Indian society

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: Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2024, celebrated on November 15, coincided with Kartik Purnima. Also referred to as Gurpurab, it honors the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (c. 1469–1539 CE) Birth: Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in Talwandi …

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 Recent initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma scheme and the National Education Policy (NEP) treat caste as a cultural and occupational identity. While these efforts aim to promote inclusion, they raise concerns about achieving real equality.   Key Concepts Culturalisation of Caste Caste is increasingly seen as part of culture, …

Context: The CEO of Niti Aayog recently suggested that India should reconsider its decision not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), especially in light of changing global trade dynamics and new opportunities. Background: In 2019, India decided not to join the RCEP, a trade agreement covering 30% of …

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 …

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 …

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: 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: Recent incidents like the Mysuru-Darbanga Express collision highlight the persistent safety and operational challenges facing Indian Railways. Challenges of Indian Railways: Frequent Train Accidents: High-profile accidents such as Balasore (2023) and Kavaraipettai (2024) point to significant safety gaps, with human error (55.8%) and signaling issues being the primary causes. …

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: Prakrit and Pali have been recognized as Classical languages due to their historical and cultural significance. Prakrits: The Language of the People The term ‘Prakrit’ is derived from ‘Prakriti’, which means ‘source’ or ‘origin’. Most scholars believe that Prakrit languages evolved from Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and …

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India declined a request to remove a Ryles tube from a patient in a vegetative state, even though the 2018 judgment on passive euthanasia permits the withdrawal of life support in terminal cases. Understanding Euthanasia: Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, refers to intentionally …

Context: According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s report titled “Women and Men in India 2023,” there is a notable shortage of women in executive roles. Below are some key insights from the report: Underrepresentation in the Corporate Sector: Disparity in Senior Management: In 2023, only 34,879 women …

Context: Recently, the Sabarmati Express derailed near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after its engine collided with an object on the tracks. Over the last five fiscal years ending in FY23, India has experienced an average of 44 significant train accidents annually. These consequential accidents include incidents that result in injuries, fatalities, …

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: The underrepresentation of SC/ST and OBC officers in senior civil service roles underscores the prevailing dominance of upper castes within the bureaucracy. Challenges in Achieving Social Justice: Underrepresentation of SC/ST Officers: The limited presence of SC/ST officers in high-level government positions restricts their impact on policy-making. For example, only …