Mapping Source: TH Context: The Supreme Court has temporarily halted a 90-acre hotel and township project in the Kumaon Himalayas, challenging the “single window” clearance system. SC argued that single-window clearances cannot replace mandatory environmental approvals in such ecologically sensitive areas. Kumaon Himalayas: Location: West-central Himalayas in northern India, within Uttarakhand, northwest of …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Th Context: The Kerala government allowed the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus trees for financial reasons, sparking protests from environmentalists who argued it would harm forests and increase human-animal conflicts. The government later amended the order to restrict planting eucalyptus only on KFDC land, aligning with …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: FE Context: Zimbabwe has launched its newest currency, the ZiG, which is backed by gold and aimed at addressing the country’s long-standing issues with currency instability and hyperinflation. The ZiG, introduced on April 5, 2024, co-circulates with other foreign currencies in the economy.
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: ET Context: Sovereign bond yields fell to near one-year lows following RBI’s record dividend payout to the government. The 10-year benchmark yield closed at 6.978%, its lowest since June 6, 2023. Expectations of lower government borrowing and improved fiscal deficit contributed to the decline. Additionally, easing crude oil prices …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: GEF Context: At the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) emphasizes sustainable development for SIDS. The GEF, alongside partners, has provided $1.9 billion in grant finance to SIDS, supporting green and blue economy approaches, …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: The Supreme Court ruled that promises in a political party’s manifesto benefiting the public financially are not corrupt practices. This decision came from an appeal challenging the election of B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, a Congress candidate, in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election. The petitioner argued that such …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: The Print Context: The Supreme Court adjourned an application by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) seeking directions to the Election Commission (EC) regarding the publication of voter turnout figures, citing Article 329(b) of the Constitution, which prohibits judicial intervention during elections. About Article 329(b): Article 329(b) of …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TOI Context: In Mauxi village, Goa, rock carvings dating back to the Neolithic age were confirmed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). More about the News: Rock carvings, including depictions of zebus, bulls, and antelopes alongside footprints and cupules, were discovered on a metabasalt rock along the dry …
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME) Source: TOI Context: Anshu Jamsenpa, the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh’s Nyishi tribe, has scaled Mount Everest. Values are shown by Her: Anshu Jamsenpa embodies perseverance, resilience, and dedication. She promotes the importance of hard work and determination in achieving one’s goals. Her journey emphasizes the value of …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: International Relations Source: ORF Context: The rise of Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific has led to the formation of Squad—a minilateral group comprising the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines (a testament to the growing importance of “minilateralism”.) What is minilateralism? It involves small groups of nations collaborating …
Continue reading “Squad and the rise of minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific”
