Supreme Court Rejects 100% VVPAT Verification
Context: The Supreme Court dismissed the demand for 100% verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) in Indian elections. Additionally, it rejected a return to the earlier ballot paper system, which had been demanded by opposition parties in recent years. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Recent VVPAT-EVM Tally Case: […]
50th Anniversary of Chipko Movement
Context: Recently marked the completion of 50 years for the Chipko Movement, a landmark environmental movement initiated in Uttarakhand in 1973. Relevance: What Was the Essence of the Chipko Movement? About: Philosophy Behind the Movement: Impact: Relevance of Chipko Movement in 2024: Key Figures and Leaders: Chandi Prasad Bhatt: A Gandhian Social Activist and Environmentalist, pivotal […]
Naxalite Attacks Reported in Chhattisgarh and Assam
Context: Recently, two separate incidents of Naxalite attacks were reported: Relevance: GS III: Security Challenges Dimensions of the Article: Understanding Naxalism Origin and Name Spread and Characteristics Ideology and Objectives Activities and Strategies Status of LWE in India States Affected by LWE Causes of Naxalism Economic Factors Exploitation and Marginalization Weak Governance Perceived Failure of […]
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 […]