GS 2: GOVERNANCE The Namo Drone Didi scheme is a Central Sector initiative launched by the Government of India to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing them with drone technology for agricultural services. With an allocated budget of ₹1,261 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, the scheme aims …
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India-France-UAE Trilateral Air Combat Exercise
GS 2 – International Relation India-France-UAE Trilateral Air Combat Exercise: India, France, and the UAE have initiated the trilateral air combat exercise “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea. This operation aims to enhance interoperability and strategic cooperation among the three nations’ air forces. Exercise Desert Knight is a trilateral air …
Read More »Distressed Employment in Jammu and Kashmir
GS – 2 – Economy Distressed employment refers to a situation where individuals are forced to accept low-paying, insecure, and informal jobs due to economic, social, or political distress. In Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the issue is exacerbated by several factors including political instability, lack of industrialization, skill gaps, and …
Read More »Simultaneous Election
GS 2 – Polity What is a Simultaneous Election? Simultaneous elections refer to a system where elections to the Lok Sabha (India’s Parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies are synchronized. Voters cast their votes for both on the same day, either in a single phase or over a phased timeline. …
Read More »India-EFTA Pact: Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)
GS 2 – International Relation Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is to foster investments and enhance exports, with a special focus on India’s IT, audio-visual sectors, and the mobility of skilled professionals. Date of Signing: March 10, 2024 Participants: India and EFTA member countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. …
Read More »ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI)
GS 2 – Polity About the Election Commission of India (ECI): Constitutional Foundation Established under: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. Role: Conducts elections for: Parliament and state legislatures. Offices of the President and Vice President of India. Exclusion: Does not oversee local body elections (handled by State Election Commissions). …
Read More »Territorial dispute between Israel and Palestine
GS 2 – International relation The territorial dispute between Israel and Palestine centers on both claiming historical rights to the same areas, including Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. This conflict has led to the displacement of many Palestinians, creating a significant refugee population. Over the years, tensions have flared …
Read More »Vice President of India
GS 2: Polity Opposition’s No-Confidence Motion The opposition has moved a no-confidence motion against the Vice President, alleging biased conduct during Rajya Sabha proceedings. Key Reasons for Motion: Neutrality: Essential for presiding officers in democracy. Alleged Bias: Claims of favoritism in debates, procedures, and disciplinary actions. Democratic Values: Ensures Rajya …
Read More »Syrian Civil War
GS 2-IR Historical Context: Since 1971, Syria has been governed by the Assad family. Hafez al-Assad ruled as an authoritarian leader until his death in 2000, when his son, Bashar al-Assad, assumed power. Their regime was characterized by a tightly controlled state apparatus, suppression of dissent, and favoritism towards the …
Read More »CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION
GS-2-International organisation The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international body established in May 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its primary objective is to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade. Key Functions and Recognition: Codex Standards: The …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA)
GS-2-IR The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing its application for military purposes, including nuclear weapons. Established in 1957, it is often referred to as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization. Its governance is based on …
Read More »World Malaria Report 2024
GS-2-Disease Why in News? The 2024 World Malaria Report has been published by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting India’s “significant progress” in reducing both malaria incidence and mortality. What is Malaria? About Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through bites …
Read More »The Schengen Area
GS 2 – International Relation Origin and Expansion The Schengen Area derives its name from Schengen, a small village in Luxembourg near the borders of France and Germany, where the landmark agreement was signed in 1985. Initially involving five of the six founding members of the European Union (excluding Italy), …
Read More »Privilege Motion in Parliament
GS 2 – Polity Parliamentary Privileges are special rights granted to Members of Parliament (MPs) to facilitate the smooth functioning of legislative business. While there is no codified list, these privileges include freedom of speech in Parliamentary debates, where MPs are protected from court proceedings for their statements. If a …
Read More »India-Sri Lanka Relations
GS 2 – International Relation India-Sri Lanka relations are defined by a blend of historical connections, strategic partnerships, and economic collaborations. Below is a detailed outline: Historical Ties India and Sri Lanka share a long-standing history of cultural, religious, and trade interactions dating back to ancient times. Strong cultural connections …
Read More »Impeachment of Judges in India
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 »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 »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 »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 …
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