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 …

Context: The contribution of maize and damaged foodgrains to India’s ethanol production has increased to 50% for the first time. Ethanol Blending Ratio: The ratio of ethanol blending in petrol has reached 13% this year, aiming for a target of 20% by 2025. Reasons for Increased Grain Usage: Stoppage of …

Context: Three UPSC aspirants tragically died due to waterlogging after a drain burst in a cramped basement coaching center in Delhi. This incident highlights alarming civic irregularities and delays in safety measures. With the World Bank predicting that 40% of India’s population will reside in cities by 2036 and Delhi’s …

Context A study conducted in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone has discovered that metallic nodules on the seafloor are responsible for producing “dark oxygen.” Dark Oxygen: This term refers to oxygen produced in the deep-sea abyssal region, where photosynthesis is not possible. It is generated by polymetallic nodules that split water molecules …

Context An article highlights the issues faced by a migrant couple from Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the broader challenges and legislative landscape surrounding migrant workers. Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979: Purpose: Focuses on the welfare of migrant workers by mandating: Establishments employing migrant workers to register with the destination states. Contractors …

Context The Supreme Court of India has recently agreed to hear a case that will likely shape the contours of the “right to be forgotten.” Right to be Forgotten: Definition: Loosely described as the right to remove or erase one’s digital footprint from internet searches when it violates the right …

Context The Department of Higher Education and IIT Kanpur have launched the SATHEE (Self-Assessment, Test and Help for Entrance Examination) portal to assist students in preparing for competitive exams. SATHEE Portal Features: Free Access: Provides free, high-quality educational content and guidance to students across India. Platforms: Accessible through a web …

Context According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Poshan Tracker data reveals that approximately 17% of children aged 0-5 years are underweight, 36% are stunted, and 6% are wasted. Findings of Poshan Tracker: Stunting Rates: Uttar Pradesh (46.36%), Lakshadweep (46.31%), Maharashtra (44.59%), and Madhya Pradesh (41.61%). Wasting Rates: …

Context India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, focusing on providing an informal platform to discuss cooperation and accelerate action in areas such as security, connectivity, trade, and investment within the Bay of Bengal. India aims to strengthen relationships with its eastern neighbors to counter China’s influence in the …