SBI Becomes First Bank to Attain Trading cum Clearing Membership at IIBX
Context: The State Bank of India (SBI) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the inaugural bank to secure Trading cum Clearing (TCM) membership at the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX). This accomplishment underscores SBI’s commitment to enhancing its presence and influence within the bullion trading sector, further solidifying its position as a key player […]
What is the Smart Cities Mission
Context: Despite two extensions until June 2024, the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) launched in 2015, is unlikely to meet its deadline, with 5,533 completed projects funded at Rs. 65,063 crore and 921 ongoing projects worth Rs. 21,000 crore. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: What is the Smart Cities Mission? What kinds of projects were proposed? […]
UNCTAD Global Trade Update 2024
Context: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released its Global Trade Update for 2024, indicating a potential turnaround for international trade. After experiencing declines over multiple quarters, trade is expected to rebound in 2024, marking a significant shift in global economic dynamics. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: […]
Abortion Law In India
Context: The Supreme Court on May 15 refused to entertain a plea of a 20-year-old unmarried woman seeking termination of her over 27-week pregnancy, saying the foetus in the womb also has a fundamental right to live. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: News Summary: Key Observations by the Court: Important […]
Surge in Employment Generation Raises Debates in India
Context: India has experienced a substantial increase in employment, witnessing the creation of over 80 million additional jobs from 2017-18 to 2022-23. This surge has ignited discussions regarding its root causes and the sustainability of this trend. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Key Trends in Employment Growth: Evolution of Employment Quality: […]
Current Affairs 16 May 2024

Contents: SC condemns Uttarakhand Government’s failure to check Forest Fires Context: Recently, the Supreme Court ordered the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary to appear before it to answer ,what it said, the state’s “lackadaisical” approach in checking forest fires. Relevance: GS III: Environment Dimensions of the Article: About Forest Fires A forest fire is an uncontrolled fire […]
AI is Revolutionising Sustainable Tech-driven Farming
Context: Despite the planet producing enough food to feed everyone, approximately one billion people remain hungry and malnourished due to various factors. With the world’s population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the agriculture sector faces mounting pressure to produce food more efficiently while minimizing resource use and environmental impact. Fortunately, AI holds significant promise for revolutionizing […]
Social Media’s Impact on Indian Politics
Context: This marks the first-ever social media-driven election in India, where social media platforms have provided avenues for diverse viewpoints beyond the reach of state influence, thereby creating cognitive dissonance with the government’s narrative. Notably, it is seen that a vast majority of the public are inclined to the shows and episodes of social media influencers […]
Sangam- Digital Twin Initiative Overview
Focus: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Why in News? Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently announced the selected participants for Stage 1 of the ground-breaking ‘Sangam: Digital Twin with AI-Driven Insights Initiative’. Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative Overview Proof of Concept (PoC): Aim and Objectives: Digital Twin Technology: Technological Integration: Vision 2047:
GRAP Reviews Air Quality Scenario of Delhi-NCR
Focus: GS III: Environment and Ecology Why in News? Delhi-NCR has been witnessing increase in the average air quality of Delhi-NCR over past few days. What is the Graded Response Action Plan? Other Details: