A recent petition filed in an Ajmer court seeks a survey of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, claiming it was built over the remains of Hindu and Jain temples that were destroyed. Historical Context of Ajmer The city of Ajmer, originally known as Ajaymeru, was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan. …

https://bit.ly/4eX5HZ1 Introduction PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) is an innovative platform launched on March 25, 2015, by the Government of India to instill a culture of proactive governance and timely implementation of government programs and projects. It serves as a real-time communication and review platform, enabling interaction between various …

Definition: A Windfall Tax is a higher tax imposed on specific industries or businesses that earn extraordinary and unexpected profits due to favorable external circumstances, rather than their own strategic efforts or investments. Key Features of Windfall Tax Unexpected Nature of Profits: The term “windfall” refers to unexpected gains that …

Context (IE): The Hornbill Festival, often referred to as the “Festival of Festivals,” began in the Naga heritage village of Kisama, bringing together the vibrant culture of Nagaland. Overview of the Hornbill Festival Celebration Period: Annually from December 1st to 10th. Location: Kisama Heritage Village, 12 km from Kohima, the …

Context (TH): Insulin resistance has been identified as a potential risk factor for heart valve diseases, including aortic stenosis. What is Aortic Stenosis? Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve, responsible for regulating blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, becomes narrowed. This narrowing restricts the flow of …

Context (IE): The tragic death of a 23-year-old IIT Delhi researcher at Lothal, while conducting research on climate change’s impact on the Indus Valley Civilisation, has brought renewed attention to this significant Harappan site. Location and Historical Context: Lothal is located in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, between the Sabarmati and Bhogavo …

Context (TH): India’s 2047 development goals heavily rely on advancements in science and technology. However, to achieve these ambitions, ensuring robust research security is essential to counter threats like cyberattacks, foreign interference, and intellectual property (IP) theft. Why Research Security is Crucial Safeguarding Strategic Investments: Critical for protecting research in …

Context (IE): In 2023, India reported over 1.72 lakh road fatalities, maintaining its position as the global leader in road accident deaths. Key Statistics (2023) Total Road Accidents: 4.80 lakh, reflecting a 4.2% rise from 2022. Daily Average: 1,317 accidents and 474 fatalities per day. 55 crashes and 20 deaths …

Context (PIB): The Government of India, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has signed a loan agreement aimed at enhancing plant health management in the horticulture sector. This initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme and focuses on providing farmers with disease-free planting materials. Implementing Agencies The …

Context (IE): The Supreme Court of India has ruled that prior government sanction is necessary to prosecute public servants under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Understanding the Prior Sanction Provision Section 197 of the CrPC, 1973: This section prevents courts from taking cognizance of offences allegedly committed …

Context: The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in Maharashtra, launched four months before elections, offers ₹1,500 monthly financial aid to poor women. This has sparked debates about whether such Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes amount to voter bribery or genuine welfare measures. Key Features of Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana …

Recurring Grant: Rs. 152,600 per annum for a crèche serving 25 children. Non-recurring Grant: A grant of Rs. 10,000 at the start of every new crèche, with a subsequent grant of Rs. 5,000 at five-year intervals to replace or purchase new equipment/furniture, water filters, etc. Mission Shakti Overview: Mission Shakti …

Palna Programme is a key initiative under Mission Shakti, which aims to provide daycare facilities and support to the children of working women in both rural and urban areas. This program focuses on offering comprehensive care to children aged 6 months to 6 years, ensuring their holistic development and assisting …

BRICS is an acronym for an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It is a significant geopolitical and economic bloc that plays an essential role in shaping global affairs. Formation and Evolution of BRICS: 2006: BRICS was informally formed when Brazil, Russia, India, …

The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India remains significantly below the global average, indicating several barriers to women’s participation in the workforce. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey for 2022-23, the FLFPR for women in the prime working age group (15 years and above) stands at 37%, …

The global trend towards de-dollarisation refers to the efforts by various countries to reduce their reliance on the US dollar in international trade and finance. This editorial, based on the article Why ‘De-Dollarisation’ is Imminent, explores the causes and consequences of this shift, with a particular focus on the role …

The ongoing discussions within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) focus on establishing a global treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims to provide a comprehensive framework to reduce plastic waste, with particular attention to creating fair conditions for informal waste workers. What …

Producer Price Index (PPI) Definition: The Producer Price Index (PPI) is an economic indicator that measures the average change in prices that producers receive for their goods and services at various stages of production. It focuses on the producer’s perspective, unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures prices from …

Context: The Government of India has approved interest-free loans for 50 years to various States for the development of tourism sites and infrastructure, focusing on lesser-known destinations. This initiative aims to develop 40 new tourism projects across 23 States, reducing overcrowding at popular destinations and promoting alternative tourist locations. Objective …

Context: India’s environmental accomplishments were overlooked in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024, primarily due to the exclusion of country-reported data. Despite this, India has demonstrated leadership in various international environmental forums and made significant progress in biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development. Legislative Framework for Biodiversity Conservation …