10 years of POCSO: An analysis of India’s landmark child abuse law

Ten years after the enactment of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which deals specifically with child sexual abuse, an analysis of POCSO cases across India has found gaps in its implementation. Why was POCSO enacted? The Constitution of India has incorporated several provisions to protect the rights of children and India… Continue reading

SC refuses to direct Centre to create independent Indian Environment Service

The Supreme Court has refused to intervene and direct the government to create an independent Indian Environment Service within the All India Service cadre. A specialized environment service was recommended in the T.S.R. Subramanian Committee report in 2014. TSR Subramanian Committee Report on Environment The Subramanian committee was set up in August 2014 to review… Continue reading

Pensionary benefits for Women in combat

Context The Supreme Court recently directed the Centre and the Indian Air Force to consider granting Permanent Commission to 32 retired women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers based on their suitability with the purpose of giving them pensionary benefits. The SC has, however, clarified that the retired women officers will only be considered for pension… Continue reading

Addressing the Leakages in PDS in the light of PMGKAY

Context The government of India extended Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a scheme to distribute free food grains to the poor, for another three months. However, issues of food grain leakages remains unaddressed. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) PM-GKAY: Launched during COVID-19 crisis to provided food security to the poor, needy… Continue reading

Is India a Diabetes capital of the world?

Context India is often referred to as the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World as it accounts for 17%percent of the total number of diabetes patients in the world. There are currently close to 80 million people with diabetes in India and this number is expected to increase to 135 million by 2045. World Diabetes day… Continue reading

What is a Narco Test?

A court in Saket, New Delhi, has allowed Delhi Police to conduct a narco test on a psychopath accused of raping and killing his live-in partner. What is a Narco Test? In a ‘narco’ or narcoanalysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the accused. This transports the accused to… Continue reading

National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)

Finance Minister has urged the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) to expand its operations and explore ways to crowd in private capital for projects under the National Infrastructure Pipeline, PM Gati Shakti and National Infrastructure Corridor. What is NIIF? National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is India’s first infrastructure specific investment fund or a… Continue reading

What is the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA)?

India has expressed its concern over the draft decision text to implement the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture. What is the news? India said developed countries are blocking a pro-poor and pro-farmer decision by insisting on expanding the scope for mitigation to agriculture. Developed countries are thereby compromising the very foundation of food security in… Continue reading

Uda Devi: A Dalit freedom fighter

On November 16, events to commemorate the martyrdom of Uda Devi, a freedom fighter from the Pasi community, were held at various places in Uttar Pradesh. Who was Uda Devi? Uda Devi is remembered not only for her stories of valour but also for her skill as a leader who managed to mobilise people —… Continue reading

Festival in news: Cuttack Baliyatra

In his address to the Indian diaspora in Bali on the sidelines of the G20 summit, PM Modi mentioned the annual Baliyatra on the banks of the Mahanadi in Cuttack, which celebrates the ancient trade relations between India and Indonesia. Baliyatra Baliyatra/ Balijatra, literally ‘voyage to Bali’, is one of India’s largest open-air fairs. It… Continue reading

BASIC nations oppose ‘Carbon Border Tax’

BASIC countries that includes India has jointly stated that carbon border taxes, that could result in market distortion and aggravate the trust deficit amongst parties, must be avoided. EU proposes, BASIC opposes The European Union has proposed a policy — called the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism– to tax products such as cement and steel that… Continue reading

Supreme Court asks government to grant pension to 32 women IAF officers

The Supreme Court has ordered the government to grant pension to women officers who fought for 12 years to get reinstatement and permanent commission in the Indian Air Force (IAF). Women in IAF: A case for Permanent commission History is replete with examples where women have been denied their just entitlements under law and the… Continue reading

Old Pension Scheme and related issues

Some political parties are promising to switch to the Old Pension Scheme in the opposition-ruled states. Old Pension Scheme Pension to government employees at the Centre as well as states was fixed at 50 per cent of the last drawn basic pay. The attraction of the Old Pension Scheme or ‘OPS’ — called so since… Continue reading

Tackling the menace of Terror Financing

Context The spectre of terrorist violence looms large over the world. With the technological advancement terrorists, criminals, weapons and funds are also able to move across national boundaries easily. India is increasingly playing a leading role in curbing the terror financing. What is Terror Financing? Terrorist financing encompasses the means and methods used by terrorist… Continue reading

In news: Vostro Accounts

Russian banks have been permitted by the RBI to open special Vostro accounts to pave the way for rupee-based export-import transactions. Why such move? Logged out of SWIFT -the messaging service to facilitate and confirm cross-border payments – most Russian banks are looking for alternative ways. India and several other countries too want a way out… Continue reading

Birth anniversary of Birsa Munda: The leader, his contributions

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, the Centre marked the second Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15 to celebrate the contributions of tribal communities to Indian culture. Who was Birsa Munda (1875-1900)? Birsa Munda was a tribal freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda… Continue reading

Regulating the election funding system

Context Elections are to democracy what financial markets are to the economy. The absence of an omnibus law to regulate elections and political parties in India is a legislative gap waiting to be filled. Significance of political parties in democracy A political party is an organized group of citizens who hold common views on governance… Continue reading

Online Women safety

Context India has one of the youngest youth demographics in the world and among the most active online. As online interactions increase, more content is created and shared among people, helping them form new and wonderful connections. Sometimes, however, these interactions also make them vulnerable to harm. What constitute as online harassment of women? Sharing… Continue reading

MARS A new alert system to detect Methane emissions

Context A new satellite-based system will now help governments detect methane emissions and tackle them. The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) was launched at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. What is Methane Alert and Response System (MARS)? MARS is a part… Continue reading

LT-LEDS (Long Term-Low Emission Development Strategy)

India has announced its long-term strategy to transition to a “low emissions” pathway at the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) ongoing in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. What are LT-LED Strategy? The LT-LEDS are qualitative in nature and are a requirement emanating from the 2015 Paris Agreement. Hereby, countries explain how they will transition their economies… Continue reading

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