EVMS AND VVPATS IN INDIA The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems has become a cornerstone of India's electoral process, revolutionizing the way elections are conducted in the country. The Supreme Court's recent decision in the Association of Democratic Reforms v. Election Commission of India Case, 2024,
STUDY WARNS OF ‘DECREASING TREND’ IN SOLAR RADIATION FOR ELECTRICITY IN INDIA A recent study conducted by scientists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised alarms regarding the declining trend in solar radiation availability across various regions in India. This decline in solar radiation poses significant challenges to India's ambitious goals of scaling up
HOW A ‘NEW’ JAPAN PROMISES TO TRANSFORM ASIAN GEOPOLITICS Japan's recent shift in its diplomatic posture marks a significant departure from its longstanding policy of post-war pacifism. This transformation has arisen due to a combination of external and internal factors, including China's rise, North Korea's threat, and uncertainties in US commitment. This shift is manifesting
INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATION COMMITTEE ON PLASTIC POLLUTION Plastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental crisis, with detrimental impacts on ecosystems, human health, and climate. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, the United Nations Environment Agency (UNEA) initiated negotiations for a global plastics treaty. Despite significant efforts, the recent fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating
CURATIVE PETITION The Supreme Court of India recently overturned its previous judgement in the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) vs Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt. Ltd. (DAMEPL) case, 2021, through a curative petition. This decision reverses an earlier arbitration award of nearly Rs 8,000 crore in favour of DAMEPL, a consortium led by Reliance Infrastructure
THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL'S PANEL ON CRITICAL ENERGY TRANSITION MINERALS The United Nations (UN) has established a panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals to develop global principles for the minerals value chain, aiming to ensure environmental and social standards and justice in the energy transition. This initiative is crucial in the context of renewable energy technologies
HOW THE NEXT GOVERNMENT WILL PUSH ‘BALANCED FERTILISATION’ After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the government is expected to prioritize balanced fertilization as a key policy goal to address issues in Indian agriculture. Despite efforts to regulate fertiliser consumption, urea usage has surged, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach. Balanced
HEAT WAVES AND ANTICYCLONES Heat waves and anticyclones are significant atmospheric phenomena that have profound impacts on weather patterns and climate conditions. As the world faces the consequences of global warming, it becomes imperative to comprehend the intricate relationships between these phenomena and their implications for regional weather variability. Heat Waves and Global Warming: Heat
UNPLANNED CONSTRUCTIONS, WASTEWATER SEEPAGE CAUSING LAND SUBSIDENCE IN CHENAB VALLEY In recent years, the Chenab Valley, encompassing districts like Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda, has witnessed alarming incidents of land subsidence, leading to the destruction of numerous houses. This phenomenon poses significant challenges to the region's infrastructure, environment, and community livelihoods. About Land Subsidence: Land subsidence
INDIAN SPACE SITUATIONAL ASSESSMENT REPORT (ISSAR) 2023 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023. This report provides a detailed overview of India's space assets and their vulnerability to potential collisions in space. Space Object Population: Globally, 3,143 objects were added to space in 2023 from 212
WORLD BANK'S "RECIPE FOR A LIVABLE PLANET" REPORT The World Bank's "Recipe for a Livable Planet" report provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the impact of the agrifood system on climate change. It emphasizes the urgent need for global action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food production while ensuring food security. Key Highlights
STRONGLY REFUTE ALLEGATIONS LEVELLED IN AUSTRALIA PANEL REPORT ON CHILD LABOUR: COMMERCE MINISTRY Recent allegations by Australia's Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth regarding child labour in India amidst negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) have sparked controversy. The Australian panel's report cited concerns raised by groups such as the Community
NEW UN REPORT CALLS FOR TRILLIONS MORE IN DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT TO RESCUE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS The United Nations (UN) recently released a report highlighting the urgent need for increased investment to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Staggering debt burdens and high borrowing costs faced by developing countries hinder their ability to
ISSUES WITH THE SCHEME FOR CARE AND SUPPORT TO VICTIMS UNDER POCSO ACT The Scheme for Care and Support to Victims under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act aims to provide comprehensive support to minor pregnant girl child victims. However, recent observations highlight several discrepancies and challenges in its implementation. Discrepancies in
19TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON FORESTS India recently participated in the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) at the UN Headquarters in New York, showcasing its achievements in forest conservation and sustainable management. The session highlighted India's initiatives and proposals aimed at enhancing global forest governance and addressing
NITI AAYOG REPORT FINDS ‘HUGE GAP’ IN CANCER SCREENING AT AYUSHMAN CENTRES The NITI Aayog report highlighted critical gaps in cancer detection in India, raising concerns about public health risks. It focused on the screening programs at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) meant for early detection of cancers like oral, breast, and cervical
INDIAN MANUFACTURING NEEDS MORE SOPHISTICATION: FINANCE MINISTER The manufacturing sector in India plays a significant role in the country's economy, contributing 17% to GDP and employing over 27.3 million workers. The government aims to increase its contribution to 25% of the economy by 2025, as part of the Make in India initiative. While certain sectors
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NAGALAND INSURGENCY The Naga insurgency is one of the longest-running ethnic conflicts in India, primarily driven by the quest for Naga sovereignty and autonomy. The conflict has deeply affected the socio-political dynamics of the northeastern region of India. Recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) accused the National Socialist Council
SPACE TOURISM Space tourism, once a futuristic dream, is now becoming a reality with individuals like Gopi Thotakura venturing beyond Earth's atmosphere. This burgeoning industry offers recreational trips to space, presenting both opportunities and challenges. What is Space Tourism? Space tourism involves providing recreational space travel experiences for tourists. Types: Suborbital flights offer
MICROPLASTICS Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimetres in diameter, have become a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, posing significant threats to ecosystems and human health. These minuscule plastic fragments originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastics and deliberate manufacturing of tiny particles for commercial use. Recent studies have shed light on
THE RECENT UNREST IN PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR The unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has heightened due to economic woes, including soaring prices and financial strain. Pakistan's economy faces significant challenges, marked by high inflation, escalating energy costs, and trade disruptions with India. These factors have contributed to economic instability in regions like PoK, exacerbating the already
PROMOTING COMPETITION IN DIGITAL MARKETS: THE AI CHALLENGE During the 15th annual day celebrations of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the Chairperson emphasized the inclination of digital markets towards heightened market concentration, potentially leading to monopolistic tendencies. Key Highlights of the Event: The CCI Chairperson pointed out that the dominance of digital platforms over
FARM LOAN WAIVERS Farm loan waivers are governmental measures aimed at relieving farmers from the burden of repaying certain agricultural loans, typically announced during election campaigns to garner support from the farming community. These waivers are implemented to alleviate agrarian distress caused by factors like crop failure, natural calamities, or economic hardships. Governments allocate funds
WIPO TREATY ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, GENETIC RESOURCES, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE The recently concluded World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty on Intellectual Property (IP), Genetic Resources (GRs), and Associated Traditional Knowledge (ATK) marks a significant achievement for countries of the global South, including India. Adopted by a consensus of over 150 countries, the treaty aims to balance
