Context: The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Manish Sisodia emphasizes the principle established by Justice Krishna Iyer in 1977, stating that “bail is the rule and jail is the exception.” This ruling reflects a broader commitment to uphold individual liberty and prevent undue punishment due to procedural delays. …

Historical Background: The Gotipua dance tradition began in Odisha during the 16th century under the patronage of Bhoi king Rama Chandra Dev. In the Oriya language, “Goti” means single and “Pua” means boy. This dance form was developed as a male counterpart to the Mahari tradition, which involved ritualistic dances …

Context: The Coffee Board of India has forecasted a significant decline in coffee production for the 2024-25 season due to high temperatures and heavy rainfall. Coffee thrives in a temperature range of 15°C to 28°C and requires 150-250 cm of rainfall. The Coffee Board has urged coffee-growing districts to form …

Context: Overuse of antibiotics poses significant risks, especially to the human microbiome. While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a well-known issue, the impact on the microbiome is often overlooked. The microbiome consists of various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Gut microbiome: Essential for digestion, immune function, and nutrient production. Skin …

Context: In India, although over half of the 642 million eligible voters are women, women’s safety issues receive little attention from political candidates, highlighting a significant discrepancy. Current Situation: Daily, approximately 90 rape cases are reported, nearly half of the women experience domestic violence, and two-thirds of Dalit women face …

Context: Mizoram’s efforts to amend its reservation rules have been complicated by a Supreme Court ruling that supports the right of states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Prior to this ruling, the Mizoram Government had paused the sub-classification of the state’s ST quota in higher education …

Context: A plea in the High Court seeks a CBI investigation into alleged malpractices in organ transplantation. Common Malpractices Commercialization of Organs: Involves the illegal buying and selling of organs, exemplified by clandestine organ trade networks. Falsification of Donor-Recipient Relationships: Used to bypass legal restrictions. For instance, in 2018, a …

The Indian government has launched a comprehensive Clean Plant Initiative aimed at providing farmers with high-quality, disease-free planting material. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance crop yields and improve farmers’ incomes. Key Features of the Initiative: Affordable Access: The program ensures that farmers can obtain clean planting material at …

Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Overview Background: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to reform the governance of Waqf properties, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee following opposition protests. Definition of Waqf Property Waqf: This refers to a donation of personal property by Muslims for religious, charitable, or …

Context (IE): The Court of Arbitration for Sports accepted Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for the silver medal. Incident: India’s prominent wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics after failing to meet the 50 kg weight limit during the second day of weigh-in. Competition Format: …

Context (IE): Opposition leaders have called for the removal of the 18% GST on life and health insurance premiums. Affordability Issues: Rising medical inflation (14% by the end of last year) and high insurance premiums make health and life insurance less affordable for many. Justification for Imposing GST Doubts About …

Context (PIB): The Minister of Cooperation recently shared information about the Nandini Sahakar Yojana. Objective: The scheme aims to support women’s cooperatives in engaging in business model-based activities within the framework of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). Eligibility: To qualify, a cooperative society must have at least 50% of …

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 …