In the case of Maldives, it’s not the size but the location that makes it strategically significant. Explain in the context of India’s neighbourhood first approach.

Maldives is an island nation located in India’s close proximity in the Indian Ocean Region. Despite its small size, Strategic significance for India: Freedom of navigation in Indian Ocean Region, in backdrop of Chinese hegemony. Role of India as a ..

Topics: GS-II: India's Foreign Policy Neighbourhood International Relations

Discuss the threat posed by Covid-19 on the safety and wellbeing of children all over the world. What steps have been taken by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in this regard?

World Bank released a report pointing that learning disability may increase by 10% in developing countries due to Covid-induced destruction. Threat of Covid on wellbeing of children: Healthcare Disruption of traditional network of ASHA in last-mile delivery. Reduced institutional deliveries. ..

Topics: GS-II: Mechanisms Laws for Protection of Vulnerable Sections • GS-II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections • GS-III: Disaster and Disaster Management

Enumerating the key objectives of the Foreign Contribution Act, discuss why the recent amendments in the act are seen as a matter of great concern for the development sector in India.

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act implemented by MHA aims to regulate foreign investments into the country and ensure their use is in lines with public welfare. Objectives of FCRA: Regulate and monitor inflow of foreign funds. Ensure funds are not used ..

Topics: GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in Various Sectors

The idea that public intent data can play a transformative role in the public sector has its own set of challenges. Discuss.

Public Intent Data refers to data that is used for public welfare. Recently released world development report by World Bank, titled “Data for better lives” referred to the role of Public Intent Data in public sector. Transformative role of data ..

Topics: GS-I: Important Social Institutions Issues • GS-II: E Governance Applications Models Successes Limitations Potential

Adequately empowering the third tier of Indian federal structure is the key to strengthen federalism in India. Analyse.

The 73rd and 74th amendments to the constitution of India ushered in decentralization by establishing PRIs & Municipalities as 3rd tier of Indian federal structure. Despite these constitutional amendments, the 3rd tier suffers from problems inhibiting true empowerment. It faces ..

Topics: GS-II: Devolution of Powers and Finances Up to Local Levels • GS-II: Major Issues Pertaining to Federal Structure

Highlight the role played by the MPLAD scheme in creating community assets based on local needs. Also discuss the issues associated with it.

MPLAD is a Central Sector Scheme, announced in 1993, with an objective to enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature, primarily in their Constituencies. Role in creating community assets: The developmental work emphasize upon creation of durable community assets ..

Topics: GS-II: Devolution of Powers and Finances Up to Local Levels • GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States • GS-II: Major Issues Pertaining to Federal Structure • GS-II: Parliament and State Legislatures in India