World’s second-largest refurbished gene bank at New Delhi:

GS Paper 3 Topics Covered: Biotechnology related issues.   Context: The world’s second-largest refurbished state-of-the-art National Gene Bank was inaugurated recently at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Pusa, New Delhi.   What are Gene Banks? People save money in banks, in case of an emergency. Genetic banks serve a similar purpose for farmers …

RoDTEP scheme

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   Context: The Centre has notified the rates and norms for the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. A budgetary allocation of ₹12,454 crore has been made for 2021-22 …

What are Foreigners’ Tribunals?

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   Context: Assam government’s Political Department has issued a notification ordering the State police’s Border wing not to forward any case against Gurkhas to the Foreigners’ Tribunals under the Foreigners’ Act of 1946. …

Right to be forgotten:

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.   Context: The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre and search engine giant Google to respond to a petition by two businessmen, who have invoked the “right to be forgotten”, and sought the removal of certain articles relating …

Need for a separate security force to protect judiciary, courts:

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   Context: The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the attacks on judges along with petitions pending since 2019 seeking better protection for the judiciary and in courts. The turning point …

Increasing vacancies in courts

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.   Increasing vacancies in courts Context: In recent days, the Supreme Court has voiced concern over the Government’s lackadaisical attitude towards the large number of vacancies in High Courts and tribunals. The vacancies in High Courts are at a staggering …