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? […]
Social Media’s Impact on Indian Politics
Context: This marks the first-ever social media-driven election in India, where social media platforms have provided avenues for diverse viewpoints beyond the reach of state influence, thereby creating cognitive dissonance with the government’s narrative. Notably, it is seen that a vast majority of the public are inclined to the shows and episodes of social media influencers […]
Sangam- Digital Twin Initiative Overview
Focus: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Why in News? Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently announced the selected participants for Stage 1 of the ground-breaking ‘Sangam: Digital Twin with AI-Driven Insights Initiative’. Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative Overview Proof of Concept (PoC): Aim and Objectives: Digital Twin Technology: Technological Integration: Vision 2047:
Housing Issues Take Center Stage in 2024 General Elections
Context: As India’s 2024 general elections unfold, housing emerges as a crucial issue, with political parties vying for voter support by promising schemes and affordable housing initiatives. The country, home to approximately 1.7 million homeless individuals according to the 2011 Census, grapples with significant housing challenges. Even for those with homes, concerns persist regarding the […]
An Overview of the Smart Cities Mission
Context: The NDA-1 administration, cognizant of global trends on smart cities, aimed to adapt through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). This led to the unveiling of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in June 2015, targeting a hundred cities over five years. The SCM, a flagship initiative of the NDA-1 government, has however, taken […]