Sansad TV: The Defenders- Weaponisation of Space

    Outer Space Treaty, 1967: The Outer Space Treaty,formally the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is a treaty that forms the basis of international space law. The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destructionin outer space, not …

[Mission 2024] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 28 June 2023

  InstaLinks :  help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to …

Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route

Mapping Source: HBL India and Russia are working towards establishing the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route, which is expected to reduce transport time from 32 days to 12 days and costs by around 30%.  The route passes through the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea, and Malacca Strait.

NANDI

  Source: PIB  Context: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has launched the NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) Portal. Developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) through C-DAC in coordination with Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Aim: To streamline the regulatory approval process for veterinary …

UTPRERAK

  Source: PIB  Context: The Ministry of Power in India has established a Centre of Excellence called UTPRERAK (Unnat Takniki Pradarshan Kendra) to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in the Indian industry.   Objective: UTPRERAK will serve as a reference institution and showcase energy-efficient technologies in various industry sectors. It will also provide training …

Combating Greenwashing

  Source: The Print  Context: Global norms aimed at combating greenwashing are being introduced, pressuring companies to disclose their business’s impact on climate change.   What is Greenwashing? Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of portraying a company, product, or initiative as environmentally friendly or sustainable when it actually lacks substantial environmental benefits or may …

Road Networks in India

  Source: PIB  Context: India now has the second-largest road network in the world, after the US.    More about Road Network in India: Increase in Road Network: In 2013-14, the total length of National Highways was 91,287 km, which has increased to 1,45,240 km in 2022-23. India has a total length of 4,219 km …

New CSR guidelines ‘Sagar Samajik Sahayog’

  Source: PIB  Context: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush has launched the new guidelines for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) called ‘Sagar Samajik Sahayyog’.   About the guidelines: The guidelines empower ports to directly undertake CSR Ports with a turnover less than ₹100 crores should spend 3-5%, those with a turnover …

Aadhaar authentication for registration for births and deaths

  Source: TH Context:  The Office of Registrar General of India (RGI) has been granted permission by the Centre to perform Aadhaar authentication during the registration of births and deaths in the country. Aadhaar is not mandatory for such registration. The Registrar General of India’s office can voluntarily authenticate the Aadhaar numbers collected during the …

Kharchi Puja

  Source: IE  Context: Kharchi Puja is a fascinating festival celebrated in the Northeastern state of Tripura in India. Also known as the ‘Festival of 14 Gods,‘ it takes place on the eighth day of the new moon in July or August each year. The festival revolves around the worship of Chaturdasa Devata, the ancestral …

Geographical Indication tags

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH  Context: Seven products from Uttar Pradesh get a Geographical Indication tag. About GI tag: A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to …

Helen Keller

Source: PIB Helen Keller Day is celebrated on June 27 each year to honour the birth of Helen Keller (American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer).   Despite being deaf and blind, Helen Keller overcame her challenges and achieved great things in her life. She became a successful writer, founded an organization for …

Organic intellectuals

Content for Mains Enrichment Source: TH Organic intellectuals are individuals who come from a particular social class and have a deep understanding of the economic structure and issues faced by that class. They remain connected to their class and work to raise awareness about the social and political roles of their class members. The concept …

Recent Examples of Ethics

GS Paper 4  Syllabus: Application of Ethics   Source: IE, TH  Example 1: RWA in Bengaluru bars maids and servants from using of common area The notice issued by the housing society in Bengaluru, barring maids from using common areas, raises several significant issues: The housing society said that “It is difficult to see them …

Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 Scheme

GS Paper 3  Syllabus: Govt budgeting (capital expenditure)   Source: PIB  Context: The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has approved capital investment proposals of Rs. 56,415 crore in 16 States in the current financial year.    Approval has been given under: The scheme entitled ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’.    What …

Sedition Law in India

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Issues Arising Out of Design & Implementation of Policies, Government Policies & Interventions   Source: TH  Context: The Law Commission Chairman, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, argues that retaining the sedition law is necessary to safeguard the unity and integrity of India, citing the current situation in various regions. Recently, the 279th …