Leaded petrol eradicated, says UNEP
Context: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said that the use of leaded petrol has been eradicated from the globe. It is a milestone that will prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths and save world economies over $2.4 trillion annually. It has taken 100 years to stop the use of leaded fuel finally. Relevance: GS-III: […]
New initiative in J&K for Pashmina shawls
Context: A rare initiative to double the wages and ensure round-the-year orders by the Centre For Excellence (CFE) is poised to address the significant decline in the number of women associated with hand-spinning of yarns for Pashmina shawls in Kashmir. In the backdrop of this trend, the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, has announced […]
India supports Palestine peace process
Context: Afghanistan situation dominates UN Security Council proceedings as India’s presidency draws to a close In August 2021. Indian Foreign Secretary told that India will support “all efforts” to restart the peace process between Israel and Palestine. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests, Important political developments in the International Stage, Important International […]
Still hanging fire on transparency
Context: The Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice Rohinton F. Nariman has imposed a fine on several political parties for failing to comply with its earlier order on publishing information about candidates with criminal records. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Representation of People’s Act, Legislature, Important Judgements and Cases) Dimensions of the Article: About Criminalisation […]
BCG vaccine against TB: 100 years and counting
Context: The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used since 1921 to prevent tuberculosis (TB) and 2021 marks 100 years of BCG. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-II: Social Justice (Issues related to Health, Government Policies and Initiatives) Dimensions of the Article: What is BCG Vaccine? What is Tuberculosis? Achievements highlighted in the Annual […]
U.S. Navy ships in Taiwan Strait pose threat: China
Context: China’s Defence Ministry protested the passage of a U.S. Navy warship and Coast Guard cutter through the waters between China and Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China. In a move that could have ramifications for the free passage of both military and commercial vessels in the South China Sea, Chinese authorities said that […]
Towards a more humane police force
Context: Recently, Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana expressed concern at the degree of human rights violations in police stations in the country. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions and Historical Underpinnings, Government Policies and Interventions) Dimensions of the Article: About Custodial Deaths Various Commissions and their recommendations on Police Reforms Steps to counter […]
105th Amendment: How was the backward classes policy restored?
Context: With the passing of the 127th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2021 in Lok Sabha and its receiving assent from the President – the 105th Constitution Amendment will now be restoring to the States their power to identify socially and educationally backward classes is fully operational. Relevance: GS-II: Social Justice and Governance (Issues related to Minorities, […]
Editorials/Opinions Analyses For UPSC 31 August 2021
Contents Still hanging fire on transparency Still hanging fire on transparency Context: The Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice Rohinton F. Nariman has imposed a fine on several political parties for failing to comply with its earlier order on publishing information about candidates with criminal records. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Representation of People’s Act, […]
China for a larger role in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
Context: Following the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, China has emerged as one of the first nations to develop diplomatic channels with the Taliban. China has over the past two decades of US-led governance of Afghanistan, maintained a low profile, quietly observing as the longest war in history raged on taking its toll in […]