News: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are heading for a political confrontation over the Mekedatu drinking water project across river Cauvery, proposed by the former. Within days of Tamil Nadu Assembly’s resolution against the project, Karnataka’s legislative assembly is set to counter it with a resolution seeking the project’s early implementation and clearances from the Centre.… Continue reading The controversy over the proposed Mekedatu water project
Buyers’ power: India depends on Russian arms. But Russia depends on Indian arms purchases. That gives Delhi leverage
News: India’s national interest and its international stand on Ukraine are at centre of debate due to the Ukraine-Russia Conflict. Status of the Russian Economy Russia relies hugely on exports of two products, oil and petroleum products and arms products. Oil and Petroleum: Russia’s oil and petroleum products export was 8 million barrels/day. However, The… Continue reading Buyers’ power: India depends on Russian arms. But Russia depends on Indian arms purchases. That gives Delhi leverage
Phasing out coal-based plants: The way forward
Context: The world including India is making plans to decarbonise in context of the looming threat of climate change Challenges in achieving 500GW non-fossil fuel generation capacity by 2030 There are questions on the availability of the sufficient demand in the economy Such a huge capacity of renewable generation needs grid stability. Renewable energy requires… Continue reading Phasing out coal-based plants: The way forward
Global uncertainties, India’s growth prospects
News: On February 28, 2022, the National Statistical Office (NSO) released India’s GDP data for Quarter 3 of 2021-22. The NSO also released Second Advance Estimates (SAE) for Fiscal Year 2021-22. India’s Growth performance As per the estimates, India’s real GDP and GVA growth are estimated to recover to 8.9% and 8.3%, respectively, in 2021-22… Continue reading Global uncertainties, India’s growth prospects
Green Bonds, digital currency hold promise
Context: The Budget had two major announcements pertaining to the issuance of sovereign green bonds and a central bank digital currency. These two launches will be a joint effort between the government and the RBI. What are Sovereign Green Bonds? It will be a part of the government’s borrowing program. The government undertakes borrowing to… Continue reading Green Bonds, digital currency hold promise
World Happiness Report: India among ‘unhappiest’ nations, languishes at 136th spot
What is the News? The World Happiness Report 2022 has been released. What is the World Happiness Report 2022? Published by: United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network(UNSDSN) powered by the Gallup World Poll data. Purpose: The report uses global survey data to report how people evaluate their own lives in countries worldwide. Factors: The report… Continue reading World Happiness Report: India among ‘unhappiest’ nations, languishes at 136th spot
Explained: What are Kamikaze drones, the ‘lethal’ weapon being sent by the US to Ukraine?
What is the News? US has announced USD 800 million in new military aid for Ukraine including 800 additional Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, 9,000 antitank weapons, 100 tactical drones including Kamikaze or suicide drones. What are Kamikaze Drones? Kamikaze Drones are also called Switchblade drones. These are small unmanned aircraft that are packed with explosives that… Continue reading Explained: What are Kamikaze drones, the ‘lethal’ weapon being sent by the US to Ukraine?
The Artemis programme, NASA’s new moon mission
What is the News? National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) has rolled out its Artemis I moon mission to the launchpad for testing at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, United States. What is Artemis Mission? To be Launched by: NASA Named After: The mission is named after the twin sister of Apollo from Greek mythology.… Continue reading The Artemis programme, NASA’s new moon mission
World Meteorological Day: WMO to ensure global early warning systems coverage in 5 years
What is the News? On World Meteorological Day, the World Meteorological Organization(WMO) has announced that it would present an Action Plan on Early Warning Systems at the 27th Conference of Parties (CoP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC) in November 2022 at Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt. Note: World Meteorological Day is observed on March 23rd… Continue reading World Meteorological Day: WMO to ensure global early warning systems coverage in 5 years
Skill Development Ministry recognises INS Shivaji as the Centre of Excellence in Marine Engineering
What is the News? The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE) has recognised INS Shivaji as the Centre of Excellence(CoE) in the field of Marine Engineering(ME). What is INS Shivaji? INS Shivaji is an Indian naval station located in Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is located close to the Bhushi Dam. It houses the Naval College of… Continue reading Skill Development Ministry recognises INS Shivaji as the Centre of Excellence in Marine Engineering
