Introduction India is on track to meet its E20 blending target, which involves blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26 as part of its Ethanol Blending Programme. Initially, the National Policy on Biofuels 2018 set the target for 2030. However, following the release of the NITI Aayog’s expert committee report, ‘Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in […]
Ethanol Blending in India: Challenges and Opportunities | UPSC Read More »
Introduction The National Green Tribunal has been informed by the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) that ₹160 crore has been sought from Kamarajar Port in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, to facilitate the removal of invasive mussels on the coast near the port in connection with an ongoing case concerning the proliferation of Mytella strigata (Charru
Understanding Ballast Water Management | UPSC Read More »
Introduction The government has recently approved a Clean Plant Programme with an outlay of Rs 1,766 crore to improve the quality of planting material for horticultural crops, aiming to boost exports and enhance farmers’ income. Definition Horticulture is both an art and a science, focusing on the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, spices, condiments, ornamental plants,
Understanding the Horticulture Sector in India | UPSC Read More »
Introduction Recently it has been announced that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute certificates to 11 lakh women who benefitted from the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme on August 25, in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon. Who is a Lakhpati Didi? A Lakhpati Didi is a woman member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) who has achieved an annual household
Lakhpati Didi Initiative: A Step Towards Women’s Economic Empowerment | UPSC Read More »
Introduction Recently, the Union Government introduced a Bill in Parliament seeking to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It proposes to make important changes in the Act, aimed mainly at improving the operational efficiencies in responding to a natural disaster. The Bill seeks to significantly expand the role and responsibilities of the National Disaster Management
Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 | UPSC Read More »
Introduction As the Paris Olympics concluded recently, Indian fans had mixed feelings about the country’s performance at the coveted Summer Games. India won six medals and had six fourth-place finishes. India slid from 48th to 71st (based on the tally of 1 silver and 5 bronze). India did not win a single gold medal. However,
Understanding India’s Performance at Paris Olympics 2024 | UPSC Read More »
Introduction The recently released NSSO’s Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 offers new insights into the state of nutritional security in India. The HCES 2022-23 report presents comprehensive data on household consumption patterns for both food and non-food items, along with an analysis of per capita daily calorie intake. Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) The
Nutritional Security in India: Challenges and Solutions | UPSC Read More »
Introduction Recently, several digital creators have voiced concerns about the Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024. The draft Bill seeks to regulate the broadcast of news and current affairs programs (excluding print news), requiring compliance with a prescribed program code and advertisement code. According to a CSDS Lok-Niti survey, 29% of respondents consume political material daily on
Understand Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024 Changes & Challenges | UPSC Read More »
Introduction The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 was recently introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs. This bill proposes significant reforms to the Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to overhaul the governance and regulation of waqfs in India. However, it has faced severe criticism from opposition parties, who have labeled it
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024: What You Need to Know | UPSC Read More »
Introduction Bangladesh and India celebrated their 50 years of historic relationship in December last year. The relations between the two countries have been identified as ‘a multidimensional fraternal relationship’ – sustaining amid several challenges in the last five decades. From the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence to the present trends, the historical ties have increasingly
Sheikh Hasina’s Exit and India Bangladesh Relations | UPSC Read More »
