1. More road projects, higher toll revenue boost the introduction of InvITs Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Roads Context ● Investment in road infrastructure in India is on the rise, driven by increased highway development, toll revenue, and toll hikes. ● Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) are becoming major buyers of road assets,…
1. State Finances Report Highlights Fiscal Discipline, Capital Expenditure, and Consumption Divides Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context: The recent report by economists at Bank of Baroda on the finances of Indian states for the financial year ended March 2024 highlights a significant achievement in managing fiscal deficits. Most states successfully limited their fiscal deficit within…
1. Manufacturing sector’s growth lifts GDP to 8.2% Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Context ● India’s real GDP for FY24 grew by 8.2%, exceeding projections and accelerating from FY23’s 7% growth, driven by significant manufacturing sector expansion and robust services performance. ● The National…
1. Naegleria fowleri: Rare Amoeba Claims Life of Five-Year-Old in Kerala, Highlighting Dangers of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) Topic: Important topic for Prelims Context: A five-year-old girl in Kozhikode, Kerala, succumbed to Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. This rare infection occurs when contaminated water is inhaled through the nose, leading…
1. Ireland, Norway, and Spain set to formally recognise the statehood of Palestine Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context ● Ireland, Norway, and Spain announced their formal recognition of Palestine amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, following a deadly Hamas attack and Israeli retaliations. ● This move aligns with a recent UN vote supporting…
1. Joint culture in the armed forces is way forward: CDS Topic: GS2 – Governance Context ● Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan outlined the importance of jointness and integration for creating Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC), aimed at enhancing military readiness. ● Speaking at a memorial lecture, he emphasised advancing to “Jointness 2.0” for…
1. Helicopter crash kills Iran President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context ● Iran mourns the loss of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash. ● Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declares mourning and appoints an interim leader, with elections due in 50 days. Analysis of the…
1. With food scarce, lion-tailed macaques leave forest canopies for the urban jungle Topic: GS3 – Environment – Conservation – Important Species Context ● The presence of lion-tailed macaques, a species endemic to the Western Ghats, face challenges for existence due to habitat degradation and urbanisation. ● Increased interaction with humans and improper waste management…
1. Kudumbashree example of Kerala’s social progress: CM Topic: GS2 – Governance GS2 – Social Justice Context ● On the 26th anniversary of the Kudumbashree Mission, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised it as a model of women empowerment. ● He highlighted mission’s evolution from local women’s enterprises to providing legal help, loans, and participating…
1. Kerala sounds warning on West Nile Virus; neighbouring States on guard Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context ● Kerala is facing an early outbreak of vector-borne diseases, including West Nile Fever (WNF), with cases reported even before the monsoon. ● The Health Department has confirmed 10 WNF cases and 2 suspected deaths,…