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 […]
Curbs on Financing of Civil Society Bodies
Context: In less than a year after suspending the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), the Government of India has now revoked its FCRA license. The rationale behind this action—associating CPR’s publications with current affairs programming, which is prohibited for an entity using FCRA funds—seems absurd. Relevance: GS2- Mains […]
Holding of simultaneous elections in the country
Focus: GS2- Government Policies And Intervention Why in News? The High-Level Committee constituted by the Government under the Chairmanship of Shri Ram Nath Kovind former President of India to examine the issue relating to holding of simultaneous elections in the country and make recommendations thereon held its third meeting in New Delhi recently. Simultaneous elections: The […]
One Vehicle One FASTag Initiative
Context: Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Initiative: Key Points about FASTag: -Source: The Hindu
e-SAKSHI Application Overview
Context: Recently, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Intervention Dimensions of the Article: e-SAKSHI Application Overview: Key Benefits: MPLAD Scheme: MPLADS is an ongoing Central Sector Scheme which was launched in 1993-94. The Scheme enables the Members […]
Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023
Context: The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, witnessed the President of India presenting accolades for urban cleanliness. Indore and Surat jointly earned the cleanest city title, marking a significant achievement in sanitation efforts. Maharashtra claimed the top spot among states, […]
PM-eBus Sewa Scheme Overview
Context: The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister recently said that the Ministry has floated tenders for procuring buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: PM-eBus Sewa Scheme Overview: Objective: Operation Model: Financial Support: Coverage: Scheme Segments: Augmenting City Bus Services and Associated Infrastructure: Green […]
Regulating India’s Online Gaming Industry
Context: As we are aware, deficiencies in the market, such as monopolies, externalities, and information asymmetries, not only reduce economic value but also corrode societal well-being, leading to a decline in user trust. In such instances, government regulatory intervention becomes crucial. The effectiveness of this intervention depends on a straightforward criterion—the benefits of government involvement must […]
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana
Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has brought attention to the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY), a comprehensive scheme that integrates three Centrally Sponsored Schemes—Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY). Relevance: GS II: […]
New Rules Governing OTT Platforms
Context: The OTT market in India is currently battling the dilemma between growth and profitability in a price-sensitive market. In 2023, the Over-The-Top (OTT) Market in India experienced significant disruptions and challenges that shaped its trajectory. Relevance: GS-II Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is Over-the-Top (OTT) Media Service? Rules governing OTT Platforms: Low Compliance and need for media […]