Editorials

Context: Researchers at the Central University of Kerala have developed a highly sensitive and selective cyanide sensor that changes color from yellow to colorless upon detecting cyanide. Detection Capabilities: The sensor is capable of detecting toxic cyanide at very low concentrations, offering potential enhancements in the safety of drinking water …

Context: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court, with a 6-1 majority, declared that Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) do not constitute a socially homogeneous group. Reversal of Previous Ruling: The judgement overturns the earlier E.V. Chinnaiah ruling, which had held that SCs/STs were a homogeneous group and …

Context: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) recently approved a series of postings and reshuffles in senior bureaucratic roles. Role of the ACC: The ACC is responsible for deciding higher-level appointments in the Central Secretariat, Public Enterprises, Banks, and Financial Institutions. Members: The ACC is chaired by the Prime …

Context: The underrepresentation of SC/ST and OBC officers in senior civil service roles underscores the prevailing dominance of upper castes within the bureaucracy. Challenges in Achieving Social Justice: Underrepresentation of SC/ST Officers: The limited presence of SC/ST officers in high-level government positions restricts their impact on policy-making. For example, only …

Context President Droupadi Murmu was honored with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste. The award recognizes her contributions to public service and her commitment to education, social welfare, and the empowerment of women. During her historic visit as the first Indian Head of State to Timor-Leste, she emphasized …

Context The integrity of SEBI is currently under scrutiny due to allegations made by New York-based Hindenburg Research, suggesting a potential conflict of interest involving the SEBI Chairperson, which could compromise the investigation into the Adani Group. Allegations: It is claimed that the SEBI Chairperson allegedly concealed ownership in offshore …

Context Recent studies indicate that climate change is affecting Earth’s rotation. Polar Ice Melt and Water Redistribution: The melting of polar ice causes water to shift towards the equator, resulting in a bulging effect that slows Earth’s rotation due to the law of conservation of angular momentum. Conservation of Angular …

Context India’s neighboring countries have undergone significant political transformations, posing challenges to its diplomatic strategies and prompting a reassessment of regional engagement to safeguard its interests. Diplomatic Challenges in India’s Neighborhood Myanmar’s Military Coup (2021): The military takeover disrupted India’s relationship with Myanmar, affecting security collaborations and infrastructure projects. Taliban …

Context: The Coffee Board of India has forecasted a significant decline in coffee production for the 2024-25 season due to high temperatures and heavy rainfall. Coffee thrives in a temperature range of 15°C to 28°C and requires 150-250 cm of rainfall. The Coffee Board has urged coffee-growing districts to form …

Context: Overuse of antibiotics poses significant risks, especially to the human microbiome. While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a well-known issue, the impact on the microbiome is often overlooked. The microbiome consists of various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Gut microbiome: Essential for digestion, immune function, and nutrient production. Skin …

Context: In India, although over half of the 642 million eligible voters are women, women’s safety issues receive little attention from political candidates, highlighting a significant discrepancy. Current Situation: Daily, approximately 90 rape cases are reported, nearly half of the women experience domestic violence, and two-thirds of Dalit women face …

Context: Mizoram’s efforts to amend its reservation rules have been complicated by a Supreme Court ruling that supports the right of states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Prior to this ruling, the Mizoram Government had paused the sub-classification of the state’s ST quota in higher education …

Context: A plea in the High Court seeks a CBI investigation into alleged malpractices in organ transplantation. Common Malpractices Commercialization of Organs: Involves the illegal buying and selling of organs, exemplified by clandestine organ trade networks. Falsification of Donor-Recipient Relationships: Used to bypass legal restrictions. For instance, in 2018, a …

The Indian government has launched a comprehensive Clean Plant Initiative aimed at providing farmers with high-quality, disease-free planting material. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance crop yields and improve farmers’ incomes. Key Features of the Initiative: Affordable Access: The program ensures that farmers can obtain clean planting material at …

Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Overview Background: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to reform the governance of Waqf properties, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee following opposition protests. Definition of Waqf Property Waqf: This refers to a donation of personal property by Muslims for religious, charitable, or …

Context (PIB): The Minister of Cooperation recently shared information about the Nandini Sahakar Yojana. Objective: The scheme aims to support women’s cooperatives in engaging in business model-based activities within the framework of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). Eligibility: To qualify, a cooperative society must have at least 50% of …

Context (TH): The Porja, Bagata, and Konda Dora tribes in Andhra Pradesh face significant challenges due to the lack of electricity and clean water. These tribes have played an essential role in the construction of the Lower Sileru Hydro-Electric Project (LSP) on the Sileru River. Bagata/Bhakta Tribe Found in Odisha …

Context (TH): India’s Ministry of Health has released its first Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for transporting human organs, which cover various modes of transport, including road, rail, and waterways. Organ Transplantation in India India ranks as the third-largest country globally in terms of organ transplants. From 2013 to 2022, the …

Context: The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 aim to increase government control over Waqf properties, which have traditionally been considered private assets of Muslims. What is Waqf? Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of property by a Muslim for religious or charitable purposes. Once designated as Waqf, the …

Context: The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her subsequent flight to India amidst widespread protests represents a significant shift in South Asian geopolitics. This development raises concerns about Bangladesh’s stability and its relationship with India. Factors Leading to the PM’s Resignation: Nationwide Unrest: Student protests demanding changes to …