Editorials

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 …

Context (IE) A recent fire has caused significant damage to the naval frigate INS Brahmaputra. Key Points Significance: INS Brahmaputra is India’s first indigenous Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate. Construction and Commissioning: Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited in Kolkata and commissioned in 2000. Armament: Missiles: Equipped with surface-to-surface …

Context (IE) Over the past twenty years, maize production in India has seen a remarkable increase, transforming it into a green revolution driven by the private sector. Production has surged from 11.5 million tonnes in 2000 to over 35 million tonnes in 2024, with yields rising from 1.8 tonnes to …

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem as illegal, urging an end “as soon as possible.” This opinion, issued in response to a 2022 request from the UN General Assembly, predates the Israel-Hamas conflict but is likely to increase pressure …

Context Parliamentary reforms are crucial for improving the functioning and effectiveness of the legislative process in India. Issues with Parliament Functioning Bulldozing Legislations: The Government of India has passed significant legislation with minimal or no discussion. Often, bills that do not qualify as Money Bills are classified as such, bypassing …

A higher female labor force participation rate can significantly enhance family income and welfare, particularly in rural India. Women and Employment According to The India Employment Report (IER) 2024, the Female Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in India is notably low compared to the global average (53.4%, 2019). The rate …

The Assam state government is hesitant to present its case to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the Baghjan blowout that occurred nearly four years ago in Tinsukia. Baghjan Blowout in Assam Incident Overview: In May 2020, an uncontrolled release of natural gas led to a massive fire that lasted …

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on sub-caste reservations for SC/STs. Problems with Sub-Caste Reservations Weak Focus on Asset Creation: Without enhancing capital ownership and educational participation, sub-caste reservations result in a low share of jobs and educational opportunities. Example: Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 18% of the population …

Concept The article examines critical reforms in NPS Lite aimed at including the informal sector in the National Pension Scheme. This is significant as workers in this sector typically lack access to benefits like provident funds or gratuity. National Pension System-Lite (NPS-Lite) Launched by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development …

Context In recent Indian political scenarios, many defectors have not only won subsequent elections but have also secured ministerial positions. This phenomenon has significant impacts on the political landscape. Impacts of Defection Government Instability: Defections can topple governments, particularly in coalition setups. For instance, the Karnataka government collapsed in 2019 …

Context: The National Green Tribunal has instructed the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to investigate chromium contamination in the groundwater of Sukinda Valley, Odisha. Key Details: Location: Sukinda Valley in Odisha is home to 97% of India’s chromite ore deposits. Chromium Characteristics: Chromium is a shiny, hard, brittle metal with …

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted resident individuals to open Foreign Currency Accounts at International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in GIFT City, Gujarat, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Details: Authorised Persons: These are entities authorised by the RBI, such as banks and designated FX dealers, to facilitate …

On June 25, 2024, India marked fifty years since the National Emergency (1975-1977), a period characterized by the suspension of civil liberties, restricted press freedom, widespread arrests, and postponed elections. The Aftermath of the National Emergency in India (1975) Political Transformation The 1977 elections saw four major opposition parties merge …

Context The story of Sufi saint Fakir Shah Hussain, who fell in love with a Brahmin boy named Madho Lal, is celebrated during Pride Month. Fakir Shah Hussain (1538-1599) Orthodox Beginnings: Initially, Hussain followed Orthodox Islam but later shifted his beliefs, viewing the world as an ephemeral playground. Union of …

Context The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha concluded amid disputes regarding the removal of remarks made by Opposition leaders in both Houses of Parliament. Expunction refers to the parliamentary procedure where specific remarks are removed from the official records. Rules Governing Expunction Article 105: Grants MPs the …

Context: India’s coal consumption has surpassed that of North America and Europe, highlighting the significant environmental impacts associated with its usage. Coal Mining: Habitat Destruction and Contamination: Coal mining devastates natural habitats and pollutes the environment, affecting humans, animals, and plants. It leaves permanent scars on the landscape. Mine Wastes: …

India and Kenya are set to enhance their bilateral collaboration in space, focusing on expanding Africa’s space capabilities to address climate change and food security challenges. A Brief History of India-Kenya Relations: Historically, India and the Swahili Coast (including modern-day Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of Mozambique) were connected by a …

To address peak power demand, the Indian government has allowed trading of surplus electricity generated from “linkage coal” in the country’s power markets. What is Coal Linkage? Coal linkages are agreements that guarantee a continuous supply of coal from mines to consumers such as power plants, steel, and cement industries. …