Lekhak

 The Ministry of Commerce & Industry recently released the 6th Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report, providing an insightful evaluation of India's logistics performance. In conjunction with this, GatiShakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) introduced a new course on the PM GatiShakti Concept for Efficient Infrastructure Planning and National Development , aiming to further enhance India's logistics framework. Key Highlights of the LEADS 2024 Report About the Report LEADS is an annual assessment published by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with the goal of enhancing inter-state competitiveness and aiding policymakers in improving logistics performance. Conceived in 2018 on the lines of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by the World Bank, LEADS has grown to become a crucial tool for identifying areas for reform and investment in India’s logistics sector. Objective The report evaluates logistics performance across India's States and Union Territorie...

 A recent research report by the State Bank of India (SBI) reveals a significant decline in poverty rates across both rural and urban regions of India. This remarkable reduction is attributed to targeted government interventions, improvements in rural infrastructure, and better consumption patterns among lower-income groups. Key Findings of the SBI Report Decline in Poverty Rates Rural Poverty : The poverty rate in rural areas has decreased substantially, from 25.7% in FY12 to just 4.86% in FY24. Urban Poverty : In urban areas, poverty has fallen from 13.7% in FY12 to an estimated 4.09% in FY24. Impact of Government Interventions The report credits several government initiatives for this positive trend, including: Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) : Ensuring that financial support directly reaches the beneficiaries, improving their livelihoods. Infrastructure Development : Strengthening rural infrastructure, which has played a crucial role in reducing consumption inequality. Farmer-Ce...

 On January 1st, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) commemorated its 67th Foundation Day, honoring the legacy of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, known as the Missile Man of India. The event underscored DRDO’s pivotal role in enhancing India's defense capabilities. Key Facts About DRDO Established : DRDO was founded in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). Structure : Initially comprising 10 laboratories, DRDO now operates 41 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs). Mission : DRDO’s mission is to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies and systems while equipping the Indian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art weaponry, as per the requirements of all three services. Philosophy : The guiding principle of DRDO is "Balasya Mulam Vigyanam" (Strength lies in science)...

  A recent Lancet study evaluating global progress on the Global Nutrition Targets (GNTs) from 2012 to 2021 has highlighted the slow progress in addressing maternal and child malnutrition, undernutrition, and overweight. The findings underscore concerns regarding policy design and the need for innovative strategies to address these persistent issues. What are Global Nutrition Targets (GNTs)? In 2012, the World Health Assembly endorsed a Comprehensive Implementation Plan on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, which set six global nutrition targets for 2025: Achieve a 40% reduction in the number of children under 5 who are stunted. Achieve a 50% reduction in anaemia in women of reproductive age. Achieve a 30% reduction in low birth weight. Ensure no increase in childhood overweight. Increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months to at least 50%. Reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5%. Key Terms Malnutrition : An imbalance between the nutrie...

↳   Large volumes of water erupted from underground in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, attributed to an artesian well. Experts dismissed its connection to the ancient Saraswati River, suggesting the water’s origins from the prehistoric Tethys Sea. What is an Artesian Well? Definition : An artesian well is a type of well where water rises naturally to the surface under pressure, without the need for pumping. This occurs when water is trapped in a confined aquifer under significant pressure. Key Features : Formation : Forms when a well penetrates a confined aquifer, which is sandwiched between impermeable layers like clay or rock. Pressure Mechanism : The water in the confined aquifer is pressurized by the weight of overlying water. When tapped, the pressure forces water to rise to the surface. Water Flow : Flowing artesian wells: Water rises freely if pressure is sufficient. Non-flowing wells: Requires pumping if the pressure is insufficient. Global Examples : Great Artesian Basin (Australia)...

 Singles' Day, or Double 11, has evolved from a day of self-celebration for single individuals in China to the largest shopping event in the world. Initially, it began in 1993 at Nanjing University, where a group of single students chose November 11 (11/11, representing the singularity of the date) to celebrate their independence and embrace their unmarried status. This small-scale, informal "anti-Valentine's" celebration soon became a cultural phenomenon among young people in China. However, it was Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant, that transformed this quirky day into a global retail event. In 2009, Alibaba launched the first Singles' Day shopping promotions on its platforms, Taobao and Tmall. The event was modest initially, with just 27 merchants involved and a total transaction volume of approximately $7 million. But this was just the beginning. By 2012, the sales from Singles' Day surpassed those of Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined, signaling t...

Every year, India observes National Education Day on November 11th, marking the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Minister of Education in independent India. Azad, a prominent leader, scholar, and freedom fighter, is celebrated for his deep contributions to India's educational landscape and his steadfast commitment to national unity. This day is not just an occasion to honor Azad's legacy, but also to reflect on the state of education in India and how far the nation has come in achieving educational equity and progress. Who Was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad? Born in Mecca in 1888, Maulana Azad grew up with a rich intellectual and spiritual heritage. Fluent in several languages, including Arabic, Persian, English, and Hindi, he was deeply influenced by Islamic teachings and Western philosophy. Azad played a key role in India's independence movement, and after independence, he became the first Minister of Education. Serving from 1947 to 1958, his tenure was ma...