The Union Budget as Litmus Test of a Rethink or Stasis
Context: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget next week, on July 23. The Budget is more than a mere statement of government revenue and expenditure; it reflects the policy and politics of the ruling government. The recent general election focused on ‘bread and butter’ issues, contrasting with the aspirational and […]
About e-FAST India Initiative
Context: Recently, NITI Aayog has announced the launch of the ‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ as part of the e-FAST India initiative. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interevntions Dimensions of the Article: e-FAST India Initiative: The e-FAST (Electric Freight Aggregator, Scalable E-mobility and Technology) India Initiative was launched in September 2022 with the primary goal of […]
Plans to Boost Lighthouse Tourism Announced
Context: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has announced plans to boost lighthouse tourism under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This announcement was made during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships in Vizhinjam, Kerala. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and […]
NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index 2023-24 Highlights Progress
Context; The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog has released its latest Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) India Index for 2023-24, showing significant progress in sustainable development across states and union territories of India. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Sustainable Development Goals Analysis Overview of Goal Progress Reduced Inequalities […]
National Gopal Ratna Award 2024
Context: The Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for the year 2024 will be opened from the 15th of July. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions, Prelims Dimensions of the Article: About National Gopal Ratna Award 2024: About the Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Mission Objectives: -Source: PIB, The Hindu
Secular remedy for Divorced Muslim women: SC
Context: The Supreme Court of India recently held that divorced Muslim women are entitled to maintenance under the “secular” Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Relevance: GS Paper 2: Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure; Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries’ Dimensions of the Article: What are the […]
Features of Digital Bharat Nidhi
Context: In a fresh attempt at increasing telecom connectivity in rural areas, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released draft rules to operationalise the Digital Bharat Nidhi. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) About Features of Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) Underutilization of USOF What is the […]
What is the Smart Cities Mission?
Context: Recently, the Central Government has decided to extend the deadline for Smart Cities Mission till 31st March 2025. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: What is the Smart Cities Mission? What kinds of projects were proposed? Challenges Faced by the Smart City Mission: Lack of Clear Definition: Sidelining Elected Representatives: Competitive Selection Process: […]
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation
Context: In 2023, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament, marking a significant step towards promoting research in India, particularly within its universities and colleges. The 2019 National Research Foundation (NRF) project report highlighted that one of ANRF’s top priorities is to enhance the outstanding research cells already present in State […]
About Saubhagya Scheme
Context: The Meghalaya Lokayukta recently issued notifications to the former chief secretary and other former officials of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) for their alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Saubhagya scheme in the state. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions About Saubhagya Scheme: -Source: Hindustan Times