Introduction The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in 2015, is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to achieve the vision of “Housing for All” by 2022. This essay will delve into the scheme’s objectives, provisions, achievements, challenges, and the way forward for its successful implementation. Objectives Facilitate …

Introduction In a parliamentary democracy, ensuring accountability of the executive is paramount. Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) serve as a potent instrument for Parliament to scrutinize the government’s actions and decisions on specific issues. This essay elaborates on the objectives, provisions, limitations, and potential ways to strengthen JPCs for effective governance. …

Concept : In the Taiwan region, the Philippine Sea plate is moving northwest towards the Eurasian plate at a velocity of about 7.8 cm per year, which is faster than the motion of the Indian plate. Lying 160 km of the coast of China, Taiwan was formed at a convergent …

Concept : Plastic pollution is a major environmental threat, harming ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The global plastic waste problem is projected to worsen significantly without robust intervention. In recognition of this urgency, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a resolution in 2022 to develop a new global treaty …

Introduction India has a rich history of co-existence with animals. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act) serves as a cornerstone legislation for safeguarding animal welfare in the country. Enacted in 1960, it aims to minimize unnecessary pain and suffering inflicted upon animals. Objectives of the PCA …

Introduction The Mediterranean Sea, known for its idyllic weather and rich history, can also unleash powerful storms. Medicanes, a portmanteau of “Mediterranean” and “hurricane,” are tropical-like cyclones that occasionally form over this basin. While less frequent and intense than their tropical counterparts, medicanes pose a significant threat to coastal communities …

Introduction The Remission of Duties or Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme is a key government initiative aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Indian exports in the global market.  Objectives of the RoDTEP Scheme The RoDTEP scheme was introduced in January 2021, replacing the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). …

Introduction The Indian government, recognizing the critical role of semiconductors in the digital age, launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021. This initiative aims to address the country’s dependence on foreign chipmakers and foster a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem Objectives of the ISM The ISM has a multi-pronged approach …

Concept Heatwaves, periods of abnormally high temperatures exceeding seasonal norms, are a growing concern in India. These scorching events pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and overall economic well-being. The Scorching Reality: Frequency and Intensity on the Rise India experiences heatwaves primarily between March and June, with the …

Introduction: The National Agroforestry Policy 2014 was introduced by the Government of India to promote sustainable agroforestry practices across the country. Key Objectives: Encourage widespread adoption of agroforestry to enhance income generation and livelihood security for farmers. Facilitate ecological sustainability by promoting the integration of trees with agriculture. Strengthen the …

Concept Green bonds have emerged as a financial instrument aimed at channeling investments into environmentally sustainable projects. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, green bonds offer a mechanism to finance initiatives that mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability. Definition of Green Bonds: Green bonds are debt …

Concept India, the world’s largest democracy, conducts elections of immense scale and complexity. The electoral process in India is governed by the Constitution and managed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), an autonomous constitutional authority. Electoral Machinery: Election Commission of India (ECI): An independent constitutional body responsible for administering …

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) Act, enacted by the Indian Parliament in August 2023, marks a significant step towards safeguarding the privacy of individuals in the digital age. This act regulates the processing of “digital personal data,” which encompasses any data …

Concept The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) was enacted in India in 1994 to regulate organ donation, retrieval, and transplantation. It aimed to prevent commercial dealings in organs and ensure ethical practices in organ transplantation. However, despite its noble intentions, several challenges persist in its implementation. Provisions …

Introduction: Sugarcane is a vital cash crop in India, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy and the sugar industry. The pricing of sugarcane in India is regulated by the government through various mechanisms to ensure fair returns to farmers while maintaining stability in the sugar market. State Advised Price (SAP): …

Introduction Under OMSS, Food Corporation of India  sells surplus stocks of wheat and rice under OMSS(Domestic) at predetermined prices through eauction in the open market from time to time. OMSS aims to enhance the supply of food grains, especially wheat, during the lean season, there by moderating the open market …

Introduction India’s electronics industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years. However, the sector remains heavily reliant on imports, particularly for highend components and finished products. This dependence exposes India to fluctuations in global prices and hinders its potential to become a major electronics manufacturing hub. To address these challenges, …

Introduction The term “Katchatheevu” translates to “barren island” in the Tamil language. Situated in the Palk Strait, Katchatheevu Island spans approximately 285 acres and remains uninhabited. It lies between India and Sri Lanka, serving as a point of geographical significance in the region. Katchatheevu Island Located 33 km northeast of …

What is the Representation of People Act, 1951? The electoral framework in India is regulated by specific sections within the Indian Constitution, namely Articles 324 to 329 of Part XV. These provisions empower the Parliament to formulate legislation pertaining to both national and statelevel elections. Article 324 specifically establishes the …

Introduction: The National Health Mission (NHM) was launched in 2013 as an umbrella program to integrate various ongoing health initiatives under one overarching framework. It aims to provide accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare services to all citizens, especially those in rural and remote areas, as well as marginalized communities. Objectives: …