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 …
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Cross-Border Payments
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have signed an agreement aimed at promoting the use of local currencies—the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)—in cross-border transactions. About Cross-Border Payments (CBPs) Cross-border payments involve financial transactions where the payer and the recipient …
Read More »Reforming Undertrial Detention in India
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 …
Read More »Struggle to Eliminate Fossil Fuel Subsidies
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 …
Read More »India-China LAC Agreement
Context: The recent agreement between India and China aims to address border issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that intensified after 2020. This agreement focuses on easing tensions, disengaging troops, and lowering military presence. Here are the key points: Patrolling Protocols: The agreement restores patrolling routes to their …
Read More »ILO Report on Women’s Labour Force Participation (WLFP)
Background: The ILO report titled ‘The Impact of Care Responsibilities on Women’s Labour Force Participation (WLP)’ highlights the barriers that caregiving responsibilities pose to Indian women’s participation in the workforce. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Represents the proportion of individuals within a population who are either employed or actively seeking …
Read More »GDP as a Measure of Economic Performance
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 …
Read More »Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
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 …
Read More »Indian Higher Education Institutions
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 …
Read More »Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958
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 …
Read More »Demographic Shift and India
Context: India’s elderly population (those aged 60 and above) is expanding rapidly. In 2023, there are 149 million elderly individuals, making up 10.5% of the total population. By 2050, this figure is projected to reach 347 million, or 20.8% of the population. Challenges of an Ageing Population Increasing Dependency Ratio: …
Read More »Right to Free Food and the National Food Security Act (NFSA):
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 …
Read More »Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005
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 …
Read More »Elephant Census
Context: Recent data from an unreleased elephant census, which incorporated new counting techniques, has revealed a decline in elephant populations across several regions of India, particularly in southern West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Kerala. Previous Counting Methods Total Direct Count Up until 2002, India used the “total direct count” method, …
Read More »National Agriculture Code (NAC)
Overview: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed the National Agriculture Code (NAC), setting comprehensive guidelines for the agricultural sector. Purpose: The NAC provides a standardized framework for the entire agricultural process, akin to the National Building Code and National Electrical Code. Structure of NAC: General Principles: These apply …
Read More »Unemployment
Unemployment is defined as the condition of being without a job despite actively seeking employment and possessing the necessary qualifications, skills, and willingness to work. Types of Unemployment Frictional Unemployment: Temporary joblessness when individuals are between jobs or changing careers. Structural Unemployment: Occurs due to a mismatch between job seekers’ …
Read More »India-Sri Lanka Relations:
Context: Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister met with the Sri Lankan President to discuss collaboration across various sectors, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the two nations. Recent Developments in India-Sri Lanka Relations: Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC): India and Sri Lanka jointly launched the MRCC with a $6 million grant …
Read More »MUDRA 2.0 Program
Background: The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched in 2015 to promote entrepreneurship by providing collateral-free micro-loans up to ₹10 lakh. Recent Changes: The Union Budget 2024 increased the loan ceiling to ₹20 lakh, specifically benefiting those under the Tarun category who had previously accessed MUDRA loans. Impact: The …
Read More »Chandrayaan-3’s Role in Indian Space Exploration
India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission marks a new chapter in space exploration. The successful soft landing near the Moon’s south pole establishes India as the first country to achieve this feat in such a challenging lunar location. This accomplishment opens new opportunities for India to become a leader in space exploration and …
Read More »Different Perspectives on Literacy
Context (TH): The Ministry of Education has provided a definition for ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ as part of its efforts to enhance adult literacy through the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). New India Literacy Programme (NILP): A five-year initiative (2022-27) that aims to enroll 1 crore learners over the age …
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