Context: India needs to have a strategy of self-reliance in producing basic foods, including edible oils. Against this backdrop, the article suggests taking lessons from countries like Sri Lanka, and framing a suitable policy to boost its food security for the long term. Examples of Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia Sri Lanka (SL)- (Huge import… Continue reading Opinion: For India, a lesson in food security from Sri Lanka
Understanding gun control legislation of different countries
News: The U.S. recently witnessed two episodes of mass shootings in a span of 11 days that killed more than 30 people including elementary school children. Canada also recently amended its gun control policies. A look at the laws governing firearms in India, Canada, Japan and New Zealand What do gun laws in the U.S.… Continue reading Understanding gun control legislation of different countries
Global food shortages demand an international-level solution
Context: Food shortages are beginning to cast a shadow over the world. One long-term factor is the warming of our planet, which has slowly destroyed agricultural land. But the proximate cause of the greatest concern is the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Black Sea blockade is preventing Ukrainian grain and fertilizers from leaving the port… Continue reading Global food shortages demand an international-level solution
Another sanctions package
News: The European Union’s (EU’s) announcement of a joint decision to phase out imports of Russian crude oil has, together with some other developments, shaken up oil markets. This is the sixth such package of sanctions on entities linked to the Russian Federation by the countries of the EU. Earlier sanctions have benefitted India, but… Continue reading Another sanctions package
India and Sweden Host Industry Transition Dialogue in Stockholm
What is the News? India and Sweden hosted the Industry Transition Dialogue in Stockholm, Sweden. What is Industry Transition Dialogue? Hosted by: India and Sweden as part of the Leadership for Industry Transition (LeadIT) Initiative. Purpose: To contribute to the UN Conference ‘Stockholm+50’ that will set the agenda for COP27. At the dialogue, the Union… Continue reading India and Sweden Host Industry Transition Dialogue in Stockholm
Kerala registers car that runs on hydrogen fuel — 1st in country
What is the News? The first hydrogen-powered car named “Toyota Mirai” was registered in Kerala in April 2022. With this, Kerala has become one of the select few states to allow the registration of such cars. Note: The registered vehicle is exempt from taxation because it will be used for research and development purposes. What… Continue reading Kerala registers car that runs on hydrogen fuel — 1st in country
Explained: What are ‘artillery rockets,’ and why is the US sending them to Ukraine?
What is the News? The United States has announced that it is sending its High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems known as HIMARS to Ukraine. What is HIMARS? The US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems are known as HIMARS. It is a multiple launch rocket system or MLRS – a mobile unit that can simultaneously launch… Continue reading Explained: What are ‘artillery rockets,’ and why is the US sending them to Ukraine?
Cabinet approves Expanding the mandate of Government e Marketplace – Special Purpose Vehicle (GeM – SPV) to allow procurement by Cooperatives as Buyers
What is the News? The Union Cabinet has given its approval for expanding the mandate of Government e-Marketplace(GeM) to allow procurement by Cooperatives as buyers on GeM. What is the Government e-Marketplace(GeM)? Launched by: Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2016. Aim: To create an open and transparent procurement platform for Government buyers. At present,… Continue reading Cabinet approves Expanding the mandate of Government e Marketplace – Special Purpose Vehicle (GeM – SPV) to allow procurement by Cooperatives as Buyers
Explained: Why Neptune and Uranus appear in different colours
What is the News? Neptune and Uranus have much in common. They have similar masses, sizes and atmospheric compositions. But their appearances are in different shades of blue. At visible wavelengths, Neptune is a rich, deep azure hue while Uranus is a distinctly pale shade of cyan. Why do Uranus and Neptune appear in different… Continue reading Explained: Why Neptune and Uranus appear in different colours
NTPC releases Biodiversity Policy for conservation and restoration of biodiversity
What is the News? National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC Ltd.), as a member of the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative(IBBI) has released a renewed Biodiversity Policy 2022. What is the purpose of the Biodiversity Policy 2022? Aim: To establish a comprehensive vision and guiding principle for conservation, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity. – To… Continue reading NTPC releases Biodiversity Policy for conservation and restoration of biodiversity
