Climate Change Impacts Tea Prices in India
Context: The tea industry in India, particularly in Assam and West Bengal, has experienced a significant price surge of approximately 13% in 2024. This increase is directly attributed to a notable reduction in tea production this year. Analysts and industry experts point to extreme weather events and broader climate change as the primary causes behind […]
Re-evaluation of the Indus Waters Treaty
Context: India has recently issued a new formal notification to Pakistan with the intention of reviewing and possibly modifying the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This move follows a similar outreach from January 2023. The specific invocation of Article XII (3) within this latest notice indicates a clear intention by India to reexamine, and possibly […]
Approval for Simultaneous Elections in India
Context: The Union Cabinet has recently given its nod to a significant proposal that sets the stage for conducting simultaneous elections throughout India. This decision will synchronize the electoral schedule for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies, aiming to streamline the electoral process. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: […]
Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 20 September 2024
Contents: Indus Water Treaty: Navigating Renewed Disputes Amid Growing Water and Climate Challenges Context: The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, is a landmark agreement that has withstood wars, terrorism, and diplomatic tensions. However, recent developments, including India’s plans to modify the treaty and disputes over hydroelectric projects like the […]
76th Anniversary of Operation Polo
Context: India celebrated the 76th anniversary of Operation Polo on September 13, 2023. On this day in 1948, Indian Army launched military action to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad. Relevance: GS I: History Dimensions of the Article: Background of Operation Polo Reasons for Launching Operation Polo Operation Polo on the Ground -Source: Indian Express
Anusandhan National Research Foundation
Context: Recently, the first meeting of the governing board of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was chaired by the Prime Minister. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Anusandhan National Research Foundation Overview Key Programs and Strategies Funding and Legislative Support -Source: The Hindu
Promotion of Seaweed Farming in India
Context: The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has officially recognized the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Seaweeds Anchorage and Growth Utilization and Benefits -Source: The Hindu
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises Scheme
Context: Women-owned micro and small enterprises will get enhanced credit guarantee coverage of 90 percent under the CGTMSE scheme, after its board approved the new guidelines recently. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Overview of CGTMSE: Key Features: Funding Structure: Eligibility and Lending Parameters: In Event of Default: -Source: The Hindu
What is a Windfall Tax
Context: The government recently slashed the windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil to ‘nil’ per tonne. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What is a windfall tax? Why are countries levying windfall taxes now? -Source: The Hindu
Challenges in Achieving Road Safety Targets in India
Context: The India Status Report on Road Safety 2024, conducted by IIT Delhi, underscores the limited headway India has made towards the international objectives aimed at curtailing road accident deaths. This report serves as a critical evaluation of the current measures and highlights the pressing need for enhanced strategies and implementations to significantly reduce the […]