PARAKH Report Recommends Inclusion of Class 9-11 Performance
Context: A recent report by PARAKH, a unit established within NCERT to standardize assessments across school boards, recommends that students’ performance in Classes 9, 10, and 11—based on exams and continuous classwork—should contribute to their final marks at the end of Class 12. This recommendation aligns with the National Education Policy and aims to ensure […]
Courts Should Limit the Governor’s Power to Refer Bills
Context: The way some Governors have been handling legislation passed by State legislatures is a distortion of the Constitution. After the Supreme Court of India intervened in Punjab’s case and questioned the actions or lack thereof by Governors in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, it was expected that Governors would stop deliberately delaying action on Bills passed by […]
About National Mission for Manuscript
Context: Recently the Ministry of Culture and Tourism shed light on the achievements made in the National Mission for Manuscripts and National Culture Fund. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: National Mission for Manuscripts National Culture Fund (NCF)
Any Further Delay in Census is Perilous
Context: When the Central Government did not extend the June 30, 2024 deadline to freeze administrative boundaries for the Census, it raised hopes that the decennial Census operations, originally set to start in 2020 in preparation for Census 2021, might finally begin in October 2024. It typically takes about three months after the boundaries are established […]
About Defending Disability Reservations
Context: The recent controversy surrounding a civil servant, who allegedly misrepresented her disability and caste to gain benefits, has sparked a debate about the reservations provided to persons with disabilities (PwDs). The issue gained momentum when a former CEO of NITI Aayog tweeted that reservations for PwDs should be reconsidered. Relevance: GS2- GS4- Aptitude and Foundational Values for […]
India and the Plastic Waste Problem
Context: India, like many large economies, grapples with a significant plastic waste issue. A 2020-21 report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates that the country generates four million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Unfortunately, only about 25% of this waste is recycled or treated, with the remainder ending up in landfills or being disposed of […]
About E-Upahaar Portal
Context: Rashtrapati Bhavan will auction selected gift items, presented to the President and former Presidents on various occasions, through an online portal called E-Upahaar. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions E-Upahaar Portal Overview: Objectives: National Informatics Centre (NIC) Establishment: Key Responsibilities: Network and Linkages: Major Activities:
About The Subvention Scheme
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court has provided relief to homebuyers in the National Capital Region (NCR) under the Subvention scheme. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Recent Supreme Court Ruling on the Subvention Scheme Relief to Homebuyers in NCR: Subvention Scheme: Subsidy: -Source: The Hindu
Financial Support for Amravati, Andhra Pradesh
Context: Recently, the Finance Minister announced Rs 15,000 crore in financial support for Andhra Pradesh to build its capital city, Amravati, and boost other development activities in the state. This has brought back focus on Amravati, a site of immense historical and spiritual significance in Andhra Pradesh that remains relatively unrecognized. The financial boost is […]
About NPS Vatsalya Scheme
Context: The finance minister recently made the announcement of a new pension scheme under the National Pension Scheme (NPS), called NPS Vatsalya. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: NPS Vatsalya Scheme Overview: Key Features: National Pension Scheme (NPS) Overview: Investment and Returns: Account and Tax Benefits: -Source: Indian Express