The fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting in Busan, South Korea, aimed at formulating a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, ended without a conclusive agreement. The lack of a binding treaty has sparked concerns over the effectiveness and inclusivity of the ongoing negotiations. Key Outcomes and Challenges Lack of …
Read More »Government Issues
Electronic Monitoring of Undertrials: A Solution to Prison Overcrowding?
A recent report on Indian prisons highlights the potential of electronic tracking as a strategy to address overcrowding, with jails operating at 131.4% capacity as of December 2022. Notably, 75.8% of inmates were undertrials, underscoring the urgent need for alternative solutions. Benefits of Electronic Tracking Prison Decongestion: By allowing undertrials …
Read More »Are Election-Time DBT Schemes Voter Bribes?
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 …
Read More »The Shift Toward De-Dollarisation
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 …
Read More »Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958
Context: AFSPA has recently been extended in four districts of Assam, following disturbances related to the situation in Bangladesh. History of AFSPA British Ordinance of 1942: This ordinance was first introduced by the British during World War II to suppress the Indian independence movement. Initial Implementation (1958): It was first …
Read More »Different Perspectives on Literacy
Context (TH): The Ministry of Education has provided a definition for ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ as part of its efforts to enhance adult literacy through the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). New India Literacy Programme (NILP): A five-year initiative (2022-27) that aims to enroll 1 crore learners over the age …
Read More »Euthanasia in India
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India declined a request to remove a Ryles tube from a patient in a vegetative state, even though the 2018 judgment on passive euthanasia permits the withdrawal of life support in terminal cases. Understanding Euthanasia: Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, refers to intentionally …
Read More »Lateral Entry Scheme
Context: The Government of India recently announced a significant recruitment drive for lateral entrants, addressing an “acute shortage” of IAS officers. Lateral entry allows experts from outside the traditional government structure to be appointed to mid and senior-level roles, bypassing the conventional UPSC examination process. This initiative aims to infuse …
Read More »Ensuring Social Justice in the Bureaucracy
Context: The underrepresentation of SC/ST and OBC officers in senior civil service roles underscores the prevailing dominance of upper castes within the bureaucracy. Challenges in Achieving Social Justice: Underrepresentation of SC/ST Officers: The limited presence of SC/ST officers in high-level government positions restricts their impact on policy-making. For example, only …
Read More »Effects of South Asian Tumult
Context India’s neighboring countries have undergone significant political transformations, posing challenges to its diplomatic strategies and prompting a reassessment of regional engagement to safeguard its interests. Diplomatic Challenges in India’s Neighborhood Myanmar’s Military Coup (2021): The military takeover disrupted India’s relationship with Myanmar, affecting security collaborations and infrastructure projects. Taliban …
Read More »Gender-Based Violence in India
Context: In India, although over half of the 642 million eligible voters are women, women’s safety issues receive little attention from political candidates, highlighting a significant discrepancy. Current Situation: Daily, approximately 90 rape cases are reported, nearly half of the women experience domestic violence, and two-thirds of Dalit women face …
Read More »Landslides in India
Context Landslides involve the sudden movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope due to gravity. In July 2024, severe landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and displacement. Types of Landslides Based on Materials Involved Rock Slide: Movement of bedrock down a …
Read More »Death of UPSC Aspirants
Context: Three UPSC aspirants tragically died due to waterlogging after a drain burst in a cramped basement coaching center in Delhi. This incident highlights alarming civic irregularities and delays in safety measures. With the World Bank predicting that 40% of India’s population will reside in cities by 2036 and Delhi’s …
Read More »Exam Paper Leaks in India
Context The Bihar Assembly passed the ‘Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill’ to address question paper leaks and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations. Recent Cases of Paper Leaks NEET-UG medical entrance examination, 2024 Rajasthan Eligibility for Elementary Teachers, 2023 Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission Examination, 2023 UP …
Read More »Unemployment
Unemployment is defined as the condition of being without a job despite actively seeking employment and possessing the necessary qualifications, skills, and willingness to work. Types of Unemployment Frictional Unemployment: Temporary joblessness when individuals are between jobs or changing careers. Structural Unemployment: Occurs due to a mismatch between job seekers’ …
Read More »Defection in Indian Politics
Context In recent Indian political scenarios, many defectors have not only won subsequent elections but have also secured ministerial positions. This phenomenon has significant impacts on the political landscape. Impacts of Defection Government Instability: Defections can topple governments, particularly in coalition setups. For instance, the Karnataka government collapsed in 2019 …
Read More »National Emergency in India
On June 25, 2024, India marked fifty years since the National Emergency (1975-1977), a period characterized by the suspension of civil liberties, restricted press freedom, widespread arrests, and postponed elections. The Aftermath of the National Emergency in India (1975) Political Transformation The 1977 elections saw four major opposition parties merge …
Read More »Expunction in Parliamentary Proceedings
Context The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha concluded amid disputes regarding the removal of remarks made by Opposition leaders in both Houses of Parliament. Expunction refers to the parliamentary procedure where specific remarks are removed from the official records. Rules Governing Expunction Article 105: Grants MPs the …
Read More »Industrial Accidents
An explosion at a chemical reactor in Dombivli, Maharashtra, caused multiple fatalities and injuries. Frequent Industrial Accidents in Maharashtra: Reports indicate that industrial accidents have been alarmingly frequent in the years 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023. Causes: Lack of Implementation of Relocation Plans: The Maharashtra government has failed to relocate …
Read More »Emergency Provisions in India
Context: On June 25, India marked fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency. During the 21-month period from 1975 to 1977, civil liberties were suspended, press freedom was curtailed, mass arrests were conducted, elections were cancelled, and rule by decree was enforced. Types of Emergencies in the Indian Constitution …
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