India’s Food Inflation Remains High Despite Global Price Drops
Context: In 2023, while world food prices experienced a significant decrease from their 2022 highs, India’s food inflation remained stubbornly high at 9.5% in December 2023. This contrasts starkly with the global trend of deflation, which stood at -10.1%. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the food price index averaged 143.7 points […]
AstraZeneca Acknowledges Covishield Vaccine’s Potential Side Effects
Context: AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of the Covishield vaccine for the Covid-19 pandemic, has admitted that the inoculation carries potential side effects. This admission was made in a legal document presented before the High Court of Justice in London. The document conveys that the Covid vaccine can, in extremely rare cases, induce Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome […]
About Muria Tribe
Context: Residing in border areas between Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Chhattisgarh, possessing voter cards from both states. One card for voting, the other for proving nativity. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Muria Tribe Settlement and Context Status as Internally Displaced People (IDPs) Conflict and Displacement Cultural and Ethnic Identity -Source: The Hindu
IRDAI Proposes Rs 1,500 Price Tag for Bima Vistaar Insurance
Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recently proposed pricing its ambitious all-in-one affordable insurance mass product, Bima Vistaar, at Rs 1,500 per policy. Targeted at rural areas across the country, this proposal aims to make insurance accessible and affordable for rural communities. Relevance: GS III: Growth and Development Dimensions of […]
CISF Personnel Replace Delhi Police for Parliament Security
Context: Following a security breach in December 2023, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken over the security of the Parliament complex. The CISF personnel have replaced the 150 personnel of the Delhi Police, which included 54 women personnel, who were previously deployed for Parliament security. Relevance: GS III: Security Challenges Dimensions of the […]
PSBs Cannot Request Look Out Circulars for Loan Defaulters
Context: In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has declared that public sector banks (PSBs) are not permitted to request Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against loan defaulters. The court invalidated the central government’s Office Memoranda (OM) that authorized PSBs to issue LOCs, asserting that such actions violate fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. Relevance: […]
IITM Study Shows Tenfold Increase in Marine Heatwaves
Context: A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune has revealed a significant surge in marine heatwaves, potentially leading to intensified cyclones. The study indicates a staggering tenfold increase in marine heatwave duration, escalating from 20 days to 220–250 days per year. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the […]
Warming of the Indian Ocean
Context: While India may currently be experiencing heatwaves, the potential prospect of a generous monsoon, as anticipated by the India Meteorological Department, might offer some psychological relief. However, looking ahead, there are significant concerns as per a recent study from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune. Relevance: GS3- Climate Change Mains Question: Examine the rate […]
The Services Story
Context: A comprehensive research report by the renowned investment banking firm Goldman Sachs, titled ‘India’s Emergence as the Global Services Hub,’ delves into India’s recent accomplishments in the global services sector and offers insights into its future growth and associated risks. Relevance: Mains Question: As per a recent report by the renowned investment banking firm […]
The Padma Awards 2024
Context; Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards 2025 to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2025 have begun from today. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September, 2024. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Dimensions of the Article: The Padma Awards Is it a title? About Bharat Ratna Therefore: