Polity & Governance

Amrit Gyaan Kosh

Amrit Gyaan Kosh is a digital repository launched on the iGOT platform, developed jointly by the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat. It curates best governance practices from across India, aligned with 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The portal includes case studies, teaching notes, and content in Hindi and Braille, enhancing accessibility. It serves as a comprehensive resource for governance training and capacity building, aimed at improving public administration through a “whole of government” approach. It supports educators by providing structured case materials to bridge theory and practice in governance.

Why in news?

Launched in 2024 by Dr. Jitendra Singh to strengthen governance training and capacity building for public administrators in India.

Bharatiya Kranti Dal

The Bharatiya Kranti Dal (BKD) was a political party founded in 1967 by Chaudhary Charan Singh after leaving the Indian National Congress. It primarily represented the interests of farmers and backward castes in Uttar Pradesh. The BKD focused on agrarian reforms and social justice, emphasizing reservation policies for backward classes. It aligned with socialist leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia and played a key role in regional politics during the late 1960s and 1970s. The party’s manifesto in 1973 proposed a 25% reservation for backward classes in government jobs, reflecting early efforts to institutionalize affirmative action in India.

Why in news?

The BKD is mentioned as part of Charan Singh’s political journey and his efforts to promote reservations and social justice for backward classes in India.

Bharatmala Project

The Bharatmala Project is an ambitious road development initiative by the Government of India aimed at improving the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country. The first phase targets the construction of 34,800 km of national highways. It focuses on enhancing connectivity to border areas, ports, and economic corridors. The project integrates existing highway networks with new corridors to reduce travel time and logistics costs. It is managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and is expected to boost trade and regional development by improving road infrastructure .

Why in news?

The Bharatmala Project’s progress was brought into light by the Minister of State for Finance, noting that 18,714 km of highways have already been completed under its first phase.

G20 Roadmap on Crypto Assets

The G20 Roadmap on Crypto Assets is a policy framework adopted during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. It aims to coordinate international regulatory approaches to crypto assets, addressing risks including those specific to emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). The roadmap was developed alongside the IMF and Financial Stability Board’s Synthesis Paper, promoting common taxonomy, standards, and risk evaluation. It encourages jurisdictions to assess country-specific factors and engage with global standard-setting bodies. The roadmap’s implementation may involve publishing discussion papers to gather feedback before finalizing stances on crypto asset regulation.

Why in news?

The G20 Roadmap on Crypto Assets was brought into light by India’s finance ministry as a basis for future coordinated crypto regulation without a fixed timeline.

National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) is an autonomous body established by the Government of India to ensure the safety of dams across the country. It formulates policies, guidelines, and standards for dam safety management and monitors compliance. The NDSA conducts inspections, reviews structural stability, and investigates dam-related incidents. It collaborates with state governments and other agencies to implement safety measures. The authority also promotes research and development in dam safety technologies. The NDSA was constituted under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, aiming to prevent dam failures and protect downstream populations. It acts as a central regulator for dam safety in India.

Why in news?

NDSA is preparing to submit its final report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme’s structural safety, excluding geo-technical tests, amid concerns about the project’s stability and past incidents.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India was established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act. It investigates complaints of human rights violations and can act suo motu or on petitions. The NHRC can intervene in ongoing court cases related to human rights, recommend policy changes, and promote research. Initially, only former Chief Justices of ...