BIMSTEC after the Colombo Summit
Context Fifth Summit of the BIMSTEC was held in Colombo which advanced the regional cooperation and integration. Relevance GS-II: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Dimensions of the Article Colombo Package Trade Pillars and Support needed Leaders and Commitments What more is needed? Way Forward Colombo Package BIMSTEC […]
India-Japan Relationship
Context Seventy years after diplomatic relations were established, here in India today, a metro system built with the support of Japanese official development assistance (ODA) is in operation, cars built by Japanese companies run on the streets, and a high-speed rail will make its debut in the future. Relevance GS-II: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings […]
Why De-Dollarisation is imminent
Context The war in Ukraine and the subsequent economic sanctions will trigger central banks to go back to their drawing boards to reassess their dependency on the greenback. Relevance GS-II: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora Dimensions of Article How sanctions on Russia could lead to […]
AFSPA and the Northeast
Context: The Centre significantly reduced the footprint of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 in the Northeast, withdrawing it entirely from 23 districts in Assam, and partially from seven districts in Nagaland, six districts in Manipur, and one district in Assam. Once the decision is notified in the gazette, AFSPA remains in force in parts of […]
Dip in Chilika Lake’s Dolphin Population
Context: The dolphin population along Odisha’s coast and in its waterbodies has increased but the number of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika lake has fallen. Months after undertaking a census in different waterbodies and off the coast of Odisha, the Principal Chief Conservator Forest (Wildlife) has provided data, recorded across the State’s Wildlife Divisions, on the […]
Genome Editing Technology
Context: The central government paved the way for easy introduction of genome edited crops. The government has clearly distinguished such crops from genetically modified crops and has prescribed relatively easier norms for their introduction. Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: What is genome editing? How is gene editing different from GMO development? […]
World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022
Context: The International Renewable Energy Agency(IRENA) has released a report titled “World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022”. Relevance: GS III- Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Key findings of the World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022 What steps should be taken to move towards clean energy? Key findings of the World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022 Transition to Clean Energy: […]
National Pension Scheme
Context: Many states are attempting to reinstate the Old Pension Scheme while discontinuing the National Pension System (NPS). Relevance: GS II- Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: What is the old pension scheme or the Defined Pension Benefit Schemes? What is the National Pension System (NPS)? What is the old pension scheme or […]
Index of Eight Core Industries
Focus: GS III- Indian Economy Why in News? The combined Index of Eight Core Industries stood at 137.1 in February 2022, which increased by 5.8 per cent (provisional) as compared to the Index of February 2021. The production of Coal, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Steel, Cement and Electricity industries increased in February 2022 over the corresponding period […]
Exercise VARUNA
Focus: GS III- Security Challenges Why in News? The 20th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – ‘VARUNA’ is being conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 Mar – 03 Apr 22. About Exercise VARUNA: The Bilateral Naval Exercises between the two Navies were initiated in 1993. The exercise was […]