DPN Topics
Mauritius tightens over offshore funds Subject: Economy Sec :External Sector Increased Scrutiny: Mauritius imposes stricter scrutiny on offshore fund structures, leading to longer timelines and higher compliance burdens for India-focused funds. Recent amendments to the India-Mauritius tax treaty and tax notices from Indian authorities to Mauritius-based funds contribute to the tighter regulatory environment. […]
When a dead stream springs back to life after 30 years Subject: Geography Sec: Mapping Context: In the Marayur sandal division of Idukki, a stream that had been dormant for 30 years in a tribal area has been revived thanks to an eco-restoration project led by the Forest Department from 2021 to 2024. […]
On India’s ‘heat action plans’ Subject: Geography Sec: Climatology Context: As summer approaches, India typically braces for heat alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This year, such alerts started unusually early, in February, with parts of northeast and western India already experiencing temperatures 3.1-5 degrees Celsius above normal. Heatwaves: The India Meteorological […]
Centre tweaks green credit programme norms Subject: Schemes Sec: Env Green Credit Program (GCP): The Green Credit Programme (GCP), initiated by the Union Environment Ministry, aims to encourage investment in afforestation on degraded forest lands to generate ‘green credits.’ These credits are intended for organizations and individuals to contribute to environmental restoration rather […]
Silent Chornobyl: Dry Aral Sea has made Central Asia dustier, with impacts on global climate, says study Subject: Geography Section: Mapping Context: The Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest lake, has dramatically shrunk since the 1960s due to Soviet irrigation projects, leading to severe environmental impacts. Study findings on the Aral Sea: A […]
How can small-scale farmers benefit from trees on farms? Subject: Schemes Sec: Env Agroforestry: Agriculture in India, traditionally involving a mix of crops, trees, and livestock known as agroforestry, is gaining popularity after years dominated by monocropping due to the Green Revolution. Agroforestry, which can improve both farmer livelihoods and environmental conditions, saw […]
Russian troops start to withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh Subject: IR Sec: Places in news Context: Russian peacekeepers have started withdrawing from Nagorno-Karabakh following the territory’s recapture by Azerbaijan from Armenian separatists. The withdrawal follows a 2020 Moscow-brokered ceasefire between Azerbaijan (Baku) and Armenia (Yerevan). About the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Nagorno-Karabakh (also known as Artsakh by […]
What’s behind heavy rainfall in Dubai Subject: Geography Sec: Climatology Context: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded the heaviest rain ever after a severe thunderstorm hit the country on Monday, killing at least one person, causing damage to homes and businesses, and bringing air travel to a standstill in Dubai. More on news: […]
Ahead of Elon Musk visit, Finance Ministry notifies new rules backing FDI tweaks for space sector Subject: Science and tech Sec: Space sector Context: The Finance Ministry has notified amended rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act to operationalise its earlier decision to allow up to 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) […]
NASA Mars sample return program is expensive and will take too long Subject: Geography Sec: Indian geography Context: In response to budget cuts and escalating costs, Nasa is reevaluating its ambitious Mars sample return mission aiming to develop a more feasible and cost-effective approach. More on news: NASA’s Perseverance Rover, nicknamed Percy, in […]