GS2

GS II-SCHEMES Introduction The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) is a micro-credit initiative introduced by the Government of India to support urban street vendors. A recent State Bank of India (SBI) study highlighted the scheme’s success, noting that 43% of beneficiaries are women street vendors. Overview of the …

GS II-EDUCATION Why in News? Announced by PM Modi on Teachers’ Day (Sept 5, 2022) to transform 14,500 schools into model institutions aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. What is the PM SHRI Scheme? Objective: To empower students with 21st-century skills and provide high-quality, inclusive education. Key Features: …

GS II-POLITY Introduction Parliamentary privileges are rights and immunities granted to members of Parliament individually and collectively to enable them to function effectively. A breach of privilege occurs when these rights and immunities are disregarded, and it is considered an offence punishable under parliamentary law. Key Aspects of Breach of …

GS II-POVERTY Introduction The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, is a landmark social welfare legislation introduced by the Government of India. It aims to provide food security to the economically weaker sections of society by ensuring access to subsidized food grains. The Act covers 75% of the rural population …

GS II-SCHEMES Why is it in the News? The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) does not receive direct financial allocations from either the Central or State Governments. Instead, the projects under this scheme are financed through funds accumulated under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMF). According to Section …

GS II-INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION India is set to host the FATF Private Sector Collaborative Forum 2025 in Mumbai. The event will focus on crucial global financial issues, including enhancing payment transparency, promoting financial inclusion, and advancing the transformation of digital financial systems. Overview of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) The …

GS II-POLITY Introduction Judicial appointments in India have long been a subject of debate. Recently, two key developments in the Supreme Court’s Collegium system have surfaced: first, the introduction of interviews for judicial candidates, and second, the exclusion of candidates with close relatives in the judiciary. A persistent power struggle …

GS II-GOVERNANCE The Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) is a mechanism for selecting and appointing officers from All India Services (AIS) and Group ‘A’ Central Services to various senior positions in the Central Government on deputation. The scheme ensures a structured and transparent process for staffing key positions in ministries, departments, …

GS II-WELFARE The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) and the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) are two crucial government initiatives aimed at providing financial assistance during emergencies. While both funds serve a similar purpose, they differ in their structure, governance, and …

GS II – Polity The Finance Bill is a crucial legislative proposal that outlines the government’s taxation and financial policies for the upcoming fiscal year. It is introduced annually in Lok Sabha as part of the Union Budget and includes all necessary legal amendments required for implementing tax proposals. Key …

GS II-Organisation National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is a national-level body under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It serves as the apex organization for implementing the National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) and oversees activities as per the Transplantation …

GS II-Health In a determined effort to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is preparing to roll out a 100-day campaign aimed at TB elimination. About the Initiative   This campaign will be implemented across 33 States and Union Territories to strengthen TB detection, minimize …

GS II- Polity Alimony in India is determined based on multiple legal provisions and varies depending on factors like financial status, lifestyle, and child custody. It is a financial obligation where one spouse provides support to the other post-divorce or separation, ensuring economic stability for the dependent partner. Legal Framework …

GS II- Polity Context: The assisted suicide of Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman in 2024 in Switzerland has rekindled global ethical discussions on the issue of assisted dying. Daniel Kahneman’s Contributions Influence on Behavioral Economics: Integrated psychology into economic theories, transforming decision-making analysis. Key Theoretical Contributions: Loss Aversion: Individuals tend to …

GS II- Initiatives Context (PIB): The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the revised framework of the National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD). Overview of the Revised NPDD About NPDD: Originally launched in 2014 as a Central Sector Scheme, the initiative aims to strengthen and modernize India’s dairy sector. …

GS II- International Relations The United States recently launched over 40 precision strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. Reasons Behind US Military Action Against the Houthis Disruptions in the Red Sea: Since December 2023, Houthi attacks have severely impacted maritime trade, forcing shipping routes to bypass Africa, escalating insurance costs. …

GS II- International Relations Context: Switzerland’s Golden Visa program is among the most desirable residency-by-investment schemes globally. Overview of the Swiss Golden Visa Program Eligibility Requirements: Open to non-EU nationals aged 18-55 who possess a clean legal record, stable financial status, health insurance, and either rented or owned accommodation in …

GS II- Governance The Ramnath Goenka Awards emphasize the crucial role journalism plays in the evolving media landscape. Role of Journalism in Governance Dissemination of Accurate Information: Equips citizens with knowledge essential for making informed governance-related decisions. Watchdog Function: Investigative journalism exposes corruption, human rights abuses, and power misuse. Encouraging …

GS II-International Organisation Introduction The recent Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was held under the theme “Strengthening the Identity of the Indian Ocean.” This article provides a comprehensive overview of IORA, including its objectives, member states, and priority areas. What is the Indian …

GS II-Polity Introduction The 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014 introduced the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), replacing the collegium system for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. The NJAC Act, 2014 was passed by Parliament to establish a transparent and broad-based selection process for judicial appointments. Provisions …