Gulf of Tonkin

Mapping   Source: IE  Context: Vietnam calls for respect of international law following China’s establishment of a baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin. The move raises concerns amid overlapping claims in the South China Sea, but both countries have historically maintained friendlier relations in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Gulf of Tonkin, situated in the …

‘ETHANOL 100’

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: The Petroleum Ministry has launched ‘ETHANOL 100’, a groundbreaking automotive fuel, at the IndianOil Retail Outlet. Ethanol 100 offers a cleaner, greener fuel option with its blend of 92-94% ethanol, 4-5% motor spirit, and 1.5% Co-solvent higher saturated alcohol. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by around 63% …

Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act, 2024)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE    Context: The European Parliament has passed a groundbreaking law, the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act, 2024), establishing comprehensive regulations for AI. It’s the first law of its kind globally, recognizing different levels of AI and their potential harms.   EU’s AI Act Key Highlights:

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Krishi Jagran  Context: The Department of Fisheries has integrated the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme onto the JanSamarth Portal, promising enhanced access to credit for fishers, fish farmers, and stakeholders nationwide. JanSamarth is an innovative online platform facilitating direct connections between lenders and beneficiaries. Citizens can access loans …

India’s E-Vehicle Policy: Key Highlights

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB   Context: The Union Government has approved an E-Vehicle policy aimed at positioning India as a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EVs) with cutting-edge technology.

Bhutan’s Gelephu project

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH  Context: Bhutan’s Gelephu project, a regional economic hub, aims to build a “Gelephu Mindfulness City” as a special administrative zone, focusing on non-polluting industries like IT and education. This initiative, led by Bhutan’s Prime Minister, seeks support from India for financing and expertise. The Gelephu Project is significant …

Nana Jagannath Shankarseth

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE  Context: The Maharashtra cabinet has decided to propose renaming Mumbai Central Station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth, a renowned social reformer and philanthropist who played a crucial role in shaping Mumbai. Nana Jagannath Shankarseth is often hailed as the architect of Mumbai (formerly Bombay). His notable contributions include being …

Human Development Index (HDI) 2023-24

GS2/GS3 Paper   Syllabus: Social Justice/ Indian Economy   Source: UNDP  Context: The 2023/24 Human Development Report, titled “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a polarized world,” was launched on March 13, 2024     Insta Links: Human Development Index (HDI).   Mains Link: UPSC 2019 Despite the consistent experience of High growth, India still goes …

UPSC EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : Many elections, AI’s dark dimension

         Source: The Hindu Prelims: Science and technology, Artificial intelligence(AI), Generative AI, Big Data, GANs, ChatGPT1 tool, DALL.E2 etc Mains GS Paper III and IV: Significance of technology for India, AI, indigenisation of technology and development of new technology. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Elections are scheduled to be held in as many as 50 countries across …

UPSC Sansad TV: The Global Debate- Paid Menstrual Leave

     Introduction: Spain becomes the first European nation to approve a law granting paid menstrual leave. Similar policies are in effect in countries like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and Zambia. Rationale for the mandatory menstrual leaves: Menstrual leave is a type of leave where a woman may have the option to take paid …