Anganwadi Workers Strike in Andhra Pradesh
Context: Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh are on strike, seeking improved wages and benefits. The State government has responded by invoking the Essential Services and Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1971, imposing a six-month ban on their strikes due to the perceived impact on Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) at Anganwadi Centres. Relevance: GS II: Polity and […]
Current Affairs Quiz 18 January 2024
Understanding the Tenth Schedule
Context: The Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly has declined to disqualify 40 MLAs from the Eknath Shinde faction, acknowledging it as the authentic Shiv Sena. The appointment of whip by this group has been deemed valid. Additionally, 14 MLAs from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) group were not disqualified, citing technical reasons under the Tenth […]
The Fading Role of Universities in Society
Context: The directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC) instructing universities and colleges across the country to display the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao logo on their premises is viewed as another effort to limit academic freedom, already under threat. Previously, institutions were directed to engage in activities such as raising awareness about G-20 meetings and participating in […]
Current Affairs 18 January 2024

CONTENTS Anganwadi Workers Strike in Andhra Pradesh: Invocation of ESMA by State Government Context: Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh are on strike, seeking improved wages and benefits. The State government has responded by invoking the Essential Services and Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1971, imposing a six-month ban on their strikes due to the perceived impact on […]
PIB Summaries 18 January 2024

CONTENTS Prime Minister Attends 58th All India Police Conference: Context: The Prime Minister recently participated in the 58th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of PM’s Address at Police Conference: Issues Associated with Police Forces: Recommendations […]
Static Quiz 18 January 2024 (Polity)
Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 18 January 2024

CONTENTS The Fading Role of Universities in Society Context: The directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC) instructing universities and colleges across the country to display the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao logo on their premises is viewed as another effort to limit academic freedom, already under threat. Previously, institutions were directed to engage in activities […]
What is a Windfall Tax
Context: India cut its windfall tax on petroleum crude to 1,700 rupees ($20.53) a tonne from 2,300 rupees a tonne, according to a recent government notification. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What is a windfall tax? Why are countries levying windfall taxes now? What are the issues with imposing such taxes? […]
Cultural Continuity in Vadnagar, Gujarat
Context: A collaborative study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has revealed compelling evidence of cultural continuity in Vadnagar, Gujarat, even after the collapse of the Harappan civilization. This finding challenges the traditional concept of a “Dark Age” by showcasing that Vadnagar maintained cultural resilience and […]