What is the Smart Cities Mission
Context: Despite two extensions until June 2024, the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) launched in 2015, is unlikely to meet its deadline, with 5,533 completed projects funded at Rs. 65,063 crore and 921 ongoing projects worth Rs. 21,000 crore. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: What is the Smart Cities Mission? What kinds of projects were proposed? […]
Social Media’s Impact on Indian Politics
Context: This marks the first-ever social media-driven election in India, where social media platforms have provided avenues for diverse viewpoints beyond the reach of state influence, thereby creating cognitive dissonance with the government’s narrative. Notably, it is seen that a vast majority of the public are inclined to the shows and episodes of social media influencers […]
Sangam- Digital Twin Initiative Overview
Focus: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Why in News? Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently announced the selected participants for Stage 1 of the ground-breaking ‘Sangam: Digital Twin with AI-Driven Insights Initiative’. Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative Overview Proof of Concept (PoC): Aim and Objectives: Digital Twin Technology: Technological Integration: Vision 2047:
Housing Issues Take Center Stage in 2024 General Elections
Context: As India’s 2024 general elections unfold, housing emerges as a crucial issue, with political parties vying for voter support by promising schemes and affordable housing initiatives. The country, home to approximately 1.7 million homeless individuals according to the 2011 Census, grapples with significant housing challenges. Even for those with homes, concerns persist regarding the […]
An Overview of the Smart Cities Mission
Context: The NDA-1 administration, cognizant of global trends on smart cities, aimed to adapt through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). This led to the unveiling of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in June 2015, targeting a hundred cities over five years. The SCM, a flagship initiative of the NDA-1 government, has however, taken […]
Climate Migration: Urgent Need for Legal Protections
Context: Recently, the issue of climate migration has garnered significant attention, yet the world still lacks a comprehensive legal framework to protect individuals forced to flee their homes due to increasingly severe weather disasters. Relevance: GS III: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About Climate Refugees Climate refugees are individuals or groups forced to leave their homes due […]
The Services Story
Context: A comprehensive research report by the renowned investment banking firm Goldman Sachs, titled ‘India’s Emergence as the Global Services Hub,’ delves into India’s recent accomplishments in the global services sector and offers insights into its future growth and associated risks. Relevance: Mains Question: As per a recent report by the renowned investment banking firm […]
BJP Candidate Declared Elected Unopposed in Surat Lok Sabha Constituency
Context: Recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Surat Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat has been declared elected unopposed. This development comes after the rejection of nomination papers of other candidates and the withdrawal of nominations by other contestants. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Requirements for Valid Nomination: […]
Implementing the Street Vendor’s Act
Context: Ten years have passed since the enactment of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act on May 1, 2014, representing a significant milestone following nearly four decades of legal discourse and the dedicated efforts of street vendor movements across India. Initially hailed as a progressive legislation, the Act now encounters numerous […]
Sunita Kejriwal Appointed as AAP’s ‘Star Campaigner’ for Gujarat Elections
Context: Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has been appointed as a ‘star campaigner’ by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its campaign in Gujarat. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Legal Provisions for Star Campaigners Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 (RP […]