1. The Second Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Star Party observed in Ladakh (Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2063296®=3&lang=1 ) Context ● The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve recently hosted its second Star Party, bringing together expert astrophotographers and amateur astronomers for a week of stargazing. ● This event highlights Hanle’s unique conditions for astronomy and its growing significance in…
1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Caste-Based Rules in Prison Manuals, Citing Violation of Fundamental Rights (Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 19) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context: The Supreme Court ruled against discriminatory prison manual provisions that reinforced caste-based labor divisions, declaring them unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights. Analysis of News: Petition and…
1. Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy Context The closure of Britain’s last coal-fired power plant highlights its long energy transition, driven by economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors. India, heavily reliant on…
1. What does USCIRF report say about India? (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a report highlighting deteriorating religious freedom in India, citing violence against minorities and government repression. India’s Ministry of External Affairs…
1. Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and the United Arab Emirates, comes into effect (Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2062692®=3&lang=1 ) Context The India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), effective from August 31, 2024, replaces the expired BIPPA, ensuring investment protection and fostering economic cooperation. This treaty aims to enhance bilateral investments by boosting investor confidence and providing a…
Q1) Critically assess the role of microfinance in satisfactorily addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty and unemployment. (150 Words/10 Marks) ANS Microfinance refers to small loans and other financial services designed, specifically for poor and low-income households who face difficulties in accessing formal finance. RBI has defined microfinance as any collateral-free loan provided to a…
1. Middle path in Middle East (Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 11) Topic: GS2- International Relations Context: The article discusses India’s strategic need to balance its relationships with Iran, Israel, and the Arab world amid rising regional tensions, prioritizing its deeper interests in Arab stability and peace. India’s Strategic Dilemma in the…
1. A re-balancing of India’s great power relations (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context India’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit and its diplomatic engagements with Russia highlight its delicate balancing act between strategic alliances with the U.S., Russia, and China. As Russia strengthens…
1. India signs $750-mn currency swap deal with forex-starved Maldives (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS2 – International relations Context India’s recent $750 million currency swap agreement with the Maldives aims to alleviate the island nation’s foreign currency crisis. This partnership emphasises India’s commitment to supporting the Maldives…