NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST APPROACH IN THE MEA'S AID DISTRIBUTION The Union Budget 2024-25 of India has highlighted the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) plans for development assistance, emphasizing strategic partners and neighbouring countries. This approach aligns with India's Neighbourhood First Policy, aiming to enhance regional connectivity, cooperation, and stability. Distribution of Development Aid The MEA has
2024 UNAIDS GLOBAL AIDS UPDATE The 2024 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update, titled "The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads," provides an overview of the current state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the global response to it. This report highlights the progress made in the fight against AIDS, ongoing challenges, and recommendations to achieve the
BUDGET 2024: LONG ON INTENT, SHORT ON DETAILS TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The 2024 Budget presented by the Union Finance Minister focuses on three main aspects: intentions and vision for "Vikist Bharat@2047", addressing unemployment, and specific initiatives for generating employment. However, it lacks specific details on how these goals will be achieved.
SUPREME COURT VERDICT ON GM MUSTARD The Supreme Court recently delivered a split verdict on the decision of the Centre to grant conditional approval for the environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard crops. This decision has brought significant attention to the subject and will now be reviewed by a three-judge Bench of the Supreme
AMRAVATI AND ANDHRA BUDDHISM Recently, a substantial financial aid of Rs 15,000 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh for the development of its capital city, Amravati. This has brought renewed attention to Amravati, a site of historical and spiritual importance in Andhra Pradesh. Historical Evolution Discovery and Early Recognition: In the late 1700s, Raja
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
