Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme
Context: DRDO sanctions seven new projects to the private sector under Technology Development Fund scheme. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme: Empowering Indigenous Defence Technologies Initiative Overview: Objectives: Funding Support: Project Duration: -Source: The Hindu, PIB
Study Reveals Microdroplets of Water Can Break Down Minerals into Nanoparticles
Context: A recent study published in the journal Science has revealed that microdroplets of water have the ability to break down minerals into nanoparticles. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Study What are Nanoparticles? -Source: The Hindu
Draft Digital Competition Bill
Context: In February 2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) established the Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL) to consider the need for a specific law governing competition in digital markets. After extensive discussions, the CDCL determined that the existing Competition Act, 2002, which operates on an ex-post framework (addressing issues after they arise), should […]
Importance of Census for Addressing Discrimination
Context: Peter Drucker’s quote, “Only what gets measured gets managed,” underscores the need for collecting data on group identities to effectively tackle discrimination. This is crucial for informed policymaking and fostering inclusive development. For instance, the lack of racial data in Germany’s census puts Black communities at a disadvantage. In response, the Afrozensus survey initiated […]
Menstrual Leave Policies
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court has asked the Central Government to frame a model policy on menstrual leave for female employees. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is Menstrual leave? State of Menstrual Leaves in India Arguments Against Menstrual Leave: Global Menstrual Leave Policies: -Source: The Hindu
Gender is a Spectrum – UPSC Essay
Introduction “What is gender?” This fundamental question lies at the heart of feminist theory and practice and is pivotal to contemporary debates in social justice activism concerning class, identity, and privilege. Often, the term “gender” is mistakenly used as a synonym for “sex,” referring to the biological categorization of individuals as male or female. […]
National Gopal Ratna Award 2024
Context: The Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for the year 2024 will be opened from the 15th of July. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions, Prelims Dimensions of the Article: About National Gopal Ratna Award 2024: About the Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Mission Objectives: -Source: PIB, The Hindu
Floral Waste is boosting circularity in economy
Context: The floral waste sector in India is experiencing new growth, marked by its multifaceted benefits. Relevance: GS II: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Waste to Wealth: Highlighted Initiatives in Waste Management: Swachh Bharat Mission for Solid Waste Management: Waste Management Rules and Guidelines: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Mechanism: Waste Processing Capacity: -Source: […]
Need for bolstering MSMEs
Context: Recently, Union Minister for MSMEs said six pillars were identified as focus areas for the growth of the MSME sector namely Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, Mobilization of Resources) Dimensions of the Article: Understanding MSMEs in India Pointers about MSMEs in India Measures that can give some hope to […]
The Problem of Food Inflation
Context: India has been witnessing a continued growth in the GDP, but the core inflation seems set on a downward trajectory. The food inflation has stayed stubbornly elevated, restricting the fall in the consumer price index (CPI). Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Calculation of Food Inflation in India: Factors Contributing to […]