HOW TO RESOLVE INDIVIDUAL DATA PRIVACY COMPLAINTS?
Focus: GS-II Governance Why in news? The current version of the draft Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill is being reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 The Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 (PDP Bill 2019) is being analyzed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in consultation with experts and stakeholders. The […]
DREAMS AND DOUBTS OF A GREEN REVIVAL
Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology Introduction Teeming wildlife; cities breathing fresh air; and clearer rivers, were all small signs of hope amid a dire, once-in-a-century pandemic. There is now a term to describe this unique moment in human history: the anthropause. What is the ‘Anthropause’ period? Researchers in the UK are set to study the […]
OWNING UP TO CRIMINALISATION IN POLITICS
Focus: GS-II Governance Introduction A February 2020 Supreme Court judgment on criminalisation in politics may have far-reaching consequences for Indian democracy, as it will first be implemented in the coming Bihar elections in October 2020. Court’s directives Earlier Orders Earlier orders state that Each candidate shall submit a sworn affidavit giving financial details and criminal […]
U.S., CHINA TRADE VISA CURBS OVER TIBET
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The U.S. and China imposed visa restrictions on each other over their disagreement on Tibet, adding fuel to the diplomatic fire between the superpowers. Details China announced its curbs on people from the U.S. who “behave badly” on Tibet-related issues. U.S. Moves U.S. Secretary of State had announced […]
UGC: SAFETY NORMS DRAWN UP FOR UNIVERSITY EXAMS
Focus: GS-II Governance Why in news? HRD Ministry sends guidelines to NTA, UGC and AICTE as the Centre wants universities to take to safeguard students taking examinations physically. Details of Measures Two-meters space between examination desks; Disinfection of walls, floors and doors; Thermometers and sanitisers at all entry and exit points; Students having symptoms such […]
UAE IN SUPPORT OF OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT WITH INDIA
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The UAE is keen to have an open sky agreement with India. Significance of the Open Sky Agreement between India and UAE There are more than 1,000 flights a week between India and the UAE operated by the airlines of the two countries under the bilateral Air Service […]
QUORUM NOT NEEDED FOR ROUTINE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Focus: GS-II Polity and Governance Why in news? The officials at the Rajya Sabha secretariat has said that quorum was essential only when the committees are taking decisions or adopting reports and not during routine deliberations. Details Out of 281 meetings of the eight department-related standing committees that are headed by Rajya Sabha members, 16 […]
2020 MAY BE A BUMPER HARVEST YEAR
Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology, Prelims Why in news? India’s troubled agricultural sector, which employs about 60% of its workforce and contributes about 16% to its economic output, is set to record its best performance in recent years. Why is the agriculture sector expected to perform well? Monsoon Rains Substantial pre-monsoon showers in May 2020, […]
STUDENT VISA BAN: HURDLE, OPPORTUNITY
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has decided that international students whose courses have gone completely online will have to return to their home countries. At the same time, the directive reiterates that international students cannot take more than one class or three credits online. Significance and what […]
BAD BANK: EXPLAINED
Focus: GS-III Indian Economy Why in news? The Indian Banks Association (IBA) submitted a proposal for setting up a bad bank to the finance ministry and the RBI, proposing equity contribution from the government and the banks. Introduction The idea of setting up a bad bank often comes up for debate, especially when stress in […]