Tag: GS 2

Global fight on malaria stalled: WHO

Global fight on malaria stalled: WHO News: As per the WHO World Malaria Report 2018, India is the only high-burden country moving in a positive direction, with Odisha emerging as the best performing state in its fight against Malaria. Important Facts: Findings of the report: The report reveals a plateauing trend in the number of… Continue reading Global fight on malaria stalled: WHO

Literacy levels in rural India suffer due to migration, finds UNESCO study

Literacy levels in rural India suffer due to migration, finds UNESCO study News: The new 2019 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report by UNESCO, entitled ‘Building bridges not walls’, draws attention to the impact of internal migration on education, highlighting the steps India has taken to address it, and the challenges that remain. Important Facts: About… Continue reading Literacy levels in rural India suffer due to migration, finds UNESCO study

India steps up agro-diplomacy with China

India steps up agro-diplomacy with China News: The article discusses about the new possibilities of enhancing Sino-India trade ties in lieu of trade war between US and China. Important Facts: Background about trade war: 3. Areas of pushing Sino-India trade ties: Agri-products:This area is crucial since China would look first at its food security and… Continue reading India steps up agro-diplomacy with China

India’s Act East policy can meet OBOR: Chinese envoy

India’s Act East policy can meet OBOR: Chinese envoy News: Days ahead of a likely meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping along the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina, Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui in the 1st India-China Youth Dialogue held recently batted for the ‘One Belt One Road’ project.… Continue reading India’s Act East policy can meet OBOR: Chinese envoy

A.P., West Bengal withdraw ‘general consent’ for CBI investigations

A.P., West Bengal withdraw ‘general consent’ for CBI investigations News: Andhra Pradesh withdrew the “general consent” granted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and West Bengal followed the course, thereby effectively curtailing the agency’s powers in the State without prior permission. Important Facts: About General Consent: According to Andhra Pradesh Home Ministry, the general… Continue reading A.P., West Bengal withdraw ‘general consent’ for CBI investigations

A research hub for antibiotics resistance

A research hub for antibiotics resistance News: Denmark has announced to create an international research centre focused on the fight against resistance to antibiotics. Important Facts: Denmark signed a memorandum of understanding in Seattle, US, with the international network of research centres CGIAR, to establish the centre. The International Centre for Interdisciplinary Solutions on AMR… Continue reading A research hub for antibiotics resistance

Jharkhand is now ODF, says CM

Jharkhand is now ODF, says CM News: Chief minister Raghubar Das has declared Jharkhand open defecation free (ODF) on its 18th statehood day. The state has achieved its target a year ahead of the ODF deadline. Important Facts: The state has constructed of more than 33 lakh toilets in rural Jharkhand against the requirement of… Continue reading Jharkhand is now ODF, says CM

SC pulls up States for not recruiting judges

SC pulls up States for not recruiting judges News: The Supreme Court (SC) recently pulled up the state governments and their respective high courts for the delay in filling up the vacant posts in higher and subordinate judiciary and infrastructure for the functioning of the courts. Important Facts: A SC bench headed by Chief Justice… Continue reading SC pulls up States for not recruiting judges

Vietnam opposes military alliances in region: envoy

Vietnam opposes military alliances in region: envoy News: Vietnam recently expressed its non-committment in backing the “Quad” or quadrilateral coalition among India, the US, Japan and Australia, saying it welcomes any initiative to bring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region but is opposed to the formation of any military alliance. Important Facts: Vietnam Concerns:… Continue reading Vietnam opposes military alliances in region: envoy

Modi calls for inclusive Indo-Pacific

Modi calls for inclusive Indo-Pacific News: Recently India called for enhancing multilateral cooperation and economic and cultural ties among member-nations at the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore held recently. Important Facts: It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5th East Asia Summit (EAS). India has been participating in the EAS since its very inception in… Continue reading Modi calls for inclusive Indo-Pacific

Setting a proper diet plan

Setting a proper diet plan News: The article discusses about the hunger and deprivation levels in India despite being an agrarian and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Important Facts: Recently, India has been ranked at 103 out of 119 countries, with hunger levels categorised as “serious”, in the Global Hunger Index… Continue reading Setting a proper diet plan

India can breathe easy for now as RCEP deal deferred to 2019

India can breathe easy for now as RCEP deal deferred to 2019 News: The Leaders of the 16 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries have deferred concluding negotiations of the proposed free trade agreement to 2019, as key member states head for elections and several market access issues remain unresolved. Important Facts: About RCEP:… Continue reading India can breathe easy for now as RCEP deal deferred to 2019

Four corners: on the Quad’s agenda

Four corners: on the Quad’s agenda Article Quad officials are scheduled to meet at Singapore to discuss their common agenda. Important Analysis Quad stands for ‘Quadrilateral’ grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the U.S. Its objective is to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. Quad was established in 2007, following cooperation… Continue reading Four corners: on the Quad’s agenda

Sri Lanka court stays dissolution, snap elections

Sri Lanka court stays dissolution, snap elections News: Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court (SC) stayed President Maithripala Sirisena’s dissolution of Parliament and restrained the Election Commission from preparing for snap elections. Important Facts: Background: President Sirisena’s on November 9 decided to dissolve Parliament after his party publicly admitted to lacking a majority in the House, heightening… Continue reading Sri Lanka court stays dissolution, snap elections

Fixing POSHAN Abhiyaan’s basics

Fixing POSHAN Abhiyaan’s basics Article The article discusses issues with Anganwadi centres (AWCs), the focal point of POSHAN Abhiyaan Important Analysis About POSHAN Abhiyaan POSHAN Abhiyaan or the National Nutrition Mission aims to ensure attainment of malnutrition free India by 2022. The objective of POSHAN Abhiyaan to reduce stunting in identified Districts of India with… Continue reading Fixing POSHAN Abhiyaan’s basics

Terms of disclosure

Terms of disclosure Article: The article discusses India’s performance in RTI ratings Important Facts About Global RTI Rating The Global RTI Rating has been developed by Access Info Europe (AIE)and the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) It provides a numerical assessment for the overall legal framework for the right to information (RTI) in a… Continue reading Terms of disclosure

Sri Lanka political crisis: Parliament Speaker asks public servants not to execute President’s orders

Sri Lanka political crisis: Parliament Speaker asks public servants not to execute President’s orders News: Sri Lanka’s president Maithripala Sirisena has dissolved Parliament and called for elections on Jan. 5 in a bid to stave off a deepening political crisis over his dismissal of the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe that opponents say is unconstitutional. Important… Continue reading Sri Lanka political crisis: Parliament Speaker asks public servants not to execute President’s orders

HAL trainer clears crucial spin test

HAL trainer clears crucial spin test News: HTT-40, the indigenously-built basic trainer aircraft has cleared its first spin test . Important Facts: A few more tests are due to follow before the aircraft can get its operational certification, likely in mid-2019. The HTT-40, will join the 75 Swiss Pilatus PC-7 Mark II trainers that are… Continue reading HAL trainer clears crucial spin test

Not in direct talks with Taliban: MEA 

Not in direct talks with Taliban: MEA  News: Amid reports of a significant shift in stance with India attending talks with the Taliban at the second 12-nation ‘Moscow format meeting of consultations on Afghanistan’ in Moscow, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that no direct conversation between the two sides was part of the… Continue reading Not in direct talks with Taliban: MEA 

India appreciates sanctions waiver

India appreciates sanctions waiver News: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed appreciation for the United States’ waiver on India-Iran energy trade and the Chabahar Port project. Important Facts: Background: US has granted temporary waivers for Iran oil imports to eight countries including India owing to the significant reductions in their oil imports from… Continue reading India appreciates sanctions waiver

Poor diet bigger health hazard than killer diseases: UN body

Poor diet bigger health hazard than killer diseases: UN body News: A recent report released by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) found that poor quality diet is a greater threat to public health across the world than malaria, tuberculosis or measles etc. Important Facts: About the report: The report was released by… Continue reading Poor diet bigger health hazard than killer diseases: UN body

In a first, India to send two former diplomats to talks that include Taliban representatives

In a first, India to send two former diplomats to talks that include Taliban representatives News: Russia has invited a group of senior Afghan politicians to talks with the Taliban in Moscow, in which India would be participating at a “non-official” level. Important Facts: Russia in August proposed holding multilateral peace talks in Moscow and… Continue reading In a first, India to send two former diplomats to talks that include Taliban representatives

New rules for foreigners in detention centres

New rules for foreigners in detention centres News: The government has informed the Supreme Court that new guidelines are being framed for keeping foreign nationals in detention centres across the country. Important Facts: 2.    Background: The issue of framing of detention manual for keeping foreign nationals had cropped up when the apex court was hearing… Continue reading New rules for foreigners in detention centres

India’s nuclear triad is complete with INS Arihant ending its first deterrence patrol

India’s nuclear triad is complete with INS Arihant ending its first deterrence patrol News: INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear ballistic missile submarine, has completed its first “deterrence patrol”, operationalising India’s nuclear triad. Important Facts: The INS Arihant completes India’s nuclear triad by adding maritime strike capability to land- and air-based delivery platforms. All the big… Continue reading India’s nuclear triad is complete with INS Arihant ending its first deterrence patrol

U.S. imposes ‘toughest ever’ sanctions on Iran

U.S. imposes ‘toughest ever’ sanctions on Iran News: US has granted temporary waivers for Iran oil imports to eight countries including India owing to the significant reductions in their oil imports from Iran. Important Facts:     India, China, Greece, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey  are the eight major importers of Iranian oil who… Continue reading U.S. imposes ‘toughest ever’ sanctions on Iran

Eyes wide shut

Eyes wide shut News: Recently five Bengali men were gunned down in Upper Assam as the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated to detect the illegal immigrants which evidences act of the periodic eruptions against non-Assamese people in the State. Important Facts: The killings both symptomise and deepen the fault lines between the… Continue reading Eyes wide shut

Iran oil: India likely to be exempted from U.S. sanctions

Iran oil: India likely to be exempted from U.S. sanctions News: India is likely to be one of eight countries which can temporarily import oil from Iran post sanctions from US beginning on November 5. Important Facts: Relaxation from US sanctions come aftermath these countries (including India) have made “significant reductions” in oil imports from… Continue reading Iran oil: India likely to be exempted from U.S. sanctions

Russia to host Taliban dialogue

Russia to host Taliban dialogue News: Russia has quietly invited a group of senior Afghan politicians to talks with the Taliban in Moscow, bypassing President Ashraf Ghani’s government. Important Facts: Russia in August proposed holding multilateral peace talks in Moscow and invited 12 countries and the Taliban to attend a summit the following month. It… Continue reading Russia to host Taliban dialogue

India protests China-Pakistan bus via PoK

India protests China-Pakistan bus via PoK News: India has lodged a protest with Pakistan and China over a bus service set to be launched today between Lahore and Kashghar (a city in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China’s far west) through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under the ambitious CPEC project. Background: Pakistan and China… Continue reading India protests China-Pakistan bus via PoK

Assam NRC: SC fixes December 15 as deadline for filing claims, objections

Assam NRC: SC fixes December 15 as deadline for filing claims, objections News: The Supreme Court (SC) has allowed more than 40 lakh people excluded from the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam to use five additional documents, including the ration card, to claim their Indian legacy. Important Facts: The Supreme Court has… Continue reading Assam NRC: SC fixes December 15 as deadline for filing claims, objections

States other than Delhi-NCR can use existing stocks of firecrackers for Diwali this year: SC

States other than Delhi-NCR can use existing stocks of firecrackers for Diwali this year: SC News: The Supreme Court (SC) has imposed conditions for the use and sale of firecrackers in the upcoming Diwali, Christmas and New year eve. Important Facts: According to SC ruling, once the existing stocks of crackers are used up, no… Continue reading States other than Delhi-NCR can use existing stocks of firecrackers for Diwali this year: SC

16 ex-PAC jawans held guilty for Hashimpura massacre

16 ex-PAC jawans held guilty for Hashimpura massacre News: The Delhi High Court bench has reversed the trial court’s verdict and sent 16 former jawans to life imprisonment, holding them guilty of murder in the 1987 Hashimpura Massacre case. Important Facts: About Hashimpura Massacre: This incident took place 31 years ago at Hashimpura near Meerut.… Continue reading 16 ex-PAC jawans held guilty for Hashimpura massacre

India invites Italy for defence production

India invites Italy for defence production News: On the first visit of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tenure, India invited Italy to participate in the defence sector under the “Make in India” scheme. Important Facts: Highlights of Joint Statement: A mutual agreement to counter terrorist financing and state sponsors of terrorism. A clear reference to… Continue reading India invites Italy for defence production

Statehood sought for Assam’s Barak Valley

Statehood sought for Assam’s Barak Valley News: As the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated to detect the illegal immigrants, some student organisations in southern Assam’s Barak Valley are advocating for separate statehood for the valley. Important Facts: About Barak Valley: Barak Valley is comprised of three districts namely Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj… Continue reading Statehood sought for Assam’s Barak Valley

Universities and patents

Universities and patents News: The article discusses about the patent regime in India and creating entrepreneurial ecosystem in Universities in India. Important Facts: Recent issue: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities in India to set up Intellectual Property (IP) Centres, in its biggest push to create entrepreneurial universities. How Patents benefit universities:… Continue reading Universities and patents

Modi, Abe back ‘free Indo-Pacific’

Modi, Abe back ‘free Indo-Pacific’ News: India and Japan outlined a vision document for strengthening bilateral relations at the 13th annual summit held in Japan recently. Important Facts: 2. Highlights of the vision document: Both sides called for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” which is usually seen as a response to China’s growing dominance in… Continue reading Modi, Abe back ‘free Indo-Pacific’

The great game in West Asia

The great game in West Asia News: The article discusses about the Jamal Khashoggi disappearance which Turkey has used to sharpen the battle lines with Saudi Arabia. Important Facts: About Jamal Khashoggi: He was a journalist who was once a Saudi government insider, but had gone into self-imposed exile in the U.S. in 2017. He’d… Continue reading The great game in West Asia

Missionaries of Charity gives nod for adoption

Missionaries of Charity gives nod for adoption News: Missionaries of Charity (MoC) has decided to  give children in its homes up for adoption,by  joining hands with the country’s nodal agency for adoption. Important Facts: 2. Background: In 2015, an ideological row erupted between the ministry and the Mother Teresa-founded organisation over issues such as the… Continue reading Missionaries of Charity gives nod for adoption

Special course may help cut deaths due to medical errors

Special course may help cut deaths due to medical errors News: The article talks about incorporating  the Acute Critical Care Course (ACCC) to reduce the deaths caused due to medical negligence in India. Important Facts: 2. About Acute Critical Care Course (ACCC): The concept of ACCC came into existence after England’s Hillsborough disaster, a fatal… Continue reading Special course may help cut deaths due to medical errors

Gulf in strategic precepts

Gulf in strategic precepts News: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Japan to take part in an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, to take stock of the challenges both nations face, notably with regard to the U.S. and China.

Extend Vishakha norms to religious institutions’

Extend Vishakha norms to religious institutions’ News: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a PIL petition to extend the Vishakha guidelines against sexual harassment in workplace to ashrams, madrasas and Catholic institutions to check the rampant rise in sexual exploitation of women. Important Facts: 2. According to the petition, if Vishakha Guidelines are extended… Continue reading Extend Vishakha norms to religious institutions’

No pressure on India to buy F-16 fighters from U.S.: Envoy

No pressure on India to buy F-16 fighters from U.S.: Envoy News: A senior U.S. diplomat has stated that US in not going to put pressure on India to buy its F-16 fighter jets. Important Facts: 2. About F-16 fighter jets: The F-16 Fighting Falcon, manufactured by Lockheed Martin ( American global aerospace, defense, security… Continue reading No pressure on India to buy F-16 fighters from U.S.: Envoy

The Bhutan vote

The Bhutan vote News: The last round of Bhutan general elections are going to be conducted on October 18, 2018. Important Facts: The first round of elections in September 2018 witnessed defeat of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT). In first round of elections DNT emerged winner followed by… Continue reading The Bhutan vote

Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs

Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs News Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met chiefs of national and international oil and gas companies and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges posed by volatile oil prices. Important facts: Backdrop: Oil prices have increased in 2018 on expectations that U.S. sanctions on Iran will strain supplies… Continue reading Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs

India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise

India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise News: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to France discuss for a bilateral tri-service military exercise and to operationalise the logistics agreement between two countries. Important facts Bilateral tri-service military exercise between two countries will be India’s third such joint exercise. The first joint tri-service exercise… Continue reading India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise

A flawed defence procurement policy

A flawed defence procurement policy Article In the backdrop of the recent Rafael controversy, the article discusses the issues with the offset guidelines of India’s defence procurement policy. Important analysis: Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016, (DPP):  It aims to develop world-class domestic defence and aerospace industry by promoting indigenous design, development and manufacturing of defence equipment,… Continue reading A flawed defence procurement policy

India’s progress against multidimensional poverty

India’s progress against multidimensional poverty Article: The article highlights India’s progress in eradicating multidimensional poverty Important analysis: Multidimensional poverty: Multidimensional poverty goes beyond the economic/income-based approach and takes into account different depreciations experienced by a poor person- such as poor health, lack of education, inadequate living standard, disempowerment, poor quality of work and threat from… Continue reading India’s progress against multidimensional poverty