Category: Prelims Capsules

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021

News: Prime Minister will inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention to be held in virtual format on January 9 with Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi as the chief guest. Facts: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas(PBD) Convention: It is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the… Continue reading Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021

Government released Longitudinal Ageing Study in India(LASI)

News: Union Health Ministry has released the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India(LASI). Facts: LASI: It is a full scale national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing in India. Study conducted by: National Programme for Health Care of Elderly, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has… Continue reading Government released Longitudinal Ageing Study in India(LASI)

Economic Impact of Internet shutdown in Indian and world economy

News: According to a report by the UK-based privacy and security research firm Top10VPN, India has suffered the longest internet shutdowns in 2020 globally. Facts: Key Takeaways from the report: Globally, internet shutdowns cost the world economy $4 billion. However, this represents a 50% decrease in impact compared to $8.05 billion in 2019. India has… Continue reading Economic Impact of Internet shutdown in Indian and world economy

Why lightning kills so many Indians?

News: According to a report, Lightning strikes have caused 1,771 deaths between April 1,2019 and March 31,2020 in India. Facts: The report has been prepared by Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council(CROPC), a non-profit organisation that works with India Meteorological Department(IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology(IITM), India Meteorological Society(IMS) and World Vision India to disseminate… Continue reading Why lightning kills so many Indians?

Way forward for India at UNSC

Synopsis: As India assumes UNSC membership for the 8th time as one of the 10 non-permanent members, it should integrate UNSC functions with national objectives while adjusting to changed realities.  Introduction   Dynamics at UNSC have changed completely since the cold war, while India’s attitude has changed from the reactive to the proactive.  India needs to align its goals of national objectives at UNSC with the present dynamics at… Continue reading Way forward for India at UNSC

Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2019-20

News: Reserve Bank of India has released the Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2019-20. Facts: About the report: The report is a statutory publication in compliance with Section 36 (2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Purpose: It presents the performance of the banking sector, including co-operative banks, and non-banking financial institutions during 2019-20… Continue reading Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2019-20

RBI launches Digital payments index to track transactions

News: Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has launched a composite Digital Payments Index(DPI). Facts: Objective: To capture the extent of digitisation of payments across the country given the sharp pick-up in digital transactions seen in the recent past. Parameters: The index comprises five broad parameters with varying weights to measure the penetration of digital payments.The five key parameters include:… Continue reading RBI launches Digital payments index to track transactions

PM lays foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) across six states

News: The Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of Light House Projects (LHPs) at six sites across six states in the country. Facts: LightHouse Projects(LHPs): These are model housing projects with houses built with shortlisted alternate technology suitable to the geo-climatic and hazard conditions of the region. The projects are being constructed under Global Housing Technology Challenge-India… Continue reading PM lays foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) across six states

India bore maximum brunt of extreme weather events in 2020: Report

Source: The New Indian Express News: An International Report titled “Counting the cost 2020: A year of climate breakdown” has been released by Christian aid, a relief and humanitarian agency based in London. Facts: The report listed 15 most destructive climate disasters of 2020 that cumulatively had an expenditure tag of around $150 billion calculated only… Continue reading India bore maximum brunt of extreme weather events in 2020: Report

BPRD releases data on police Organisations

Source: The Indian Express News: Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has released data on police organisations. Facts: The data shows different aspects of policing in the country like woman police, police expenditure, constabulary ratio, transport facilities, communication facilities, representation of various castes and police training centres. Key Takeaways: Police Population Ratio: According to report, Population… Continue reading BPRD releases data on police Organisations

CO2 emissions from building sector highest in 2019: UNEP

Source: DownToEarth News: United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) has released a report titled Global Status Report for Building and Construction,2020.  Facts:  The report has been prepared by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction(GlobalABC), the Secretariat of which is hosted by the UNEP.  Key Takeaways:  CO2 Emissions from the Building Sector: The building sector emitted more than a third of… Continue reading CO2 emissions from building sector highest in 2019: UNEP

Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendation on the management of COVID-19 situation

News: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has submitted its report to the Rajya Sabha Chairman on the management of Covid-19 situation. Facts: Key Suggestions given by Panel: Panel has given suggestion on the four aspects: The country’s preparedness Augmentation of health infrastructure Social impact Economic impact Source: The Hindu On Country’s preparedness Separate Wing: A separate wing may… Continue reading Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendation on the management of COVID-19 situation

Human Freedom Index 2020

Source: Click here News: The Human Freedom Index 2020 has been jointly released by Fraser Institute in Canada and the Cato Institute in the United States. Facts: About the index: The index presents a broad measure of human freedom, understood as the absence of coercive constraints. Parameters: It uses a 0 to 10 scale to measure personal freedom… Continue reading Human Freedom Index 2020

India drops two ranks in Human Development Index 2020

News: United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has released the Human Development Index (HDI) 2020. Facts: ● HDI  Human Development Index measures the average achievements in a country in three basic dimensions of human development: ○ A long and healthy life- measured by Life expectancy at birth ○ Access to knowledge: measured by Mean years of… Continue reading India drops two ranks in Human Development Index 2020

State of the Education Report for India: Vocational Education First

News: UNESCO has released the 2020 State of the Education Report for India: Vocational Education First. Facts: ● The second edition of the State of Education Report focuses on technical and vocational Education reports and training(TVET). What is TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)? TVET refers to aspects of the Education Report process involving… Continue reading State of the Education Report for India: Vocational Education First

12th GRIHA summit

Source: Click here News: The Vice President of India has virtually inaugurated the 12th GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) Summit. Facts: GRIHA Summit: It is the annual flagship event organized by GRIHA Council in association with key stakeholders in the construction industry to discuss and deliberate on furtherance of Sustainable Habitat Development in India. Theme:… Continue reading 12th GRIHA summit

5th India Water Impact Summit(IWIS)

Source: Click here News: The 5th India Water Impact Summit(IWIS) has commenced in a virtual mode. Facts: Organized by: The summit has been organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga and Center for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies(cGanga). Objective: To bring together various stakeholders to discuss, debate and develop model solutions to some of the biggest… Continue reading 5th India Water Impact Summit(IWIS)

Only 12.9% Indian women hold agricultural land: Index

Source: Click here News: Centre for Land Governance has released an index ranking states in terms of women holding land rights in percentage points. Key Takeaways: Land Holding by Women: Women constitute a third(32%) of India’s agricultural labour force and contribute 55-66% to farm production. However, they hold only 12.8% of the land in India. Best States… Continue reading Only 12.9% Indian women hold agricultural land: Index

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trade and Development Report: UNCTAD

Source: Click here News: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD) has released a report titled “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trade and Development: Transitioning to a New Normal”. Facts: Aim: The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Trade and Development. Key Takeaways. The global economy would contract 4.3% this year… Continue reading Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trade and Development Report: UNCTAD

Fifth Edition of National Family Health Survey

News: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the fifth edition of the National Family Health Survey(NFHS). Facts: NFHS: It was conducted after a gap of three years.It contains detailed information on population, health, and nutrition for India and its states and Union Territories. This is the Phase 1 of the survey conducted in 17… Continue reading Fifth Edition of National Family Health Survey

Sustainable Mountain Development Summit

Source: Click here News: The 9th edition of Sustainable Mountain Development summit commenced in virtual mode on the occasion of International Mountain Day. Facts: Sustainable Mountain Development Summit(SMDS): The summit was organized by Indian Mountain Initiative(IMI) Aim: To deliberate on issues such as migration, water security, climate resilience and innovative solutions for the farm sector and disaster risk… Continue reading Sustainable Mountain Development Summit

WHO releases Global Health Estimates 2019

Source: Click here News: World Health Organization(WHO) has released the Global Health Estimates 2019. Facts: Global Health Estimates: The report provides a comprehensive and comparable assessment of mortality and loss of health due to diseases and injuries for all regions of the world.The new data of Global Health Estimates cover the period from 2000 to 2019. Key… Continue reading WHO releases Global Health Estimates 2019

Emissions Gap Report 2020

News: United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) has released the Emissions Gap Report,2020. Facts: Emissions gap report: The report assesses the gap between anticipated emissions and levels consistent with the Paris Agreement goals of limiting global warming this century to well below 2°C and pursuing 1.5°C. Key Takeaways: Temperature Rise: World is still heading for a temperature… Continue reading Emissions Gap Report 2020

India’s 1st LGBT+ workplace equality index launched

Source: Click here News: India’s 1st LGBT+ workplace equality index has been launched. Facts: India Workplace Equality Index: It is the country’s first comprehensive benchmarking tool for employers to measure their progress on LGBT+ inclusion at the workplace. Launched by: It was launched by non-profit Keshav Suri Foundation, partnered with Pride Circle, Stonewall UK and FICCI. Parameters: The index measures… Continue reading India’s 1st LGBT+ workplace equality index launched

HelpAge India gets ‘2020 UN Population Award’

Source: Click here News: HelpAge India,an NGO has received the ”2020 UN Population Award” in the institutional category for its contribution towards serving disadvantaged elderly people and raising awareness on their cause. Facts: UN Population Award: It was established by the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) in 1981. Objective: The award honours an individual and/or institution in recognition of… Continue reading HelpAge India gets ‘2020 UN Population Award’

Partners in Population and Development (PPD)

Source : Click here News: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has addressed the Inter Ministerial Conference by Partners in Population and Development(PPD). Facts: Partners in Population and Development(PPD): It is an Intergovernmental alliance formed during the International Conference on Population and Development(ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994. Aim: To expand and strengthen South-South collaboration between and among… Continue reading Partners in Population and Development (PPD)

Urban Governance Index 2020

Source : Click here News: The Urban Governance Index 2020 has been released. Facts: Published by: The index has been published by Praja Foundation, a Mumbai-based think tank. Purpose: The index ranks states to indicate where they stand in terms of real empowerment of grassroot democracy and local self government. Themes: The ranking is based on these main themes—… Continue reading Urban Governance Index 2020

Smuggling in India Report 2019-20

Source : Click here News: Union Finance Minister released the Smuggling in India Report 2019-20. Facts: Prepared by: The report has been compiled by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Aim: To analyse organised smuggling trends on Gold and Foreign Currency, Narcotic Drugs, Security, Environment and Commercial Frauds. Key Takeaways: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence detected 412 cases… Continue reading Smuggling in India Report 2019-20

Climate Change Performance Index(CCPI) 2020

Source: Click here News: Climate Change Performance Index(CCPI) 2020 has been released. Facts: Released by: The index has been developed by not-for-profit organizations Germanwatch and NewClimate Institute (Germany) together with the Climate Action Network(CAN International). Objective: It is an important tool to enhance transparency in international climate politics and enables comparison of climate protection efforts and progress… Continue reading Climate Change Performance Index(CCPI) 2020

US, China dominated arms market in 2019: SIPRI

Source: Click Here News: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) has released a report on the global arms market. Facts: Key Takeaways: The total sales by the Top 25 arms manufacturers rose by 8.5% to $361 billion or 50 times the annual budget of the UN’s peacekeeping operations. S and Chinese companies dominated the global arms market in… Continue reading US, China dominated arms market in 2019: SIPRI

Urban Quality of Life Index

Source: Click Here News: IIT-Bombay researchers have released an Urban Quality of Life Index. Facts: About the Index: The index has compared the quality of life in various cities in India and ranked them on the basis of various categories such as water, power, electricity, literacy rate, employment rate among others. For the first time, the index has… Continue reading Urban Quality of Life Index

Energy Efficiency Report 2020

Source: Click here News: International Energy Agency(IEA) has released the annual Energy Efficiency Report 2020. Facts: Key Takeaways: The slow pace of global progress on energy efficiency is set to slow further in 2020 as a result of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Global primary energy intensity – a key indicator of how efficiently the… Continue reading Energy Efficiency Report 2020

State of the Global Climate Report

Source: Click here News: The World Meteorological Organization(WMO) has released the annual State of Global Climate Report,2020 to keep a track of global warming. Facts: Key Highlights from the report: Hottest Year: 2020 will be one of the three hottest years just behind 2016 and 2019. Rise in Global Temperature: The global mean surface temperature for January-October 2020… Continue reading State of the Global Climate Report

World Malaria Report 2020

Source: Click here News: World Health Organization(WHO) has released the World Malaria Report 2020. Facts: Aim: To look at the 20 years of global progress and challenges in the fight against the Malaria. Key Takeaways: Malaria Control: The two decades from 2000 to 2020 was a period of extraordinary success in malaria control: As many as 1.5 billion… Continue reading World Malaria Report 2020

World Trade Report(WTR)

Source: Click here News: World Trade Organization(WTO) has released the report titled ‘World Trade Report 2020: Government Policies to Promote Innovation in the Digital Age’. Facts: World Trade Report: It is an annual report published since 2003 by the World Trade Organization to deepen understanding about trends in trade, trade policy issues, and the multilateral trading system… Continue reading World Trade Report(WTR)

Banking reforms

Context- RBI committee has recommended a series of changes that could transform the banking landscape by paving the way for large industrial conglomerates to set up banks. What are Non-Banking Financial Companies NBFCs? These are establishments that provide financial services and banking facilities without meeting the legal definition of a Bank. Hence they are frequently referred… Continue reading Banking reforms

Women workforce

Context – Declining female labour force participation. Why in news- Year 2020 marked as- The nearly fifty years since the Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) submitted the report ‘Towards Equality’ to the United Nations (UN). It focused on women-sensitive policymaking in India, providing a fresh perspective on gender equality. The 25th anniversary of the Beijing Platform… Continue reading Women workforce

15th East Asia Summit

News: India’s External Affairs Minister has represented India at the 15th East Asia Summit(EAS). Facts: The summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of Vietnam. During the summit, countries adopted the Ha Noi Declaration and discussed ways to strengthen the EAS platform and make it more responsive to emerging challenges. Additional Facts: East Asia Summit:… Continue reading 15th East Asia Summit

Future of the federal framework

Context- The role of the Finance Commission as a neutral arbiter in the Centre-state relation in achieving the delicate balance. What are the key highlights of the latest report? The Fifteenth Finance Commission led by Chairman N. K. Singh submitted its report for the period 2021-2026 to President of India. Title of the report – ‘Finance Commission in COVID… Continue reading Future of the federal framework

Public Affairs Index-2020

News: The Public Affairs Index-2020 has been released. Facts: About the index: It is released by the Public Affairs Centre, a not-for-profit organisation headed by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K. Kasturirangan. Ranking: The states were ranked on governance performance in the context of sustainable development defined by three pillars of equity, growth… Continue reading Public Affairs Index-2020

UKIBC releases Doing Business in India Report 2020

News: UK India Business Council(UKIBC) has released the sixth edition of Doing Business in India Report 2020. Facts: About the report: The report is based on an in-depth survey of 106 UK organisations operating in India spanning manufacturing, services, and higher education sectors. Key Takeaways: Nearly two-thirds of the UK businesses believe it is getting… Continue reading UKIBC releases Doing Business in India Report 2020

Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) for Foreign Investment in India

Context- Prime Minister has chaired the Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR), with an aim to attract investment. What Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) 2020 conference? It is an exclusive dialogue between leading global institutional investors, Indian business leaders and the highest decision-makers from the Government of India and Financial Market Regulators. Organized by– Ministry of Finance and the National Investment and… Continue reading Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) for Foreign Investment in India

Infra Investment

Context: Ministry of statistics and programme implementation (MOSPI) has released its latest report incomplete infrastructure projects. What were the problems highlighted in the MOSPI report? Inadequate data: The latest report showed that of a current total of 1,661 incomplete infrastructure projects, each costing above ₹150 crore, delays were assessable only for 754 projects on which timing… Continue reading Infra Investment

206th Session of the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

News: The 206th Session of the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU) will be held from 1st to 4th November 2020. Facts: Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU): It was established in 1889 as a global organization of national parliaments. Aim: To promote parliamentary dialogue worldwide and works for peace and cooperation among the people. Members: It consists of… Continue reading 206th Session of the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

30 Indian cities will face ‘water risk’ by 2050: Water Risk Filter analysis report

News: World Wildlife Fund(WWF) has released the Water Risk Filter analysis report. Facts: Water Risk Filter: It is an online tool co-developed by the WWF that helps evaluate the severity of risk places faced by graphically illustrating various factors that can contribute to water risk. Key Takeaways: Water Risk: 100 cities that hold importance in… Continue reading 30 Indian cities will face ‘water risk’ by 2050: Water Risk Filter analysis report

Purchasing Managers’ Index(PMI)

Nikkei India PMI or Purchasing Managers’ Index India’s Manufacturing PMI Surges to a Decade High in October, 2020. What is  Purchasing Managers Index  PMI? PMI or Purchasing Managers’ Index(PMI) is an indicator of business activity both in the manufacturing and services sectors. It indicates the economic health and investor’s sentiments about the manufacturing and services… Continue reading Purchasing Managers’ Index(PMI)

IBSA

News: External Affairs Minister of India has chaired the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Foreign Ministers meet. Facts: The countries called for accelerated and comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). They also agreed to extend their support to the African Union in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte… Continue reading IBSA

WHO South East Asia Region (SEAR)

News: The 73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region was held under the Chairmanship of Minister of Health, Thailand. Facts: WHO South East Asia Region (SEAR): It was established at the First World Health Assembly in 1948. Objective: To address persisting and emerging epidemiological and demographic challenges in the South East Asia Region. Member… Continue reading WHO South East Asia Region (SEAR)

BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC): It is a regional organization founded in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. Aim: To create an enabling environment for economic development; accelerate social progress and promote collaboration on matters of common interest in the region. Members: It comprises seven Member States: five deriving from… Continue reading BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)