Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana
Context: Recently, the Indian Prime Minister launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana,’ a pioneering government initiative aimed at installing rooftop solar power systems in one crore households across the nation. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Intervention Dimensions of the Article: About Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Aim: Target: Energy Self-reliance: Market Implications: Implementation of the […]
Aadhaar Based Pay a Bad Idea for MGNREGS
Context: On January 1, the Rural Development Ministry mandated the use of Aadhaar-Based Payment Systems (ABPS) in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Despite multiple deadline extensions by the Union government, and numerous memorandums from workers urging the Ministry not to make ABPS compulsory, the decision was implemented. Relevance: GS-2 GS-3 Mains […]
PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme
Context: A total of ₹32.44 Crore has been released for Pre-matric Scholarships and ₹387.27 Crore for Post-Matric Scholarships to States/Union Territories (UTs) under the PM YASASVI scheme in 2023. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme (PM YASASVI): Empowering Students for Academic Excellence Scholarship Target Groups: Scholarship Phases: Opportunity […]
DST Unveils VAIBHAV Scheme Cohort
Context: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) introduces the first cohort of fellows under the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) scheme, mirroring similarities with the 2018-initiated Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty (Vajra) scheme. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: VAIBHAV Scheme: Facilitating Global Collaboration in STEMM Fields Program Overview: Fellowship […]
Fair Wages at the End of Service Delivery
Context: The recent agreement with Anganwadi workers and helpers, resolving their strike in Andhra Pradesh, marked a delayed acknowledgment of their role in maintaining the continuum of care. Disregarding the significance of the final stage in service delivery has proven to be a grave error. Especially for the government, it is crucial not to overlook […]
Research Environment in India
Context: The initial batch of fellows for the Vaibhav fellowship program has been announced by the government. The Vaibhav (VAIshwik BHArtiya Vaigyanik) initiative is notable for its unique premise. It is expected to facilitate a genuine exchange of knowledge, innovation, and work culture. The optimistic outlook extends to the potential scenario where non-resident Indian scientists may contemplate a […]
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act FCRA
Context: The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration of two prominent NGOs — Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) have been cancelled this month. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies & Interventions, Non-Governmental Organisations -NGOs), GS-III: Indian Economy (External Sector, Mobilization of Resources) Dimensions of the Article: What is […]
Providing Clean Water to All
Context: In the mountainous village of Kyarkuli Bhatta in Uttarakhand, there is no longer a trend of mass migration. The tribal settlement of Kusumdih in Jharkhand has witnessed a decline in conflicts between humans and animals. Additionally, in Chandpur village, Maharashtra, elaborate wedding celebrations have resumed. This positive transformation is attributed to the availability of tap […]
The Need to Overhaul a Semiconductor Scheme
Context: The imminent mid-term assessment of the Semiconductor Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme prompts a crucial moment for reflection. Despite its initial announcement, the DLI scheme has granted approval to only seven start-ups, significantly falling short of its ambitious target of supporting 100 start-ups over a five-year period. This impact evaluation offers policymakers a valuable opportunity to […]
The Truth About India’s Booming Toy Exports
Context: India’s toy industry, though small in scale, has been a significant topic in policy discussions spanning the era of the “permit license raj” to the current ‘Make in India’ initiative. According to a recent official press release, between 2014-15 and 2022-23, toy exports surged by 239%, while imports saw a decline of 52%, transforming India […]