(Source: Indian Express; Section: Economy; Page: 17) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reaffirmed that State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024. D-SIBs, often deemed ‘Too Big To Fail,’ play a critical role in maintaining the stability…
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Cover Page; Page: 01) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context: Following a recent meeting in Kazan, senior Chinese officials are optimistic about a positive shift in India-China relations, highlighting a “chemistry” between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders’ rapport was marked by candid discussions without relying on…
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2072149®=3&lang=1 ) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context ● The article discusses the decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare in India, attributed to increased government spending and improved public healthcare infrastructure. ● Between 2014-15 and 2021-22, government health expenditure rose significantly, leading to better accessibility and affordability of healthcare. ●…
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained: 11) Topic: GS3 – Environment Context: In Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, 10 wild elephants died, likely due to kodo millet contamination by toxic mycotoxins. This incident underscores the risks posed by fungal infections in certain crops under specific environmental conditions. Analysis of News: Understanding Kodo Millet Cultivation and Uses:…
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context ● Recent trends in government health spending across low-income and lower middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs) show a decline in health funding, particularly after the pandemic. ● A World Bank report highlights this worrying shift, which…
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy Context ● India has substantial wind energy potential, yet a significant portion remains untapped. ● Recent policies aim to encourage repowering of outdated wind turbines to improve efficiency. ● However, challenges in land availability, infrastructure,…
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2071145®=3&lang=1 ) Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Important International institutions Context ● The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $200 million loan agreement for the Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project. ● The project aims to improve water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and resilience against climate risks in…
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Govt & Politics; Page: 06) Topic: GS2 – Governance Context: The Supreme Court ruled that public servants accused of offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) require prior government sanction for prosecution if the offenses relate to their official duties. Analysis of News: What is PMLA, 2002? The Prevention…
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology Context ● A Massachusetts-based biotech company, Wave Life Sciences, has pioneered clinical-level RNA editing to treat genetic disorders, offering a temporary, reversible alternative to DNA editing. ● Unlike DNA edits, RNA modifications do not make permanent changes to…
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation Context ● The Supreme Court of India has directed the Delhi government to consider a permanent ban on firecrackers due to severe pollution levels during Deepavali. ● The court noted the lack of enforcement of…