Editorials

Background: The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched in 2015 to promote entrepreneurship by providing collateral-free micro-loans up to ₹10 lakh. Recent Changes: The Union Budget 2024 increased the loan ceiling to ₹20 lakh, specifically benefiting those under the Tarun category who had previously accessed MUDRA loans. Impact: The …

Why is it in the news? The Central Government is actively promoting the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), a financial facility introduced in 2020 to strengthen agricultural infrastructure. What is the AIF Scheme? The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a Central Sector Scheme that was approved by the Union Cabinet in …

Overview: Chandipura virus (CHPV) is part of the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes viruses like the lyssavirus responsible for rabies. CHPV is transmitted primarily through vectors such as sandflies, specifically species like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, as well as certain mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti, which also spreads dengue. The …

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published the India TB Report 2024, which reveals a decrease in the mortality rate from Tuberculosis (TB), dropping from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh in 2022. Key Highlights of the Report Trends in TB Cases and Deaths: …

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission marks a new chapter in space exploration. The successful soft landing near the Moon’s south pole establishes India as the first country to achieve this feat in such a challenging lunar location. This accomplishment opens new opportunities for India to become a leader in space exploration and …

Context (TH): Despite the Finance Minister’s announcement of a five-scheme package to address unemployment, the job crisis in India continues to be deeply rooted and unresolved. Key Initiatives: One of the primary measures involves encouraging corporations to engage 1 crore interns over the next five years. Current Situation: Disputed Job …

Context (TH): The Ministry of Education has provided a definition for ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ as part of its efforts to enhance adult literacy through the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). New India Literacy Programme (NILP): A five-year initiative (2022-27) that aims to enroll 1 crore learners over the age …

Context: The President of India recently conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024, an esteemed national award, to outstanding scientists across four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team. Award Categories and Recipients: Vigyan Ratna Award: This award is given to scientists who have made significant, lifelong contributions to …

Context: Recently, a two-year-old child from Meghalaya was diagnosed with Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV), prompting renewed concerns about the risks linked to the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). What is Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus? Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) is a rare type of poliovirus that can develop from the weakened virus strain used in the …

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India declined a request to remove a Ryles tube from a patient in a vegetative state, even though the 2018 judgment on passive euthanasia permits the withdrawal of life support in terminal cases. Understanding Euthanasia: Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, refers to intentionally …

Context: Manu Bhaker from Haryana, currently ranked World No. 5, made history as the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Summer Olympics held in Paris. Manu is also the first Indian woman to secure an Olympic medal in shooting. …

Context: According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the export of India’s first ready-to-drink fig juice to Poland. The fig juice, made from Purandar figs and produced by Purandar Highlands Farmers Producer Company Ltd., was showcased at SIAL …

Context: The Aravali range is currently experiencing severe environmental degradation due to illegal activities such as mining, encroachments, and deforestation. These actions are leading to significant ecological damage. Recent Findings: Land Use Changes: A study in the journal Earth Science Informatics highlights substantial alterations in land use within the Aravali …

Context: According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s report titled “Women and Men in India 2023,” there is a notable shortage of women in executive roles. Below are some key insights from the report: Underrepresentation in the Corporate Sector: Disparity in Senior Management: In 2023, only 34,879 women …

Context: Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, which use blood samples to detect multiple types of cancer, are emerging as a promising tool for cancer screening. Cancer screening involves testing for cancer before symptoms appear, with early detection being key to improving survival rates and reducing treatment costs. In India, only …

Context: Rising moraine-dammed lakes in Himachal Pradesh and Tibet pose significant risks to downstream life and infrastructure. Climate change has accelerated the shrinking of the cryospheric cover in the Himalayas, leading to a rapid reduction in glaciers and an increase in the number of unstable high-altitude glacial lakes. In the …

Context: Recently, the Sabarmati Express derailed near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after its engine collided with an object on the tracks. Over the last five fiscal years ending in FY23, India has experienced an average of 44 significant train accidents annually. These consequential accidents include incidents that result in injuries, fatalities, …

Context: India has granted refuge to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her forced departure from Bangladesh, despite the absence of an official refugee policy in the country. Defining Refugees: Refugees: Individuals compelled to leave their home country and seek safety in another due to the threat of persecution, …

Context: The promotion of large-scale monoculture oil palm plantations in Northeast India is raising concerns due to its environmental impacts and the threats it poses to the economic and social security of local communities. What is Oil Palm? Global Importance: Oil palm is the world’s most significant oil crop, meeting …

Context: The National Coal Index (Provisional) recorded a notable decline of 3.48% in June 2024, suggesting that there is sufficient coal available in the market to meet increasing demand. Introduction: The National Coal Index (NCI) was introduced by the Ministry of Coal to calculate revenue share based on market prices, …