What is the News? UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water has released the United Nations World Water Development Report 2022 titled “Groundwater: Making the invisible visible” What are the key findings of the report? Importance of Groundwater: Groundwater accounts for 99% of liquid freshwater on Earth and is the source of one-quarter of all the water… Continue reading World Water Development Report 2022: Unlocking potential of groundwater can provide water security, boost economy: UN
Explained: Targeting big tech, what EU’s landmark Digital Act aims to achieve
What is the News? The European Union (EU) has finalized details of its Digital Markets Act(DMA). What is the aim of the Digital Markets Act(DMA)? The DMA defines clear rules for large online platforms. It aims to ensure that no large online platform that acts as a ‘gatekeeper’ for a large number of users abuses… Continue reading Explained: Targeting big tech, what EU’s landmark Digital Act aims to achieve
Governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh of NCR sign Combined Reciprocal Common Transport Agreement
What is the News? Governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh of National Capital Region (NCR) have signed a Combined Reciprocal Common Transport Agreements (CRCTA) covering both Contract Carriage & Stage Carriage. Note: National Capital Region (NCR) is a planning region centred upon the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. It encompasses Delhi and… Continue reading Governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh of NCR sign Combined Reciprocal Common Transport Agreement
New smartphone-based portable oxygen kit can provide consistent oxygen supply during disasters and medical emergencies
What is the News? A Startup from India has developed a field-portable smart bag pack emergency oxygen concentrator called Oxygen Plus. What is Oxygen Plus? Oxygen Plus is a smartphone-based, field-portable oxygen concentrator that can provide consistent and cost-effective oxygen supply to communities during situations like medical emergencies and high altitude-related problems. Designed by: GRS… Continue reading New smartphone-based portable oxygen kit can provide consistent oxygen supply during disasters and medical emergencies
Explained: Calcutta HC orders CBI probe into Bogtui killings, here’s how the agency investigates
What is the News? The Calcutta High Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the killings in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, where eight persons were burnt alive. How does the CBI take up cases? Unlike the National Investigation Agency(NIA), CBI cannot take suo motu cognizance of a case in a state… Continue reading Explained: Calcutta HC orders CBI probe into Bogtui killings, here’s how the agency investigates
Sagarmala – Seven years of Spectacular Success
What is the News? The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has organized an event to commemorate the successful seven years of the Sagarmala program. What is the Sagarmala Programme? Launched in: 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Aim: To promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long… Continue reading Sagarmala – Seven years of Spectacular Success
Heartening milestone: On India’s overseas shipping record
News: Govt has announced that India’s merchandise exports have already surpassed the target set for this fiscal year, with overseas shipments crossing a record $400 billion mark by March 21. Why is this news significant? This news assumes importance esp in light of the last fiscal’s pandemic-induced slump in global demand. Also, the fact that… Continue reading Heartening milestone: On India’s overseas shipping record
Forging a social contract for data
News: In February 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) released the Data India Data Accessibility and Use Policy 2022 (or Draft Policy) for public consultation. What are the aims of the draft policy? It will help in overcoming a number of historical bottlenecks: (1) slow progress on the Open Government Data (OGD)… Continue reading Forging a social contract for data
India’s complex position on Islamophobia
News: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a consensus resolution declaring March 15 to be celebrated as “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” annually. What is Islamophobia? It refers to the fear of and prejudice, discrimination and hate speech against Islam. For example, Muslims claims the face negative stereotyping in Western countries has exacerbated since 9/11… Continue reading India’s complex position on Islamophobia
A good foreign policy must also make a difference at home
News: India’s foreign policy is at the centre of debate due to ongoing geopolitical issues like the treatment of Indian students from the conflict-ridden Ukraine. What are the ingredients of a good foreign policy? A good foreign policy does not necessarily have to sound nice. It must be able to meet the everyday needs of… Continue reading A good foreign policy must also make a difference at home
