UNIFIED PENSION SCHEME The Union Cabinet has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), designed to provide government employees with an assured pension after retirement. The scheme is scheduled to come into effect on 1st April 2025, shifting central government employees from the current National Pension System (NPS) to the UPS. This new pension framework offers
REASONABLE LIMITS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The case of Telegram and its founder, Pavel Durov, presents a complex interplay between the principles of free speech and the responsibilities of technology platforms. Durov's unwavering commitment to absolute free speech has positioned Telegram as a haven for dissidents and anti-state actors. However,
PRADHAN MANTRI JAN-DHAN YOJANA (PMJDY) The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched on August 28, 2014, as a flagship financial inclusion initiative of the Government of India. Its primary objective is to provide affordable financial services like banking, credit, insurance, and pensions to all citizens, especially the underprivileged. Now, as it completes a decade,
TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS BETWEEN INDIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES India shares numerous rivers with its neighbouring countries, making water management and distribution an essential aspect of bilateral relations. These transboundary rivers not only support agriculture and industry but are also vital for energy production and drinking water supply. Many agreements and treaties have been established to govern
ISRO'S HUMANOID SKULL TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a humanoid robot named Vyomitra to accompany its upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The design of Vyomitra's skull, a crucial component of the robot, is a testament to ISRO's technological prowess. The Design of Vyomitra's Skull: Material:
NATURAL RUBBER SHORTAGE IN INDIA India is currently grappling with a significant shortage of natural rubber (NR), with domestic production falling short of demand by around 550,000 tonnes. Despite efforts to increase production, the gap between supply and consumption continues to widen, impacting various industries and contributing to higher import dependency. Causes of Natural Rubber
VOLUNTARY VEHICLE-FLEET MODERNIZATION PROGRAM (V-VMP) The Vehicle Scrapping Policy 2021, also known as the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program (V-VMP), is a recent initiative by the Indian government aimed at modernizing the vehicle fleet on Indian roads. This policy encourages the scrapping of old and unfit vehicles through various incentives, with the ultimate goal of reducing
STRENGTHENING STATE ELECTION COMMISSIONS FOR GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU State Election Commissions (SECs) are critical to maintaining democracy at the grassroots level, managing elections for local bodies like panchayats and municipalities. However, SECs face systemic challenges that undermine their autonomy and effectiveness, impacting the democratic process. Systemic Disempowerment
PATHWAYS AND STRATEGIES FOR ACCELERATING GROWTH IN EDIBLE OILS TOWARDS GOAL OF ATMANIRBHARTA The NITI Aayog's recent report titled "Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils towards Goal of Atmanirbharta" provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s edible oil sector. It outlines current challenges, future potential, and strategies to achieve self-sufficiency. This report is
CHINA REASSERTS ITS CLAIMS IN REGIONAL DISPUTES, PUSHES RIVALS’ LIMITS TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU China has been increasingly assertive in several contested regions, including the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and East China Sea. Recent actions involve military and coast guard confrontations with neighboring countries like the Philippines and increased pressure
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND EUROPEAN COLONISATION The colonisation of Indigenous peoples by Europeans led to significant upheaval, loss of land, and cultural disruption across various continents. Indigenous Peoples Affected by European Colonisation Māori in New Zealand Colonisation Impact: European arrival in 1769, marked by Captain James Cook, transformed New Zealand from a Māori-dominated society to one
GENDER BUDGET STATEMENT (GBS) 2024-25 The 2024-25 Union Budget of India marks a significant milestone in gender-focused financial planning. For the first time, allocations for women-led development have reached 1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with funding surpassing ₹3 lakh crore. Key Highlights of GBS 2024-25 Increased Pro-Women Allocations Current Allocation: The budget for
