National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) to finally see light of day
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is soon expected to launch the National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID that aims to provide a “cutting-edge technology to enhance India’s counter-terror capabilities”. Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges (Various Agencies and other interventions regarding Internal Security and their mandate), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies and Interventions) Dimensions of the […]
Allow spying without nod, says Kerala Bill
Context: The police can listen in on any communication, without waiting for official approval, to curb organised crimes, a draft of the Kerala Control of Organised Crimes Bill has proposed. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Fundamental Rights, Important Judgements) Dimensions of the Article: Legislations on Surveillance Who can conduct Surveillance? K.S. Puttaswamy judgment, […]
BRICS seeks ‘inclusive’ intra-Afghan dialogue
Context: The 13th BRICS summit held virtually called for an “inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue” for stability in Afghanistan. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Groupings affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: What is BRICS? About the Recent BRICS Summit and Afghanistan issue About BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy What is BRICS? BRICS is the international grouping of […]
Thamirabarani/Porunai civilisation
Context: A carbon dating analysis of rice with soil, found in a burial urn at Sivakalai in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, by the Miami-based Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory has yielded the date of 1155 BC, indicating that the Thamirabarani civilisation dates back to 3,200 years. Relevance: Prelims, GS-I: History (Ancient Indian History) Dimensions of […]
Report on land-use for renewable energy in India
Context: Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) released a report named Renewable Energy and Land Use in India by Mid-Century. Relevance: GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure (Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, Growth & Development, Energy Security) Dimensions of the Article: About the “Renewable Energy and Land Use in India by Mid-Century” report Way Forwards suggested […]
Centre ceasefire agreement with NSCN(K) Niki group
Context: The Central government entered into a one-year ceasefire agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki Group. The agreed ceasefire ground rules were also signed. In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the agreement would boost the Naga peace process. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Centre-State Relations), Prelims Dimensions […]
Amid protests, Centre hikes MSP for rabi crops
Context: The Centre has increased the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat for the upcoming rabi season. Oilseeds and pulses such as mustard, safflower and masoor dal saw higher MSP increases of up to 8% in a bid to encourage crop diversification. Relevance: GS-III: Agriculture (Agriculture Pricing), GS-II: Social Justice (Welfare Schemes) Dimensions of the […]
Jharkhand bill: 75% quota for locals in private jobs
Context: The Jharkhand Assembly recently passed a Bill, which provides 75% reservation for local people in the private sector up to ₹40,000 salary a month. Once notified, Jharkhand will become the third State in the country, after Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, to pass such law for the reservation in private sector jobs. Relevance: GS-II: Social […]
NCW: Rise in complaints of crimes against women in 2021
Context: The country saw a rise of 46 per cent in complaints of crimes against women in the first eight months of 2021 as against the corresponding period of 2020, according to the National Commission for Women (NCW). Relevance: GS-II: Social Justice (Issues Related to Women, Government Policies and Initiatives) Dimensions of the Article: About […]
Survey on impact of school closures and Shikshak Parv
Context: The prolonged closure of primary and upper primary schools during the pandemic months has led to “catastrophic consequences” for school students, particularly in rural India, says an emergency report. The private sector must come forward and contribute to increasing the quality of education in government schools, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while launching a […]