National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.   Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced this new national initiative on palm oil production to help increase farm incomes. The scheme involves investment of over Rs 11,000 crore.   Aims and …

UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: Overcoming resistance from China, an unprecedented India-led UN Security Council session recently highlighted the primacy of the UNCLOS. A concept note incorporating the framework was also circulated in this regard.   Implications and significance of the move: As per the …

India’s 5-point agenda to enhance maritime cooperation

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.   Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently presided over a UN Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate on the topic- Enhancing Maritime Security. The UN Security Council then adopted India’s presidential statement on maritime security.   Current challenges in …

Rise in frequency and intensity of cyclones in Arabian Sea

GS Paper 1 Topics Covered: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.   Context: The frequency and intensity of cyclones developing over the Arabian Sea has increased in the last two decades, while fewer such storms have been seen over the Bay of Bengal.   Key changes: A 52% increase was …