GM soya cake imports

GS Paper 3 Topics Covered: Bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.   Context: With rising soyabean prices escalating the poultry industry’s costs, the Centre has allowed the import of 1.2 million metric tonnes of crushed and de-oiled genetically modified (GM) soya cake till October 31, 2021.   Need for: Soyabean meal is an essential …

TN announces a wage employment scheme for urban poor

GS Paper 3 Topics Covered: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.   Context: This is an urban employment scheme proposed to be implemented by Tamil Nadu Government …

UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: World leaders are planning to meet to discuss the renewal of the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which expires on September 17.   Background: Taliban has launched a major nationwide offensive in the wake of the …

SC sets aside Haryana order creating a sub-category of creamy layer

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   Context: Supreme Court has quashed Haryana government’s notification. It said economic criterion can’t be sole basis to decide ‘creamy layer’.   What is Reservation? In simple terms, it is all about reserving …

What is the procedure to arrest a cabinet minister in India?

GS Paper-2: Topics Covered: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.   Context: Union minister Narayan Rane was arrested after his statement against Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.   So, what is the procedure of arresting a Union minister? A Union minister or a Member of Parliament enjoys certain privileges …