What Are Oil Bonds?
Context: Over the last one year, as retail prices of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products have surged, the government has attracted criticism. On several occasions, Finance Minister has sought to counter such criticism by claiming that the current government cannot bring down taxes (and, as a consequence, prices) because it has to pay for the oil bonds […]
S-400
Context: There is a delay in the delivery of the second regiment of S-400 from Russia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, some training equipment and simulators arrived in India Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About S-400 Triumf Issues with Acquisition of S-400 About India’s […]
The Food Vaccine As Right, More So For TB patients
Context Historical importance of good nutrition was ignored by the modern therapist who tried to control TB initially with streptomycin injection, isoniazid and para-aminosalisylic acid. In the ecstasy of finding antibiotics killing the germs, the social determinants of disease were ignored. Relevance GS-II: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, […]
Hate Speech Is Violent In Itself and Must Be Called Out
Context Hate speech is at the root of many forms of violence that are being perpetrated and has become one of the biggest challenges to the rule of law and to our democratic conscience. Relevance GS-II: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and institutional […]
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Context: The President Shri Ram Nath Kovind led the nation in paying homage to Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 132th birth anniversary. Relevance: GS I- History Dimensions of the Article: About B R Ambedkar Contributions About B R Ambedkar He was born into a caste that was considered untouchable, he faced […]
Red Star Over Solomon Islands
Context: A recent leaked document has revealed that the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific has reached a deal with China which outlines an unprecedented level of security cooperation. This is the first deal of its kind for Beijing in the region. Relevance: GS II- India and its neighbourhood relations Dimensions of the Article: About […]
Long Period Average
Context: The country is likely to receive a normal monsoon for the fourth consecutive year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its first Long Range Forecast (LRF) for this year. Rainfall in the four-month June-September southwest monsoon season was in the normal range in 2019, 2020, and 2021 as well. Relevance: GS I- Geographical Features & […]
Understanding the Sovereign Debt Crisis in Sri Lanka
Context: Recently, The Sri Lankan government decided to default on all its foreign debt worth $51 billion as it awaits financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government stated that it took the decision to preserve its dwindling foreign reserves to pay for the import of essential items. Ratings agencies such as Fitch, […]
Why Is the Black Sea Crucial To Russia?
Context: The sinking of the huge Russian warship Moskva whether due to a Ukrainian missile strike or, as Russia claims, a fire on board — is a serious setback for Russia in the Black Sea. Relevance: GS II- International Relations Dimensions of the Article: About the Black Sea Russia and the Black Sea Black Sea […]
Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957 [CBA Act]
Focus: GS II- Government policies and Interventions Why in News? Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the policy for use of land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957 [CBA Act]. The policy provides for utilisation of such land for the purpose of development and setting up of […]