The Palk Bay Fisheries Conflict
Context: The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 12 Indian fishermen from Rameswaram district, Tamil Nadu, and seized two of their fishing boats on charges of engaging in illegal fishing activity. This is the third such arrest in a fortnight, prompting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to, yet again, write to Prime Minister, seeking the Centre’s immediate intervention […]
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)
Context: Recently, India signed an agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for the distribution of 50,000 MT of wheat that it has committed to sending to Afghanistan as part of a humanitarian assistance. Relevance: GS II- Important International Institutions Dimensions of the Article: About United Nations World Food Programme Major Concern for the distribution of wheat About United Nations […]
Lassa Fever
Context: One of the three persons diagnosed with Lassa fever in the UK has died. The cases have been linked to travel to west African countries. The Lassa virus is named after a town in Nigeria where the first cases were discovered. Relevance: GS II- Health Dimensions of the article: What is Lassa fever? How […]
India-Australia Interim Trade Agreement and FTA
Context: India and Australia have announced that they are set to conclude an interim trade agreement in March and a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) 12-18 months thereafter. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Polices and developments affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: What is the interim trade agreement likely to cover? How has the […]
Why Australia Has Listed Koalas As Endangered Species
Context: Once found in abundance, Australia’s much-loved koalas have now been officially classified as ‘endangered’ after widespread bushfires, drought and land clearing destroyed much of their eucalyptus-rich habitat. Australia’s environment minister announced that the government was upgrading the conservation status of the marsupials from ‘vulnerable’ to ‘endangered’ in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, […]
SC Examines Allegations of Rampant Misuse of PMLA
Context: The Supreme Court is looking into allegations of metamorphosis of an anti-money laundering law, brought to sniff out drug money, into a potent weapon to raid rivals and deny rights. A three-judge Bench is holding back-to-back hearings on petitions filed by people from all walks of life and across the country complaining of the […]
Uniform Civil Code
Context The Uttarakhand CM has promised a uniform civil code for the state if BJP is voted back to power. Relevance: GS II- Polity Dimensions of the Article: What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? Positive aspects of Uniform Civil Code include Challenges in Implementing Uniform Civil Code Include Does India not already have a UCC […]
Modernisation of Police Forces Scheme
Context: The Government under the leadership of Prime Minister has approved continuation of umbrella scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. This scheme comprises all relevant sub-schemes that contribute to modernization and improvement with a total Central financial outlay of Rs.26,275 crore. Relevance: GS II- Polity and Governance Dimensions of […]
Quad Meet Focuses on Indo-Pacific Ties
Context: Calling for justice for the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai (2008) and the Pathankot airbase attack (2016) for the first time since the group was formed, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. said the Quad was already cooperating on sharing intelligence on threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Relevance: GS II: Groupings & Agreements Involving […]
IIP Growth Slowed to 0.4% in December
Context: India’s industrial recovery slowed sharply in December, with output growing just 0.4% year-on-year, and manufacturing activity contracting 0.1%, as per official estimates for the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Electricity output grew 2.8%, while mining activity rose 2.6%. Data shows capital goods, consumer durables output shrank signalling poor investment, consumption Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development […]