Belgium

Mapping   Source: DTE  Context: Belgium, often hailed as the cockpit of Europe, has become the first country on the continent to recognize ‘ecocide’ as both a national and international crime.   What is Ecocide? Ecocide refers to unlawful acts that result in substantial, widespread, or long-term damage to the environment. Recognizing ecocide as a …

‘10,000 genomes’ project

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH   Context: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) announced the completion of India’s ‘10,000 genome’ project, aiming to create a reference database of whole-genome sequences representative of the country’s diverse population. India’s population diversity, consisting of over 4,600 population groups, contributes to distinct genetic variations, including disease-causing mutations prevalent …

FCV Tobacco

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: The Government of India has taken several measures to support Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco growers in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

Uniform Know Your Customer (KYC) mechanism

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Business Line    Context: A committee led by Finance Secretary TV Somanathan has been tasked with suggesting ways to enforce a uniform Know Your Customer (KYC) mechanism. The committee, comprising members from various ministries and regulators, was formed after the Finance Stability and Development Council (FSDC) decided to simplify …

Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: WTO   Context: The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have jointly launched a USD 50 million global fund called the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. The aim of this fund is to assist women-led businesses and women entrepreneurs in developing economies …

Africa Club

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: DTE   Context: During the 37th African Union Summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, African leaders launched the ‘Africa Club’, an alliance of African multilateral financial institutions. Focusing on the urgent need for reforming the global financial system to address climate and development needs. To tackle this, there was …

Amrit Bharat Station scheme

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH    Context: The Prime Minister launched the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, laying the foundation for 554 railway stations as part of a government initiative to upgrade key railway infrastructure across India. The scheme aims to transform railway stations, enhancing amenities such as access, waiting areas, cleanliness, WiFi connectivity, …

SWAYAM Plus platform

Facts for Prelims (FFP)    Source: IE  Context: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched the SWAYAM Plus platform, in collaboration with industry leaders such as L&T, Microsoft, and CISCO. Operated by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras), the platform aims to offer courses focusing on employability and professional development, …

Green Election

Content For Mains Enrichment (CME)   Source: TH  Context: Encouraging eco-conscious electoral practices in India is imperative amidst the climate crisis.   What is a Green Election? A Green Election refers to an electoral process that prioritizes eco-conscious practices to minimize environmental impact. This includes reducing carbon footprints through measures such as using sustainable materials …

Future of United Nations: UN Reforms

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: International Multilateral Bodies/ United Nations Reforms   Source: TH  Context: The current global order, epitomized by the United Nations, is facing considerable challenges. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has recently expressed scepticism about the organization’s future, citing divisions among members that undermine its authority.   What is the United Nations (UN)? …