The controversy over the proposed Mekedatu water project

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

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 

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

India achieves $400 billion merchandise exports well before target date: Commerce Minister

What is the News? India’s Annual Merchandise(Goods) Exports have crossed the $400-billion mark for the first time ever. This is 37% higher than the previous financial year, when India exported goods worth $291 billion. During the same time period, imports grew 51% on year to $589 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $189 billion.… Continue reading India achieves $400 billion merchandise exports well before target date: Commerce Minister

A blow to equitable access to essential medicines

News: In October 2020, India and South Africa tabled a proposal in the World Trade Organization (WTO) seeking temporary waiver from Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This was to ensure availability of affordable vaccines, medicines and other medical products. What are the reasons for such demand? This was based on the contention… Continue reading A blow to equitable access to essential medicines

Recycling heat generated by datacentres 

News: Microsoft has partnered with Fortum, Finnish energy company to launch the world’s largest scheme to provide heat to homes, services and business in Finland with waste heat. Heat would be sourced from a new data centre region that Microsoft has planned to build in the Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland.  How will this work? … Continue reading Recycling heat generated by datacentres 

Needed, an Indian Legislative Service

Since the first Parliament in 1952, Secretaries-General of Rajya Sabha are usually parachuted from civil services and other services from time to time. On September 1, 2021, Dr. P.P.K. Ramacharyulu became the first Rajya Sabha Secretariat staff member who rose to the position of Secretary-General. However, he was replaced in less than 3 months. Need… Continue reading Needed, an Indian Legislative Service

Delhi municipal corporation bill gets Cabinet’s nod

What is the News? The Union Cabinet has approved the Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2022. What is Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2022? The Bill proposes a unified Municipal Corporation of Delhi by subsuming the South Delhi Municipal Corporation(SDMC), North Delhi Municipal Corporation(NDMC) and the East Delhi Municipal Corporation EDMC).  What was the need… Continue reading Delhi municipal corporation bill gets Cabinet’s nod

Understanding hypersonic weapons

What is the News? The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced that it had used a hypersonic missile for the first time in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.  What are Hypersonic weapons? Hypersonic missiles are manoeuvrable weapons that fly at least at the speed of Mach 5 i.e. five times the speed of sound. Note:… Continue reading Understanding hypersonic weapons

The National Land Monetisation Corporation

What is the News? The Union Cabinet has approved the creation of the National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC), the Special Purpose Vehicle(SPV) that the Finance Minister had announced in the Union Budget 2021-22. What is Monetisation? When the government monetises its assets, it essentially means that it is transferring the revenue rights of the asset… Continue reading The National Land Monetisation Corporation

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