Capturing the Rains
Context: For the first time since 2018, India has registered a shortfall in the monsoon. The country received 82 cm of rainfall from June to September this year, nearly 6% below the normal 89 cm. From April onwards, signs pointed to a subdued monsoon, with the looming presence of El Niño. Relevance: GS1- Mains Question: What […]
Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) 2.0
Context: Recently, the union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions launched the Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) 2.0 Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) 2.0 CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System):
Initiatives Launched in Pharma-MedTech Sector
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has launched initiatives to nurture Innovation, research, and development in the Medical and Pharmaceutical sectors.These Initiatives are National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector in India and Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP). Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article; […]
Alarming Trends in Global Debt
Context: Global debt has reached a historic high of $307 trillion in the second quarter of 2023, marking a significant increase of approximately $100 trillion over the past decade. Additionally, global debt as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is on the rise again, reaching 336%, following a previous decline that spanned seven consecutive […]
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)
Context: The Central Government recently extended the tenure of senior bureaucrat Piyush Goyal as the chief executive officer of National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID). Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges (Various Agencies and other interventions regarding Internal Security and their mandate), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies and Interventions) Dimensions of the Article: National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) […]
Gujarat bans Conocarpus plants
Context: The Gujarat govt has banned the planting of ornamental Conocarpus trees in forest or non-forest areas, citing their adverse impacts on environment and human health. Earlier, Telangana too had banned the plant species. Relevance: GS III: Species in News Dimensions of the Article: Conocarpus Plants: Two Distinct Species Gujarat Bans Conocarpus Plants: Reasons and […]
Controversy Surrounding Women’s Reservation Bill of 2023 and OBC Quota
Context: The Women’s Reservation Bill of 2023 has sparked controversy because it does not include a reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBC) women. Critics are concerned about the underrepresentation of OBC individuals in important government roles. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Concerns Regarding OBC Representation: Geeta Mukherjee Report: Arguments […]
Issues Surrounding Aadhaar in India
Context: A recent Moody’s report on “Decentralized Finance and Digital Assets” highlights concerns about India’s large-scale digital identification program, noting that it frequently denies services to users. The report questions the reliability of biometric technology and raises privacy and security risks as well. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights […]
Lancet Report on Cancer in Women 2023
Context: A recent report from the Lancet Commission on gender disparities in cancer care quantifies what has been known anecdotally, providing stark statistics. Relevance: GS2- Health Mains Question: Drawing from the findings of the recently released Lancet report on cancer in women, analyse the steps taken in this regard. Also suggest what should be done […]
United Nations Population Fund’s India Ageing Report 2023
Context: A significant portion of the global population is aging, and India reflects this trend. According to the United Nations Population Fund’s India Ageing Report 2023, the population aged 60 and above is projected to double from 10.5% or 14.9 crore (as of July 1, 2022) to 20.8% or 34.7 crore by 2050. This demographic shift, with one […]