The Democratic Status of India under Scanner
Context: The V-Dem Institute, based in Gothenburg, released its 2024 Democracy Report, asserting that India’s status had declined from an “electoral autocracy” in 2018 to “one of the worst autocracies.” The report noted a deterioration in nearly all democratic elements in more countries than those showing improvement, specifically highlighting freedom of expression, fair elections, and freedom of […]
On the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Context: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), initiated by the Indian government in 2019, aimed to reduce atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) levels by 20-30% by 2024, based on 2017 levels. This target was later revised to a 40% reduction by 2026. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change allocated ₹10,422.73 crore to facilitate this initiative. Despite proactive […]
International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
Context: Recently, The Prime Minister addressed the 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Relevance: GS III: Disaster Management Dimensions of the Article: About ICDRI Meeting Highlights Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Growth Impact of Natural Disasters Importance of Resilient Infrastructure Shared Resilience in a Global Context Support for Vulnerable Regions […]
Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products Scheme
Context: The government is setting up a system to verify that only taxes paid on materials used (input duties) are refunded under the RoDTEP scheme. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, Taxation) Dimensions of the Article: Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme Features of RoDTEP Scheme RoDTEP Benefits
About BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
Context: Recently, India delivered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines. India is looking at further expanding defense ties with the Philippines against the backdrop of growing global concerns over China’s increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea. Relevance GS-III Internal Security Challenges, Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About BrahMos supersonic cruise missile About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) […]
What is Kashmir’s Magic Carpet?
Context: Recently, the famous Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar is attracting locals for a rare spectacle of the washing and clipping of the largest carpet woven in Kashmir so far. Relevance: GS I: Culture Dimensions of the Article: What is Kashmir’s Magic Carpet? Creation and Challenges Handling and Maintenance Destination and Competition Kashan Style: Features and Origin Origin and Appeal Characteristics Historical […]
Sunita Kejriwal Appointed as AAP’s ‘Star Campaigner’ for Gujarat Elections
Context: Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has been appointed as a ‘star campaigner’ by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its campaign in Gujarat. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Legal Provisions for Star Campaigners Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 (RP […]
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Context: While releasing its election manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a prominent political party promised to expand its Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance scheme to cover senior citizens. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Key Features of AB-PMJAY Need for Ayushman Bharat for […]
India Loses 2.33 Million Hectares of Tree Cover Since 2000
Context: Recent data from the Global Forest Watch (GFW) monitoring project shows that India has experienced a loss of 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since the year 2000. This decline represents a 6% reduction in tree cover over this period. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Findings of Global […]
India’s General Elections 2024
Context: Amid India’s General Elections 2024, there’s renewed attention on past electoral reforms, ranging from the establishment of the Election Commission to the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines and recent modifications in the appointment procedure for election commissioners. These reforms signify the ongoing evolution and strengthening of India’s electoral system, embodying the spirit of democratic […]