Editorials

Context: In the Supreme Court case of The State of Punjab and Ors. vs Davinder Singh and Ors., the court upheld the sub-classification of reservations within the Scheduled Castes (SC) category, which is in line with the ideals of social justice and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision for a fairer society. …

Context: The potential of agriculture as a driver of economic growth and job creation in India requires deeper analysis. Current Status of the Indian Agriculture Sector: Growth and Contribution: Indian agriculture has maintained an average growth rate of 4% over the past five years, contributing 18% to the nation’s GDP. …

Context: Income inequality remains a critical global challenge, requiring comprehensive solutions. To achieve greater equity, there is a need to shift from the traditional “economies of scope and scale” to an “economy of purpose.” Key Strategies to Combat Income Inequality Implementing Progressive Taxation: Progressive tax systems are essential for redistributing …

Context: The Prime Minister’s visit to Brunei underscores 40 years of diplomatic relations, emphasizing Brunei’s strategic significance in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy. Significance of the Visit: Opening of the Chancery: The Indian PM inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, symbolizing the deepening of diplomatic ties. …

Context: Bangladesh’s journey from its 1971 independence to becoming an economic success story is now challenged by political repression and the lack of adequate job creation. Historical Evolution: 1971 Liberation War: Bangladesh emerged following a civil war with West Pakistan, driven by political oppression and ethnic divisions. Ethnic Tensions: Pakistan’s …

Context: The approach of African leaders during the FOCAC meeting in Beijing could offer valuable insights for India to strengthen its partnership with Africa. Africa’s Key Priorities at FOCAC 2024: Trade Expansion with China: Africa seeks to enhance exports to China by focusing on value-added products instead of raw materials. …

Open prisons, also known as semi-open prisons, represent a reformative approach to incarceration, focusing on the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates. Unlike traditional high-security prisons, open prisons allow inmates more freedom and responsibility, with minimal physical barriers and a focus on self-discipline and community engagement. Key Features of Open Prisons: …

Recent Developments The Supreme Court of India has recently mandated several states and Union Territories (UTs) to provide comprehensive details about the operation of open prisons within their regions. This directive is in response to ongoing concerns about overcrowding in traditional prisons, an issue that has garnered the Court’s attention. …

Context: The Animal Husbandry Department has developed a mobile app named “21st Livestock Census” to carry out a comprehensive survey of livestock across India. The app’s purpose is to gather updated livestock data to help formulate the next government action plan and contribute to the National Indicator Framework Progress Report …

Context: The Supreme Court has put a hold on a notification from the AYUSH Ministry that “omitted” Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The Supreme Court noted that this notification contradicted an earlier Supreme Court ruling related to misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved. This ruling required advertisers …

Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently issued the ‘Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024.’ These rules are designed to improve the management and execution of the Digital Bharat Nidhi initiative. The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), established under the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, has been …

Context: The ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in widespread destruction, significant displacement of populations, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Background Enduring Legacy of Conflict: Since gaining independence in 1956, Sudan has experienced 15 military coups, endured two civil wars, …

Context: INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, has been officially commissioned into service in Visakhapatnam. Strategic Significance: The induction of INS Arighaat enhances India’s nuclear triad capabilities, reinforcing nuclear deterrence and contributing to strategic stability and national security. Technical Specifications: While INS Arighaat shares the same reactor and …

Context: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a major national initiative for financial inclusion, was launched on August 28, 2014, and recently marked its 10th anniversary. Notable Achievement: PMJDY holds a Guinness World Record for opening 1.8 crore bank accounts within the first week of its launch. Overview of …

Recently, the Ministry of Jal Shakti expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in obtaining approvals for Project Dolphin. What is Project Dolphin? Overview: Project Dolphin was given in-principle approval in 2019 during the first meeting of the National Ganga Council (NGC), chaired by the Prime Minister. It is part of …

Why is it in the News? Recently, the Prime Minister of India attended the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra. This significant event was centered around the empowerment of rural women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Key Highlights of the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan: Certificates and Recognitions: The Prime Minister presented certificates and …

Why in News? Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched the ‘Prime Minister (PM) Vishwakarma Scheme’ on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme? Overview: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople involved in various trades such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, …

Why in News? The Union Cabinet has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which aims to provide a guaranteed pension for government employees after retirement. The scheme will take effect on April 1, 2025, with central government employees transitioning from the current National Pension System (NPS) to the UPS. State …

The India-Brazil strategic partnership, established in 2006, has “deepened and diversified” over time, encompassing various domains. Areas of cooperation Develop strategic partnerships in BRICS, IBSA, G4, and G20 to strengthen political cooperation. ❖ Global South Leadership involves promoting South-South cooperation and advocating for large developing countries to influence global rules. …

Context: The Supreme Court has emphasized that in cases of money laundering, the principle of bail being the rule and jail an exception should be upheld. Interpretation of Section 45: The Supreme Court clarified that Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which outlines the conditions for …