National Issues

Context Landslides involve the sudden movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope due to gravity. In July 2024, severe landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and displacement. Types of Landslides Based on Materials Involved Rock Slide: Movement of bedrock down a …

Context According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Poshan Tracker data reveals that approximately 17% of children aged 0-5 years are underweight, 36% are stunted, and 6% are wasted. Findings of Poshan Tracker: Stunting Rates: Uttar Pradesh (46.36%), Lakshadweep (46.31%), Maharashtra (44.59%), and Madhya Pradesh (41.61%). Wasting Rates: …

Context The Bihar Assembly passed the ‘Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill’ to address question paper leaks and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations. Recent Cases of Paper Leaks NEET-UG medical entrance examination, 2024 Rajasthan Eligibility for Elementary Teachers, 2023 Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission Examination, 2023 UP …

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’ …

Context A dive into the taxation system in India and its impact on the black money market. Black Money Definition: Also known as illicit wealth, black money refers to assets and income not declared to the government for taxation. Sources: Includes income from illegal activities like drug trafficking and money …

A stampede occurred during a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district. What is a Stampede? A stampede is a “disruption of the orderly movement of crowds leading to injuries and fatalities,” often in response to a perceived danger, loss of physical space, or to attain something seen as gratifying. …

On June 25, 2024, India marked fifty years since the National Emergency (1975-1977), a period characterized by the suspension of civil liberties, restricted press freedom, widespread arrests, and postponed elections. The Aftermath of the National Emergency in India (1975) Political Transformation The 1977 elections saw four major opposition parties merge …

An explosion at a chemical reactor in Dombivli, Maharashtra, caused multiple fatalities and injuries. Frequent Industrial Accidents in Maharashtra: Reports indicate that industrial accidents have been alarmingly frequent in the years 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023. Causes: Lack of Implementation of Relocation Plans: The Maharashtra government has failed to relocate …

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 …

Context: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike’s (BBMP) proposal for a Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess highlights the financial strain ULBs face in managing India’s burgeoning solid waste crisis. ULBs and SWM: The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 authorize ULBs to levy user fees or SWM cess to recover costs associated …

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 …

What is Identity Politics? Identity politics refers to political strategies that focus on the interests and perspectives of specific social groups based on shared characteristics like caste, religion, language, gender, or ethnicity. These groups mobilize and advocate for policies that address historical injustices, promote cultural recognition, and achieve social and …

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 …

Scorching Temperatures Grip India. Northern, Central, and Northeastern India are experiencing unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures shattering records. Delhi, the capital, witnessed a scorching 52.9°C, though the India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggests it might be an anomaly. Regardless, the situation is dire. Greenhouse Gas Emissions The primary culprit behind this scorching …

Introduction Define Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAIs): Infections acquired by patients while receiving medical care in a hospital or other healthcare setting. Highlight the global concern: HCAIs pose a significant public health threat worldwide, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Emphasize the Indian context: The situation in India is particularly …

GS Paper 2 : Mains: Issues with Collegium system, Global Examples of appointing Judges Recently, a retiring Calcutta High Court judge revealed that he has always been a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Timeline for changes in Political Ideology in Judicial Appointments in India Historical Context Pre-1970s: Political …

Introduction Rangelands, vast swathes of grasslands, shrublands, and savannahs, are crucial ecosystems supporting livestock grazing, biodiversity, and ecological balance. However, rangeland degradation is a growing concern globally, with significant implications for India. Rangeland Degradation: Causes Overgrazing: Excessive livestock numbers exceeding the carrying capacity of the land lead to depletion of …