2023

COUNTING DEATHS IN INDIA PRISON

The story so far:

In August this year, the Supreme Court Committee on Prison Reforms found suicide to be the leading cause of ‘unnatural’ deaths among Indian prisoners, with U.P. recording the highest number of suicides between 2017 and 2021.

02 October 2023

REMEMBERING GANDHI ON HIS BIRTHDAY

“Be the Change you wish to see”

Such an apt quote that is distinctively applicable in any generational evolutionary trajectory. Gandhiji was one of the 20th century’s best-known political and spiritual personalities. Born in a small town, he was aware of the hardships people were going through at the time.

He developed his beliefs about human unity. He became the voice of the voiceless and crafted the Independence path of the nation.

He was a person who made significant contributions to the nation’s rise from the shackles of British tyranny. He’s none other than Mahatma Gandhi.

special-article

SUPREME COURT VERDICT ON GM MUSTARD

Mains Question

NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST APPROACH IN THE MEA’S AID DISTRIBUTION

Mains Question

MOIDAMS OF THE AHOM DYNASTY AND THEIR WORLD HERITAGE PROPOSAL

Mains Question

IMMUNITY OF GOVERNORS UNDER ARTICLE 361: A LEGAL EXAMINATION

Mains Question

EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

Mains Question

FIFTH POSITIVE INDIGENISATION LIST (PIL) OF MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Mains Question

BLUE ECONOMY

ISRO HAS A PROBLEM: TOO MANY ROCKETS, TOO FEW SATELLITES TO LAUNCH

Mains Question

RISE IN MILITANCY IN JAMMU

Mains Question

CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE (CRA)

Mains Question

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT, 2023

Mains Question

HIGH SEAS TREATY

Mains Question

MENSTRUAL LEAVES IN INDIA

Mains Question

CLASSICAL LANGUAGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Mains Question

QUALITY CONTROL ISSUES IN INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

Way Forward

Conclusion

Mains Question

CABINET COMMITTEES

Cabinet Committees

List of 8 Cabinet Committees

Parliamentary Committees

Groups of Ministers (GoMs)

Lok Sabha Speaker Amends Oath-Taking Rules for MPs

Challenges of Cabinet Committees

Way Forward

Conclusion

Mains Question

PATENTS IN INDIA

About Patents

Significance of Granting Patents

Challenges in the Patenting System

Steps Needed to Improve the Patenting System

India’s Patenting Landscape and Global Position

Conclusion

Mains Question

GLOBAL INDIAai SUMMIT

EDUCATION SYSTEM IN INDIA

History of Education in India

Current Status of Education in India

Legal and Constitutional Provisions

Education as a ‘State’ Subject

Government Initiatives Related to Educational Reforms

Arguments Against Education on the State List

Way Forward

Conclusion

Mains Question

FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF)

SIMLA AGREEMENT AND INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS

DRUG ABUSE IN INDIA

ROOFTOP SOLAR PROGRAMME

HINDU KUSH HIMALAYA

HYDROPOWER GENERATION IN INDIA

POLITICAL REPRESENTATION AND FOREST CONSERVATION IN INDIA’S SCHEDULED AREAS

HEATWAVES AS NOTIFIED DISASTERS

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA-SRI LANKA RELATIONS

HINDU KUSH HIMALAYAS

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (SWM) CESS

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX (EPI)

SILK ROAD

INDIA’S POWER SECTOR

3 STATES SEEK SHRINKING OF ECO-SENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS

STATE OF THE OCEAN REPORT, 2024

SPEAKER OF THE LOK SABHA

UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM (UNGSCF)

NONE OF THE ABOVE (NOTA) OPTION IN INDIAN ELECTIONS