Johannesburg (South Africa)

Mapping Source: TH  Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has confirmed his attendance at the BRICS summit scheduled to be held in Johannesburg. The 15th BRICS summit is expected to involve substantive discussions about the potential expansion of BRICS membership. South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by …

Saving Vultures: Ban on aceclofenac and ketoprofen

  Source: DTE Context: Experts working on vulture conservation have praised the Indian government’s decision to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of aceclofenac and ketoprofen, which are harmful to vultures    What are Aceclofenac and ketoprofen? They are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in humans and animals. However, …

Smart Corn GMO

  Source: LM Context: A new genetically modified (GMO) corn called ‘smart corn’ has been developed by Bayer to withstand climate change pressures.   What is ‘Smart Corn’ GMO? Smart Corn GMO is a genetically modified corn varietal developed by Bayer. It grows shorter and sturdier than conventional corn to withstand high-wind storms caused by …

Sahakar 22  Source: PIB  Context: During the fiscal year 2017-18, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) initiated Sahakar-22, a program aimed at achieving rural and agricultural prosperity through cooperative efforts by the year 2022.   This initiative encompassed several components, including: FOCUS 222: NCDC’s dedicated support for cooperatives in 222 districts, which also includes 117 …

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards

  Source: IE Context: The government has set a deadline for pharmaceutical companies to implement the revised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, aligned with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.   What are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards? Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards are guidelines and regulations that ensure the quality, safety, and consistency of pharmaceutical …

Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff

  Source: BS  Context: The article discusses India’s new electricity pricing system, Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff, which adjusts prices based on demand, aiming to reduce consumption during peak hours   What is Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff? Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff is an electricity pricing system that adjusts prices based on demand, with higher rates during peak hours and …

New Ayush visa category for foreign nationals

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: PIB Context: The Indian government has introduced a new Ayush visa category for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, wellness, and Yoga.   The introduction of the AYUSH Visa is part of India’s roadmap for Heal in India initiative, which is intended at promoting India …

India’s first captive breeding success story in Assam Zoo

Content for Mains Enrichment Source: DH In 2011-2012, Himalayan vultures were saved from poisoning incidents in Assam. Despite doubts from veterinarians about surviving the hot and humid weather, most survived and contributed to India’s first successful captive breeding of Himalayan vultures at Assam State Zoo.   Usage: The example can be used in environment conservation …

India and the Nuclear Weapon

GS Paper 3  Syllabus: Energy: Nuclear/Challenges to Internal Security/Indigenization of Technology   Source: IE  Context: The article discusses the timeline of India’s nuclear journey as well as its advantages.    Timeline of India’s Nuclear Journey:   India’s nuclear doctrine (presented in 1999) since Pokhran-II: It highlighted a credible minimum deterrence (CMD) and a no-first-use (NFU) policy, while …

“Limited Internet shutdowns” and their impact

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Government policies and interventions   Source: IE  Context: The idea of “limited internet shutdowns” is gaining traction as a way to control riots and security threats while allowing beneficial use of the internet. However, there is no study by the Indian government or any state government to assess the effectiveness of …

Constitutional Challenge to the 2019 Abrogation of Article 370

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Constitutional provisions   Source: IE  Context: The Supreme Court began hearings on the constitutional challenge to the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.   What is Article 370? Article 370 was a provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomy and privileges to …