Why is the first 1,000 days of life significant for a child’s development? How can the frontline workers, like the ASHAs, help deliver necessary interventions during this crucial time period?

The most effective set of measures for decreasing child mortality, avoiding malnutrition, and determining cognitive development is optimal maternal nutrition and child feeding. Status of Child health in India: The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) report raises concerns about child ..

Topics: GS-II: Social Sector Services Health

What are the advantages and challenges associated with the introduction of Sovereign Green Bonds?

Recently, the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs has approved the final Sovereign Green Bonds Framework of India. Sovereign Green Bonds will be issued for mobilizing resources for green projects. Advantages: The Framework follows in the footsteps of India’s ..

Topics: GS-III: Economic Growth Development • GS-III: Conservation Environmental Pollution Degradation

Given the looming climate emergency threatening the developing world, discuss the ways in which RBI can help regulate climate risk.

The possibility of irreversible negative effects from climate change, some of which the world is already experiencing, looms large. The RBI’s Discussion Paper on Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance examines the impact of climate change on the financial sector. Link ..

Topics: GS-III: Economic Growth Development • GS-III: Conservation Environmental Pollution Degradation • GS-III: Environmental Impact Assessment

Discuss the current status of cross-border electricity trade in India. What are its advantages and significance?

Cross-border electricity exchange has been taking place on the Indian Energy Exchange, which has aided India’s aspirations to build a regional power system (IEX). Cross Border Trade of Electricity: The CBET (Cross-Border Electricity Trade) Regulations were published by the Central ..

Topics: GS-III: Infrastructure Energy Sector

In view of the recent case against The Wire, discuss the legal provisions regarding defamation in India. What is the case for decriminalization of this offense?

The ongoing defamation case against news website ‘The Wire’, has once again sparked the debate to decriminalize this offence, a demand expressed by the media community from time to time. Background: The Wire reported that members of the BJP routinely ..

Topics: GS-II: Basic Structure Doctrine

In light of the recent Supreme Court order upholding the 2014 amendments to the EPFO pension scheme, give an overview of this social security scheme. How is the apex court’s order expected to affect the pensions segment?

Recently, the Supreme Court in a crucial judgment upheld the Employees’ Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2014 of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) as “legal and valid”. EPFO Pension Scheme: EPF is the main scheme under the Employees’ Provident Funds and ..

Topics: GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States • GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in Various Sectors