Daily Current Affairs

WHY IS DELHI’S AIR QUALITY DETERIORATING? TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU Delhi’s air quality significantly worsens during winter, especially after the southwest monsoon withdrawal. The city’s particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels often spike beyond safe limits, causing a severe public health concern. The main contributors include stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and atmospheric conditions. Stubble Burning

GENDER REPRESENTATION IN THE INDIAN JUDICIARY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU The representation of women in the Indian judiciary remains low, especially in higher courts such as the High Courts and the Supreme Court. Although entry-level recruitment of women has improved, female judges still face numerous obstacles at senior levels. Current Statistics: According to the

ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF ADJOURNMENTS AND CASE PENDENCY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU President Droupadi Murmu has emphasized the need to eliminate delays in the judicial process. During the District Judiciary Conference, she highlighted that frequent adjournments create obstacles for poor and rural populations in accessing justice, as they fear their cases will remain unresolved

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

GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS AND THEIR ROLE IN ADDRESSING HUNGER TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU Genetically Modified (GM) crops have emerged as a potential solution to meet the growing global food demand while mitigating environmental damage. However, their impact depends on farming methods and regulatory frameworks, sparking debates about their safety, environmental effects,

INDIA NEEDS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REGULATORY AGENCY TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU While global discussions, like the recent COP29, focus on climate financing, India must also address its internal environmental health issues. Establishing an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) could bridge gaps in environmental governance, promote data integration, and protect public health. Why India Needs

UNDERSTANDING THE CHANGING NATURE OF EXTREMIST VIOLENCE TOPIC: (GS3) SEQURITY: THE HINDU Extremist violence has taken on new dimensions globally. While conflicts like the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas crisis dominate headlines, evolving patterns of violence by extremist groups often go unnoticed. This trend has significant implications for law enforcement, national security, and the global

INDIA'S URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU A World Bank report highlights that India will require ₹70 lakh crore by 2036 for urban infrastructure, but current annual investments are far below this level. Addressing this challenge requires innovative strategies, reforms, and collaborative efforts. Urban Infrastructure Financing: Current Scenario Funding Gap: India needs

STUBBLE BURNING AND SATELLITE TRACKING TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has emerged as a significant contributor to air pollution, particularly affecting the National Capital Region (NCR). Satellite technology is widely employed to monitor these fires, but challenges persist in accurately tracking them due to evolving farmer strategies. How Satellites

FROM A REPUBLIC TO A REPUBLIC OF UNEQUAL TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU India marked 75 years of its Constitution on November 26, 2024, which was designed to ensure justice, equality, and liberty while addressing socio-economic inequalities. However, neoliberal economic policies have replaced welfare governance, widening the gap between the rich and poor. This

DEALING WITH THE CHINA QUESTION TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS China's increasing military capabilities and assertiveness have created challenges for India's defence preparedness. To address this, India must modernize its defence industrial base and strengthen security ties with like-minded Asian nations. Recent defence agreements with Australia and Japan highlight potential for deeper cooperation. India’s Defence

NATIONAL MISSION ON NATURAL FARMING (NMNF) TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a new initiative launched by the Government of India to promote chemical-free and sustainable farming practices. What is Natural Farming? Natural farming is a chemical-free agricultural system that relies on inputs derived from livestock and plant

INDIANS NEED TO SHARE CONTRACEPTIVE RESPONSIBILITY TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU India’s family planning program, launched in 1952, aimed to stabilize the population and improve maternal and child health. However, there has been a significant decline in male sterilization, or vasectomy, with only 0.3% of sterilizations being performed on men as per NFHS-4 and