GS2

PRELIMS BITS – HEALTH Context: Doctors suggest that Vitamin B12 strips are more effective than tablets due to direct absorption into the bloodstream. What is Vitamin B12? Also Known As: Cobalamin, due to the presence of cobalt. Nature: Water-soluble vitamin, part of the B-complex group. Storage in Body: Unlike most …

GS2 POLITY: Introduction The Dramatic Performances Act of 1876 was a colonial-era law used by the British government to censor theatrical performances deemed seditious or scandalous. The Modi government repealed it as part of broader efforts to modernize India’s legal framework by removing outdated colonial laws. Background & Purpose Enacted …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Overview The Government of India has allocated funds under the Special Assistance Scheme, offering 50-year interest-free loans to states. The scheme promotes capital investment and supports state-led reforms. Scheme Details Launched: FY 2021 with an initial allocation of ₹12,000 crore. Current Allocation: ₹1.3 trillion (FY24), with ₹30,000 crore …

GS2 POLITY:  The regulation, formulated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) aim to attract private investment in inland waterways. IWAI under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the nodal agency for development of waterways Key Provisions of the Regulations Scope: Covers existing and new terminals, both …

GS2 SOCIETY:  UGC Caste Discrimination Rules: Latest Updates The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that the new UGC regulations will grant it the authority to de-recognize higher education institutions (HEIs) that fail to prevent caste and religion-based discrimination.   Caste-Based Discrimination in Indian Universities Caste discrimination in Indian …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  The Income Tax Bill 2025 introduces key amendments to the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR), expanding the powers of tax authorities to issue reassessment notices beyond the current time limits. This move aims to combat tax avoidance more effectively. What is GAAR? GAAR is a framework to prevent tax …

GS2 POLITY:  The Union Ministry of Law and Justice withdrew the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill on February 23, 2025, following widespread lawyer protests and objections from the Bar Council of India (BCI). The Bill, introduced on February 13, 2025, proposed major changes to the legal profession but faced unanimous opposition …

GS2 POLITY: The Supreme Court has halted a Lokpal order concerning a corruption complaint against a High Court judge, highlighting tensions between judicial accountability and independence. The Lokpal, headed by former Supreme Court judge A.M. Khanwilkar, claimed jurisdiction under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, prompting Supreme Court intervention. Supreme …

GS2 POLITY:  What Is Delimitation? Redrawing electoral boundaries to ensure equal representation. Mandated by the Constitution after each Census. Last major delimitation happened in 2001, following a freeze on seat changes since 1976. Historical Context Conducted in 1951, 1961, and 1971 based on Census data. 42nd Amendment (1976) froze seat …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Overview Launched by MeitY, the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal streamlines authentication approvals. Aims to enhance ease of living and improve public service accessibility. Purpose and Function Facilitates submission and approval of Aadhaar authentication requests. Improves efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in service delivery. Legislative Background Follows January 2025 amendment …

GS2 POLITY: Overview of the DPDP Act The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 regulates digital data processing while balancing individual rights and lawful processing needs. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) is consulting on its draft rules. Disability rights activists oppose Section 9(1), which mandates guardian consent …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  India’s SDG Performance India, as the world’s most populous nation, struggles with nine out of 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report evaluates the progress of all 36 states and Union Territories (UTs). Key Achievements Only four SDGs have reached at least halfway completion across all states and …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Key Updates CDSCO has upgraded the Sugam Portal to streamline clinical trial site additions and changes in principal investigators for biological products. This move aligns with ongoing efforts to digitize regulatory processes and improve efficiency in drug approvals. About the Sugam Portal A digital platform for manufacturers to …

GS 2 – POLITY Context The Union Home Minister has assured that the proposed delimitation exercise will not result in a reduction of parliamentary seats in South Indian states, addressing concerns raised by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. What is Delimitation? Delimitation is the process of determining the number of …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  According to a Crisil Report, India’s yearly wind power capacity additions are projected to double, rising from approximately 3.4 GW in FY 24-25 to around 7.1 GW by FY 26-27. Wind Energy in India Total Installed Capacity: As of January 2025, India’s wind energy capacity has more than …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Launched on February 18, 2025, by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, NAKSHA aims to modernize urban land records under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). The pilot project covers 152 urban local bodies across 26 states. What Is NAKSHA? A geospatial survey initiative improving …

GS 2 – POLITY Context: The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka has resurfaced due to linguistic tensions in Belagavi, leading to renewed legal and political confrontations over territorial claims. Origins of the Dispute State Reorganisation Act, 1956: This Act reorganized Indian states based on linguistic lines, sparking disputes over …

GS 2 – POLITY Context: The Union Home Minister recently led the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Pune. Introduction to Zonal Councils Zonal Councils were proposed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 to ease linguistic tensions and encourage inter-state cooperation. Legal Framework: These councils were created …

GS 2 – POLITY Context: MP Amritpal Singh, detained under the National Security Act, risks losing his parliamentary seat due to extended absence from the House. Understanding Article 101(4): An MP’s seat can be declared vacant if they are absent for 60 consecutive sittings without obtaining permission. This 60-day count …

GS 2 – POLITY The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. It serves as the apex institution in India for the protection and promotion of human rights, defined as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and …