News: Oxfam has released a report titled Climate finance shadow report 2020 – assessing progress towards the $100 billion commitment. Facts: Background: Developed countries had committed in 2009 to mobilise $100 billion every year by 2020 to help developing countries cut their carbon dioxide emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. What is the progress? Developed countries… Continue reading Climate financing adds to poor countries debt pile: Oxfam
Explained: Yellow dust, which North Korea has warned could be carrying Covid-19
News: North Korean authorities have urged citizens to remain indoors to avoid contact with a mysterious cloud of ‘yellow dust’ blowing in from China which they have warned could bring Covid-19 with it. Facts: Yellow Dust (Asian Dust): It is a meteorological phenomenon during which sand from deserts in China and Mongolia are carried by high speed… Continue reading Explained: Yellow dust, which North Korea has warned could be carrying Covid-19
Freedom of press in India
What is Freedom of press? In India, freedom of the press has been treated as part of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution. The Indian constitution guarantees the “freedom of speech and expression” as a fundamental right of every citizen of India. Restrictions on the freedom of press: The… Continue reading Freedom of press in India
Conservation centres in 5 states among host of ideas to protect vultures
News: National Board for Wildlife(NBWL) has approved an Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025. Facts: Key Highlights of the Plan: Vulture Conservation centre: Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will get a vulture conservation and breeding centre each. Vulture Safe zone: Establishment of at least one vulture-safe zone in each state for the conservation of the… Continue reading Conservation centres in 5 states among host of ideas to protect vultures
Study predicts massive habitat decline for the Himalayan brown bear by 2050 due to climate change
News: The Zoological Survey of India has released a study titled ‘Adaptive spatial planning of protected area network for conserving the Himalayan brown bear’. Facts: Key Takeaways: About the study: The study was carried out in the western Himalayas.It has predicted a 73% decline of habitat of Himalayan Brown Bear by the year 2050. This decline will… Continue reading Study predicts massive habitat decline for the Himalayan brown bear by 2050 due to climate change
Prime minister launches Kisan Suryodaya Yojana In Gujarat
News: The Prime Minister has launched ”Kisan Suryodaya Yojana” in Gujarat. Facts: Kisan Suryodaya Yojana: It is aimed at providing day-time electricity to the farmers in the state of Gujarat for irrigation and farming purposes. Additional Facts: Girnar ropeway project: It is a ropeway on Mount Girnar in Junagadh district, Gujarat.It is being touted as the longest temple… Continue reading Prime minister launches Kisan Suryodaya Yojana In Gujarat
Labour Rights Codes on wages Bill
Introduced: Lok Sabha (23rd July 2019) Passed: Lok Sabha (30th July 2019) Passed: Rajya Sabha (2nd Aug 2019) Present status: Received assent on 8th August, 2019. Ministry: Labour and Employment Objectives of the Labour Rights Codes on wages Bill, 2019 The bill seeks to consolidate laws relating to wages by replacing- Payment of Wages Act,… Continue reading Labour Rights Codes on wages Bill
Non-alignment in multipolar framework
What are the different phases of world order? India’s advocacy for autonomy (& non-alignment) in making foreign policy choices in world order over decades. Bipolar(1947 to 1991) – Era of Cold War where world was divided in two camps one headed by USA and other headed by erstwhile USSR. During this phase India adhered to the principle… Continue reading Non-alignment in multipolar framework
India-US Relations
How India-U. S relation evolved over the years? India-U. S relations were at an all-time high during John F Kennedy and George W Bush administration: John F Kennedy, in the 1960s: Kennedy was a firm supporter of India in positioning India as a democratic counterweight to a totalitarian China in Asia in the 1960s Even… Continue reading India-US Relations
EU environment ministers strike deal on climate law, leave out 2030 target
News: European Union(EU) Environment Ministers have signed a deal that aims to make the EU’s 2050 net-zero emissions target legally binding on the states.However, they left a decision on a 2030 emissions-cutting target for leaders to discuss in December. Facts: Background: The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – an economy with net-zero greenhouse… Continue reading EU environment ministers strike deal on climate law, leave out 2030 target
