Context (TH): The Porja, Bagata, and Konda Dora tribes in Andhra Pradesh face significant challenges due to the lack of electricity and clean water. These tribes have played an essential role in the construction of the Lower Sileru Hydro-Electric Project (LSP) on the Sileru River. Bagata/Bhakta Tribe Found in Odisha …

Context (TH): India’s Ministry of Health has released its first Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for transporting human organs, which cover various modes of transport, including road, rail, and waterways. Organ Transplantation in India India ranks as the third-largest country globally in terms of organ transplants. From 2013 to 2022, the …

Context: The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 aim to increase government control over Waqf properties, which have traditionally been considered private assets of Muslims. What is Waqf? Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of property by a Muslim for religious or charitable purposes. Once designated as Waqf, the …

Context: The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her subsequent flight to India amidst widespread protests represents a significant shift in South Asian geopolitics. This development raises concerns about Bangladesh’s stability and its relationship with India. Factors Leading to the PM’s Resignation: Nationwide Unrest: Student protests demanding changes to …

Context: Recent amendments to Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law have intensified its controversial aspects. Background: The amendments to the 2021 Act were introduced with the justification that the original penal provisions were inadequate to prevent and control religious conversion and mass conversion. 2021 Act Overview: The Act prohibits the conversion of …

Context: The potential for a deeper economic partnership between the U.K. and India is vast, offering significant mutual benefits. Positive Engagement: Strategic Partnership: Enhanced collaboration in areas such as security, technology, climate change, and education is crucial. The U.K. India Business Council highlights opportunities in R&D, technology, talent development, and …

Context: In FY 2024, only ₹90,000 was released as ‘unemployment allowance’ under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Legal Provision: According to Section 7(1) of the MGNREGA Act, 2005, if a person is not provided employment within 15 days of applying, they are entitled to a daily …

Context: Sion Hospital in Mumbai, home to Asia’s first breast milk bank, has seen over 43,000 mothers donate milk, benefiting 10,500 newborns over the past five years. Milk Collection Process: Milk is donated by nursing mothers, then it undergoes rigorous testing, pasteurization, and is stored at temperatures below -20°C to …

Context: In July 2024, UPI transactions surpassed ₹20 trillion for the third consecutive month. Benefits: Financial Inclusion: The number of banks involved has grown from 21 to 399, according to the State of Digital Economy Report. Enhanced Transaction Efficiency: UPI facilitates 24/7 transactions, offering round-the-clock service. Support for Entrepreneurs: The …

Context The allocation of an IAS position to an Other Backward Class (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) candidate with multiple disabilities has spotlighted the issues related to the creamy layer in OBC reservations. History of Reservation Articles 15 and 16: Article 15: Ensures equality for all citizens in government policies. Article …

Context The Supreme Court (SC) has been urged to limit the Governor’s power to refer Bills to the President without sufficient cause. This comes in light of instances where seven Bills from Kerala, which typically wouldn’t require the President’s assent, were sent to the President, and four were refused assent …

Context In line with the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister, there is a proposal to establish a Legal Advisory Council (LAC). This council would serve to foresee the implications, challenges, and shortcomings in upcoming laws that the government is contemplating or finalizing in its legislation or policies. …

Context Landslides involve the sudden movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope due to gravity. In July 2024, severe landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and displacement. Types of Landslides Based on Materials Involved Rock Slide: Movement of bedrock down a …

Context: Potassium cyanide (KCN) can cause immediate death by obstructing oxygen transport in the body, resulting in cellular suffocation. It is a cyanide salt made up of equal parts potassium (K+) and cyanide (CN-) ions. Properties of KCN Appearance: White, crystalline solid. Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming a clear …

Context: A private bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha to include Bhojpuri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Overview: Part XVII of the Indian Constitution (Articles 343 to 351) addresses the Eighth Schedule. The Eighth Schedule initially listed 14 languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, …

Context: The Supreme Court ruled that there would be no re-test for the NEET UG 2024 exam. Ruling: The court concluded that the exam irregularities impacted around 155 beneficiaries and found no evidence of systemic failure in its conduct. Issues Raised: Systemic Deficiencies: Cases registered by the CBI in locations …

Context: Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana have reported the highest number of H1N1 deaths in the country. Current Situation: According to the Health Ministry, India has reported over 7,000 H1N1 cases, with Delhi, Gujarat, and Rajasthan being the top three affected states. H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Overview: Cause: H1N1 Flu is …

Context: The NIPUN (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) Bharat Mission is a key component of the National Education Policy 2020, aiming to ensure children acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills. Family engagement, alongside school efforts, can significantly enhance the mission’s success. Implementation The Department of …

Context: Soybean has been included in the athlete diets for the Paris Olympics. Origin and Climate Requirements: Native to East Asia, soybean thrives in warm and moist climates. It is a Kharif crop, requiring an average rainfall of 90 cm and temperatures between 26°C and 30°C. It grows best in …

Context: The recent budget has introduced significant changes to the Capital Gains Tax regime, including the removal of indexation benefits from the Long-Term Capital Gains Tax (LTCG). Capital Gains: Definition: Capital gains refer to the profit or gain that arises from the sale of capital assets, which can be tangible …