GS II-INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION India is set to host the FATF Private Sector Collaborative Forum 2025 in Mumbai. The event will focus on crucial global financial issues, including enhancing payment transparency, promoting financial inclusion, and advancing the transformation of digital financial systems. Overview of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) The …
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Judicial Appointments in India
GS II-POLITY Introduction Judicial appointments in India have long been a subject of debate. Recently, two key developments in the Supreme Court’s Collegium system have surfaced: first, the introduction of interviews for judicial candidates, and second, the exclusion of candidates with close relatives in the judiciary. A persistent power struggle …
Read More »Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) System
GS III-ECONOMY Recently, the Russian envoy in India called for an alternative to the SWIFT system, as Russia was expelled from it following its invasion of Ukraine. This highlights SWIFT’s crucial role in global financial transactions and its impact on geopolitics. What is SWIFT? The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial …
Read More »Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) in India
GS II-GOVERNANCE The Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) is a mechanism for selecting and appointing officers from All India Services (AIS) and Group ‘A’ Central Services to various senior positions in the Central Government on deputation. The scheme ensures a structured and transparent process for staffing key positions in ministries, departments, …
Read More »PM CARES Fund vs. PMNRF
GS II-WELFARE The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) and the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) are two crucial government initiatives aimed at providing financial assistance during emergencies. While both funds serve a similar purpose, they differ in their structure, governance, and …
Read More »State Assistance During Natural Disasters: Mechanisms and Funding
GS III-DISASTER MANAGEMENT Disasters: Mechanisms and Funding Natural disasters pose significant challenges to states, often overwhelming their capacity to respond effectively. To mitigate the impact, India has established a structured disaster management framework under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DMA), which provides both institutional and financial support to states facing …
Read More »Hurriyat: Its History, Role, and Relevance
GS III-SECURITY Introduction The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), commonly known as Hurriyat, is a political alliance of separatist organizations in Jammu and Kashmir. Since its formation in 1993, it has played a key role in the separatist movement, advocating for self-determination and challenging India’s sovereignty over Kashmir. Over the …
Read More »SAHYOG PORTAL: OBJECTIVES, IMPLEMENTATION, AND CHALLENGES
GS III-CYBER SECURITY What is the SAHYOG portal? SAHYOG is a centralized digital platform developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). Its primary function is to facilitate seamless data access for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and to streamline the removal of …
Read More »Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India: Causes and Solutions
GS II-Governance Introduction Food Loss and Waste (FLW) is a critical issue impacting food security, the environment, and economic sustainability. Globally, 30% of food production is lost or wasted, contributing to 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. In India, post-harvest losses amount to ₹1.53 trillion ($18.5 billion) annually, affecting both farmers’ …
Read More »Finance Bill
GS II – Polity The Finance Bill is a crucial legislative proposal that outlines the government’s taxation and financial policies for the upcoming fiscal year. It is introduced annually in Lok Sabha as part of the Union Budget and includes all necessary legal amendments required for implementing tax proposals. Key …
Read More »Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994
GS II-Regulatory The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 governs organ and tissue transplantation in India, outlining legal provisions for donation, procurement, and penalties for violations. Key Provisions of THOTA, 1994 Regulates organ donation and transplantation after death. Establishes guidelines for healthcare providers and hospitals involved in …
Read More »National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)
GS II-Organisation National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is a national-level body under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It serves as the apex organization for implementing the National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) and oversees activities as per the Transplantation …
Read More »India’s 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign
GS II-Health In a determined effort to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is preparing to roll out a 100-day campaign aimed at TB elimination. About the Initiative This campaign will be implemented across 33 States and Union Territories to strengthen TB detection, minimize …
Read More »ISRO’s Student Outreach Initiatives
GS III-Science & Technology Context : ISRO actively engages students across India through educational programs to foster awareness and interest in space science. YUVIKA – Young Scientist Programme Objective: Provides basic knowledge of space science, technology, and applications to young students. Aims to “Catch them young” and encourage STEM careers. …
Read More »Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant
GS III- Infrastructure Context: North India’s first nuclear power project is being developed in Gorakhpur, Haryana by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). About Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant Location: Gorakhpur village, Fatehabad district, Haryana. Developer: NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited). Foundation Stone: Laid in 2014 by …
Read More »Breakup Fees in Mergers and Acquisitions
GS III- Industry & Economy Acquisitions Google’s $32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz includes a $3 billion+ breakup fee—one of the highest ever—raising concerns about its impact on M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) deals. What is a Breakup Fee? A breakup fee is a penalty paid when an M&A deal …
Read More »Iguanas in Fiji
GS 1 – Environment Context: A recent study suggests that iguanas colonized Fiji by surviving an 8,000-kilometer oceanic journey—the longest known migration of any land-dwelling vertebrate. About Iguanas Iguanas are terrestrial reptiles, yet they are found on distant Pacific islands such as Fiji, Tonga, and the Galápagos, raising the question: …
Read More »Determination of Alimony in India
GS II- Polity Alimony in India is determined based on multiple legal provisions and varies depending on factors like financial status, lifestyle, and child custody. It is a financial obligation where one spouse provides support to the other post-divorce or separation, ensuring economic stability for the dependent partner. Legal Framework …
Read More »Fundamental Rights: The Assisted Dying Debate
GS II- Polity Context: The assisted suicide of Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman in 2024 in Switzerland has rekindled global ethical discussions on the issue of assisted dying. Daniel Kahneman’s Contributions Influence on Behavioral Economics: Integrated psychology into economic theories, transforming decision-making analysis. Key Theoretical Contributions: Loss Aversion: Individuals tend to …
Read More »Revised National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD)
GS II- Initiatives Context (PIB): The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the revised framework of the National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD). Overview of the Revised NPDD About NPDD: Originally launched in 2014 as a Central Sector Scheme, the initiative aims to strengthen and modernize India’s dairy sector. …
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