Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
Context: A data breach that impacted the systems of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in 2018 exposing the personal data of millions of Indians was found to have been “repackaged” by a Chinese cyber agency, as per a preliminary probe by New Delhi’s cybersecurity agency. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance About Employees’ Provident […]
About the Pigeonpea
Context: According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) a new fast-breeding protocol is likely to make it easier for scientists to develop better quality varieties of the pigeonpea crop at a faster rate. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Pigeonpea: Climatic Conditions: Cultivation Practices: Challenges and Concerns: Health Benefits: Major Producing States: […]
About the Paruveta Festival
Context: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is making efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the annual ‘Paruveta’ festival. Relevance: GS I: History Dimensions of the Article: Paruveta Festival: A Celebration of Communal Harmony and Tradition Overview: Inclusivity and Communal Harmony: Origin and Folklore: Special Rituals and Duration: Ceremonial Activities: Symbolism […]
Square Kilometer Array Observatory
Context: Scientists in India will now also be part of the international mega-science project, the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), that will function as the world’s largest radio telescope. India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is amongst the world’s six large telescopes. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Radio Telescopes: Detection […]
National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment
Context: Recently, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has released the ‘Annual NeSDA Way Forward Report 2023’, showing that Jammu & Kashmir dominated with 1,117 e-services mapped on the NeSDA Way Forward Dashboard. Relevance: GS III: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Unlocking Digital Governance: NeSDA Way Forward Report 2023 Highlights E-Service Landscape: Regional Disparities: […]
Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector
Context: The financial assistance for the Rubber sector under the ‘Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector (SIDNRS)’ has been increased by 23% from Rs 576.41 crore to Rs 708.69 crore for the next 2 financial years (2024-25 and 2025-26). Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Sustainable and Inclusive Development in India’s Natural Rubber […]
Challenges in India’s Fintech Landscape
Context: In a recent report presented to Parliament, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology raised concerns regarding the dominance of foreign-owned fintech apps in India’s digital payments ecosystem. Fintech is the use of digital platforms to provide financial services. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Key Report Highlights on Digital Payments Regulation: Regulation Emphasis: Market […]
On Financial Devolution Among States
Context: Lately, several States governed by Opposition parties, particularly those in southern India, have asserted that they are not receiving an equitable portion under the current financial distribution system. They have raised concerns about the imbalance between their contribution to tax collection and the share of tax revenue they receive. Relevance: GS2- Governance GS3- Indian […]
Space Sector Regulations
Context: The final frontier was once considered to be space, but ongoing exploration has transformed it, replacing romantic ideals with narratives intertwined with financial, socio-economic, and geopolitical implications. Traditionally, space technologies and flights were costly and risky endeavors primarily undertaken by national agencies. However, this paradigm has shifted, with private-sector entities increasingly expected to play […]
Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana
Context: Recently, the union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana, in Sambalpur, Odisha. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana: Nurturing Entrepreneurs for Growth Objective: Training Approach: Modes of Training: Partnership with Flipkart: Government’s Commitment: