Sand Mining: Overview and Sources in India
Context: Recently, Bihar police arrested sand smugglers in a major crackdown against illegal sand mining. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Sand Mining: Overview and Sources in India Definition: Sand mining involves the extraction of primary natural sand and sand resources, including mineral sands and aggregates, from various natural environments such as […]
Recent Passage of Key Bills in Parliament Amid Opposition Absence
Context: The Parliament recently approved three crucial bills—Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023. However, the passage was notable for the absence of 97 Opposition members, suspended amidst controversy. Introduced in August 2023, the bills underwent scrutiny by a 31-member Parliamentary Standing Committee. Relevance: GS […]
A New Economics for Inclusive Growth
Context: The inadequacy of jobs and incomes is identified as a critical vulnerability in India’s economy. The evidence is apparent beyond the confines of economists’ datasets. Farmers are advocating for improved prices, while workers in the informal sector and contractual roles are pushing for fair wages and social security. The state of the economy appears […]
Significance of Small Businesses in an Economy
Context: There has been a significant surge in micro-venture capital funding in India. Amidst various investors in the startup ecosystem, including angels, incubators, accelerators, family offices, India-focused large funds, and global VC funds, micro-VCs have gained prominence. According to Praxis, their number has increased from around 30 in 2014 to 90 in 2020. Relevance: GS3- Indian […]
X-ray Bursts in Low-Mass X-ray Binary Systems
Context: Recently, India’s first multi-wavelength space-based observatory AstroSat has detected bright sub-second X-ray bursts from a new and unique neutron star with ultrahigh magnetic field (magnetar). Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: X-ray Bursts in Low-Mass X-ray Binary Systems Characteristics: Process: Recurrence: Magnetar: Neutron Star with Ultra-Powerful Magnetic Field Definition: Magnetic […]
About The Paat Mitro
Context: The Ministry of Textiles recently launched the “Paat-Mitro” mobile application to provide important information about MSP and agronomy to jute farmers. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Paat Mitro: Empowering Jute Farmers through Technology Key Features: Technology Integration: Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI): Key Facts Mission and Role: […]
About Gelephu Smart City Project
Context: Recently, Bhutan’s King has announced plans to build a massive “international city” in an area of over 1,000 sq. km. on its border with Assam. This project is known as the Gelephu Project. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Gelephu Smart City Project: Key Highlights Economic Corridor and Connectivity: Environmental Sustainability: Industry Focus: Special Administrative Region: Significance for Bhutan and South Asia: India-Bhutan […]
Rediscovery of Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Context: The Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) has recently reappeared in Arunachal Pradesh after an absence of 42 years. The last documented sighting was in 1981 when a single individual was observed in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Namdapha […]
China Bans Rare Earth Metal Technology Export
Context: China has recently implemented a ban on the export of technology crucial for the extraction and separation of Rare Earth Metals. This includes production technology for rare earth metals and alloy materials, as well as technology related to the preparation of certain rare earth magnets. The decision is part of an overhaul of technologies […]
About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Context: The Centre has initiated a survey and registration process to identify eligible beneficiaries for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) within 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). This effort aims to ensure housing support for marginalized and vulnerable tribal communities under the PMAY-G scheme. Relevance: GS II : Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of […]