Synopsis: The study of National Sample Survey (NSS) data on urban slums presents a grim picture of the settlers there, regarding the provisioning of basic amenities. Introduction In India, increasing urbanization is pushing disadvantaged populations living in informal settlements into a more poverty-stricken way of life. Multiple factors influence the quality of life in informal… Continue reading Quality of life in informal settlements: Basic sanitation services a luxury
SC Judgment on Pegasus spyware case – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction The Supreme Court (SC) has appointed an independent expert technical committee to examine allegations that the government used an Israeli spyware, Pegasus, to snoop on its own citizens. Committee will be overseen by a former apex court judge, Justice R.V. Raveendran. Noting that the snooping allegations are grave and truth… Continue reading SC Judgment on Pegasus spyware case – Explained, pointwise
Two samples in Karnataka found infected with AY.4.2
What is the News? Two samples from Karnataka were retrospectively found to be infected with AY.4.2 Covid Variant. What is AY.4.2 Variant? AY.4.2 is a descendant of the Delta variant of COVID-19. The Delta variant also known as B.1.617.2 was first identified in India in October 2020. The AY.4.2 variant carries two characteristic mutations in… Continue reading Two samples in Karnataka found infected with AY.4.2
Centre wants to keep birth, death database
What is the News? The Centre has proposed amendments to a Registration of Births and Deaths Act (RBD),1969 that will enable it to “maintain the database of registered birth and deaths at the national level”. What are the amendments proposed by the Centre? Presently, the registration of births and deaths is done by the local… Continue reading Centre wants to keep birth, death database
Union Civil Aviation Minister releases Krishi UDAN 2.0
What is the News? The Union Civil Aviation Minister has launched the Krishi UDAN 2.0 scheme. What is Krishi UDAN 2.0 Scheme? Krishi UDAN Scheme was launched in 2020 on international and national routes to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realisation. Krishi UDAN 2.0 will focus on transporting… Continue reading Union Civil Aviation Minister releases Krishi UDAN 2.0
Ministry of Education notifies Four Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme
What is the News? The Ministry of Education has notified a Four Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP). This fulfils one of the major mandates of the National Education Policy 2020 related to Teacher Education. Read more: One year of National Education Policy – Explained, pointwise What is the Integrated Teacher Education Programme(ITEP)? ITEP is… Continue reading Ministry of Education notifies Four Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme
Explained: Queen Heo Hwang-ok of Korea, and her Ayodhya connection
What is the News? On the banks of the Sarayu in Ayodhya, the Ram Katha Park has been renovated which will be renamed as Queen Heo Hwang-ok memorial park. Note: In 2019, Department of Post issued a set of two postage stamps to commemorate the bilateral relations between India and the Republic of Korea. The… Continue reading Explained: Queen Heo Hwang-ok of Korea, and her Ayodhya connection
Defence ministry pact with US to procure MK 54 torpedo, expendables worth Rs 423 cr
What is the News? The Defence Minister has signed a contract with the US government to procure MK 54 torpedoes and expendables such as chaff and flares for the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare aircraft P-8I. What is MK 54 lightweight torpedo? MK 54 lightweight torpedo is an anti-submarine warfare(ASW) torpedo used by the United States… Continue reading Defence ministry pact with US to procure MK 54 torpedo, expendables worth Rs 423 cr
‘Hyperlocal neighbourhoods’ can promote sustainable travel, help decarbonise transport sector: Report
What is the News? Imperial College, London has released a paper on smart and sustainable urban transport. What are the key suggestions given by the paper to decarbonize the Transport Sector? Create Hyper-local Neighbourhoods: Hyper-local neighbourhoods that provide every necessary service within a walking distance will help people avoid using transport for their daily needs.… Continue reading ‘Hyperlocal neighbourhoods’ can promote sustainable travel, help decarbonise transport sector: Report
How ONDC seeks to democratize digital commerce
What is the News? The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT) is building an Open Network for Digital Commerce(ONDC) which is designed to curb digital monopolies and standardize the on-boarding of retailers on e-commerce sites. What is the aim of ONDC? The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has disrupted the digital payments’ domain. ONDC… Continue reading How ONDC seeks to democratize digital commerce
