Indian policy

Context: The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, launched on December 3, 2015, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, recently marked nine years of progress. The initiative aims to create a barrier-free environment for Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities) across the country. Implementing Agency: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities …

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 …

Context: The Supreme Court and the Union Government have prioritized the issue of undertrial prisoners, introducing measures like Section 479 of the BNSS, 2023, to address the growing concerns effectively. State of Undertrial Prisoners in India High Proportion of Undertrials: As per NCRB’s Prison Statistics India 2022, 75.8% of incarcerated …

Overview: The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the “Bhu-Neer” portal at the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024. It has been developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), in partnership with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), with the goal of enhancing groundwater regulation across the country. Key Features …

Context The Government is considering revisiting the Safe Harbour provisions under Section 79 of the IT Act to create a more balanced and accountable digital ecosystem, in line with India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision. Safe Harbour Clause Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, offers intermediaries like social media platforms …

Context (TH) Despite a global consensus on combating climate change, fossil fuel subsidies persist as a major hurdle for governments. By making fossil fuels cheaper, these subsidies encourage their continued use, ultimately undermining global climate objectives. Global Scope of Fossil Fuel Subsidies OECD Estimates: Approximately $1.5 trillion annually (2022). IMF …

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and its second-largest economy.   Historical Background of India-Nigeria Bilateral Relations Decades of Partnership India and Nigeria have shared a robust bilateral relationship for over 60 years, rooted in common values such as democracy, pluralism, and economic …

Context: India’s Defence Space Agency (DSA) has launched “Antariksha Abhyas – 2024,” the first dedicated military exercise aimed at preparing India for space-based warfare and defense. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating space capabilities within India’s military operations, underlining space as a crucial area in defense strategy. Key …

Background India has called for a review and possible modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reflecting evolving regional and environmental challenges. Indus Waters Treaty: A Diplomatic Achievement Success in Transboundary Cooperation: The IWT is one of the few examples of successful transboundary water-sharing agreements despite decades of tension. India’s …

The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, a recently approved central sector initiative, aims to support students pursuing higher education. Scheme Features Eligibility: The scheme is open to students gaining admission in institutions listed within the top 100 of the NIRF rankings (overall, category-specific, and domain-specific). Collateral-Free Loans: Students can avail themselves of education …

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) represents the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specified period. While it is widely used as an indicator of economic performance, it has significant limitations in assessing overall well-being and environmental health. Criticisms of GDP as an …

Context (TH|DDN): The Prime Minister has introduced the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card as part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Coverage: Provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family specifically targeting elderly individuals aged 70 years and above. If multiple elderly members are …

Context (TH): Private universities in India are rapidly advancing in global rankings, surpassing public institutions through deliberate internationalization strategies and a heightened emphasis on research output. Internationalization of Higher Education incorporates a global outlook into teaching, learning, and research, promoting graduates who are culturally aware and globally proficient. Key Findings …

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 …

Context Recently, North Korea announced that over 1.4 million people had volunteered to join the military, while it destroyed infrastructure along the border in response to South Korean drone operations and propaganda. Current Issues in the Korean Peninsula: Destruction of Infrastructure: North Korea has destroyed roads and railways near the …

Context The global food insecurity situation is critical, with the FAO reporting that approximately 2.33 billion people worldwide face moderate to severe food insecurity. In India, the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 was introduced as a crucial step toward ensuring food security. However, concerns have been raised regarding the …

Context The Satark Nagrik Sangathan’s 2023-24 report has brought attention to issues with the RTI Act, highlighting the pressing need for reforms. Overview of the RTI Act 2005 The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, grants citizens the right to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory governance …

Context: India has granted refuge to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her forced departure from Bangladesh, despite the absence of an official refugee policy in the country. Defining Refugees: Refugees: Individuals compelled to leave their home country and seek safety in another due to the threat of persecution, …

Context: Recent events in Maharashtra and Delhi have brought to light significant concerns regarding civil service aspirants. In Maharashtra, a trainee officer was discovered to have falsified documents, raising serious questions about the integrity of the selection process. Meanwhile, in Delhi, three aspirants tragically drowned, highlighting the immense pressure and …

Context (TH): India’s Ministry of Health has released its first Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for transporting human organs, which cover various modes of transport, including road, rail, and waterways. Organ Transplantation in India India ranks as the third-largest country globally in terms of organ transplants. From 2013 to 2022, the …