PepsiCo has recently sued few Gujarati farmers, asking them to pay ₹1.05 crore each as damages for ‘infringing its rights’ by growing the potato variety used in its Lays chips. Background: Gujarat and Rajasthan farmers have been cultivating FC-5 variety of potato which has been registered by PepsiCo under the Protection of Plant Varieties and… Read More »

Based on the decision of National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered for the advance release of financial assistance of Rs. 1086 crore to 4 States (i.e. Rs. 200.25 cr – for Andhra Pradesh + Rs. 340.875 cr – for Odisha + Rs. 309.375 cr – for Tamil Nadu + Rs. 235.50 cr… Read More »

The growth in the eight core industries has increased to 5-month high in March 2019. This is attributed to recovery in sectors such as cement, refinery products, steel, and coal. About Index of Eight Core Industries In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, fertilizers, steel,… Read More »

Madras High Court has ruled that the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) of Puducherry cannot interfere in the day-to-day administration of the Union Territory when there is an elected government. The court said incessant interference from the L-G would amount to running a “parallel government.” Key observations made by the court: The Central government as well as the… Read More »

French Envoy in India Alexandre Ziegler has supported India’s Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test as a response to these growing threats. Stating that defense and offensive space technologies are being developed with various aims of spying, gaining control, deactivating service and destroying. About Mission Shakti: Mission Shakti is a joint programme of the Defence Research and Development… Read More »

Footfall in Hampi would increase, especially after a group of monuments at the world heritage site was listed number two on the “must see” tourist spots by The New York Times, tourist flow has dipped by nearly a lakh between April 2018 and March 2019. About Hampi: Hampi, the 14th century capital of one of the greatest… Read More »

A total of 150 Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have received medals of honour for their dedicated service and sacrifice. Key Facts: The medals were given to the 150 Indian peacekeepers serving in UNMISS in Malakal during a ceremony filled with parades and performances by a piped band. The United Nations… Read More »

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued orders to suspend the LoC trade in Jammu & Kashmir w.e.f 19-04-2019. Key Facts: This action has been taken as the Government of India has been receiving reports that the Cross LoC trade routes are being misused by the Pakistan based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and… Read More »

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has invited stakeholders’ comments on a draft committee report on attribution of profits in case of a permanent establishment (PE). Key Facts: Public  will have to be furnished electronically within 30 days from the date of its publication on the department’s website  www.incometaxindia.gov.in The draft report by the… Read More »

Stubble Burning: UPSC IAS Every year the National Capital Region’s pollution levels make it to the headlines for stubble burning. Background Stubble burning became a rampant practice during the Green revolution period when mass production of paddy was enabled in the plains of Punjab and Haryana. Central government constituted the EPCA way back in 1998… Read More »