PARAKH For Exam Scoring
Context The Union government intends to develop a benchmark framework for assessing students at the secondary and higher secondary levels, with the goal of achieving uniformity among state and central boards, which currently use disparate evaluation criteria, resulting in large disparities in scores. PARAKH – Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development […]
The Landmark Judgement of Subramaniam Balaji Vs TN
Context The Supreme Court referred to a three-judge Bench a series of petitions seeking a judicial direction that political parties who make wild promises of largesse should also reveal where they will get the money to pay for them in their election manifestos. The reference departs from the court’s position in the 2013 Subramaniam Balaji […]
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
Focus: GS II- Government Policies and Intervention, Health Why in News? To commemorate 25 years of existence of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), a programme is being organised at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath. About National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority NPPA is an organization under Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers which was set up in […]
S. Subramaniam Balaji vs Tamil Nadu judgment
Context: The Supreme Court referred to a three-judge Bench a series of petitions seeking a judicial direction that political parties who make “wild” promises of largesse should also reveal in their poll manifestos where they will get the money to pay for them. The reference is a shift from the court’s own stand in the S. […]
The Concerns Around Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage
Context: Reports have surfaced online of instances where block level officers have asked individuals to link their Aadhaar with their Voter IDs, failing which their Voter IDs could be cancelled. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Is the linking of Aadhaar with one’s Voter ID mandatory? Why does the government […]
Sops For Votes: On Election Promises
Context The true ‘freebie’ issue is campaign promises of gifts rather than welfare. Relevance GS Paper 2: Government Policies Mains Question “Over the years, freebies have become an integral part of Indian politics.” While some initiatives, such as Public Distribution Schemes and MGNREGA, have become critical components of India’s growth strategy, freebies undermine the fundamental […]
One Nation One Fertiliser scheme
Context: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers announced that it has been decided to implement One Nation One Fertiliser by introducing a “Single Brand for Fertilisers and Logo” under the fertiliser subsidy scheme named “Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Janurvarak Pariyojna” (PMBJP). Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About One Nation One Fertiliser […]
Transformational Grains
Context According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, approximately 77.88 crore portable transactions have occurred under the “One Nation, One Ration Card” programme since its inception in August 2019. (ONORC). This includes both intra-state and inter-state transactions delivering foodgrains to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Pradhan […]
Battery Waste Management Rules 2022
Focus: Government polices and Interventions Why in News? Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India published the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 to ensure environmentally sound management of waste batteries. About Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022: New rules will replace Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001. The rules cover all types of batteries […]
The Competition Amendment Bill 2022
Context: The long-awaited Bill to amend the Competition Act, 2002, was finally tabled in the Lok Sabha recently. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About Indian Competition Act About Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 What is gun-jumping? What next? About Indian Competition Act: The Indian Competition Act was passed in 2002, […]