Context: The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, launched on December 3, 2015, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, recently marked nine years of progress. The initiative aims to create a barrier-free environment for Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities) across the country. Implementing Agency: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities …
Read More »Welfare Scheme
Global Plastic Treaty: Overview and Key Issues
The ongoing discussions within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) focus on establishing a global treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims to provide a comprehensive framework to reduce plastic waste, with particular attention to creating fair conditions for informal waste workers. What …
Read More »“Bhu-Neer” Portal
Overview: The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the “Bhu-Neer” portal at the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024. It has been developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), in partnership with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), with the goal of enhancing groundwater regulation across the country. Key Features …
Read More »Caste as a ‘Way of Life’: Path to Equality and Inclusion
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, …
Read More »PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme Overview
The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, a recently approved central sector initiative, aims to support students pursuing higher education. Scheme Features Eligibility: The scheme is open to students gaining admission in institutions listed within the top 100 of the NIRF rankings (overall, category-specific, and domain-specific). Collateral-Free Loans: Students can avail themselves of education …
Read More »ILO Report on Women’s Labour Force Participation (WLFP)
Background: The ILO report titled ‘The Impact of Care Responsibilities on Women’s Labour Force Participation (WLP)’ highlights the barriers that caregiving responsibilities pose to Indian women’s participation in the workforce. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Represents the proportion of individuals within a population who are either employed or actively seeking …
Read More »Different Perspectives on Literacy
Context (TH): The Ministry of Education has provided a definition for ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ as part of its efforts to enhance adult literacy through the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). New India Literacy Programme (NILP): A five-year initiative (2022-27) that aims to enroll 1 crore learners over the age …
Read More »Karnataka Gig Workers Bill 2024
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 …
Read More »Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted resident individuals to open Foreign Currency Accounts at International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in GIFT City, Gujarat, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Details: Authorised Persons: These are entities authorised by the RBI, such as banks and designated FX dealers, to facilitate …
Read More »The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996
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 …
Read More »National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)
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 …
Read More »Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess
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 …
Read More »National Health Infrastructure: NHCE, DHIS, NHA
Introduction India’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including fragmented data, inefficient claim processing, and limited access to digital health services. The National Health Authority (NHA) has introduced key initiatives to address these issues, including the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCE) and the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS). Understanding these programs …
Read More »Hunar se Rozgar Scheme, The Skilling Potential of Tourism
Relevance : Hunar se Rozgar Scheme, India Skills Report 2024 And Skill Development In India, and Higher Education & The Skill Requirements In The Job. Since 2006, the Ministry of Tourism is implementing a relatively less-known scheme called ‘Hunar se Rozgar’ meaning skill to employment, primarily aimed at catching the …
Read More »Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) – A project by Indian Government
Introduction: The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model introduced by the Government of India in 2016. It aims to address the funding challenges in infrastructure development, particularly in the road sector. HAM combines elements of two existing models: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC): Under EPC, the …
Read More »Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
Introduction The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in 2015, is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to achieve the vision of “Housing for All” by 2022. This essay will delve into the scheme’s objectives, provisions, achievements, challenges, and the way forward for its successful implementation. Objectives Facilitate …
Read More »Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960
Introduction India has a rich history of co-existence with animals. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act) serves as a cornerstone legislation for safeguarding animal welfare in the country. Enacted in 1960, it aims to minimize unnecessary pain and suffering inflicted upon animals. Objectives of the PCA …
Read More »Green Bond
Concept Green bonds have emerged as a financial instrument aimed at channeling investments into environmentally sustainable projects. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, green bonds offer a mechanism to finance initiatives that mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability. Definition of Green Bonds: Green bonds are debt …
Read More »Anti Dumping Duty – protection of Domestic Industries by WTO
Concept : Governments impose anti-dumping duties as a trade remedy measure to protect domestic industries from unfair competition resulting from the dumping of goods by foreign producers. Dumping: Dumping refers to the practice of exporting goods to another country at prices lower than their normal value, typically the price in …
Read More »Labour rights in India
The Constitution of India guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to work, the right to fair wages, the right to form unions, and the right to social security. Some important labour laws in India Minimum Wages Act, 1948 Factories Act, 1948 Payment of Wages Act, 1936 …
Read More »