About Dirty Bomb
Context: In Russia’s latest advocacy campaign over its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has focused on accusations that Kyiv might be planning to use a so-called “dirty bomb” – a conventional explosive device laced with toxic nuclear material. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About Dirty bomb Concerns About Dirty bomb A […]
GM Mustard
Context: Recently, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recommended the “environmental release” of the transgenic hybrid mustard DMH-11 for seed production and conduct of field demonstration studies with respect to its effects, if any, on honey bees and other pollinating insects. Relevance: GS II: Environment […]
News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority
Context: The News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA), a self-regulatory agency set up by news and digital broadcasters, has fined the Hindi TV channel News18 India Rs 50,000 for turning a news debate on hijab into a “communal issue” and not adhering to guidelines. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: About News Broadcasting & Digital […]
Turkey’s Disinformation Law
Context: Recently, Turkey’s parliament adopted the much-critiqued ‘disinformation law’ that accords jail terms of up to three years to social media users and journalists for spreading ‘disinformation’. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: About Disinformation law What are the concerns? About Disinformation law: Cumulatively known as ‘the disinformation law’, it comprises about […]
Blue Flag Certification
Context: Recently, the Blue Flag certification has been accorded to two new beaches – Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep. This takes the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification to 12. Relevance: GS III- Environment Dimensions of the Article: About Blue flag programme Other 10 Beaches which have Received […]
NavIC (Navigation in Indian Constellation)
Context: Indian plans to expand its regional satellite navigation system NavIC (Navigation in Indian Constellation), to increase its use in the civilian sector and ships, aircraft travelling far from the country’s borders. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: What is NavIC? How does NavIC compare? Why is India promoting NavIC? What is […]
What is NHAI’s InvIT?
Focus: GS III: Indian Economy Why in News? The round 2 of InvIT has been oversubscribed almost 5 times in 10% of the scheduled tenure. What is NHAI’s InvIT? NHAI InvIT is the infrastructure investment trust sponsored by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to support the government’s National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP). NHAI’s InvIT is a […]
G20 Meet In Bali
Focus: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Groupings and Agreements, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Why in News? Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare addressed the second G20 Health Ministers Meeting in Bali, Indonesia today. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the progress and way forward on priorities in the healthcare sector. About […]
Fiscal Space To Increase Capital Spending
Context According to a study by ratings firm ICRA, 13 major states have a massive fiscal space of Rs 7.4 lakh crore for capital spending in the current fiscal, which is 81% higher than the previous fiscal. These may also be eligible for the Centre’s interest-free loan for 50 years to invest in capacity expansion […]
ISRO To Boost NavIC
Context On the sidelines of the India Space Congress, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently revealed plans to extend the reach of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) beyond India and not just to a limited area around India. ISRO is also working on a number of NavIC enhancements in order to encourage more people […]