Abhith Siksha

1. Rajasthan scraps two-child norm for local body, panchayat polls after three decades The Rajasthan Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, approved the removal of the 30-year-old Two-Child Norm for candidates contesting local body (Panchayat and Urban) elections. This rule was originally introduced in 1995 under the leadership of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. Key Legislative Changes ​To implement this, the government will introduce: ​ Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 : Amending Section 19 of the 1994 Act. ​Rajasthan Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 : Amending Section 24 of the 2009 Act. ​ Rationales Provided by the Government ​Demographic Shift : The fertility rate in Rajasthan has dropped from 3.6 (1991-94) to 2.0 today. This brings the state below the replacement level fertility (2.1), making strict punitive control measures less relevant. Inclusivity & Democratic Rights : The norm was seen as "discriminatory," often disqualifying capable gras...

  1. National HPV Vaccination Drive The Union Health Ministry is launching a nationwide, voluntary, and free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting girls aged 14. This initiative follows the 2024 Interim Budget announcement and seeks to reduce the high burden of cervical cancer in India. Key Highlights of the Scheme ​Target Group : Girls aged 14 years (approximately 1.2 crore adolescents annually). ​Vaccine Used : Gardasil (a quadrivalent vaccine by MSD). ​Administration : A single-dose regimen (supported by NTAGI and WHO evidence for this age group). ​Cost & Accessibility : Free of cost at government facilities (Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PHCs, District Hospitals). ​Digital Tracking : Use of the U-WIN portal (similar to CoWIN) for registration and tracking. ​International Support : Procurement supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Medical & Scientific Dimensions ​The Virus : HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses. High-risk types 16 and 18 are...

  1. Centre unveils PRAHAAR policy to tackle terror threats For the first time, India has formalised its counter-terrorism approach into a structured policy document. It shifts India’s stance from a reactive model to a proactive, intelligence-guided framework. The Seven Pillars of PRAHAAR ​The policy is built on the acronym PRAHAAR, representing a "whole-of-government" and "whole-of-society" approach: (P)Prevention of terror attacks : Focus on protecting critical infrastructure and citizens. (R)Responses (Swift & Proportionate): Moving beyond restraint to active deterrence. (A)Aggregating Internal Capacities : Synergy between State and Central agencies (MAC/JTFI). (H)Human Rights & Rule of Law : Balancing security with constitutional safeguards. (A) Attenuating enabling conditions : Addressing root causes like radicalization and social media influence. (A)Aligning International Efforts : Using global platforms (UN, FATF) to isolate terror sponsors. (R) Rec...

  1. Assam CM laid the foundation stone for Vrindavani Vastra museum Context and Key Details ​Event: Foundation stone laid by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 22, 2026. ​Objective : To build a world-class, climate-controlled museum at Khanapara, Guwahati, to house the 16th-century silk textile, Vrindavani Vastra. ​Partnership : A collaboration between the Assam Government (provided 2 acres of land) and the JSW Foundation (funding and construction via CSR). ​ The Loan : The British Museum (London) will loan the textile to Assam for 18 months starting in 2027. Historical and Cultural Significance ​The Vrindavani Vastra is not just a piece of cloth; it is a "visual hagiography" of Assamese spirituality. ​Origin : Woven in the 16th century (approx. 1567–1569) under the direct supervision of the Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. ​Commission : It was commissioned by the Koch King Naranarayana and his brother Chilarai. The Art:   Te...

1. Supreme Court Intervention in West Bengal SIR Process A three-judge bench headed by CJI Surya Kant (current CJI in 2026) directed the deployment of serving and retired judicial officers (District or Additional District Judges) to oversee the SIR process. ​The "Trust Deficit" : The Court noted a severe breakdown in coordination and a "trust deficit" between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal Government. Judicial Rol e: These officers will take over the quasi-judicial tasks typically performed by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to adjudicate lakhs of claims and objections from voters who were dropped or flagged for "logical discrepancies." ​Article 142: The Court invoked its plenary powers under Article 142 to pass this order, describing the situation as "extraordinary." ​Timeline: The deadline for publishing the voter list is February 28, 2026, with supplementary rolls to follow. What is SIR (Special Intensive R...

 1. Flight Overreach and Regulatory Amendments The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported an increase in incidents: from 1 in 568 flights (2022) to 1 in 480 flights (2023). In India, high-profile cases (like the "Peegate" incident or passengers trying to open emergency exits) have prompted the DGCA to move toward a "Zero Tolerance" policy. Key Proposed Amendments ​The DGCA is proposing changes to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937: ​Direct Power to Airlines: Airlines can now impose an immediate flying ban of up to 30 days without waiting for the "Independent Committee" to rule. ​Expanded Categories of Misconduct: The definition of unruly behavior now explicitly includes: Smoking on board (including e-cigarettes). ​Consuming alcohol on domestic flights. ​Tampering with emergency exits. ​Unauthorized use of life-saving equipment (e.g., life jackets). ​Engaging in protests or sloganeering. ​Con...