Category: Current Affairs

Context: Justice V Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the 9th Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a three-year term until December 2027. His appointment was formalized through an official warrant issued by the President of India under Section 3(2)(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. About NHRC: Establishment: The National…

Context: India is working to diversify supply sources and reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals to address vulnerabilities in sectors like electronics, energy, and defense, stemming from China’s dominance in reserves, processing, and refining. Overview: In 2023, 30 critical minerals were identified as essential for India’s economic development and national security. India has…

Context: A recent report by UNESCO and an analysis by Down to Earth reveal the significant effects of rising ocean temperatures on marine species within World Heritage sites. Nearly 20% of species are living in unsuitably warm waters, causing stress and affecting their well-being. Key Findings on Marine Species and Thermal Limits 20% of species…

Context:  The World Trade Organization (WTO), established in 1995, emerged as the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Unlike the diplomacy-driven GATT (1948–1994), the WTO was envisioned as a platform where trade disputes could be resolved through legal adjudication, fostering predictability and fairness. However, recent developments indicate a reversal of this…

Context: Rohan Mirchandani, the CEO of popular Greek yogurt brand Epigamia, tragically passed away on December 21, 2024, due to sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 42.  More on News: His sudden death has raised concerns about the difference between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack, two terms often used interchangeably but representing…

Context: India’s impressive economic strides, marked by growth and innovation, coexist with deep-seated challenges such as income inequality, underinvestment in critical sectors, and bureaucratic inefficiency.  More on News At the heart of these governance challenges lies the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), often described as the nation’s “steel frame.”  While the IAS has been instrumental in…

Context: India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has dropped below the replacement level of 2.1, signaling a potential future decline in population.  More on News According to data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS), the TFR remained at 2.2 between 2011 and 2015-16 but fell to 2.0 in 2019-21.  Despite this, projections by the United…

Context: In a significant policy shift, the central government has abolished the no-detention policy in schools under its jurisdiction, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.  More on News Starting from the current academic session, students in Classes 5 and 8 can now be held back if they fail to meet promotion criteria.  This decision…

Context: Many countries and organisations are beginning to adopt animal welfare guidelines for cephalopods, acknowledging their complex sensory systems and behavioural needs. More on News: In 2010, the European Union made it a requirement to consider ethical issues when using cephalopods in research, and in 2015, international guidelines for their care in laboratories were promoted. …

Context: Delhi continues to hold the grim title of India’s most polluted city as of December 20, with air pollution levels more than 17 times the limit prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).  More on News The hazardous particulate matter (PM2.5), capable of penetrating deep into the lungs, poses severe health risks, including respiratory…

Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has criticised the central government for its inability to ensure that daily wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) keep pace with inflation.  More on News This critique comes amid growing concerns about wage stagnation, regional disparities, and declining demand…

Context: For decades, scientists believed dark matter particles were at least 10^-31 the mass of a proton. In May 2024, physicists raised this minimum to 2.3 × 10^-30 proton masses. Recent Research Findings (May 2024): The research used data from the motion of stars in Leo II, a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way, to…

Context: Four major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have expressed interest in developing electric ambulances (e-ambulances) under the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.  The four OEMs involved are Force Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Switch Mobility. Overview: The initiative launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Government…

Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya, born on 24 November 1880 in Gundugolanu village, Andhra Pradesh, was a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence. He initially trained as a medical doctor, graduating from Madras Medical College in 1901, and practised medicine until he fully committed to the political movement in 1916. Contributions to India’s Freedom Struggle: Early…

Context: The year 2024 marked a significant chapter for the Indian Navy, beginning with Operation Sankalp’s expansion from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea.  More on News This initiative ensured the safety of international shipping from piracy and attacks, such as those by the Houthis, reaffirming India’s status as a reliable security partner…

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in 2024 marked a significant milestone in India-Kuwait relations. This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, aimed to rejuvenate the historical and strategic ties between the two nations.   Key Areas of Discussion During PM Modi’s Visit:  Economic Engagement: Expanding bilateral trade…

Context: During the pre-budget session, states demanded higher capex loans from the centre towards the state. About: During FY2020-21, the Centre launched a programme to provide the state with interest-free loans for 50 years for infrastructure development.  The Centre’s Effective Revenue Expenditure contains revenue expenditures made towards the state that are used for infrastructure development.…

Context: The Supreme Court of India overturned a 2008 order by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which had prohibited banks from charging more than 30% interest on delayed credit card payments. Key Details of the Judgment: Bench Composition: The verdict was delivered by a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra…

Context: PrivateCircle Research Analysis – Layoffs Part of the Decline The workforce in Indian unicorn startups was reduced by 6,700 employees between August 2023 and August 2024, with layoffs being a key factor, as per PrivateCircle Research. The 116 unicorns employed 410,829 workers in August 2024, compared to 417,561 in August 2023. Regional Workforce Trends: …