Prelims Data & Facts

Digital Maha Kumbh 2025: A Fusion of Spirituality and Technology

Digital Maha Kumbh 2025: A Fusion of Spirituality and Technology The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, scheduled to take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is set to be a groundbreaking event that merges spiritual traditions with modern technology. The integration of cutting-edge technology aims to enhance devotee safety, efficiency in management, and cyber security during the event, while providing an imm

04 Jan, 2025 GS-2 Ministries and Departments of the Government

Conjugal Visits in Prisons:

Conjugal Visits in Prisons: Context: The Delhi Government is reconsidering the proposal to allow conjugal visits for prisoners, sparking a renewed discussion on the potential benefits and concerns surrounding this practice. What are Conjugal Visits? Conjugal visits refer to private family visits where inmates can spend time with their legal spouses within the prison setting. These v

01 Jan, 2025 GS-2 Statutory, Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies

High-Risk Food Category

High-Risk Food Category Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has categorized packaged drinking water as a 'high-risk food'. This classification highlights the importance of maintaining strict safety standards in the production, packaging, and distribution of such food products to ensure public health. What Are High-Risk Food Categories? High-risk fo

10 Dec, 2024 GS-2 Ministries and Departments of the Government

Oxford Lauds PRAGATI Platform

Oxford Lauds PRAGATI Platform A recent study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School (SBS) has lauded the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) infrastructure monitoring system, recognizing its transformative role in improving governance and expediting infrastructure development in India. Findings of the Study The study evaluated the impact of PRAGATI on

07 Dec, 2024 GS-2 Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability

E-Daakhil Portal

E-Daakhil Portal Overview The E-Daakhil portal, launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, is a nationwide initiative designed to provide an online mechanism for consumers to file complaints and seek redressal for disputes under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The portal is now operational across all states and union territories, with the latest launch in Ladakh in November 2024.

04 Dec, 2024 GS-2 Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability

Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)

Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) Overview The Ministry of Culture has established 7 Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) across India to preserve, promote, and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of various regions. These centres play a pivotal role in ensuring that the rich cultural traditions and art forms from different parts of the country are conserved, promoted, and disseminated. Objectiv

04 Dec, 2024 GS-2 Statutory, Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies

Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023

Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023 The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P) has launched the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023 to evaluate and enhance the grievance redressal systems of various central ministries and departments in India. Key Features of GRAI 2023: Purpose: GRAI 2023 aims to assess and im

02 Dec, 2024 GS-2 Ministries and Departments of the Government

What is the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

Overview: In a coordinated operation at sea, the Indian Navy and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently apprehended a suspicious vessel carrying almost 3300 Kgs of contraband. About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): The NCB was created in March 1986 in terms of Section 4(3) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, which envisages a Central Authority for the purpos

05 Mar, 2024 GS-2 Ministries and Departments of the Government

Good governance day

Context: Good Governance Day is being celebrated on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 25th December. Origin: 2014 Governance involves decision-making and effective implementation. Good Governance occurs when power is utilized responsibly to foster a nation's development. This concept dates back to ancient times, with figures like Chanakya discu

02 Mar, 2024 GS-2 Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability

Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF)

Overview The Ministry of Minority Affairs recently ordered the closure of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) About Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) MAEF was established on the occasion of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's birth centenary celebrations. The Foundation is a voluntary, non-political, non-profit making social service organization. It was registered under th

01 Mar, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Mukhyamantri Gramin Solar Street Light Scheme

The Mukhyamantri Gramin Solar Street Light Yojana is a scheme that aims to provide street lights in villages and cities in Bihar. The scheme is expected to be completed by March 2023 but not implemented in some areas till now.

06 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

International Education Day

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared January 24 as the International Day of Education in 2018. The day celebrates the role of education in peace and development and aims to raise awareness of the value and impact of quality education. In 2024, UNESCO is focusing on promoting anti-racist guidelines and addressing racism in textbooks with the th

05 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Religious processions

The Supreme Court ruled that the concentration of a religious community in a particular area is not a valid reason to deny permission to another religious community to hold events or prayer meetings. The court also ruled that religious processions cannot be rejected based on religious grounds.

05 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

Context: Prime Minister of India has inaugurated Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. About: Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, conceptualised in 2003 under the visionary leadership of the then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has today evolved as one of the most reputed global forums for business collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for

04 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability

Operation AMRITH

The Kerala Drug Control Department launched Operation Amrith (AMRITH - Anti Microbial Resistance Intervention for Total Health) recently. It is a strategy launched to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The initiative aims to reduce the use of antibiotics by conducting surprise raids on retail medical shops to detect the sale of antibiotics with

04 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Modernization of Paradip Fishing Harbour

Context: Recently, the Union Minister laid the foundation stone for the Modernisation of Paradip Fishing Harbour. News: Paradip Fishing Harbour is poised for a transformation as the Central Government greenlights the Modernisation and Upgradation project, receiving 100% central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Paradip Port Authority

03 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Wings India 2024

Wings India 2024 is a civil aviation event that took place at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, India. This event is organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI, and FICCI. The event celebrated India's status as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market.

03 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC)

Prime Minister inaugurated aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing’s largest investment facility outside the USA in Bengaluru recently. It aims to be a cornerstone for partnership with the vibrant startup, private and government ecosystem in the country. PM will also launch the Boeing Sukanya Program that aims to support the entry of more girl children from across I

02 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Project BHISHM

BHISHM -Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri). It is a project that aims to provide immediate medical assistance during humanitarian crises or natural disasters. It is a joint project of the Indian Navy and the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). The project also includes the world's first indigenous portable hosp

01 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

IInvenTiv

The 2nd edition of the Ministry of Education’s flagship R&D Innovation Fair, IInvenTiv-2024 was inaugurated by Union Education Minister recently. It aims to showcase the holistic impact of the research and innovation carried out by the country's top higher education institutes.

01 Feb, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Global FinTech Forum

On the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, PM interacted with prominent business leaders in the Global FinTech Leadership Forum at GIFT city in Gujarat recently. The Global Fintech Forum is a space for shareholders, customers, and participants to share experiences and experiment.

29 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Zero Defect, Zero Effect Scheme

Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) is a certification scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The scheme's goal is to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs, and to help them become national and international champions. The ZED scheme has 3 levels of certification - Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The certification is based on parameters such as qua

29 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023

The National Sports and Adventure Awards were established in 2002 to honor athletes who contribute to sports and continue to promote sports events after retirement. The 2023 awards included Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards-2023; Dronacharya Awards-2023; Arjuna Awards-2023; Dhyan Chand Awards-2023; Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards-2022; Rashtriya Khel Protsahan

28 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

PM's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, 2023

Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2023 restructed scheme & web portal launched recently. The award is to acknowledge, recognize and reward the extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts/ Organizations of the Central and State Governments. The Award Scheme restructured to recognize the performance of the District Colle

25 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Mannhit App

The Union Health Minister and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh jointly launched the Mannhit app recently. It is an initiative facilitating screening for mental health.

24 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

The DART Book & Food Safety on Wheels (FSW)

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently released “The Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test (DART) Book” & Food Safety on Wheels (FSW). DART booklet is a compilation of common quick tests for detection of food adulterants by the citizens themselves so as to induce awareness among the consumers about food safety. A mobile food testing van calle

23 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

PRASADAM

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare inaugurates the country’s 1st Healthy & Hygienic Food Street, 'PRASADAM,' in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The street will serve traditional dishes made of coarse grains like rajgira, sanwa, kuttu, ragi, dal-baffle, and more.

21 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) was set up as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 on 2005 with a mandate of creating dope-free sports in India.

20 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

India’s First Healthy & Hygienic Food Street

Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated India’s first Healthy & Hygienic Food Street, ‘PRASADAM,’ at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Objectives of the Initiative: The primary goal of the Prasadam initiative is to establish a connection among people across the nation by providing access

19 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Ministries and Departments of the Government

Health Ministry Steps Up Fight Against Zoonotic Diseases

Context: As per the Union Health Ministry, 75% of new infectious diseases that have emerged over the past three decades have been zoonotic, and the Ministry is increasing its focus on zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases They are the infections transmitted between humans and animals. These infections result from various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, an

19 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Ministries and Departments of the Government

PM SVANidhi

Context: Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs inaugurated India’s first ‘Zero Waste Street Food Festival’ in Delhi ,highlighted the role of Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme in empowerment of street vendors. Key Features of PM-SVANidhi: - The PM-SVANidhi is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Ministry of Housing and Ur

17 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Project ‘Veer Gatha’

The 3rd edition of Project ‘Veer Gatha’, a joint initiative of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education will take part in Republic Day celebrations. Project Veer Gatha is a project that was established in 2021 under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP). Aim – To disseminate the details of the bravery and sacrifice of the Gallantry Awardees (So

16 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024

Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) is an annual event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with students, teachers, and parents. Students of Classes 6 to 12 are eligible to participate in this event. The event is part of the larger movement, 'Exam Warriors', which aims to create a stress-free environment for young people. PPC 2024 is the 7th ed

16 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

PLI scheme

Context: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program for the automobile sector has been extended by one year through March 2028. News: The extension of the original five-year scheme, initially covering the period from 2022-23 to 2026-27, will remain effective until 2027-28. This extension provides companies with additional time to capitalize on the Production-Linked Incenti

15 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Clean energy target by Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh government made 2 major decisions recently. All government offices have been prohibited from purchasing petrol or diesel vehicles since January 1. Simultaneously, under another scheme, people will be paid Rs 20,000 per month if they donate 3 bighas of land for the construction of a solar power plant. These decisions have been taken to make Himachal Prades

15 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability

No sale of blood

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said that blood at hospitals or private banks and centres is “not for sale” but allowed for a “processing charge”. The revised guidelines said that processing fees can be charged for blood or blood components, which ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 1,550. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

14 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Kuppa Pumped Hydro Storage Project

NHPC Limited and Gujarat govt sign MoU for Rs.4,000 crore in the proposed 750 MW Kuppa Pumped Hydro Storage Project in Chhota Udaipur, Gujarat. It aims to utilize pumped hydro storage projects for energy storage and addressing. It is a part of “Vibrant Gujarat” initiative.

13 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

PRERANA program

Prerana is a week-long residential program for 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) of class IX to XII, aimed at empowering them with leadership qualities. Ministry – Ministry of Education. Prerana program will run from a Vernacular School, established in 1888, in one of the oldest living cities of India, Vadnagar, in Gujarat. The curriculum of Prerana Schoo

12 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Extension of Bharatmala Phase 1

Context: Phase 1 of the Bharatmala project deadline has been extended by six years, to FY 2027-28. News: Project Initiation: The first phase of Bharatmala, unveiled in 2017, aimed for completion by 2022. Estimated Cost Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) sanctioned the initial phase with an estimated cost of Rs 5.35 trillion. Cost Overrun: The Public Inves

10 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Development Processes & the Development Industry

Govt extends export benefits under RoDTEP scheme to ecommerce exporters

Context: The government announced the extension of export benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for ecommerce exports through post or couriers. News: The RoDTEP scheme, implemented three years ago, involves the refund of non-creditable central, state, and local levies embedded in exporters' inputs. Currently, e-commerce exporters are excluded from RoDTEP benefits. The Commerce Ministry

09 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection

PM Inaugurates Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection and dedicates Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kadmat recently Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber connection will lead to faster Internet for the people of Lakshadweep. The project is funded by Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunications.

09 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Amendment of Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021

The Union government has now amended the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules of 2021. It is to allow women government servants and pensioners to nominate their children for receiving family pension over their spouse. Conditions – At the time of the women’s death, any proceedings for divorce, domestic violence, or dowry demands happen to be pending against the said spouse

08 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

Ayushman Bhav Campaign

Context: In a significant milestone, more than 5 crore ABHA accounts have been created during the ongoing Ayushman Bhava campaign. In addition, a total of 4,44,92,564 Ayushman cards have been generated and 1,15,923 Ayushman Sabha organized. About the campaign Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Goal: Ayushman Bhava follows a collaborative, multi-ministerial approach. Aligned with the mo

07 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Seperate Toilets for women in district courts

Nearly 1/5th of the district courts in India lack separate toilets for women, according to a report published by the Centre for Research and Planning of the Supreme Court recently. The Centre for Research and Planning will serve as a bridge between academic research, legal and judicial education and the judicial systems.

06 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability

PM Vishwakarma

Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Union Territory (UT) to implement the PM VishwakarmaYojana (PMVY) recently. It is an initiative that aims to empower and enhance the skills of the craftsman community (Vishwakarmas). 18 traditional trades will be covered in the first instance under PM Vishwakarma.

06 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

All-Girls Sainik School

Defence Minister recently inaugurated the Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School, the 1st all-girls Sainik School, at Vrindavan in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Sainik Schools are residential schools that provide public school education with a military bias. They are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and are supported by Central and State funding.

04 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Chairman of Finance Commission

Centre appoints former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya as Chairman of 16th Finance Commission recently. The Finance Commission of India is a constitutional body that allocates revenues between the central and state governments. It was established in 1951 by the President of India under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.

03 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Appointment to Various Constitutional Posts

National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI)

National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) was registered on 1970 under the Bombay Cooperative Societies Act (VII of 1925). Headquarters - New Delhi. NCDFI is an apex body of cooperative dairies. Members - NCDFI members include federal dairy cooperatives of states and union territories.

01 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Ministries and Departments of the Government

Tehreek-e-Hurriyat

The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially declared ‘Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH)' as an 'unlawful association' for the next 5 years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu Wa Kashmir is a separatist political party in Jammu and Kashmir, India founded by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

01 Jan, 2024 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana It was launched by the Government of India in 2016 to provide free LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections to women from below-poverty-line households. The objective of the scheme was to make clean cooking fuel such as LPG available to the rural and deprived households and discourage usage of traditional cooking fuels. Use of tr

05 Oct, 2023 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Pension Scheme

Pension Scheme The Old Pension Scheme: It is a retirement scheme approved by the central government that provides monthly pension to the beneficiaries till the end of their life service. The amount of pension released monthly shall be equal to half of the last drawn salary by an individual before retirement. Also called as Defined Contribution scheme. In

04 Oct, 2023 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Age of Consent

Age of Consent The age of consent is the minimum age at which an individual is considered legally old enough to consent to participation in sexual activity. The current age of consent in India is 18 years. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act criminalises all sexual activity by children under 18. Prosecution for statutory rape o

30 Sep, 2023 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) IRDAI cuts minimum capital requirement for foreign reinsurance branches from Rs 100 crore to Rs 50 crores with the provision to repatriate any excess assigned capital. The move is intended to Increase the overall capacity of the reinsurance sector to accommodate growing demand and manage

25 Aug, 2023 GS-2 Statutory, Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies

PM SHRI schools

PM SHRI schools PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) is a centrally sponsored scheme to be implemented by Government of India over a period of 5 years (2022-23 to 2026-27). The framework aims to develop more than 14500 PM SHRI Schools managed by Central government/State/UT Government/local bodies. Its implementation shall help in building an equitable, inclusive, and plural soc

08 Aug, 2023 GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions for Development

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