Revised Terms for PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna Unveiled
Context: The Centre has modified the ₹75,000-crore PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna, originally intending to fully fund 1-3 KW solar system installations in one crore households. The revised plan now covers up to 60% of installation costs, requiring households to contribute the remainder, with a minimum payment of ₹20,000. Eligible houses must have suitable roofs, […]
India-EFTA Trade Deal Set for Conclusion
Context: India is on track to finalize a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This agreement is part of India’s efforts to conclude three free-trade agreements (FTAs) in March, including deals with Oman and the UK, ahead of the implementation of […]
Election Commission’s Proposal to Amend Voter ID Rules
Context: The Election Commission of India has urged the Union government to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and modify voter registration forms. The proposed changes aim to eliminate the necessity for voters to provide reasons for not linking their Aadhaar number with their voter ID card. The EC suggests removing the “sufficient […]
The Water Crisis in Urban India
Context: The water crisis in Karnataka has impacted over 7,000 villages, 1,100 wards, and 220 talukas, extending its repercussions to Mandya and Mysuru districts. These regions are significant as they encompass a major Cauvery river watershed and the Krishnaraja Sagardam, vital sources of water for Bengaluru. While the capital city has dominated headlines, the crisis’s effects are […]
About Limits on Election Campaign Spending
Context: In the lead-up to the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, the then government launched a campaign featuring the slogan ‘India Shining.’ It was reported that approximately ₹150 crore was allocated for this campaign, making it one of the most substantial and controversial government-sponsored advertisement efforts at that time. Since then, over the last two decades, […]
About School Soil Health Programme
Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Union Minister for Rural Development inaugurated School Soil Health Programme, New Delhi. Relevance: GS II: Education Dimensions of the Article: School Soil Health Programme: Key Features: Pilot Project Implementation: Study Modules and Training: Customized Mobile Application: Scaling Up to 1000 Schools: Lab Setup by […]
Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Fellowships and Awards
Context: Recently, the President of India presented Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Fellowships and Awards for the years 2022 and 2023 in New Delhi. Relevance: GS I: Art and Culture Dimensions of the Article: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship: Prestigious Honour: Eligibility Criteria: Fellowship Benefits: Recommendation Process: Seat Expansion: Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards: Rich History: Inception: Award Components: Annual […]
About Orans in Rajasthan
Context: Communities, particularly those in western Rajasthan, are concerned about the state’s proposal to classify orans (sacred groves) as deemed forests. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Dimensions of the Article: About Orans in Rajasthan Definition: Management and Preservation: Characteristics: Connection to Communities: Wildlife Habitat: Understanding Sacred Groves: Definition: National Presence: Regional Names: -Source: Indian Express
About Taeniogonalos Deepaki
Context: Entomologists of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment have discovered a new species of wasp in the Western Ghat region of Karnataka. Relevance: GS III: Species in News About Taeniogonalos deepaki Discovery: Taxonomy: Family Characteristics: Distribution: Male Description: Geographical Presence: Understanding Parasitoid: -Source: The Hindu
About Haiper
Context: Recently, former members of Google’s DeepMind team, have introduced Haiper, a cutting-edge AI-powered video generation tool. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Haiper Description: Founders’ Vision: Features: Current Limitations: Accessibility: -Source: The Hindu