News: Recently, in two separate judgements, the Supreme Court (SC) of India has struck down the reservations that were awarded by the Maharashtra government and Tamil Nadu government. Both judgments identified the same problem – a lack of evidence-driven policymaking by the state govt for reservations. What observations have been made by the Supreme Court… Continue reading When lack of data gets in the way of affirmative action
A model struggling to deliver
Context: National Education Policy, 2020, envisions universalizing Early Childhood Care and Education through Anganwadis. However, the events linked to COVID-19 led to an abrupt halt in the progress. What are Anganwadi Centres (AWCs)? AWCs fall under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme. Preschool is one of the six services provided in this package. AWCs are… Continue reading A model struggling to deliver
The process of electing India’s President
Context: The tenure of the current President is set to end in July this year, which is also when the 16th Indian Presidential election will be held to elect his successor. How is the President elected? The Indian President is elected through an electoral college system, by proportional representation by a single transferable vote. The… Continue reading The process of electing India’s President
HOPS as a route to universal health care
Context: The basic idea of Universal Health Care (UHC) is that no one should be deprived of quality healthcare for the lack of ability to pay. In the Bhore Committee report of 1946, a case was made for India to create its own National Health Service (NHS) type health care system. How UHC can be… Continue reading HOPS as a route to universal health care
Explained: What is Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Ammunition that the Army wants?
What is the News? The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information(RFI) for the Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Ammunition(CALM) System. What is a Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Ammunition(CALM) System? CALM System is a preloaded canister with loitering ammunition or a drone. Once fired it can remain aloft for a period of time over the… Continue reading Explained: What is Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Ammunition that the Army wants?
Modernisation of Prisons Project: MHA to aid states to procure body cameras for prison staff, mobile jammers for jail
What is the News? The Ministry of Home Affairs has released guidelines for the implementation of the Modernisation of Prisons Project. Note: ‘Prisons’ is a State subject under the State List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Hence, the management and administration of Prisons falls exclusively in the domain of the State… Continue reading Modernisation of Prisons Project: MHA to aid states to procure body cameras for prison staff, mobile jammers for jail
Union Minister launches the Utsav Portal at the inaugural day of Amrit Samagam Conference
What is the News? The Union Minister for Tourism has launched Utsav Portal at the Amrit Samagam Conference. What is Utsav Portal? Launched by: Ministry of Tourism Aim: It is a digital initiative that aims to – Showcase all the events, festivals and live darshans across India to promote different regions of the country as… Continue reading Union Minister launches the Utsav Portal at the inaugural day of Amrit Samagam Conference
Explained: Midday meal and supplements
What is the News? From the next academic session, Karnataka is likely to become the 13th state to provide eggs under the Midday Meal Scheme. This decision comes in the backdrop of surveys such as the National Family Health Survey-V which found 35% of children under five stunted and around 20% wasted. What is a… Continue reading Explained: Midday meal and supplements
‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ launched in additional 126 cities
What is the News? The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA) has launched ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ program in additional 126 cities across 14 States/ UTs. What is SVANidhi se Samriddhi Program? Launched by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA) in 2021 It is an additional program of the PM SVANidhi Scheme. Aim: To provide social… Continue reading ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ launched in additional 126 cities
DoT invites ministries, industry tie-up to build 5G use-case ecosystems
What is the News? The Department of Telecommunications(DoT) has invited the Expression of Interest (EoI) for the “5G Vertical Engagement and Partnership Programme (VEPP)”. What is the 5G Vertical Engagement and Partnership Programme(VEPP)? Launched by: Department of Telecommunications(DoT) Objective: To build strong collaborative partnerships across 5G Use-case ecosystem stakeholders with velocity and with an exclusive… Continue reading DoT invites ministries, industry tie-up to build 5G use-case ecosystems
