In News Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld the Employees’ Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2014 of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organistion (EPFO) as “legal and valid”. Key Points Background:  An appeal was filed by the EPFO challenging the decisions of the Kerala, Rajasthan and Delhi High Courts quashing the 2014 amendments on determination of pensionable salary” […]

In News Recently, China released its official whitepaper titled “China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System in the New Era”.  Background What is the BeiDou navigation system? Background China initiated BeiDou in 1994 with aims to integrate its application in different sectors, including fishery, agriculture, special care, mass-market applications, forestry and public security.  Global navigation network  BDS […]

In News The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation’s Food Price Index (FPI) averaged 135.9 points in October, marginally lower compared to the previous month’s 136 points. This marks the seventh successive month of decline in the index, which is a weighted average of world prices of a basket of food commodities over a base period […]

In News  The Army has approved five Project Sanction Orders (PSOs) for development of niche technology by the Indian industry under Make-II route of defence procurement.  The projects include High Frequency Man Packed Software Defined Radios (HFSDR), drone kill systems, Infantry Training Weapon Simulator (IWTS), Medium Range Precision Kill Systems (MRPKS) and 155mm Terminally Guided […]

In News ISRO’s RISAT-2 satellite has made an uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere in the Indian Ocean near Jakarta.  About ISRO’s RISAT-2 satellite Background RISAT-2 was launched by the PSLV-C12 launch vehicle in 2009.  The initial designed life of the satellite was four years. Functions It was a radar-imaging satellite that was India’s first […]

In News Recently, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has notified India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme. About IIPDF Scheme Aim It aims for financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects.  It will provide necessary support to the PSAs, both in the Central and State Governments, by extending financial assistance in meeting the […]

Context  In the past few days there has been much talk (and considerable apprehension) about the use of nuclear weapons as a result of the Ukraine conflict. About Nuclear weapons  They are the most dangerous weapons on earth and they can destroy a whole city, potentially killing millions, and jeopardising the natural environment and lives […]

The Hindu Subject Pg No Headlines Relevance for Prelims and Mains   GS 3 1 Mathura-Vrindavan aims to become a carbon neutral tourist destination by 204 (Environment) What does carbon neutral mean?and Various initiatives taken in this direction . GS 2 1 All employees can opt for EPFO pension scheme: SC Government Policies and Interventions) Know […]

Indian Express Subject  Pg No  Headlines Relevance for Prelims and Mains   GS 2 3 Amended EPS is upheld, SC opens window to opt for higher annuity (Government Policies and Interventions)   Know about Employees’ Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2014 and recent observations of Supreme Court in this context  GS 3 9 Some relief on inflation front […]

In News Recently, the Supreme Court decided to examine poll law which deprives under trials, civil prison detainees their right to vote. More about the news Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951: This section mandates that “no person shall vote at any election is he is confined in a prison, whether […]