UNESCO creative cities network (UCCN):

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   UNESCO creative cities network (UCCN) Context: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has picked Srinagar among 49 cities as part of the creative city network under the Crafts and Folk Arts category. The inclusion of Srinagar in the …

Zika virus:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Issues related to Health.   Context: With a rise in the number of Zika virus cases in Uttar Pradesh, doctors have advised that people should avoid all non-essential travel to areas reporting cases. Currently close to 90 persons, including 17 children, have tested positive for the virus from the State.   …

Dengue fever:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Issues related to health.   Dengue fever Context: The rate of spread of dengue in Delhi is rampant, with the total number of cases reported in just the first week of November being 1,171. The number of dengue cases reported in the national capital in the month of October was 1,196. …

Competition Commission of India:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Statutory organizations.   Competition Commission of India Context: Fair trade regulator CCI will identify measures to enhance competition in the country’s pharmaceutical sector for ensuring affordability of drugs after analysing findings of its market study.   Need for: The study has been initiated after observing issues such as lack of “effective …

Mullaperiyar dam issue:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.   Mullaperiyar dam issue Context: The Kerala government has withdrawn its decision granting permission to Tamil Nadu for felling 15 trees downstream the Baby Dam at Mullaperiyar reservoir as part of efforts to strengthen the structure. The state government said …

Sessions of Parliament:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.   Context: The Cabinet Committee on Parliament Affairs (CCPA) has recommended that the Winter session of Parliament be held from November 29 to December 23. Last year, the winter session could …