General Studies Paper -2  Context: The Supreme Court agreed to examine the contours of Article 361 of the Constitution which grants “blanket immunity” to governors from any kind of criminal prosecution. Background A woman staff member of the West Bengal Raj Bhawan, has accused Governor CV Ananda Bose of sexual harassment. The plea challenges the immunity granted to the governor of a state under Article 361 of the Indian Constitution and seeks several directions and investigations. What is Article 361? The Governors of state receive immunity from legal proceedings over the duration of their term in office under Article 361....Read More

General Studies Paper- 2 Context: Around the world, the representation of women in political spheres has seen significant progress over the years. However, this progress has been uneven, and there’s still much work to be done. Women and Political Representation Women’s equal participation and leadership in political and public life are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. However, data show that women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making worldwide and that achieving gender parity in political life is far off. Women in National Parliaments Only 26.9% of Parliamentarians in single or lower houses are women, up....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: Recently, the Karnataka Cabinet cleared a Bill mandating 50% reservation for locals in management jobs and 75% in non-management positions. About The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, has taken centre stage in the state’s legislative landscape, aiming to address the employment concerns of local candidates within the private sector. The bill emphasises job opportunities for Kannadigas by mandating specific reservation percentages for management and non-management positions. The bill comes after long-standing demands for job reservation for Kannadigas. Earlier this year, Kannada organisations organised rallies across the....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: The Supreme Court of India agreed to list petitions challenging the Money Bill route taken by the Centre to pass contentious amendments in the Parliament. Background The Money Bill case was referred to the supreme court in 2019 in the case of Rojer Mathew vs. South Indian Bank Ltd. The issue is whether such amendments could be passed as a Money Bill, circumventing the Rajya Sabha, in violation of Article 110 of the Constitution. What are the concerns? The case includes legal questions concerning amendments made from 2015 onwards in the Prevention of Money Laundering....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context Despite the seemingly successful talks between National Security Advisers (NSAs) of India and USA, to make progress on the bilateral Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), structural challenges endure in its execution. About the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) It is a collaborative framework between India and the United States that aims to facilitate outcome-oriented cooperation in critical and emerging technology areas. It was announced by the Indian Prime Minister and US President during the Quad Summit in Tokyo in May 2022. It seeks to elevate and expand the strategic technology partnership....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: Recently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) amended the Rules to widen the administrative role of Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Jammu and Kashmir. Key Changes Police and Public Order: The L-G now has more say in matters related to police and public order, aiming to strengthen the L-G’s role in maintaining law and order within the Union Territory. Any proposal requiring prior concurrence of the Finance Department in these areas must be placed before the L-G first. All India Service (AIS): Transfers and postings of AIS officers now fall under the L-G’s purview. This change....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: The Supreme Court held that a divorced Muslim woman is entitled to a claim of maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, against her former husband. Background The Telangana High Court directed a Muslim man to pay ₹10,000 interim maintenance to his former wife. However, the husband contended that the provisions of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, being a special law, should prevail over Section 125 of the CrPC. Evolution of law on Maintenance The law governing maintenance for destitute wives, children, and parents has been....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: A stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras has claimed the lives of over 100 people. Many such incidents happened in the past like Kalkaji temple’s platform collapse or the Vaishno Devi temple stampede that happened in 2022. What is a stampede? Stampedes are often described as the disruption of the orderly movement of crowds leading to injuries and fatalities. There are many factors like – poor event management, higher density of people allowed, or even due to natural disasters like sudden heavy rain, flood, or earthquake. How can such events be Prevented? Proper risk analysis....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: The 16th Finance Commission chaired by  Dr. Arvind Panagariya  has begun its work. About 16th Finance Commission The Government of India, with the approval of the President of India, has constituted the Sixteenth Finance Commission, in pursuance to Article 280(1) of the Constitution. It Focuses on devolution of the consolidated fund to states and local bodies. Duration and Scope The 16th Finance Commission recommendations will cover a period of five years starting from April 1, 2026. Distribution of Tax Proceeds: Determine how taxes shared between the Union and States (under Part XII, Chapter I of....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: A recent World Bank working paper has called for granting greater authority to Panchayats while strengthening local fiscal capacity to offset what it identified as “recentralisation”. About Recentralisation is resulting from the widespread adoption of online payment systems, MIS-based beneficiary selection, and digital beneficiary tracking. The working paper highlighted the Gram Panchayat (GP) council members spend excessive time at Block Development offices and District Collectorates, acting as intermediaries rather than empowered decision-makers. Recommendations Enhanced fiscal capacity and broader decision-making authority are deemed essential for improving governance. Empowering ward members (WMs) within village councils, who currently....Read More