New Structure for Start-up India Initiative
Context: The Indian Government has announced a significant structural shift for its flagship Start-up India initiative. The program, initially managed under Invest India, will now be transitioned to a newly established non-profit entity. This change aims to streamline processes and enhance strategic alignments. Additionally, this new non-profit will also encompass the National Start-up Advisory Council, […]
The Evolving Landscape of the Death Penalty in India
Context: The Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024 introduces the death penalty for rape under certain circumstances, following a brutal rape and murder case in Kolkata. This addition to India’s criminal justice framework raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding the continued use of the death penalty in India, particularly in cases involving […]
Phase IV of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – IV (PMGSY-IV) for the period 2024-25 to 2028-29, aiming to enhance rural connectivity by constructing 62,500 km of new all-weather roads. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) PMGSY – Phase I PMGSY – Phase I […]
BHASKAR Platform Overview
Context: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform BHASKAR. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions BHASKAR Platform Overview Purpose and Functionality Key Features
New Initiatives Launched at PMMSY’s 4th Anniversary
Context: On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced a range of new initiatives aimed at transforming the fisheries sector. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana It has […]
Challenges Surrounding the Surrogacy Act
Context: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, along with the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Regulation) Act, has sparked several concerns regarding its constitutional validity. The core issues involve the prohibition of commercial surrogacy and the limitations imposed on payments to women acting as surrogates. The ongoing Supreme Court cases challenge aspects of the Act, focusing on ethical, legal, and medical […]
About The PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister India has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) for implementation of a scheme titled ‘PM E-DRIVE Scheme’. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions PM E-DRIVE Scheme Key Components of the Scheme
Expanding AB-PMJAY to Senior Citizens
Context: The extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to citizens above the age of 70 marks a crucial step toward universalizing healthcare in India. With the increasing elderly population, the extension of free healthcare coverage is a welcome move. However, challenges around access, coverage, and quality of care remain. Relevance: General Studies Paper […]
Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight
Context: The editorial discusses the evolving role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in India’s parliamentary system. With recent changes in the political landscape, there is a renewed focus on PAC’s role in ensuring accountability of the executive, especially in light of past attempts to evade parliamentary scrutiny. Relevance: General Studies Paper II – Polity and Governance Mains […]
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative
Context: Recently, the Prime Minister launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative from Surat, Gujarat. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative Water Challenges in India Additional Water Conservation Efforts