76th Anniversary of Operation Polo
Context: India celebrated the 76th anniversary of Operation Polo on September 13, 2023. On this day in 1948, Indian Army launched military action to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad. Relevance: GS I: History Dimensions of the Article: Background of Operation Polo Reasons for Launching Operation Polo Operation Polo on the Ground -Source: Indian Express
Anusandhan National Research Foundation
Context: Recently, the first meeting of the governing board of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was chaired by the Prime Minister. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Anusandhan National Research Foundation Overview Key Programs and Strategies Funding and Legislative Support -Source: The Hindu
Promotion of Seaweed Farming in India
Context: The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has officially recognized the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Seaweeds Anchorage and Growth Utilization and Benefits -Source: The Hindu
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises Scheme
Context: Women-owned micro and small enterprises will get enhanced credit guarantee coverage of 90 percent under the CGTMSE scheme, after its board approved the new guidelines recently. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Overview of CGTMSE: Key Features: Funding Structure: Eligibility and Lending Parameters: In Event of Default: -Source: The Hindu
What is a Windfall Tax
Context: The government recently slashed the windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil to ‘nil’ per tonne. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What is a windfall tax? Why are countries levying windfall taxes now? -Source: The Hindu
Challenges in Achieving Road Safety Targets in India
Context: The India Status Report on Road Safety 2024, conducted by IIT Delhi, underscores the limited headway India has made towards the international objectives aimed at curtailing road accident deaths. This report serves as a critical evaluation of the current measures and highlights the pressing need for enhanced strategies and implementations to significantly reduce the […]
Call for Stringent Legal Reforms and Social Change in India
Context: In response to a significant increase in rape crimes throughout India, there has been a renewed outcry for sweeping legal reforms and alterations in societal attitudes towards sexual violence. The public and advocacy groups are pushing for more severe penalties for perpetrators, including the possibility of the death penalty for rape. These demands are […]
The Finance Commission’s Role in Addressing High-Performing States’ Concerns
Context: The Finance Ministers of five opposition-ruled states have raised concerns regarding the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendation, which allocates 41% of taxes to the states. These ministers are calling for an increase to 50%, along with capping the central government’s cesses and surcharges, which further limit states’ ability to collect taxes. This discussion comes at a crucial time when several states, […]
The Idea of One Nation One Election
Context: The idea of One Nation, One Election (ONOE), promoted by the ruling government, advocates simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies. While proponents argue that it could reduce election costs and increase administrative efficiency, critics argue that it threatens federalism and undermines the democratic process. Relevance: General Studies Paper II (Polity and Governance) Mains Question: Analyze the potential […]
About the SUBHADRA Scheme
Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched ‘SUBHADRA’, the flagship Scheme of Government of Odisha, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions SUBHADRA Scheme: Operational Mechanics: Enrollment Process: