Category: articles

Luna-25

Why in News?- Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, recently launched the Luna-25 mission to the Moon, while India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched earlier. Luna-25 was launched from Russia’s Vostochny spaceport on August 11, 2023, and its lunar lander is expected to reach the Moon on August 23, the same day Chandrayaan-3 is also scheduled to land on the lunar surface. Both missions are expected to land on the lunar surface around the same time. Will it hamper Chandrayaan-3 mission?- Roscosmos has stated that the two missions will not impede each other’s functions or collide, as they have different planned landing areas.…

All about The New Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023: BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023: BharatiyaSakshya Bill, 2023: Reasons for the Overhaul and Parliamentary Process Formation of Criminal Law Reforms Committee Changes to Sedition Law Supreme Court’s Involvement and Orders Details of the New Bills The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill key highlights from the bill: In essence, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, aims to modernize and align India’s criminal justice system with current societal values and legal interpretations.   The BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita  Here are some of the key highlights from the bill: In summary, the BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, introduces comprehensive reforms…

The Flag Code of India

The Flag Code of India Key provisions and guidelines laid out in the Flag Code of India: The Flag Code of India serves as a reminder of the significance and sanctity of the national flag and the values it represents. It ensures that the tricolour is always honoured and respected, thereby instilling a sense of national pride and unity among the citizens of India. The code also emphasizes the importance of responsible and dignified flag handling, reflecting the country’s commitment to its national symbols and ideals. What are the Changes and Updates? The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act,…

Fitch Downgrades US Ratings

Fitch Ratings, a renowned credit rating agency, has recently downgraded the United States of America’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from ‘AAA’ to ‘AA+’ with a Stable Outlook. This rating action reflects Fitch’s assessment of the expected fiscal deterioration, growing general government debt burden, and erosion of governance relative to ‘AA’ and ‘AAA’ rated peers over the past two decades. What are key factors? The decision to downgrade the United States’ long-term ratings is based on several critical factors: Fiscal Deterioration: Fitch anticipates a fiscal deterioration over the next three years, with the general government deficit projected to rise…

ISRO and India’s Space Programs

ISRO and India’s Space Programs Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India. ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO. 1.  Background As a first step, the Department of Atomic Energy formed the INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) under the leadership of Dr. Sarabhai and Dr.Ramanathan in 1962. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was later formed on August 15, 1969. The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its…

Yamuna floodplains

Yamuna floodplains The Yamuna on July 13 crossed the record set in 1978 of 207.49 metres. Causes, experts argue, can be traced to haphazard construction activities, urbanisation, lack of proper housing and lax regulations. The floodplain along Yamuna’s 22 km run in Delhi, designated as the O zone by the Delhi Development Authority, has an area of approximately 9,700 hectares. As part of river systems, floodplains slow water runoff during floods, recharge groundwater and store excess water, replenishing the city’s water supply. If you lose the floodplain, you also lose the storage of water. Delhi’s Master Plan The Yamuna floodplain…

National Research Foundation Bill

Why in News  Union Cabinet had approved the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill 2023 in June this year to “strengthen the research eco-system in the country”. The Bill, after approval in the Parliament, will establish NRF, as an apex body to provide “high-level strategic direction” to scientific research in the country. This is done as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP). Financial Outlay proposed under the bill is Rs. 50,000 crore during five years (2023-28). Other Key Highlights The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative Department of NRF. It will be governed by a…

Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Why in News – The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 that introduces stringent anti-piracy provisions. – The amendment will expand the scope of the law from censorship to also cover copyright. – The Bill proposes stringent punishment for piracy. – A committee of experts chaired by filmmaker Shyam Benegal had in 2017 recommended amendments to the film censorship regime. The graded-age classifications are in line with the report of the committee. However, the government has not implemented the key recommendation of the committee that the CBFC’s power to require cuts be taken away. About The Cinematograph…

Stapled Visa

Why in News China issued stapled visas to some of the sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh representing the country in an international sporting event in China. The athletes were part of the 12-member team bound for the World University Games in Chengdu. India has lodged a strong protest with the Chinese side and said that it would respond suitably. About Stapled Visa  When the stamps of the country you are visiting, not placed on the passport, but on pages staple to it is called Stapled Visa. When the visitor leaves the country, his visa and entry and exit stamps are torn…

Interest rate for PF deposits

The Central government accepted the recommendation of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to increase the interest rate of deposits in Provident Fund (PF) to 8.15%. The new rate will be applicable for this financial year. Increase in Interest Rates The Labour Ministry had forwarded the CBT’s recommendation for the Union Finance Ministry’s approval. The CBT had recommended an increase to 8.15% from 8.10% interest to the deposits on March 28, 2023. The Finance Ministry has finally accepted the proposal and the interest now will be credited to the accounts of subscribers. About…