Discuss the relationship between transparency and good governance. Examine the role of institutional mechanisms in strengthening transparency in public administration.

Topic: Transparency & accountability Q3. Discuss the relationship between transparency and good governance. Examine the role of institutional mechanisms in strengthening transparency in public administration. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Transparency has emerged as a central pillar of democratic governance in India, particularly after reforms such as the Right to …

UIDAI launches Aadhaar mascot Udai

Source:  News on Air Subject:   Government Scheme Context: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched Aadhaar mascot ‘Udai (उदय)’ to make Aadhaar-related information more relatable and people-friendly. About UIDAI launches Aadhaar mascot Udai: What it is? A resident-facing communication companion (official mascot) designed to simplify public understanding of Aadhaar services such as updates, …

Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)

Source: TH Subject: Government Scheme Context: Land acquisition has emerged as the single largest bottleneck in infrastructure development, accounting for 35% of project delays, the Cabinet Secretary said after the 50th PRAGATI meeting. About Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI): What it is? PRAGATI is a centralised, ICT-enabled governance platform for grievance redressal, programme implementation, …

E-Bill System for fertiliser subsidies

Source:  HBL Subject:  Government Schemes Context: The Union Government has launched an integrated e-Bill System to digitally process fertiliser subsidies worth about ₹2 lakh crore. About E-Bill System for fertiliser subsidies: What it is? The e-Bill System is an end-to-end digital platform for submission, processing, tracking, and payment of fertiliser subsidy bills, replacing the earlier …

Artificial Intelligence in Judiciary

Context: The Government informed Parliament that Artificial Intelligence (AI)–based tools are being integrated into e-Courts software applications to improve judicial efficiency and access to justice. About Artificial Intelligence in Judiciary: What it is? Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary refers to the use of AI technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Optical …

E-governance has improved service delivery but has not fully transformed administrative behaviour. Examine structural constraints. Assess how institutional redesign can enhance impact.

Topic: e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations Q3. E-governance has improved service delivery but has not fully transformed administrative behaviour. Examine structural constraints. Assess how institutional redesign can enhance impact. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Rapid expansion of digital platforms has improved service delivery, but deeper behavioural reforms in bureaucracy remain …

Maharashtra Becomes First State to Partner with Starlink

Source: News on Air Context: Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to sign an agreement with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd. to deliver satellite-based internet services across government institutions and remote rural areas of state. About Maharashtra Becomes First State to Partner with Starlink: What is Starlink? Starlink is a satellite-based broadband service operated …

ASTraM app

Context: The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has launched a new initiative enabling college students to report traffic violations through the ASTraM app, in collaboration with the Aarohan Foundation’s Police Marshals programme. About ASTraM app: What it is? The ASTraM (Automated System for Traffic Management) app is a digital traffic enforcement and monitoring platform developed by …

UPSC Mains 2025 General Studies (GS) Paper 2: Complete Question-wise Analysis and Synopsis

Contents Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice. (Answer in 150 words). (10 M) Comment on the need …

Kerala Declared India’s First Fully Digitally Literate State

Context Kerala Chief Minister declared Kerala as the first fully digitally literate State in India, marking the completion of Phase I of the Digi Kerala project. The initiative sought to bridge the digital divide by training individuals in basic digital skills across all local bodies. Key Features of the Achievement Mass Coverage: Surveys covered 1.5 …

Anna-Chakra Supply Chain Optimisation Tool

Context: The Centre has rolled out the “Anna-Chakra” Supply Chain Optimisation Tool in 30 States/UTs under the Public Distribution System (PDS). About Anna-Chakra Supply Chain Optimisation Tool: What it is? A digital optimisation platform for efficient movement of foodgrains under the PDS. Aim: To minimise costs, reduce leakages, and ensure timely delivery of foodgrains. Features: …

Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N)

Source:  BS Context: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) signed an MoU with BISAG-N to integrate remote sensing and GIS technologies into the audit process. About Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N): What is BISAG-N? A national-level technical agency providing space and geo-spatial solutions for governance, planning, and development. Established in: Originally …

The success of e-governance initiatives lies not merely in technological adoption but in aligning with social realities. Examine with examples.

Topic: e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential Q3. The success of e-governance initiatives lies not merely in technological adoption but in aligning with social realities. Examine with examples. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the Question: The interplay between technological adoption and social inclusiveness in ensuring successful e-governance outcomes, highlighting the need …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

e-Governance

Context: Kerala Tourism has introduced a multilingual microsite dedicated to the Sabarimala temple to simplify the pilgrimage experience. The site provides comprehensive information about the shrine’s customs, traditions, and geography and is available in five languages: English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. The site includes details on nearby temples, route maps, and hotel facilities, enhancing …

Digital India Common Service Center Project

Source:  IE Context: The Digital India Common Service Center (DICSC) project is an initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aimed at bridging the digital divide in rural areas by providing digital services at the grassroots level. About Digital India Common Service Center Project: Origin: Launched under the Digital India initiative by …

Ministry of Textile programs

Context: A number of activities including ‘Cleaning of Office Premises’, ‘Cyber Hygiene Activities, and ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs’ were conducted by the organizations under the Ministry of Textiles. Cleaning of Office Premises: The cleaning of office premises is an activity aimed at maintaining hygiene and organization in workplaces, ensuring a clutter-free, clean, and productive environment. …