Daily Current Affairs

THE NILGIRIS AS A SHARED WILDERNESS TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU The Nilgiri Biosphere, India’s first UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, spans over 5,500 square kilometres across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is home to rare and endemic flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri tahr, the star-eyed bush frog, and medicinal plants used by indigenous communities.

INDIA'S PATH TO ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU China, an autocracy, has seen notable wage growth despite limited returns for shareholders. Conversely, India, a democracy, has enjoyed high shareholder returns alongside weaker wage growth. This divergence underlines the distinct paths these countries have taken toward economic growth, underscoring India's struggle with “employed

NCST CHALLENGES NTCA’S ADVISORY ON VILLAGE RELOCATION IN TIGER RESERVES TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has expressed serious concerns regarding a recent directive issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). This advisory advises state forest departments to begin the process of relocating villages from tiger reserves. NCST’s

SUPREME COURT RULING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REDISTRIBUTION TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark decision by a nine-judge bench, clarified the scope of Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which deals with the distribution of resources for the common good. The bench disagreed with earlier judgments that allowed the

WHAT TRUMP 2.0 MEANS FOR INDIA TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency brings a new chapter in India-U.S. relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed strong support for Mr. Trump during his 2019 rally in Houston, may find benefits in this renewed partnership Opportunities in India-U.S. Relations Stronger

MODIFYING THE INDUS WATERS TREATY TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU India’s recent notice to Pakistan on August 30, 2024, seeking to review the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signals its concerns over domestic water demands, clean energy needs, and geopolitical tensions. The 1960 treaty, which allocates control of the Indus River and its tributaries between

THE WAQF LAND OWNERSHIP CONTROVERSY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU A recent dispute over Waqf Board land ownership in Karnataka has gained significant attention and stirred public concern. This controversy began in a small village in Vijayapura district, where claims emerged that the Waqf Board intended to take over land from local farmers. Key Developments

NET BORROWING CEILING’ FOR STATES TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU The central government's imposition of a 'Net Borrowing Ceiling' (NBC) on Kerala in 2023, capping its loans to 3% of its GSDP, has sparked debates over state fiscal autonomy. Background on Borrowing Powers in the Constitution Article 292: Grants the central government the authority

FINANCIAL ROADBLOCKS CONTINUE TO HINDER CONSERVATION EFFORTS TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU The COP16 summit on biodiversity in Cali, Colombia, aimed to advance global biodiversity conservation goals but faced challenges, particularly in financing and monitoring. However, significant financial gaps hinder progress towards meeting the 2030 biodiversity targets. COP16 COP16 Summary: The 16th Conference of the

GLOBAL HEALTH STRATEGY AND CHALLENGES IN INDIA TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU The World Bank's recent report, Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-communicable Diseases, and Human Capital (September 2024), addresses the rapid increase in global aging and the shift towards non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as leading causes of death, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

DELIMITATION AND FEDERALISM IN INDIA TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU With the delimitation freeze ending in 2026, the issue has re-emerged as critical for India's federal structure and ethno-linguistic balance. Concerns are growing over how recalibration could affect the representation of non-Hindi states, potentially shifting political influence toward Hindi-speaking regions. What is Delimitation? Delimitation

REIMPOSITION OF AFSPA IN MANIPUR TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been reimposed by the Union Home Ministry in certain areas of Manipur. AFSPA was previously lifted from these areas in 2022 due to an improved security environment, but recent unrest has led to its reinstatement. Background

UNIVERSITIES ARE DIFFERENT FROM RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), established in 1877 by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Recent developments, including the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling on AMU's minority status, have sparked a renewed conversation on the role of universities as institutions of secular education distinct from religious

NEW INFECTIOUS DISEASES AMONG BEES THREATEN WORLD’S ECONOMIES TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU Pollinators, especially insect species, play a critical role in global agricultural productivity, with over 75% of crops relying on them. However, factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and emerging diseases are threatening the survival of both managed and wild pollinators,

INDIA’S PATH TO NET-ZERO: CHALLENGES AND SUSTAINABILITY TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU India aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, a commitment made at previous COP conferences. Achieving this goal is crucial to mitigating climate change impacts but is fraught with challenges like increasing energy demand, resource constraints, and the need for sustainable development.

WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL AND DELAY IN PANEL REPORT SUBMISSION TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU The Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is unlikely to meet its deadline for submitting the report during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The Bill, tabled on August 8, proposes significant changes to the Waqf