PRELIMS BITS The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is India’s apex regulatory body overseeing genetically modified (GM) seeds and organisms. Overview of GEAC Constitution: Established under the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (1989)” framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Purpose: …
Read More »Daily Archives: January 6, 2025
SAINT NARAHARI TĪRTHA: A 13TH CENTURY DVAITA PHILOSOPHER AND SAINT
PRELIMS BITS Overview A recent discovery by the Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH) has unearthed a three-foot idol of Saint Narahari Tīrtha, a prominent philosopher and scholar from the 13th century. Narahari Tīrtha was a key figure in the Madhva tradition of Dvaita Vedanta. Key Details: …
Read More »INDIA UNVEILS DRAFT RULES FOR DATA PROTECTION
GS2 – GOVERNANCE Recently, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP). Following its passage in Parliament in August 2023, these draft rules aim to clarify several aspects of the law. Stakeholders can provide feedback through the MyGov portal …
Read More »NEW E-AUCTION PORTAL ‘BAANKNET’ LAUNCHED
GS3 – ECONOMICS The Government of India has launched Baanknet, a revamped e-auction portal to streamline the auction of properties by public sector banks (PSBs). This platform aims to enhance transparency, simplify processes, and boost investor confidence in the real estate market. Key Features of Baanknet Integrated Platform: Combines pre-auction, …
Read More »NEW AMENDMENTS TO INDIA’S FOREIGN TRADE POLICY (FTP)
GS3 – ECONOMICS The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to strengthen stakeholder engagement and improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). These changes aim to make trade policy formulation more inclusive and adaptive, reflecting the government’s long-term vision for sustainable trade …
Read More »SUPREME COURT REAFFIRMS PROPERTY RIGHTS IN INDIA
GS2 – POLITY The Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed the constitutional significance of property rights, emphasizing their protection under Article 300A, even though they are no longer fundamental rights. This judgment arose from a case involving delayed compensation for land acquired for the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project. Key Highlights …
Read More »DECLINE IN RURAL-TO-URBAN MIGRATION IN INDIA
GS1- SOCIETY Recent findings from the report ‘400 Million Dreams!’ by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) reveal a significant decline in rural-to-urban migration in India, with 5.4 million fewer migrants in 2023 compared to 2011—a drop of 11.8%. Key Trends in Migration Migration Rate Decline: From …
Read More »Draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAW)
GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Why in News? The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released the draft NPFAW for public feedback. Highlights of the Draft NPFAW Vision – Create a strong marketing system to help farmers access diverse markets and get the best prices for their produce. Key Features …
Read More »Rafale fighter jet
GS 3 – DEFENCE Ahead of PM’s Paris trip, Rafale, Scorpene deals reach final leg The Rafale fighter jet is a 4.5-generation, twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed and manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation. Its acquisition by India has strategic, technological, and geopolitical implications. Below is a detailed analysis …
Read More »Indus Valley Script
GS 1 – ANCIENT INDIA The Indus Valley Script, associated with the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), remains one of the most intriguing and undeciphered scripts in human history. The script is an essential topic for UPSC as it combines aspects of history, culture, and linguistics, highlighting the intellectual and technological …
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