Current Affaris

Introduction In a parliamentary democracy, ensuring accountability of the executive is paramount. Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) serve as a potent instrument for Parliament to scrutinize the government’s actions and decisions on specific issues. This essay elaborates on the objectives, provisions, limitations, and potential ways to strengthen JPCs for effective governance. …

Concept : In the Taiwan region, the Philippine Sea plate is moving northwest towards the Eurasian plate at a velocity of about 7.8 cm per year, which is faster than the motion of the Indian plate. Lying 160 km of the coast of China, Taiwan was formed at a convergent …

Concept : Plastic pollution is a major environmental threat, harming ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The global plastic waste problem is projected to worsen significantly without robust intervention. In recognition of this urgency, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a resolution in 2022 to develop a new global treaty …

Introduction India has a rich history of co-existence with animals. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act) serves as a cornerstone legislation for safeguarding animal welfare in the country. Enacted in 1960, it aims to minimize unnecessary pain and suffering inflicted upon animals. Objectives of the PCA …

Introduction The Mediterranean Sea, known for its idyllic weather and rich history, can also unleash powerful storms. Medicanes, a portmanteau of “Mediterranean” and “hurricane,” are tropical-like cyclones that occasionally form over this basin. While less frequent and intense than their tropical counterparts, medicanes pose a significant threat to coastal communities …

Introduction The Indian government, recognizing the critical role of semiconductors in the digital age, launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021. This initiative aims to address the country’s dependence on foreign chipmakers and foster a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem Objectives of the ISM The ISM has a multi-pronged approach …

Concept Heatwaves, periods of abnormally high temperatures exceeding seasonal norms, are a growing concern in India. These scorching events pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and overall economic well-being. The Scorching Reality: Frequency and Intensity on the Rise India experiences heatwaves primarily between March and June, with the …

Introduction: The National Agroforestry Policy 2014 was introduced by the Government of India to promote sustainable agroforestry practices across the country. Key Objectives: Encourage widespread adoption of agroforestry to enhance income generation and livelihood security for farmers. Facilitate ecological sustainability by promoting the integration of trees with agriculture. Strengthen the …

Concept Green bonds have emerged as a financial instrument aimed at channeling investments into environmentally sustainable projects. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, green bonds offer a mechanism to finance initiatives that mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability. Definition of Green Bonds: Green bonds are debt …

Concept The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) was enacted in India in 1994 to regulate organ donation, retrieval, and transplantation. It aimed to prevent commercial dealings in organs and ensure ethical practices in organ transplantation. However, despite its noble intentions, several challenges persist in its implementation. Provisions …

Introduction The term “Katchatheevu” translates to “barren island” in the Tamil language. Situated in the Palk Strait, Katchatheevu Island spans approximately 285 acres and remains uninhabited. It lies between India and Sri Lanka, serving as a point of geographical significance in the region. Katchatheevu Island Located 33 km northeast of …

What is the Representation of People Act, 1951? The electoral framework in India is regulated by specific sections within the Indian Constitution, namely Articles 324 to 329 of Part XV. These provisions empower the Parliament to formulate legislation pertaining to both national and statelevel elections. Article 324 specifically establishes the …

Definition and Concept: One Health is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It emphasizes the need for cooperation among various sectors including human health, animal health, agriculture, environment, and others to achieve optimal health outcomes. Significance in India: India faces numerous health …

Concept : Industrial alcohol, unlike alcoholic beverages, is not meant for human consumption (denatured). It finds applications in various sectors, including manufacturing pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, chemicals, and even biofuels. Constitutional Framework: State List (Entry 8): Entry 8 in the State List grants states authority over intoxicating liquor legislation, including production, possession, …

  Concept : About Higgs Boson The Higgs boson imparts mass to elementary particles like electrons and quarks, being fundamental to the Higgs field. It is among the 17 elementary particles constituting the Standard Model of particle physics, the leading framework describing the universe’s fundamental constituents. The Higgs boson earns …

  Concept: Cicadas are insects belonging to the hemipteran order, renowned for their loud, intricate, and species-specific acoustic signals or songs. Cicada Diversity: India and Bangladesh boast the highest generic diversity of cicadas globally, closely followed by China. Most cicadas inhabit the canopies of natural forests with towering trees. One …

Concept : About Glycaemic Index : The Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale ranging from 0 to 100, which assigns values to foods based on their effect on blood glucose levels relative to pure glucose, which is arbitrarily given a value of 100. This value indicates the rise in blood …

Concept : The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), enacted by the Indian government, targets money laundering and associated financial offenses. Enacted in 2002, the PMLA aims to prevent and control money laundering activities and confiscate proceeds of crime derived from illicit activities. Key Provisions: Offences and Penalties: The PMLA …

Total Solar Eclipse: A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, completely obscuring the Sun’s disk and casting a large shadow on the Earth’s surface. Those located within the path of totality, where the Moon’s shadow fully covers the Sun, witness a total solar …

Concept : Governments impose anti-dumping duties as a trade remedy measure to protect domestic industries from unfair competition resulting from the dumping of goods by foreign producers. Dumping: Dumping refers to the practice of exporting goods to another country at prices lower than their normal value, typically the price in …