Definition: Greenwashing is the practice where companies, organizations, or even countries make misleading or unverifiable claims about their products, services, or operations being environmentally friendly. This often involves using deceptive symbols, language, or imagery to highlight eco-friendly aspects while concealing harmful practices. Types of Greenwashing Greenhushing: Companies deliberately withhold information …

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a key international treaty aimed at eliminating chemical weapons and promoting global peace and security. Key Features of the CWC Objective: Prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer, and use of chemical weapons. Mandates the destruction of existing stockpiles of chemical weapons. Establishment: …

Context: A district court has recently accepted a petition claiming that a Shiva temple lies beneath the shrine of the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. Life and Legacy Alternate Names: Also known as Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, he is venerated with the title Ghareeb Nawaz (Benefactor of the …

Overview Sjögren’s Syndrome (pronounced SHOW-gren’s) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, leading to long-term dryness in various parts of the body. It primarily affects the eyes and mouth, but can also impact the nose, throat, skin, and vagina. Affected Areas Eyes: …

Introduction The President’s Colours Award is the highest honour awarded to a military unit, military training establishment, or state/UT Police Force in India. It recognizes exceptional service to the nation in both peace and war. The award is also referred to as “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan” in Hindi. Historical Background Colonial …

Context India has recently signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, a pivotal international treaty designed to protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable resource use in international waters. Key Features of the BBNJ Treaty Conservation of Marine Biodiversity Aims to safeguard ecosystems located beyond national jurisdiction, commonly referred to …

Context Despite achieving the largest area under rice cultivation in 2024, Punjab is witnessing one of its lowest paddy procurement figures in the past five years, raising concerns about its role in India’s foodgrain supply. Current Scenario Procurement Figures: Punjab has procured 172.16 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy so …

Context On Constitution Day, the Prime Minister emphasized the Indian Constitution as a “living, continuously flowing stream,” prompting reflection on whether it remains rooted in colonial legacies or embodies India’s civilisational ethos. Key Features of India’s Constitution Living Document The Constitution adapts and evolves in response to the aspirations of …

Context India faces significant challenges in narrowing the defence capability gap with China while modernising its defence industrial base. Issues at Hand China’s Military Supremacy Extensive defence spending, advanced military modernisation, and a robust industrial base. Example: Commissioned 70 submarines between 1995 and 2020. Regional Power Imbalance China’s military capabilities …

Film Highlight The film Rhythm of Dammam, which sheds light on the marginalized Siddi community in India, is being showcased at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Historical Background The Siddis are descendants of African slaves who were brought to India by the Portuguese in the …

Context The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2024, set to be enforced in 2025. This regulation focuses on controlling the use of antibiotics in food animal production to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial …

Context: The Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides report, jointly released by UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), was published on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The report highlights the intentional killing of women and …

Context: The Red-breasted Flycatcher has been spotted at Hyderabad’s Ameenpur Lake, a significant event as the lake once attracted diverse migratory birds, including flamingos. Due to environmental degradation, the lake had lost much of its avian population, disappointing birdwatchers. However, ongoing restoration efforts by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset …

Context: The Department of Consumer Affairs has successfully implemented the E-Daakhil portal, an initiative aimed at facilitating easy and efficient filing of consumer complaints. Overview of E-Daakhil Portal Launch: Initially launched in 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed to offer a cost-effective …

As India commemorates 75 years of its Constitution, it is an opportune moment to reflect on its significance, strengths, and the challenges posed by constitutional silences—gaps left either intentionally or inadvertently by the framers. These silences, while allowing adaptability, also create avenues for misuse, impacting democratic values and governance. Significance …

Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (1141-42 CE – 1236 CE), also known as Gharib Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor), was a prominent Sufi saint and the founder of the Chishtiya Order in India. His teachings emphasized compassion, service to humanity, and the oneness of God. Early Life Birthplace: Sijistan (modern-day Sistan …

Context The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is rooted in UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, which was initially established to manage the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following the 2006 hostilities. Key Components of UNSC Resolution 1701 and the Ceasefire Significance Seeks to establish enduring peace and stability in the region. Offers …

Context: The recent COP29 summit in Baku concluded with a lackluster agreement on climate finance, raising serious concerns about the trajectory of global climate negotiations. Challenges in Climate Negotiations Insufficient Financial Commitments Developed countries have pledged only $300 billion annually until 2035, which falls significantly short of the estimated $1 …

Context: On November 26, the President and Prime Minister of India extended their wishes on the occasion of Constitution Day, also known as National Law Day or Samvidhan Diwas. The Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950. It was drafted under …

Context: As India celebrates 75 years of its Constitution, it is essential to acknowledge the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in the Constituent Assembly, who worked alongside their male counterparts to shape the nation’s foundational document. Need for Recognition Historical Oversight: The role of women in drafting the …