Context: The 50th G7 Leaders’ Summit recently concluded in Apulia, Italy, with India’s participation as an Outreach Country. On January 1, 2024, Italy took over the Presidency from Japan for the seventh time and will pass it to Canada on December 31, 2024. History and Evolution of the G7 The …

Context In the 2024 elections, 11 candidates have applied to verify the memory of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units. The Supreme Court introduced this verification option for losing candidates (those placed second and third) in the Association for Democratic Reforms vs. Election Commission …

Relevancy for Mains: Implications of the Russia-North Korea security pact on the stability of the world, etc. The security pact reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, in which both countries promised mutual assistance “in the event of aggression”, has echoes from the …

❖  A new study has revealed the fate of methane released from the September 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream Pipeline Description: The Nord Stream network comprises offshore pipelines (Nord Stream 1 and 2) that supply natural gas to northern Europe. These …

Background: The State of Global Air Report is a collaborative assessment by the US-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project. For the first time, this report has been produced in partnership with UNICEF. Scope: The report’s findings are …

❖: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent Pyongyang visit culminated in a landmark pact between Russia and North Korea. Historical context of Russia-North Korea relations After WWII, the Soviet Union sought to establish a communist regime in Korea, offering significant military assistance to North Korean founder Kim Il Sung during the …

Unlocking Value in Infrastructure The NMP is a government initiative launched in the 2021-22 Union Budget to leverage private sector expertise for infrastructure development. It focuses on monetizing core government assets (roads, railways, power) through partnerships, not privatization (ownership transfer). Goals and Benefits: Generate Rs 6 lakh crore over four …

Context: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike’s (BBMP) proposal for a Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess highlights the financial strain ULBs face in managing India’s burgeoning solid waste crisis. ULBs and SWM: The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 authorize ULBs to levy user fees or SWM cess to recover costs associated …

Context: Indian industry bodies have expressed concerns regarding the Angel Tax, particularly its recent expansion in the Finance Bill 2023. This development comes amidst a decline in startup funding and job losses. Understanding Angel Tax: Angel Tax refers to the income tax levied on unlisted companies that issue shares to …

Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the development of the Vadhavan Port, a major greenfield deep-draft port project in Maharashtra. This ambitious project, estimated to cost ₹76,200 crore, is poised to significantly enhance India’s maritime infrastructure. Project Details: Implementation: The port will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), …

Context: A recent celestial spectacle in Ladakh captivated observers with the appearance of a rare phenomenon – the double sun halo. While sun halos are more common in certain parts of India, a double halo is a rarer sight, especially at high altitudes like Ladakh. Understanding Sun Halos: A Common …

Introduction: The GREAT Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the technical textiles sector. Objectives: Promote research and development: GREAT encourages scientists, technologists, and startups to translate their ideas into commercially viable products and technologies for technical …

The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) marks a significant development in the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Launched in January 2023, this framework aims to foster collaboration in cutting-edge technological areas critical for economic growth, national security, and global leadership. What is iCET? iCET establishes …

Context Electric vehicle (EV) owners are increasingly concerned about the impact of extreme temperatures on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries function optimally at ambient temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly heat-sensitive, while solid-state batteries exhibit greater resilience. Impact of Extreme Heat on Lithium-ion Batteries Longevity Loss: High …

GS-2: Plight of delivery workers in India’s gig economy,  Measures needed to protect rights and ensure fair treatment of gig workers, etc. What allows companies to keep workers casual, celebrating ‘partners’ for PR purposes while ignoring protests demanding basic rights? Worker Conditions Heatwave Impact: Workers endure extreme heat; customers are …