Editorials

Context: Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2024, celebrated on November 15, coincided with Kartik Purnima. Also referred to as Gurpurab, it honors the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (c. 1469–1539 CE) Birth: Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in Talwandi …

Context The Thai Sacbrood Virus (TSBV) poses a significant threat to Asiatic honey bees, endangering their populations and the ecosystems they support. About Thai Sacbrood Virus (TSBV) TSBV is a variant of the Sacbrood Virus (SBV), which affects honey bee colonies. First identified in Thailand in 1976, the virus caused …

Context: The 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was a landmark achievement in the global movement toward gender equality, culminating from decades of advocacy and activism by women’s rights organizations. Current Status of Women and Challenges Gender Inequality: The COVID-19 pandemic worsened existing gender disparities, as highlighted in a …

Context: India’s governance has been revolutionized through advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Concurrently, the Council of Europe has introduced a groundbreaking AI treaty to uphold human rights and democratic principles. Key Trends Driving AI Integration in Governance Expanding Digital Footprint: With over 900 million Indians online, the number is …

On 18 November 2024, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) successfully test-fired India’s first long-range hypersonic missile off the Odisha coast, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities.   Key Features of the Missile Range: Over 1500 km. Global Pioneers: India joins an elite group of nations with …

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a strategic framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. It serves as an emergency response mechanism activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches certain thresholds, ensuring that actions are taken promptly to mitigate pollution levels.   Key Features of …

“Bulldozer Justice” refers to the controversial practice in India where authorities use heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, to demolish properties belonging to individuals accused of serious crimes like communal violence, murder, or rape. These actions are often criticized for bypassing the due legal processes mandated for demolishing immovable properties, raising …

Context A rare Red-Headed Vulture was recently spotted in Kasaragod, Kerala, drawing attention to its conservation status and efforts to protect it.   Key Facts Scientific Name: Sarcogyps calvus Common Names: Asian King Vulture Pondicherry Vulture Global Distribution: Found in Central India, parts of Southern India (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), …

Context India’s renewable energy journey is at a pivotal moment, balancing the need for sustainable growth with rising energy demands and climate risks.   Advantages of Green Transition Economic Growth: Attract climate finance and create green jobs, boosting the economy. Energy Security: Reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, enhancing self-reliance. …

Context The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a notification simplifying the process for setting up new industries by removing the requirement for dual approvals—Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE).   Understanding Dual Approval Dual approval refers to the requirement for industries to obtain …

Context The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Government to establish mandatory rules to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.   Issues Faced by PwDs Accessibility Disparities: Significant variations in accessible transport infrastructure across states. Example: Delhi …

Context The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised concerns over the inadequate compliance with the devolution of powers to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as mandated by the 74th Constitutional Amendment, even after 31 years of its enactment.   Key Highlights of the CAG Report Compliance Status Limited …

Context India’s governance systems face challenges in efficiency and effectiveness, particularly when compared to private sector management. A significant factor is the limited availability of formal training in public policy and management for those involved in governance.   Current State of Public Policy Education in India Limited Educational Institutions: Only …

Context The Government of India is focusing on cooperative societies to drive socio-economic growth through reforms and policies. Cooperatives are member-owned organizations that address shared economic, social, and cultural needs through democratic decision-making (as defined by the International Cooperative Alliance).   Evolution of Cooperatives in India Pre-Independence Developments Early Beginnings: …

Context The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Government to enforce mandatory accessibility standards for public spaces and services, emphasizing that accessibility is a fundamental right under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.   Supreme Court’s Observations and Ruling Non-Compliance with RPwD Act: The Court …

Context Northern India is witnessing early smog this winter, raising concerns about air quality and health.   Factors Contributing to Early Smog Formation Weather-Related Factors: Weak Western Disturbances: Weak weather systems have brought moisture into the plains, creating conditions conducive to smog formation. Atmospheric Inversion: Lower temperatures and weaker sunlight …

Context The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2023.   What Are D-SIBs? Definition: D-SIBs are banks whose failure could severely disrupt the financial system and economy due to their: Size Complex …

Context The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, validating it against Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR).   Key Features of Pinaka System Developer: Designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a laboratory under the DRDO. Versions …

Context The MATES scheme, introduced by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, allows Indian university graduates and early-career professionals to work in Australia for two years. This initiative stems from the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), signed in 2023, which promotes legal migration and tackles illegal migration between India and …

Context Recent initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma scheme and the National Education Policy (NEP) treat caste as a cultural and occupational identity. While these efforts aim to promote inclusion, they raise concerns about achieving real equality.   Key Concepts Culturalisation of Caste Caste is increasingly seen as part of culture, …