Schengen Areas

Mapping   Source: TH  Context: Indian nationals can now obtain long-term multi-entry Schengen visas with a validity of two years, provided they have lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.   This decision, announced by the European Union, aims to facilitate travel for individuals with an established travel history, subject to passport validity. …

Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) methods

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: FP  Context: In Vietnam, where rice cultivation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, some farmers are embracing innovative techniques to mitigate methane production. Traditionally, rice paddies emit substantial amounts of methane due to the anaerobic conditions created by flooding. However, farmers are adopting alternate wetting and drying (AWD) methods, …

Compulsory convertible debentures

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Economic Times  Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) subscription to Compulsory Convertible Debentures (CCDs) of Napino Auto and Electronics Limited (Napino). IFC, established in 1956, aims to promote economic growth in developing countries by fostering private sector development.  

ASEAN Future Forum

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: MEA    Context: India’s External Affairs Minister, delivered remarks at the 1st ASEAN Future Forum. India supports ASEAN unity and centrality, emphasizing the importance of a strong and unified ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region.   About ASEAN Future Forum: It was proposed by Vietnam at the 43rd ASEAN Summit …

‘Million Miyawaki’ project

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)   Source: The Print  Context: The Embassy of Israel in India has joined the ‘Million Miyawaki’ project, aimed at improving air quality in Indian cities through mass afforestation in urban spaces. In collaboration with the Million Miyawaki Foundation, the embassy will plant a million trees in Delhi-NCR, creating forest-like Miyawaki …

Misleading advertisements and Issues related to it

GS Paper 4   Syllabus: Application of Ethics   Context: The Supreme Court has urged the government to take action against Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies for using misleading advertisements, especially those targeting families with babies and schoolchildren.   In another case, the Supreme Court criticized the Union government for its inaction against Patanjali …