Populism Cripples Revival of Discoms
Context: The Central Government is planning to introduce another scheme aimed at helping public sector power distribution utilities (discoms) reduce technical losses through “transition financing” for the necessary capital expenditure. Discoms, which are primarily owned and managed by State Governments, play a crucial role in the power supply and distribution network. Relevance: Mains Question: What are […]
Agnipath Scheme Faces Opposition
Context: The ruling-party government’s ambitious Agnipath scheme, announced in June 2022, has been facing opposition from various political parties and Armed Forces veterans. Ongoing concerns highlight the scheme’s impact on military recruitment and the welfare of soldiers. Relevance: GS II- Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: What is the Agnipath Scheme? Issues Associated […]
Ban on Books and Films
Context: The potential for protests, communal tension, or threats to law and order should not be used as grounds to halt the screening of a film. A state government’s recent decision to delay the release of a film for two weeks infringes on the freedom of expression under the guise of maintaining order and preventing […]
Delhi High Court’s Ruling on CIC’s Jurisdiction Over MPLADS Funds
Context: Recently, the Delhi High Court has ruled that the Central Information Commission (CIC) has no jurisdiction to comment on the utilisation of funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Background of the Court’s Ruling Court’s Ruling MPLAD Scheme: MPLADS […]
Open Access is Crucial for Self-Reliance in Science
Context: A recent editorial in Nature praised India’s rise as a scientific powerhouse, mirroring its growing economic influence. India’s science ecosystem is on a remarkable path, now ranking third globally in research output and eleventh in quality, according to the Nature Index. However, achieving significant scientific discoveries and innovation depends on robust infrastructure and resources, which remain […]
General Election 2024 and Inclusion of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Context: As the 2024 general election in India approaches its conclusion, a notable omission during the Election Commission of India’s announcement in March was the lack of sign language interpreters in the televised and social media broadcast. This omission highlights the everyday exclusion faced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) citizens in India. Relevance: GS2- Mains Question: […]
Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative Overview
Context: The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) recently organised the 44th Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) Deep-Dive training programme under the Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative Overview Initiative Launch Goals and Partnerships Operational Framework Educational and Training Components Specialized Training Programme
The Curious Case of Declining Voters in the 2024 Elections
Context: It is widely accepted that in a developing and growing country like India, the prices of essential goods, population, GDP, agricultural production, and professionals’ salaries generally increase every year. While the rate of increase may vary each year, the absolute numbers typically rise, except under exceptional circumstances. Similarly, the total number of people who vote […]
RBI’s Proposed Framework to Administer Project Financing
Context: To enhance the current regulatory framework governing long-gestation period financing for infrastructure, non-infrastructure, and commercial real estate projects, the RBI released draft regulations for public consultation earlier this month. Feedback on the draft regulations is invited until June 15. Relevance: GS3- Mains Question: Infrastructure projects typically have extended gestation periods, increasing the likelihood of […]
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? […]