World Bank on Climate Change and Migration
Context: The second part of the Groundswell report examined how the impacts of slow-onset climate change such as water scarcity, decreasing crop productivity and rising sea levels could lead to millions of what it describes as “climate migrants” by 2050 under three different scenarios with varying degrees of climate action and development. Relevance: GS-II: International […]
Israeli armed robots to patrol borders
Context: State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries has unveiled a four-wheel-drive remote-controlled armed robot- “REX MKII” which is capable of patrolling battle zones, tracking infiltrators and opening fire. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-IV: Ethics Dimensions of the Article: Benefits of using robots in war Disadvantages of robots in war Ethicality of using Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems […]
India, U.S. to collaborate on
Context: Official visit of the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate to India for the launch of the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Treaties and Agreements), GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Environmental Pollution and degradation, Conservation of Environment and Ecology) Dimensions of the Article: About the Climate Action […]
India, U.S. agree to collaborate on emerging fuels
Context: Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and U.S. Secretary of Energy co-chaired a virtual Ministerial meeting and launched the revamped U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important Foreign Policies and Agreements affecting India’s interests) Dimensions of the Article: Highlights of the India U.S. meeting on Emerging Fuels Highlights of the […]
Centre appoints new members to NCLT, ITAT
Context: The government has appointed 31 people as judicial, technical and accountant members at the NCLT and the ITAT, amid the Supreme Court flagging concerns about vacancies in various tribunals. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Capital Market, Statutory Bodies) Dimensions of the Article: ITAT NCLT NCLAT Differences between NCLT and NCLAT ITAT India’s Income Tax Appellate […]
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) to finally see light of day
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is soon expected to launch the National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID that aims to provide a “cutting-edge technology to enhance India’s counter-terror capabilities”. Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges (Various Agencies and other interventions regarding Internal Security and their mandate), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies and Interventions) Dimensions of the […]
Allow spying without nod, says Kerala Bill
Context: The police can listen in on any communication, without waiting for official approval, to curb organised crimes, a draft of the Kerala Control of Organised Crimes Bill has proposed. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Fundamental Rights, Important Judgements) Dimensions of the Article: Legislations on Surveillance Who can conduct Surveillance? K.S. Puttaswamy judgment, […]
BRICS seeks ‘inclusive’ intra-Afghan dialogue
Context: The 13th BRICS summit held virtually called for an “inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue” for stability in Afghanistan. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Groupings affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: What is BRICS? About the Recent BRICS Summit and Afghanistan issue About BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy What is BRICS? BRICS is the international grouping of […]
Thamirabarani/Porunai civilisation
Context: A carbon dating analysis of rice with soil, found in a burial urn at Sivakalai in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, by the Miami-based Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory has yielded the date of 1155 BC, indicating that the Thamirabarani civilisation dates back to 3,200 years. Relevance: Prelims, GS-I: History (Ancient Indian History) Dimensions of […]
Report on land-use for renewable energy in India
Context: Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) released a report named Renewable Energy and Land Use in India by Mid-Century. Relevance: GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure (Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, Growth & Development, Energy Security) Dimensions of the Article: About the “Renewable Energy and Land Use in India by Mid-Century” report Way Forwards suggested […]