Snow Absence in Kashmir and Ladakh This Winter
Context: One of Kashmir’s main winter tourism attractions, Gulmarg, has been bereft of snow this season. This has led to a plunge in the flow of tourists and severely hitting the business of ski resorts. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Dry Winter in Jammu & Kashmir: Causes and Implications Existing Pattern: Rainfall […]
The Pragmatic Approach to Counter International Terrorism
Context: Recent incidents in the Red Sea, including the targeting of an Israeli ship by Iran-backed Houthi groups, followed by retaliatory actions from Israel and airstrikes by the UK and US on Houthi locations in Yemen, have escalated tensions in the region. The support extended by Hamas and Hezbollah to the Houthi group raises concerns about […]
MSMEs Need Cost Institutional Credit
Context: The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in realizing the potential of India as envisioned in the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This sector not only aligns with the goal of self-reliance (‘Atma Nirbharta’) but also contributes significantly to overall production, employment, and untapped export opportunities. Despite being a cornerstone of […]
About Exercise Ayutthaya
Context: Recently, the maiden Bilateral Maritime Exercise -Ayutthaya’ between the Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was conducted. Relevance: GS III: Security Challenges Exercise Ayutthaya: Strengthening Naval Collaboration Between India and Thailand Significance of the Name: Participation of Indian Naval Ships: Exercise Complexity and Operational Synergy: Activities during Maiden Edition: Coordinated Patrol and […]
About Startup India Initiative
Context: National Startup Day is observed annually on 16th January to appreciate and promote the Indian Startup Ecosystem. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Startup India Initiative: Nurturing Innovation and Growth Initiation and Vision: Eighth Anniversary Milestone: Government Benefits for Recognized Entities: Financial Support through SIDBI Fund of Funds: Comprehensive Initiatives:
Astra Missile: Advancing Indian Air Power
Context: The Minister of State for Defence recently flagged off the indigenously developed Astra Missiles for supply to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Bharat Dynamics in Hyderabad. Relevance: GS III: Defence Astra Missile: Advancing Indian Air Power -Source: The Times of India
About The Kachchhi Kharek
Context: Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous variety of dates of Kutch, has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a geographical indication (GI) tag from the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDT) of India. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Kachchhi Kharek: Cultivating Ancient Dates in Kutch Geographical Indications […]
Fostering Scientific Collaboration and Resource Accessibility
Context: I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map) is launching the Samavesha project at IISc., Bengaluru, on January 16 to enhance research collaboration in India by enhancing accessibility to facilities and labs. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: I-STEM: Fostering Scientific Collaboration and Resource Accessibility Initiative Overview: User Assistance: Fee […]
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Context: The insured gross cropped area of non-loanee farmers under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has reached a new high. This indicates growing acceptance of the Centre’s crop insurance scheme. Relevance: GS II- Welfare Schemes Dimensions of the Article: About Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Objectives Beneficiaries: All farmers growing notified crops in a […]
India’s First Dark Sky Park
Context: The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been designated as India’s first Dark Sky Park and the fifth in Asia, protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: India’s First Dark Sky Park: Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) Certification Overview: Certification Criteria: Tourist Sanctuary: Asian […]