National Affairs

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: The Government of India recently announced a significant recruitment drive for lateral entrants, addressing an “acute shortage” of IAS officers. Lateral entry allows experts from outside the traditional government structure to be appointed to mid and senior-level roles, bypassing the conventional UPSC examination process. This initiative aims to infuse …

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 …

Introduction of the Bill Karnataka has proposed the Draft Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security & Welfare) Bill, following Rajasthan’s enactment of the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023. The bill aims to address the social security and welfare needs of gig and platform workers. Context and …

Context: Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for 2024 are now open. Overview: Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has awarded the National Gopal Ratna Award annually under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. This is one of the highest national awards in livestock and dairy, aimed at …

Despite the efforts initiated by the 11th Finance Commission, financial devolution to urban areas remains inadequate. Municipalities suffer from poor fiscal health, and rapid urbanization without sufficient fiscal measures hinders development. Financial Devolution to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) India allocates only 0.5% of its GDP to ULBs, whereas countries like …

Context: On June 25, India marked fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency. During the 21-month period from 1975 to 1977, civil liberties were suspended, press freedom was curtailed, mass arrests were conducted, elections were cancelled, and rule by decree was enforced. Types of Emergencies in the Indian Constitution …

Context: India’s Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Ors. Vs. Union of India & Ors., has introduced a significant new dimension to the country’s climate change jurisprudence. SC Verdict The Supreme Court recognized the right to “be free from the adverse effects of climate change” as …

GS-3: Key Environmental Concerns in the Indian Himalayan Region, Recent Supreme Court Judgments Support Environmental Conservation Efforts, The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is widely recognized as India’s “water tower” and a vital provider of essential ecosystem goods and services. Despite this critical understanding, there remains a significant disconnect between the …

The PESA Act 1996 was enacted to empower Scheduled Tribes by recognizing them as key political stakeholders. Historical Background: Tribal communities in India have faced marginalization and exclusion from mainstream political and economic systems. They have encountered challenges such as displacement, loss of land and resources, and cultural erosion. The …

Relevancy for Mains: Need for an Internal Security Plan, Importance of having a National Security Doctrine (NSD) for India, etc. India enjoys a position of international prestige unseen since independence, and the economy thrives. Notably, China has acknowledged India’s resolve to resist undue pressure. However, to capitalize on this momentum, …

Unlocking Value in Infrastructure The NMP is a government initiative launched in the 2021-22 Union Budget to leverage private sector expertise for infrastructure development. It focuses on monetizing core government assets (roads, railways, power) through partnerships, not privatization (ownership transfer). Goals and Benefits: Generate Rs 6 lakh crore over four …

Context: Indian industry bodies have expressed concerns regarding the Angel Tax, particularly its recent expansion in the Finance Bill 2023. This development comes amidst a decline in startup funding and job losses. Understanding Angel Tax: Angel Tax refers to the income tax levied on unlisted companies that issue shares to …

Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the development of the Vadhavan Port, a major greenfield deep-draft port project in Maharashtra. This ambitious project, estimated to cost ₹76,200 crore, is poised to significantly enhance India’s maritime infrastructure. Project Details: Implementation: The port will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), …

Introduction: The GREAT Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the technical textiles sector. Objectives: Promote research and development: GREAT encourages scientists, technologists, and startups to translate their ideas into commercially viable products and technologies for technical …

GS-2: Plight of delivery workers in India’s gig economy,  Measures needed to protect rights and ensure fair treatment of gig workers, etc. What allows companies to keep workers casual, celebrating ‘partners’ for PR purposes while ignoring protests demanding basic rights? Worker Conditions Heatwave Impact: Workers endure extreme heat; customers are …

What is Constitutional Morality? Constitutional morality goes beyond the literal interpretation of the Indian Constitution. It emphasizes the spirit of the document, focusing on adherence to its core principles like justice, equality, liberty, and rule of law. It’s the unwritten code that guides the actions of state institutions and individuals …

The National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA), also referred to as the National Quantum Mission (NQM), is a government of India initiative launched in 2023. This ambitious mission aims to propel India to the forefront of quantum technology development. Objectives: Seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial …

Why was the NOTA Option Introduced, and Its Consequences GS2 : About NOTA and its consequences with respect to the Voters Right to Secrecy, Implications of Large Number of Votes to NOTA Option, etc. The BJP’s Shankar Lalwani has won in Indore with a massive 10.09 lakh margin, receiving 12,26,751 …