INDIA AND THE UNITED NATIONS: A FOCUS ON UN DAY United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24th each year to commemorate the establishment of the UN Charter in 1945. This day highlights the UN's objectives and achievements, reminding the world of the importance of international cooperation in promoting peace and security. What is the
ELECTORAL FREEBIES IN INDIA The topic of electoral freebies in India is a contentious issue that raises questions about ethical governance, fiscal responsibility, and the long-term impact on society. A recent survey shows mixed opinions among urban voters regarding freebies, especially in light of rising debates about their sustainability. Prime Minister criticism of the "revdi
INDIA-GERMANY INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONSULTATIONS India and Germany share a significant partnership marked by cooperation in various sectors. Recently, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Scholz co-chaired the 7th round of India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi. Key Highlights of the Meeting Focus on India Document: Germany released the "Focus on India" document, which serves as a
ISRO AND DBT COLLABORATION FOR SPACE EXPERIMENTS The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) recently signed an agreement to develop and conduct scientific experiments for the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). Planned for completion between 2028 and 2035, BAS will be India's own space station, fostering advancements in space technology
WMO’S GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) BULLETIN 2023 The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released its annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Bulletin for 2023, detailing the latest analysis on GHG levels from its Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) program. This report highlights the ongoing rise in GHG concentrations, underlining the urgent need for effective climate action. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
ASIA-PACIFIC CLIMATE REPORT 2024 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has published its Asia–Pacific Climate Report 2024, focusing on the economic effects of climate change in the Asia-Pacific region. The report highlights severe risks to regional GDP, labor productivity, and ecosystems if greenhouse gas emissions remain high. It also emphasizes the urgent need for climate action,
COAL INDIA LIMITED (CIL) Coal India Limited (CIL) is a central government-owned company that plays a critical role in India's coal mining and production sector. Established to manage and produce coal, CIL has grown to be the world's largest coal producer, fulfilling a vital need in the country's energy infrastructure. Key Facts about Coal India
RURAL WAGE STAGNATION IN INDIA Despite India's economic and agricultural growth over recent years, rural wages have shown minimal increase, reflecting a paradox where economic progress has not translated into higher incomes for rural workers. From 2019-20 to 2023-24, the economy and agricultural sector grew at average annual rates of 4.6% and 4.2%, respectively, but
FIRST ADVANCE ESTIMATES FOR KHARIF CROP PRODUCTION 2024-25: HIGHLIGHTS AND INITIATIVES The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare recently released the First Advance Estimates for the Kharif crop production for 2024-25. This report demonstrates a record-breaking achievement in foodgrain and oilseed production, highlighting the government’s increasing reliance on technology and collaborative planning to boost agricultural
SUPREME COURT VERDICT IN PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION V. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA (2024) The Supreme Court’s 2024 verdict in the Property Owners Association v. State of Maharashtra case addresses the limits on government authority over private property, especially concerning resources deemed vital for public welfare. This judgment interprets Article 39(b) and Article 300A, highlighting the balance
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS) Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the most vulnerable nations to climate change impacts. Despite the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, climate financing for these nations remains inadequate, especially from wealthier, high-emission countries. SIDS face intensified
ON IMPROVING WIND ENERGY GENERATION In August 2024, the Tamil Nadu government launched the "Repowering, Refurbishment, and Life Extension Policy" aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the state's wind energy industry. This policy targets the aging wind turbines in the state, aiming to replace old ones or extend their operational life. However, wind energy producers
NANO-COATED FERTILISERS Nano-coated fertilisers represent a groundbreaking advancement in agricultural technology, particularly in nutrient delivery. Recently, Indian scientists developed nano-coated muriate of potash, a form of nano fertiliser, aimed at enhancing the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of traditional fertilisers. These nano-coated fertilisers not only support efficient nutrient absorption but also improve crop yield, soil fertility,
THE INTER-STATE COUNCIL: A TOOL FOR STRENGTHENING COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM IN INDIA The Inter-State Council (ISC) is a vital institution established to foster cooperation between the central government and state governments, supporting India’s federal structure. Recently, the ISC was reconstituted with the Prime Minister as its chairperson, emphasizing a renewed focus on cooperative federalism and harmonious
OECD’S AGRICULTURAL POLICY MONITORING REPORT The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a global forum supporting economic growth, releases an annual Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation report to assess agricultural support across 54 nations. The 2024 report highlights that India effectively taxed its farmers around $120 billion in 2023, the highest among evaluated countries,
