GS2

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE Context: The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated increased funding for school and higher education and introduced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme. Latest Updates The scheme aims to provide students with digital textbooks and educational materials in Indian languages, promoting accessibility and inclusivity in learning. About the …

GS 2 – POLITY Context: The Supreme Court has recently permitted the appointment of ad hoc judges in High Courts to expedite the resolution of pending criminal cases. It also stated that the vacancy level in High Courts does not necessarily have to exceed 20% of the sanctioned strength to …

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has expedited the approval process for housing projects under the PM-JANMAN initiative, benefiting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across India. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan Launch Date: Introduced on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary) on November …

GS2 GOVERNANCE Key Highlights: Objective: Improve transparency and inclusivity in governance, enhance service delivery, and ease of living. Expanded Scope: Both government and private entities can use Aadhaar for services in e-commerce, healthcare, travel, tourism, and hospitality. New Features: Streamlined Approval: Entities must apply via a portal with usage details, …

GS2 POLITY The PM-JANMAN Package was launched in November 2023 to improve living conditions for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across India. It aims for 100% coverage of essential services such as housing, water, healthcare, education, and roads in PVTG habitations, benefiting 75 PVTG communities across 18 states and one …

GS2 POLITY Definition A party whip is an official in a political party responsible for enforcing party discipline. Whips ensure that members attend and vote according to the party line during crucial legislative sessions. Historical Context Originated from English hunting terminology and later formalized by Edmund Burke. Integral to India’s …

GS2 GOVERNANCE Objective of NCMM Primary Aim: To encourage Indian PSUs and private sector companies to acquire critical mineral assets abroad and promote trade with resource-rich countries. Expenditure: Rs. 16,300 crore with an expected investment of Rs. 18,000 crore by PSUs and other entities. Exploration: Focus on intensifying the exploration …

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE Context : The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 highlights significant progress in early childhood education across rural India, showing increased preschool enrollment and improvements in foundational literacy and numeracy skills. About ASER Conducted by Pratham Education Foundation, ASER is a large-scale, citizen-led household survey …

GS 2 – POLITY On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which standardizes personal laws across communities, ensuring equality in matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Key Features: Unified Legal Standards: Establishes uniform laws for marriage, divorce, …

GS 2 – POLITY The Waqf Amendment Bill (2024) seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the management of Waqf properties. Key amendments include: Retaining the “Waqf by User” concept, recognizing properties used for religious purposes as Waqf. Allowing two non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board. Mandating …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Libia Lobo Sardesai, a prominent freedom fighter, played a crucial role in Goa’s struggle for independence from Portuguese rule. Her recent recognition with the Padma Shri award highlights her enduring legacy in India’s freedom narrative. Early Life and Inspiration Born in 1924 in Portuguese-ruled Goa, …

GS2 GOVERNANCE The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 is an annual report that evaluates the fiscal health of Indian states. It is designed to improve fiscal governance and economic resilience through data-driven insights. The FHI uses five key sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Prudence Debt Index Debt Sustainability …

GS2 POLITY Overview: The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) was made mandatory for wage payments under MGNREGA from January 1, 2024, aiming to improve efficiency and transparency. However, recent studies have raised concerns about its effectiveness compared to traditional bank account payment methods. Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS): ABPS links wage payments …

GS2 GOVERNANCE Overview: Launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in August 2023, the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) has facilitated ₹38,000 crore in loans across 7.5 lakh transactions. ULI aims to streamline credit delivery by connecting lenders to diverse data sources via a single interface. What is ULI? ULI …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE  India has made significant progress in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sectors, with the Union Budget 2025-26 expected to further bolster these initiatives. The Union Finance Ministry has highlighted the success of various government policies aimed at attracting investments and creating jobs in these industries. Semiconductor Programme …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE  In a landmark decision, the Karnataka High Court invalidated the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 (GEOA Rules), along with associated Karnataka Regulatory Commission Regulations, 2022. Key Facts of the Case Petitioners’ Arguments Hydropower companies argued that the GEOA Rules infringed upon …

GS2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  Overview India has officially joined the Eurodrone program as an observer nation, becoming the second Asia-Pacific country, after Japan, to achieve this status. About the Eurodrone Program Participants: France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation). Leadership: Led by Airbus Defence …

GS2 – POLITY Overview On January 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of India proposed the temporary appointment of retired judges to address the backlog of criminal cases in High Courts. This suggestion invokes Article 224A of the Constitution, a rarely used provision allowing ad hoc judicial appointments. About Article 224A …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE Overview The European Commission has proposed banning PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in consumer products due to environmental and health risks. These substances persist in the environment and human body, prompting calls for strict regulations. What Are PFAS? Definition: Synthetic chemicals resistant to heat, water, and oil. Applications: …

GS3 – SCIENCE & TECH Discovery of LID-568 Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Chandra X-ray Observatory, researchers identified a unique black hole, LID-568, consuming matter at 40 times the predicted rate. Understanding Supermassive Black Holes Found in most galaxies, often at their centers, with masses ranging from …