Blogs

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained: 11) Topic: GS3 – Environment Context: In Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, 10 wild elephants died, likely due to kodo millet contamination by toxic mycotoxins. This incident underscores the risks posed by fungal infections in certain crops under specific environmental conditions.  Analysis of News:    Understanding Kodo Millet Cultivation and Uses:…

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context ● Recent trends in government health spending across low-income and lower middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs) show a decline in health funding, particularly after the pandemic. ● A World Bank report highlights this worrying shift, which…

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy Context ● India has substantial wind energy potential, yet a significant portion remains untapped. ● Recent policies aim to encourage repowering of outdated wind turbines to improve efficiency. ● However, challenges in land availability, infrastructure,…

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2071145&reg=3&lang=1 ) Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Important International institutions Context ● The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $200 million loan agreement for the Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project. ● The project aims to improve water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and resilience against climate risks in…

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Govt & Politics; Page: 06) Topic: GS2 – Governance Context: The Supreme Court ruled that public servants accused of offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) require prior government sanction for prosecution if the offenses relate to their official duties.  Analysis of News:    What is PMLA, 2002? The Prevention…

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology Context ● A Massachusetts-based biotech company, Wave Life Sciences, has pioneered clinical-level RNA editing to treat genetic disorders, offering a temporary, reversible alternative to DNA editing. ● Unlike DNA edits, RNA modifications do not make permanent changes to…

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation Context ●  The Supreme Court of India has directed the Delhi government to consider a permanent ban on firecrackers due to severe pollution levels during Deepavali. ●  The court noted the lack of enforcement of…

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153385&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 ) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy Context ● India is undertaking significant reforms to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. ● The Asian Development Bank’s Asia-Pacific Climate Report highlights India’s successful strategies, including substantial reductions in fossil fuel subsidies and innovative…

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page: 07) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice Context: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has raised concerns regarding a recent advisory by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which directs state forest departments to plan relocations of villages from tiger reserves. This action comes after tribal rights groups…

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental Pollution And Degradation Context ● As winter approaches, Delhi’s air quality is rapidly declining, with PM 2.5 levels frequently exceeding 300 due to stubble burning in Punjab. ● This seasonal issue has significant implications for public health and…