Subject: GS-2: International Relations & Trade – WTO Compliance, India-U.S. Trade Ties GS-3: Economy & Global Commerce – Bilateral Trade Deals, Most Favored Nation (MFN) Clause Key Points India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) India and the U.S. plan to negotiate a multi-sector BTA by late 2025. Though not termed a …
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Bipolar World and India
Context: India’s diplomatic relations with China remain tense following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, while ties with the United States are strengthening amidst growing U.S.-China rivalry. Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting in St. Petersburg, signaling a …
Read More »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 …
Read More »MUDRA 2.0 Program
Background: The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched in 2015 to promote entrepreneurship by providing collateral-free micro-loans up to ₹10 lakh. Recent Changes: The Union Budget 2024 increased the loan ceiling to ₹20 lakh, specifically benefiting those under the Tarun category who had previously accessed MUDRA loans. Impact: The …
Read More »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, …
Read More »Gender-Based Violence in India
Context: In India, although over half of the 642 million eligible voters are women, women’s safety issues receive little attention from political candidates, highlighting a significant discrepancy. Current Situation: Daily, approximately 90 rape cases are reported, nearly half of the women experience domestic violence, and two-thirds of Dalit women face …
Read More »Landslides in India
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 …
Read More »Malnutrition – cause, impact and initiatives
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: …
Read More »National Emergency in India
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 …
Read More »Financial Devolution to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
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 …
Read More »Non-Inclusion of Heatwaves in Notified Disasters
The ongoing severe heatwave across the country has reignited discussions about officially recognizing heatwaves as disasters under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How India Manages Disasters Constitutional Context There is no mention of disasters in the Constitution of India. Legislative Framework Disaster Management Act (DMA) 2005: Enacted following the 1999 …
Read More »GREAT Scheme for textile sector in India
Introduction: The GREAT Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the technical textiles sector. Objectives: Promote research and development: GREAT encourages scientists, technologists, and startups to translate their ideas into commercially viable products and technologies for technical …
Read More »Plight of Delivery Workers in India’s Gig Economy: A Call for Systemic Reform
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 …
Read More »Identity Politics in India- policies, national and social impact
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 …
Read More »UN Peace Keeping Force
UN Peacekeeping: The United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPKO) is a crucial instrument deployed by the UN to assist countries ravaged by conflict in transitioning towards lasting peace. Established in 1948, UN Peacekeeping has evolved significantly, with over 70 missions undertaken and over two million personnel deployed Role of Peacekeeping Operations Peacekeeping …
Read More »Heat Waves in India: A Burning Challenge
Concept Heatwaves, periods of abnormally high temperatures exceeding seasonal norms, are a growing concern in India. These scorching events pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and overall economic well-being. The Scorching Reality: Frequency and Intensity on the Rise India experiences heatwaves primarily between March and June, with the …
Read More »National Agroforestry Policy 2014
Introduction: The National Agroforestry Policy 2014 was introduced by the Government of India to promote sustainable agroforestry practices across the country. Key Objectives: Encourage widespread adoption of agroforestry to enhance income generation and livelihood security for farmers. Facilitate ecological sustainability by promoting the integration of trees with agriculture. Strengthen the …
Read More »INDOSRI LANKA agreement on 1974
Introduction The term “Katchatheevu” translates to “barren island” in the Tamil language. Situated in the Palk Strait, Katchatheevu Island spans approximately 285 acres and remains uninhabited. It lies between India and Sri Lanka, serving as a point of geographical significance in the region. Katchatheevu Island Located 33 km northeast of …
Read More »PMLA: Combating Money Laundering and Financial Crimes
Concept : The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), enacted by the Indian government, targets money laundering and associated financial offenses. Enacted in 2002, the PMLA aims to prevent and control money laundering activities and confiscate proceeds of crime derived from illicit activities. Key Provisions: Offences and Penalties: The PMLA …
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