UPSC PT Pointers

The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2023 has revealed some crucial demographic insights, particularly highlighting the ageing population and changes in fertility rates in India. About the Sample Registration Survey Statistical Report The SRS is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India (ORGI). It offers valuable data on fertility and mortality indicators, including key metrics such as: Crude Birth Ra

Nauru Selling Passports to Fund Climate Action

In an effort to finance climate action and address the environmental challenges it faces, Nauru, a small island nation in the Pacific, has implemented a passport sales program. About Nauru Location Nauru is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is one of the world's smallest island nations. Positioned around 1,300 km northeast of the Solomon Islands, it is closely bordered by Kiribati (specifically Banaba Island), approximately 300 km to the east.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs is celebrated on January 9 every year. Aim - To mark the contribution and achievements of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. It’s a day to acknowledge the achievements of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have made significant contributions to their adopted countries.

International Migrants Day

International Migrants Day is observed on December 18th each year. Theme of International Migrants Day, 2023 - Act Today. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2000 to recognize the contributions of migrants and the challenges they face. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN-related agency that highlights the contributions and challenges of the migrants worldwide.

Hakki Pikkis community

Hakki Pikkis community The government is working to return members of the Hakki Pikki tribal community from Karnataka who are trapped in a violent region of Sudan. About the Hakki Pikki Tribe They are a semi-nomadic group that originally consisted of bird catchers and hunters; the words "bird" and "catchers" in Kannada are both used to describe them. They reside primarily close to forested areas in a number of states in west and south India. There a

The Transport 4 All Challenge

The Transport 4 All Challenge It is a project of the Government of India's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Aim: To bring cities, citizens, and startups together to create solutions that improve public transportation and better serve the needs of all citizens. Focuses on digital innovation and invites cities, citizens, and innovators to collaborate on developing contextual digital solutions to improve formal and informal public transportation in order to better serve the

Red Sanders

Red Sanders Red sanders or red sandalwood is a species endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. It is a rare kind of sandalwood that is in high demand in the international market and costs around Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000 a kg. The major markets for wood are China, Japan, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. This tree is valued for the rich red colour of its wood. The wood is not aromatic. The tree is not to be confused with the aromatic Sant

NITI Aayog’s Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers

NITI Aayog’s Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers NITI Aayog, along with a working subgroup of officials and members of civil society, has prepared a draft National Migrant Labour policy. It puts forward several radical ideas including the adoption of a rights-based approach and creating an additional layer of institutions to create a more enabling policy environment for migrants. Highlights of the Draft policy It proposes a new National Migration Policy and

Venus Coronae

Venus Coronae Researchers have recently studied the formation of Venus’ ring-shaped volcanic structures called “Coronae”. They are formed by plumes of molten rock rising from the mantle up through the crust. This process is similar to how Earth’s volcanos function. Interestingly, most of Earth’s volcanism occurs along the boundaries of tectonic plates, but modern Venus doesn’t seem to possess tectonic plates. They identified three dozen features on Venus

Previously unknown faults at the foot of the Himalaya discovered

Previously unknown faults at the foot of the Himalayas discovered Context Data from an oil and gas exploration company has now helped geologists discover a series of faults at the foot of the Himalaya. Sesimic exploration data The team looked at seismic reflection data, which are routinely collected by exploration companies looking for oil and gas. In this method, seismic waves are produced by small explosions at multiple sources, and many recorders called geophones to re