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
A LICENCE RAJ FOR DIGITAL CONTENT CREATORS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Union Government of India is attempting to control digital content creators through the Broadcasting Regulation Bill, 2024. This move is perceived as an effort to curb the influence of digital media on public opinion, especially following the 2024
UP GOVT PROPOSES STRENGTHENING ANTI-CONVERSION LAW: WHY, WHAT ARE THE KEY CHANGES? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has proposed amendments to the state’s anti-conversion law, aimed at making it more stringent and enforceable. This move comes four years after the original act was passed to curb
LANDSLIDES AND THEIR IMPACT IN WAYANAD, KERALA Recently, Wayanad district in Kerala experienced one of its most severe landslide-related disasters due to extreme rainfall and fragile ecological conditions. With over 140 mm of rain in just 24 hours, the event has rekindled memories of the devastating 2018 floods in Kerala, which claimed around 500 lives.
SUB-CLASSIFICATION OF SCHEDULED CASTES (SCS) AND SCHEDULED TRIBES (STS): SUPREME COURT VERDICT The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment that empowers states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for the purpose of reservations. This decision, passed by a 6-1 majority, reverses the 2004 E.V. Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh
STATES CAN SUB-CLASSIFY SCS FOR QUOTAS: SUPREME COURT RULING TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India ruled that states have the authority to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) to provide more targeted affirmative action in public employment and education. This ruling aims to address the
IMPACT OF OIL AND GAS DRILLING ON HOOLOCK GIBBONS IN ASSAM The Union Environment Ministry's recent approval for exploratory oil and gas drilling in Assam's eco-sensitive zones, particularly the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, has sparked concerns over the potential threat to the endangered hoolock gibbons and other wildlife. Cairn India, a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd,
THE GREAT NICOBAR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT The Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project is a major initiative spearheaded by NITI Aayog aimed at transforming the southern part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This project, which began in 2021, has sparked considerable debate due to its potential environmental and social impacts. The project, despite initial concerns,
CENTRE REISSUES DRAFT NOTIFICATION ON ECOSENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are designated regions requiring protective measures to prevent environmental degradation. The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India, has undergone multiple notifications to classify parts of it as ESAs. This initiative aims to regulate activities
CLOUDBURST IN HIMACHAL PRADESH A cloudburst is a sudden and intense rainfall event over a small geographical area, often leading to flash floods and landslides. These events are particularly common in mountainous regions like the Himalayas and have devastating consequences for both life and infrastructure. Recently, a cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh caused significant destruction, highlighting
WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY: ADDRESSING A GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting action to prevent drowning incidents. Drowning is a significant public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and has resulted in over 2.5 million deaths
