What is Virtual Private Network?
Context: Russia’s tightening grip on online content in recent years has led to a significant surge in Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage among citizens seeking unrestricted access to information and media platforms. Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology, Cyber Security Dimensions of the Article: What is a VPN ? Why do people use VPN? Why is anonymity or privacy so […]
NHRC to Defend Human Rights Processes for Retaining
Context: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is gearing up to defend its human rights processes at an upcoming meeting in Geneva. Scheduled for May 1, the meeting of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) will determine whether India’s human rights body retains its “A status,” […]
Controversy Surrounds FSSAI’s Decision to Increase Pesticide Limits
Context: The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently drew criticism from activists and scientists following its decision to raise the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides. The FSSAI order increased the MRL of pesticides allowed in herbs and spices by tenfold, from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, sparking concerns over potential health risks […]
Rupee Depreciation Against US Dollar
Context: Between April-end 2014 and the present, the Indian rupee has depreciated by 27.6% against the US dollar, from Rs 60.34 to Rs 83.38. This depreciation is slightly higher than the 26.5% witnessed from April-end 2004 to April-end 2014, during which the rupee fell from 44.37 to 60.34 against the dollar. Relevance: GS III: Indian […]
Critical Minerals
Context: The ‘Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities’ commenced at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Relevance: GS III- Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What are Critical Minerals? Why is this resource critical? What is China ‘threat’? What are countries around the world doing about it?
Introduction to Exoskeletons
Context: Bengaluru hosted the inaugural international workshop on ‘Emerging Technologies & Challenges for Exoskeleton’ organised by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) on 15th April 2024. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Introduction to Exoskeletons: Medical Applications: Industrial Uses: Military Utilization: Rescue Operations:
Why are Unclassed Forests ‘missing’?
Context: In accordance with a directive from the Supreme Court dated February 19, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published various State Expert Committee (SEC) reports on its website earlier this April. This interim measure was initiated in response to a public interest litigation challenging the constitutionality of the Forest (Conservation) Act […]
Court’s Nudge on Hospital Charges
Context: The Supreme Court of India, during a recent hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), instructed the central government to explore methods for overseeing the pricing of medical procedures in private hospitals. This move came in response to concerns raised by the PIL regarding the high and widely varying costs of such procedures. Relevance: GS2- […]
Current Affairs Quiz 30 April 2024
Current Affairs 30 April 2024
CONTENTS Rupee Depreciation Against US Dollar: A Comparative Analysis Context: Between April-end 2014 and the present, the Indian rupee has depreciated by 27.6% against the US dollar, from Rs 60.34 to Rs 83.38. This depreciation is slightly higher than the 26.5% witnessed from April-end 2004 to April-end 2014, during which the rupee fell from 44.37 […]