Context Typhoon Gaemi caused the sinking of the MT Terra Nova, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of oil, in Manila Bay. This oil spill could become the largest in Philippine history. The Coast Guard is deploying containment booms and skimmers for mitigation. Containment Booms: Floating barriers made of plastic, …

Context The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare announced in Rajya Sabha that the agriculture sector is now included under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023. Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023 Initiative: Launched by the Ministry of Power to implement a carbon trading mechanism in India. Carbon Credit Certificates: …

Context The Bihar Assembly passed the ‘Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill’ to address question paper leaks and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations. Recent Cases of Paper Leaks NEET-UG medical entrance examination, 2024 Rajasthan Eligibility for Elementary Teachers, 2023 Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission Examination, 2023 UP …

Context (ORF): At the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, themed ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,’ the Kampala Outcome document was adopted. Uganda, as the NAM Chair from December 2023, aims to strengthen NAM and promote unity among the Global South. NAM in a Multi-Polar World Evolution: Non-alignment has evolved, …

Context (PIB): India has assumed the Chair of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) from China for the year 2024-25 in Bangkok, Thailand. Overview of ADPC: Purpose: ADPC is an autonomous international organization focused on cooperation and implementation of disaster risk reduction and building climate resilience. Geographical Scope: Operates in …

Context (IE): The Kerala High Court has temporarily halted the release of the Justice Hema Commission report, which examined the working conditions of women in the film industry. The interim stay was issued based on concerns that releasing the report would be against public interest and infringe on individuals’ privacy …

Context (PIB): The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) presented the initiatives taken to reduce air pollution in Rajya Sabha. Key Initiatives: National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched by MoEFCC in 2019, aiming to improve air quality in Million Plus Cities and non-attainment cities (those unable to meet …

Context (PIB): The Budget proposes a comprehensive rationalization of the GST tax structure along with a review of the Custom Duty rate structure to support domestic manufacturing. What is an Inverted Duty Structure? Definition: An inverted duty structure occurs when the taxes on input items are higher compared to the …

Context (PIB): The ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ initiative was launched in 2023 under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme to enhance the focus of the Anganwadi system on early childhood care and education (ECCE). Objective: Transform Anganwadi centres into learning hubs with high-quality infrastructure and well-trained Anganwadi workers. Focus: …

Context (TH): SC Affirms States’ Right to Tax Mineral Lands. The Supreme Court clarified that the royalty paid by mining companies to the government is not considered a tax but a contractual payment. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 (MMDRA) governs the exploration, mining, and regulation …

Context (TP): India must take responsibility for its growing emissions, despite having lower per capita emissions compared to Western nations. India’s Emission Statistics Global Position: India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), contributing 7% of the global total (Global Carbon Project). Per Capita Emissions: India’s per capita emissions …

Context (PIB): The Budget proposes that long-term gains on all financial and non-financial assets will attract a 12.5% tax rate, while short-term gains on certain financial assets will be taxed at 20%. Amendments Proposed in Budget Classification of Assets: Holding Periods: There will be only two holding periods: For listed …

As the only country that is a founding member of both QUAD and BRICS, India faces the challenge of balancing its commitments to both groups without prioritizing one over the other. Each organization provides distinct strategic advantages that are essential for India’s national interests. Domain Comparison Domain BRICS QUAD Global …

Constitutional Provision regarding the Right to Propagate Article 25 guarantees every individual the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, health, and other fundamental rights provisions. Freedom of Conscience: The inner freedom of an individual to shape their relationship with God or other entities …

Unemployment is defined as the condition of being without a job despite actively seeking employment and possessing the necessary qualifications, skills, and willingness to work. Types of Unemployment Frictional Unemployment: Temporary joblessness when individuals are between jobs or changing careers. Structural Unemployment: Occurs due to a mismatch between job seekers’ …

Context (PIB) The Governor of Goa recently launched the ‘Triput,’ an advanced frigate for the Indian Navy at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa. Here are some key points: Introduction: Triput is the first of two advanced frigates being constructed by GSL. Design Purpose: The ship is designed for combat operations …