The WHO recently released an updated version of the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). The guidelines recommend new air quality levels to protect the health of populations, by reducing levels of key air pollutants. Key Points: WHO’s new guidelines recommend air quality levels for six pollutants — particulate matter (PM 2.5 & PM10), ozone (O₃), nitrogen… Continue reading [Answered] Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?
[Answered] Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
The Green grid/OSOWOG initiative announced at COP-26, Glasgow by India and UK, is an international initiative to create an interconnected global power grid for reliable, resilient and affordable supply of clean energy for all. Purpose of the Green Grid Initiative can be highlighted as: To speed up the process to decarbonize energy production, which is… Continue reading [Answered] Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
[Answered] How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?
The S-400 (Triumf) is a mobile long range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system developed by Russia. It is considered as one of the world’s most advanced air defence systems that can simultaneously track and neutralize a range of incoming aerial threats. India has engaged with Russia for the purchase of 5 S-400, missile defence system. S-400… Continue reading [Answered] How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?
Public sector banks: More sinned against than sinners
News: PSB’s have played a key role in the “new welfarism” model of the government. However, the immense effort undertaken by the PSB agencies has not been rewarded adequately. In this context, a mere comparison of PSB’s with private sector banks is illogical. Because, three-fourths of the banking sector is burdened with social objectives in… Continue reading Public sector banks: More sinned against than sinners
The new fintech department of RBI has its work cut out
News: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) created a new department to supervise and regulate fintech. Through the department, RBI plans to promote innovation in the sector and also identify the challenges and opportunities associated with it. Fintech ecosystem has seen the entry of ‘Big Tech’ like Alibaba, as well as decentralized products and… Continue reading The new fintech department of RBI has its work cut out
Weaponising ED, tax authorities to expand counterinsurgency security umbrella in Kashmir is a fraught move
News: A new approach is being deployed against insurgency in Kashmir. Apart from security agencies, other organisations such as Enforcement Directorate (ED) are now being roped in to deal with the funding and financing of terror activities. This new policy runs the risk of further alienation of the local population Contents1 What has been the… Continue reading Weaponising ED, tax authorities to expand counterinsurgency security umbrella in Kashmir is a fraught move
High costs, low use may derail the development of EV charging Infra
News: Electric vehicle (EV) industry may fall well short of its target of setting up a sufficient number of public charging stations in India this year. Contents1 What is the current status of charging infrastructure in India? 2 What have been recent initiatives in this regard? 3 Why has been this huge shortfall? 4 What is the way… Continue reading High costs, low use may derail the development of EV charging Infra
The difficulty in spending
News: According to GDP accounting, Government consumption in the September 2021 quarter, was 17% lower than in September 2019. If the government spending had instead grown at the pace seen pre-Covid, the overall GDP would have been 4% higher than in September 2019. Contents1 Why, a shortage of funds is not the reason for this lack… Continue reading The difficulty in spending
Why most countries are unable to take a firm decision on crypto
News: Regulators across the globe have come up with various definitions of cryptocurrencies. But there is no consensus, even among major economies, on how to treat decentralised virtual currencies. Considering the systemic risks that Crypto poses, countries should look to establish robust regulatory frameworks on cryptocurrency and educate investors accordingly. What are the problems that… Continue reading Why most countries are unable to take a firm decision on crypto
[Answered] How and to what extent would micro irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?
A large population, needs of agricultural economy and urbanization have created situation of water stress in India. The irrigation needs of agriculture are at the heart of the problem of water stress. In this perspective, micro-irrigation is seen as a solution. Micro-irrigation can help in solving India’s water crisis in following ways: It can address needs of dryland farming in regions with depleting groundwater aquifers. For example, in Punjab. It… Continue reading [Answered] How and to what extent would micro irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?
