GS2 – Polity Constitutional Provisions Articles 124(4) and 124(5): Govern the impeachment process for judges of the Supreme Court. Article 217: Applies to the removal of judges of the High Court. Grounds for Removal: Proven misbehavior or incapacity. Key Features of Impeachment Applicability: Judges of the Supreme Court and High …
Read More »Yearly Archives: 2024
Namaste Scheme:
GS 2 – Schemes The Namaste Scheme (National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Government of India to eliminate hazardous manual scavenging and promote the adoption of modern and mechanized sanitation practices. Objectives Eradicate Manual Scavenging: Replace manual scavenging with mechanized cleaning …
Read More »Haemophilia:
GS 3 – disease Haemophilia is a genetic disorder in which the blood does not clot properly due to the absence or deficiency of specific clotting factors. It leads to prolonged bleeding after injuries, surgeries, or even spontaneously. Types of Haemophilia Haemophilia A: Caused by a deficiency of Factor VIII. …
Read More »Dark Matter and Dark Energy:
GS 3 science and technology Dark Matter Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects on visible matter. Key Characteristics Invisible: It does not interact with electromagnetic radiation. Massive: Accounts for …
Read More »The Right to Disconnect
GS 1 Polity Recent Discussions The concept of the right to disconnect has been gaining attention as a way to enhance productivity and ensure the overall well-being of employees and employers. Understanding the Right to Disconnect Definition: The right to disconnect allows employees to disengage from work-related communications (emails, calls, …
Read More »The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)
GS 3 -Internal Security is a law enacted by the Indian Parliament to grant special powers to the armed forces in “disturbed areas” to maintain public order. It has been a subject of significant debate due to its implications on human rights and security. Key Features of AFSPA Granting Special …
Read More »One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
GS 3 -Internal Security What is ONOS? The “One Nation One Subscription” (ONOS) scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing free access to scholarly journals and research articles for students, teachers, and researchers across India. Objective of ONOS Equal Access to Knowledge: To bridge the gap in access to …
Read More »The Champions of the Earth Award
GS 3 Environment On December 10, 2024, Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil won the United Nations’ (UN) highest environmental honor, the Champions of the Earth award. It is the highest environmental honor awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It recognizes individuals, organizations, and governments whose actions have had a transformative …
Read More »POSHAN Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission)
GS 2-Health Introduction: POSHAN Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India in March 2018, is a flagship program aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The term “POSHAN” stands for Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition. It is a multi-ministerial initiative aimed at addressing …
Read More »Renewed Phase of the Syrian Civil War
GS2 IR Context: In late November 2024, Syria’s “Military Opposition Command” initiated a large-scale offensive against Assad’s forces, reigniting conflict in the region. Travel Advisory: India’s Ministry of External Affairs has cautioned against all non-essential travel to Syria due to heightened risks from the escalating violence. Background: The Syrian Civil …
Read More »UV Emissions from Novae in the Andromeda Galaxy
GS3 Science and Technology Key Context: Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have detected far ultraviolet (FUV) emissions from novae in the Andromeda Galaxy, marking a first in such observations. This achievement utilized data from AstroSat, India’s first space astronomy observatory, particularly its Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT). What …
Read More »Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis)
GS 3 species Key Highlights: Oldest Wild Bird: Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, holds the record as the oldest known wild bird at 74 years old, having laid her 60th egg. Cultural Significance: Known as “Mōlī” in Hawaiian culture, these birds symbolize good luck and guidance. Biological Features Longevity: These birds …
Read More »Gamifying India’s Skilling Initiatives
GS2 governance Context: India faces significant unemployment challenges and a growing demand for industry-relevant skills. Innovative approaches like gamification and simulation-based training can bridge the skill gap and prepare the workforce for modern industry requirements. India’s Skilling Challenges Limited Reach of Skilling Programs: Only 21% of youth (15–29 years) received …
Read More »Mule Bank Account
GS 3 Economy Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced an AI-powered solution, MuleHunter.AI, to address digital fraud involving mule bank accounts. Developed by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) in Bengaluru, this AI/ML-based tool is designed to be more precise than traditional rule-based systems, which often generate …
Read More »U.S. Presidential Pardons
GS2-polity Context: In November 2024, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden issued an unconditional pardon for his son, covering federal offenses from 2014 to 2024, reigniting debates about the scope and use of presidential clemency. Presidential Pardons: Authorized under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, presidential pardons grant clemency …
Read More »Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) 2030
Recent Development: The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) launched the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) during the COP16 summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. About Drylands Definition: Areas characterized by water scarcity covering over 40% of Earth’s land surface. Global Drylands: Account for 46% of the …
Read More »Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
Recent Update: The Supreme Court has directed the involvement of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and UNESCO’s Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for restoring two heritage buildings in Mysore. Overview of INTACH What is INTACH? An autonomous non-profit organization dedicated to preserving India’s culture and …
Read More »Anna Chakra and SCAN Portal
Recent Development: The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution recently launched Anna Chakra and the Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA (SCAN) portal, aimed at saving approximately ₹250 crore annually. Anna Chakra What is Anna Chakra? Purpose: A tool to optimize the Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain …
Read More »Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC/ST Act)
Recent Development: The Punjab & Haryana High Court recently quashed an FIR under the SC/ST Act because it failed to establish that the accused was aware of the complainant’s caste. About the Act: Objective: Prevent atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) and ensure justice for these communities …
Read More »Fiscal Deficit: Key Insights
Why in News? The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recommended that the Union Government avoid setting overly ambitious fiscal deficit targets to ensure sustainable economic growth. What is Fiscal Deficit? Definition: The fiscal deficit is the gap between the government’s total expenditure and its total revenue (excluding borrowings). Current …
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