STATES HAVE UNLIMITED RIGHT TO TAX MINERAL-RICH LANDS: SC TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment, has upheld the states' unlimited right to tax mineral-rich lands. This ruling reinforces the principle of fiscal federalism, emphasizing the autonomy of state legislatures to levy taxes on
BRIDGING THE UNEMPLOYMENT-EMPLOYABILITY GAP IN INDIA India, as the world's fifth-largest economy, is at a crucial stage in its economic journey. The vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 depends significantly on closing the unemployment-employability gap. The Union Budget 2024-25 highlights this priority with substantial allocations for education, employment, and skill development. However, the challenge
KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS 2024 Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to honor the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War (1999). What is Kargil Vijay Diwas? Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Victory Day is observed annually on July 26 in India. This day commemorates India's victory in the
SC TO EXAMINE IF GOVERNORS ARE ‘SUBVERTING’ FEDERALISM TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Supreme Court agreed to examine whether Governors, by indefinitely withholding assent to crucial Bills and eventually referring them to the President, are subverting federalism. The court's intervention follows a petition from Kerala concerning its Governor's actions. Petition
IndiaAI MISSION The Indian government's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reflected in its new budgetary allocation for the IndiaAI Mission. The Union Budget for 2024-25 allocated Rs 551.75 crore to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to enhance AI infrastructure, including the procurement of high-performance Graphic Processing Units (GPUs). This initiative
DEFENDING DISABILITY RESERVATIONS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The recent controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, who allegedly faked her disability and caste to gain benefits, has sparked a debate on the reservations for persons with disabilities (PwDs). Comments by a former NITI Aayog CEO questioning these reservations, particularly for mental disabilities, highlight
RIGHT TO SHELTER The Supreme Court of India recently addressed the need to balance the development of railway infrastructure in Haldwani with the fundamental right to shelter for individuals accused of illegally occupying railway land. The court emphasized that its decisions should not be interpreted as encouragement for future encroachments on public land. Right to
STATE OF FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN THE WORLD 2024" (SOFI 2024) REPORT The "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024" (SOFI 2024) report, published by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, presents a critical analysis of global food security and nutrition trends. This year's report emphasizes the urgent need for increased
MAHARASHTRA SPECIAL PUBLIC SECURITY (MSPS) BILL, 2024 The Maharashtra government has proposed the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024, to address the increasing presence of Naxalism in urban areas. The Bill has sparked significant debate due to its broad and stringent provisions. State of Naxalism in India Incidents and Deaths: From 2018 to 2023,
ANY FURTHER DELAY IN CENSUS TAKING IS PERILOUS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The postponement of the Census, initially set for 2021, has significant repercussions for India. The delay affects the allocation of resources and the implementation of policies, particularly those targeting marginalized populations. Current Status The deadline to freeze administrative
UNION BUDGET 2024-25: KEY MEASURES FOR RURAL AND TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT The Union Budget 2024-25, presented as the first general budget of the 18th Lok Sabha, introduced several significant initiatives aimed at improving rural infrastructure and tribal welfare. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Overview: Launched on December 25, 2000, PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road
REPORT ON CURRENCY AND FINANCE (RCF) 2023-24: INDIA'S DIGITAL ECONOMY The "Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2023-24," released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), provides an insightful analysis of India’s digital economy. The report highlights how digitalization is reshaping the financial sector and influencing the broader economy. This year’s focus is on
