PRELIMS

Context: The Prime Minister’s visit to Brunei underscores 40 years of diplomatic relations, emphasizing Brunei’s strategic significance in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy. Significance of the Visit: Opening of the Chancery: The Indian PM inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, symbolizing the deepening of diplomatic ties. …

Context: Bangladesh’s journey from its 1971 independence to becoming an economic success story is now challenged by political repression and the lack of adequate job creation. Historical Evolution: 1971 Liberation War: Bangladesh emerged following a civil war with West Pakistan, driven by political oppression and ethnic divisions. Ethnic Tensions: Pakistan’s …

Context: The approach of African leaders during the FOCAC meeting in Beijing could offer valuable insights for India to strengthen its partnership with Africa. Africa’s Key Priorities at FOCAC 2024: Trade Expansion with China: Africa seeks to enhance exports to China by focusing on value-added products instead of raw materials. …

Open prisons, also known as semi-open prisons, represent a reformative approach to incarceration, focusing on the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates. Unlike traditional high-security prisons, open prisons allow inmates more freedom and responsibility, with minimal physical barriers and a focus on self-discipline and community engagement. Key Features of Open Prisons: …

Recent Developments The Supreme Court of India has recently mandated several states and Union Territories (UTs) to provide comprehensive details about the operation of open prisons within their regions. This directive is in response to ongoing concerns about overcrowding in traditional prisons, an issue that has garnered the Court’s attention. …

Context: The Animal Husbandry Department has developed a mobile app named “21st Livestock Census” to carry out a comprehensive survey of livestock across India. The app’s purpose is to gather updated livestock data to help formulate the next government action plan and contribute to the National Indicator Framework Progress Report …

Context: The Supreme Court has put a hold on a notification from the AYUSH Ministry that “omitted” Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The Supreme Court noted that this notification contradicted an earlier Supreme Court ruling related to misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved. This ruling required advertisers …

Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently issued the ‘Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024.’ These rules are designed to improve the management and execution of the Digital Bharat Nidhi initiative. The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), established under the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, has been …

Context: INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, has been officially commissioned into service in Visakhapatnam. Strategic Significance: The induction of INS Arighaat enhances India’s nuclear triad capabilities, reinforcing nuclear deterrence and contributing to strategic stability and national security. Technical Specifications: While INS Arighaat shares the same reactor and …

Context: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a major national initiative for financial inclusion, was launched on August 28, 2014, and recently marked its 10th anniversary. Notable Achievement: PMJDY holds a Guinness World Record for opening 1.8 crore bank accounts within the first week of its launch. Overview of …