policy issue

A recent report on Indian prisons highlights the potential of electronic tracking as a strategy to address overcrowding, with jails operating at 131.4% capacity as of December 2022. Notably, 75.8% of inmates were undertrials, underscoring the urgent need for alternative solutions. Benefits of Electronic Tracking Prison Decongestion: By allowing undertrials …

Context: The recent COP29 summit in Baku concluded with a lackluster agreement on climate finance, raising serious concerns about the trajectory of global climate negotiations. Challenges in Climate Negotiations Insufficient Financial Commitments Developed countries have pledged only $300 billion annually until 2035, which falls significantly short of the estimated $1 …

Context (TH): At COP29, activists and experts called for holding fossil fuel-exporting nations accountable for emissions generated abroad, particularly in developing countries. This issue has gained global attention as the environmental impact of fossil fuel exports is increasingly recognized in climate negotiations. Advantages of Fossil-Fuel Exports Economic Growth: Fossil fuel …

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 …

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: 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: 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 India’s neighboring countries have undergone significant political transformations, posing challenges to its diplomatic strategies and prompting a reassessment of regional engagement to safeguard its interests. Diplomatic Challenges in India’s Neighborhood Myanmar’s Military Coup (2021): The military takeover disrupted India’s relationship with Myanmar, affecting security collaborations and infrastructure projects. Taliban …

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 …

Context In recent Indian political scenarios, many defectors have not only won subsequent elections but have also secured ministerial positions. This phenomenon has significant impacts on the political landscape. Impacts of Defection Government Instability: Defections can topple governments, particularly in coalition setups. For instance, the Karnataka government collapsed in 2019 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

GS Paper II (Governance): It highlights the importance of international cooperation in criminal justice matters. Interpol serves as a vital platform for such collaboration. GS Paper III (Internal Security): Interpol plays a role in combating transnational crimes like terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, which are relevant to India’s internal security. …

GS Paper II (Governance): It highlights the concept of special provisions for certain states and the rationale behind them. Essay Paper: Article 371A can be a relevant point for essays related to federalism, special rights for indigenous communities, or the history of the Naga Hills. Why in News ? On …

Introduction The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a strategic economic initiative launched by the United States in May 2022. It aims to strengthen economic ties among member countries in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. This framework holds significance for regional economies, including India, offering …

Introduction Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residue after harvest, is a major environmental concern in India. This widespread practice, particularly in northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, contributes significantly to air pollution, impacting public health and overall environmental quality. Negative Consequences of Stubble …

What is the Representation of People Act, 1951? The electoral framework in India is regulated by specific sections within the Indian Constitution, namely Articles 324 to 329 of Part XV. These provisions empower the Parliament to formulate legislation pertaining to both national and statelevel elections. Article 324 specifically establishes the …

Definition: A curative petition is a legal remedy available in India to address final judgments or orders of the Supreme Court that may have resulted in a miscarriage of justice or violated fundamental rights. It is considered as the last resort for seeking a review of a judgment after exhausting …

Concept : Industrial alcohol, unlike alcoholic beverages, is not meant for human consumption (denatured). It finds applications in various sectors, including manufacturing pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, chemicals, and even biofuels. Constitutional Framework: State List (Entry 8): Entry 8 in the State List grants states authority over intoxicating liquor legislation, including production, possession, …