Controversy Surrounds FSSAI’s Decision to Increase Pesticide Limits
Context: The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently drew criticism from activists and scientists following its decision to raise the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides. The FSSAI order increased the MRL of pesticides allowed in herbs and spices by tenfold, from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, sparking concerns over potential health risks […]
Rupee Depreciation Against US Dollar
Context: Between April-end 2014 and the present, the Indian rupee has depreciated by 27.6% against the US dollar, from Rs 60.34 to Rs 83.38. This depreciation is slightly higher than the 26.5% witnessed from April-end 2004 to April-end 2014, during which the rupee fell from 44.37 to 60.34 against the dollar. Relevance: GS III: Indian […]
Critical Minerals
Context: The ‘Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities’ commenced at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Relevance: GS III- Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What are Critical Minerals? Why is this resource critical? What is China ‘threat’? What are countries around the world doing about it?
Introduction to Exoskeletons
Context: Bengaluru hosted the inaugural international workshop on ‘Emerging Technologies & Challenges for Exoskeleton’ organised by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) on 15th April 2024. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Introduction to Exoskeletons: Medical Applications: Industrial Uses: Military Utilization: Rescue Operations:
Why are Unclassed Forests ‘missing’?
Context: In accordance with a directive from the Supreme Court dated February 19, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published various State Expert Committee (SEC) reports on its website earlier this April. This interim measure was initiated in response to a public interest litigation challenging the constitutionality of the Forest (Conservation) Act […]
Court’s Nudge on Hospital Charges
Context: The Supreme Court of India, during a recent hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), instructed the central government to explore methods for overseeing the pricing of medical procedures in private hospitals. This move came in response to concerns raised by the PIL regarding the high and widely varying costs of such procedures. Relevance: GS2- […]
About Biohacking
Context: Biohacking is picking up in India especially in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai and also slowly making inroads into Tier II and III cities too. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Biohacking Categories of Biohacking: -Source: The Hindu
Nasscom Releases Patenting Trends in India
Context: Nasscom recently unveiled the Patenting Trends in India report on World Intellectual Property Day. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: World Intellectual Property Day Historical Background: Patenting Trends in India Report Trends: Key Areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI): -Source: The Hindu
Union Government Seeks Administrative Allocation for Spectrum
Context: The Union government has filed an application for a specific class of spectrum to be allocated through administrative processes rather than competitive auctions. This move follows the Supreme Court’s 2012 decision to cancel 122 telecom licenses due to the 2G spectrum scam, emphasizing the need for fair and impartial allocation of the scarce natural […]
India – Oman Bilateral Relationship
Context: India and Oman will sign a trade deal in the coming months, two Indian government officials said, as New Delhi seeks to expand its ties in the Middle East, where rising tensions are putting major shipping routes at risk. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: India-Oman Trade Deal Highlights: India-Oman Bilateral […]