An Obsession with Rankings is Harming India’s Universities
Context:The increasing focus on global and national rankings has negatively impacted the core purpose of Indian universities, shifting attention from holistic education and research to metrics-driven outputs. With the rise of global ranking agencies and India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), universities prioritize boosting research publications, citations, and quantifiable metrics at the expense of teaching […]
NITI Aayog’s Roadmap for Future Pandemic Preparedness
Context: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in healthcare systems worldwide. In response, the Indian government and NITI Aayog have outlined a roadmap titled “Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response” to build a resilient public health system. The report emphasizes the need for preparedness, effective coordination between the public and private sectors, and data-driven health […]
A Case of Nothing But Patent Censorship
Context: On September 20, 2024, the Bombay High Court ruled that an amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, was unconstitutional. The ruling struck down a provision that would have allowed the government’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) to identify “fake, false, or misleading” information related to government business, […]
Cruise Bharat Mission Overview
Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ from the Mumbai port. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and interventions Cruise Bharat Mission Overview: Implementation Phases: Strategic Pillars:
National Mission for Clean Ganga Advances Conservation Efforts
Context: In its 57th Executive Committee meeting, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved several pivotal projects across various states, focusing on the conservation and cleanliness of the Ganga River. These initiatives are particularly geared towards supporting Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities planned for the upcoming Mahakumbh in 2025. Relevance: GS II: Government […]
An Opportunity to Rethink India’s Pension System
Context: India’s pension system has evolved through three major schemes: the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the New Pension Scheme (NPS), and the proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). Each system impacts retirees differently, with the NPS exposing retirees to market risks, while the OPS provided greater financial security. The global shift toward welfare policies amid economic uncertainties […]
India Needs a Dedicated Law to Deal with National Security Risks from FDI and Trade
Context: The editorial discusses India’s lack of a comprehensive legal framework to address national security risks associated with foreign direct investment (FDI) and international trade. Despite the growing influx of FDI, especially from China, India lacks robust legislation to screen investments on security grounds. The article compares India’s legal shortcomings with measures taken by other countries, […]
Women in Space Leadership Programme
Context: Women in Space Leadership Programme aims to develop a women’s leadership framework to support institutions in strengthening their gender-inclusive practices and policies, specifically around space sciences and allied areas. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Women in Space Leadership Programme: UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI)
About the Nagar Van Yojana
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India achieved a 100-Day Target of 100 Nagar Vans under Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) with the objective to Enhance Urban Greenery. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Nagar Van Yojana (NVY): -Source: Indian Express
About the SPICED Scheme
Context: Recently, the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has approved a Spices Board scheme, ‘Sustainability in spice sector through progressive, innovative and collaborative interventions for export development’ (SPICED) scheme. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions About the SPICED Scheme: Key Highlights of the Scheme: