Powerthon-2022:

GS Paper 3: Topics Covered: Infrastructure- Energy.   Context: Launched by the Ministry of Power, it is a hackathon competition under RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme) to find technology driven solutions to solve the complex problems in power distribution.   The nine themes for the hackathon are: Demand/load forecasting, AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) loss …

Parvatmala Scheme:

GS Paper 3: Topics Covered: Infrastructure- energy.   Context: The National Ropeways Development Programme – “Parvatmala” was announced recently by the Union Finance Minister in the Union Budget for 2022-23 to improve connectivity in hilly areas.   About the scheme: This will be a preferred ecologically sustainable alternative in place of conventional roads in difficult …

India’s patent waiver plan at WTO and issues associated:

GS Paper 3: Topics Covered: IP Related issues.   India’s patent waiver plan at WTO and issues associated: Context: A proposal was taken up at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations, in 2020, to “temporarily waive” intellectual property rights (IPR) held, by primarily Western countries, on vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics for covid-19. This proposal was …

What is Quad?

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: With China and Russia coming closer, the US has planned to “enhance cooperation, engagement, strategic and economic ties” with its Quad partners.   Focus areas: To further bolster ties between their countries at all levels of government while finding …