What is the Smart Cities Mission?
Context: Recently, the Central Government has decided to extend the deadline for Smart Cities Mission till 31st March 2025. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: What is the Smart Cities Mission? What kinds of projects were proposed? Challenges Faced by the Smart City Mission: Lack of Clear Definition: Sidelining Elected Representatives: Competitive Selection Process: […]
A Law around Low-Carbon Climate Resilient Development
Context: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India recently recognized the right to be “free from the adverse impacts of climate change” in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India, deriving it from the right to life and the right to equality. In a previous article on this page, “Court on climate right […]
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation
Context: In 2023, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament, marking a significant step towards promoting research in India, particularly within its universities and colleges. The 2019 National Research Foundation (NRF) project report highlighted that one of ANRF’s top priorities is to enhance the outstanding research cells already present in State […]
About Indian Gaur
Context: After several decades, the locally extinct Indian gaur has been spotted in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) in Andhra Pradesh. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Indian Gaur: Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR): -Source: Financial Express
About Humid Heat
Context: People in India exposed to extreme levels of humid heat during monsoons increased by at least 67 crores over the period 1951-2020, a research has found. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Humid Heat Humid heat occurs when there are high temperatures combined with elevated levels of moisture in the air. Dry […]
ISRO’s Interest in Planetary Defence Mission
Context: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has expressed interest in participating in a planetary defence mission in space, in preparation for a close encounter between Earth and the Apophis asteroid on April 13, 2029. This was announced by ISRO Chairman S Somanath and senior scientists during an international workshop held in Bengaluru on Wednesday, […]
Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
Context: Recently, India participated in the 86th session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Participation in the 86th Session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the CAC: Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) Codex Standards: -Source: The Hindu
What is a Windfall Tax?
Context: Recently, the Indian government has increased the windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil from Rs 3,250 per tonne to Rs 6,000 per tonne. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What is a windfall tax? Why are countries levying windfall taxes now? What are the issues with imposing such taxes? Brew uncertainty in the market about future […]
About Swami Vivekananda
Context: July 4 is the death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, recognised as one of the greatest spiritual leaders. Relevance: GS I: History Dimensions of the Article: About Swami Vivekananda Vedantic Humanism His teachings Divinity within ourselves Karma Yoga Bhakti Yoga Raja Yoga Faith in oneself Source: Indian Express
Allahabad High Court’s Stance on Religious Conversions in India
Context: The Allahabad High Court recently addressed the issue of religious conversions in India, emphasizing the potential demographic impact on the majority population. The court made these remarks while rejecting the bail application of an individual booked under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, and relevant sections of the Indian […]