Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (2023)
Context: Recently, the year-end-review of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the year 2023 was released. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of Initiatives and Achievements by DEPwD: Historic Gatherings and Festivals for Inclusion: India-South Africa Cooperation in Disability Sector: […]
Revised Interest Rates on Financial Schemes
Context: The Union government has announced an increase in returns for the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme (SSAS) from 8% to 8.2% and for the 3-year Post Office Time Deposit Scheme (POTDS) from 7% to 7.1% for the first quarter of 2024. The interest rates for all other small savings schemes remain unchanged. Relevance: GS II: […]
About PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)
Context: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approves the “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” scheme by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions About PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Sub-schemes under PRITHVI: Major Objectives: Functions of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES): Holistic Approach of PRITHVI Scheme: Integrated Research and Development: […]
New Hit-and-Run Accident Cases
Context: India grapples with the grim reality of being one of the world’s leading nations in road fatalities, with over 1.5 lakh lives lost annually. Among these tragedies, hit-and-run accidents stand out for their callous disregard for human life and potential for prolonged agony for victims’ families. This context sheds light on the recent controversy surrounding Section 106 […]
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme
Context: The tourism ministry has included Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Nurturing Sustainable Tourism Inception: Funding Mechanism: Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0): Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary -Source: The Times of India
Extension of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I Deadline
Context: The government has extended the deadline for the completion of the flagship highway development project, Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, to 2027-28. This decision comes in the wake of a significant increase in the estimated cost of the project by over 100%, indicating a slowdown in implementation and financial constraints. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and […]
Constitutional Powers of Courts vis-a-vis CBI Investigations
Context: Regardless of whether a CBI investigation is deemed suitable in a specific case, the public tends to place greater trust in this agency compared to other investigative bodies and state police. The CBI’s establishment is governed by the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946, and while policing is a state subject, Section 2 of the said act […]
The Blood Management System Needs a Fresh Infusion
Context: Drawing lessons from the global disparities in public health highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic experiences, policymakers worldwide have appropriately emphasized the necessity of enhancing the global health framework. While strategies like increased health funding, expanded utilization of digital health solutions, and improved accessibility to medical countermeasures are crucial, it is essential to prioritize access to […]
e-SCR Portal: Digitizing Supreme Court Judgments
Context: The Electronic Supreme Court Reports (e-SCR) portal starts with just 2,238 translated judgments as of January 2023 and ends the year with over 31,000 rulings translated. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions e-SCR Portal: Digitizing Supreme Court Judgments National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): Key Facts -Source: The Hindu
ABPS Mandatory for NREGS Payments with Possible Exemptions
Context: The Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS) is now mandatory for National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) workers’ payments. The government has indicated that exemptions may be considered on a “case-by-case basis.” The NREGS ensures a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment per financial year to adult members of rural households engaged in unskilled manual […]