Society

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 …

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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: …

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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 …

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Prakrit and Pali Languages

Context: Prakrit and Pali have been recognized as Classical languages due to their historical and cultural significance. Prakrits: The Language of the People The term ‘Prakrit’ is derived from ‘Prakriti’, which means ‘source’ or ‘origin’. Most scholars believe that Prakrit languages evolved from Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and …

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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’ …

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Addressing Rising Income Inequality

Context: Income inequality remains a critical global challenge, requiring comprehensive solutions. To achieve greater equity, there is a need to shift from the traditional “economies of scope and scale” to an “economy of purpose.” Key Strategies to Combat Income Inequality Implementing Progressive Taxation: Progressive tax systems are essential for redistributing …

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Women’s Representation in Leadership Roles

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 …

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India’s Approach to Refugees

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, …

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Gotipua Dance and Its Decline in Odisha

Historical Background: The Gotipua dance tradition began in Odisha during the 16th century under the patronage of Bhoi king Rama Chandra Dev. In the Oriya language, “Goti” means single and “Pua” means boy. This dance form was developed as a male counterpart to the Mahari tradition, which involved ritualistic dances …

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Defection in Indian Politics

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 …

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