LOKPAL'S INQUIRY WING The Lokpal, India's anti-corruption ombudsman, was created to investigate corruption allegations against public servants. Recently, the Lokpal established an Inquiry Wing to handle preliminary investigations into offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This move aims to strengthen the country's fight against corruption by providing a structured and independent mechanism for
REALISING THE RURAL-URBAN CONTINUUM TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIETY - SOURCE: THE HINDU India is experiencing significant demographic changes, with urbanization increasingly blending the boundaries between rural and urban areas. Addressing the needs of both rural and urban populations within this rural-urban continuum is essential for holistic infrastructure development and governance. This shift primarily affects Tier II
PREVENTIVE DETENTION IN INDIA Preventive detention in India is a contentious issue due to its potential clash with personal liberty and democratic principles. While preventive detention laws are designed to protect national security and public order, they also pose the risk of being misused, limiting fundamental rights. Recent judicial decisions, like the Jaseela Shaji vs
JUTE INDUSTRY IN INDIA Jute is a natural fiber primarily grown in India and Bangladesh, often referred to as the "Golden Fiber" due to its economic importance. It is a bast fiber, similar to flax and hemp, and has been traditionally cultivated in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, with West Bengal being the
DELHI'S WINTER ACTION PLAN Delhi's air pollution problem worsens during winter, leading to severe health and environmental concerns. To tackle this, the Delhi government launched a 21-point winter action plan focusing on real-time pollution monitoring, addressing key pollution sources, and emergency measures. The plan seeks to control air pollution through various means such as drone
SURROGACY AND ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (ART) IN INDIA The legal landscape around surrogacy and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in India has been evolving, with the introduction of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Regulation) Act in 2021. These laws focus on regulating surrogacy and ART procedures, with a particular emphasis on banning
EMERGENCY PROVISIONS IMPACT CENTRE-STATE RELATIONS The recent violence in Manipur has reignited a critical debate on Centre-State relations, especially regarding the role of the Centre in addressing internal crises within a state. The use of emergency provisions, particularly Articles 355 and 356, has come under focus. These provisions in the Indian Constitution empower the Centre
URBAN FLOODING Urban flooding has emerged as a serious challenge in India, with many states witnessing extreme rainfall events exceeding 20% of normal averages this monsoon season. The increasing intensity of these weather patterns is largely due to the ongoing climate crisis. Over 64% of Indian sub-districts have experienced a rise in heavy rainfall days
WINDFALL TAX ON CRUDE OIL CUT TO ZERO TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU The windfall tax is a special additional excise duty imposed on domestically produced crude oil, with periodic revisions based on global oil prices. As of September 18, the Government of India has reduced the windfall tax on crude oil to zero. The
PM-AASHA SCHEMES TO CONTINUE WITH ADDITIONS: CENTRE TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA). The scheme aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and control price volatility of essential commodities, benefiting both farmers and consumers. Key Aspects of PM-AASHA: Objective:
INDIA-CHINA BORDER DISENGAGEMENT ALONG THE LAC: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS The India-China border, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, has been a long-standing source of tension. While progress has been made in reducing military confrontation, several areas remain contentious. Recent discussions between high-level officials from both sides have aimed at de-escalating the situation,
LEGAL FRAMEWORK REGARDING RAPE IN INDIA The rise in rape cases across India has sparked urgent discussions about the need for comprehensive legal reforms, stricter punishments, and societal changes to combat sexual violence. Addressing the issue requires both legal mechanisms and shifts in social behaviour to ensure the safety and dignity of women in the
