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
GLOBAL PANDEMIC AGREEMENT The World Health Assembly (WHA), in its annual meeting, agreed on significant amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) and made commitments to finalize a global pandemic agreement by 2025. These amendments aim to enhance global preparedness, surveillance, and responses to public health emergencies, including pandemics. Key Amendments to IHR Pandemic
PERSONALITY RIGHTS The ongoing disputes involving Hollywood actress and OpenAI, and the legal action by the New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft, underscore the significance of personality rights and the regulatory landscape for AI. Personality rights are vital for individuals, especially celebrities, to control their public persona. In India, while explicit laws on personality
ATAL MISSION FOR REJUVENATION AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION (AMRUT) The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched in 2015 to enhance basic infrastructure and implement urban reforms in selected cities across India, covering about 60% of the urban population. AMRUT 2.0 Scheme Overview: Launched in 2021, AMRUT 2.0 aims to extend the
COALITION GOVERNMENT Coalition government refers to a system where multiple political parties cooperate to form a government. This collaboration is often necessary when no single party achieves a clear majority in elections. Coalition governments are built on agreed programs and shared objectives to exercise political power together. Features of Coalition Government Multiple Parties: At least
SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS The demand for special category status (SCS) by states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar has recently gained prominence with the formation of the new NDA government. What is Special Category Status? Special Category Status (SCS) is a designation given by the central government to support states with substantial geographical and socio-economic challenges.
WILFUL DEFAULTER Wilful defaulters are borrowers who intentionally fail to repay their debts despite having the financial capacity to do so. To prevent these individuals from escaping legal and financial consequences, various measures such as Look-Out Circulars (LOCs) are employed. Look-Out Circular (LOC) LOC is a notice to prevent individuals wanted by authorities
HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE SURVEY (HCES) The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), undertaken by the National Statistical Office (NSO), offers invaluable insights into the expenditure patterns of households in both rural and urban areas throughout India. It is a comprehensive study conducted every five years to gather data on household consumption patterns, which is essential for
PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are the foundation of rural governance in India, playing a crucial role in decentralizing power and ensuring local self-governance. They were established to empower rural communities and involve them directly in decision-making processes. Historical Background Ancient Governance: Village government in India has a long history. Kautilya’s Arthashastra (200
GLOBAL NITROUS OXIDE BUDGET Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to global warming and ozone layer depletion. A recent study by the Global Carbon Project (GCP) titled “Global Nitrous Oxide Budget (1980-2020)” highlights the alarming rise in N₂O emissions, particularly from human activities. Key Findings of the Study Alarming Rise in
URBANISATION Urbanisation is the process where people move from rural areas to urban centres, resulting in the growth of cities and towns. This trend has accelerated in recent decades, significantly impacting India’s urban centres, which face challenges such as water shortages, urban heating, and infrastructural strains. What is Urbanisation? Urbanisation refers to the movement of
NO OUTCOME IN BONN MEETING: WHY MONEY IS KEY TO CLIMATE ACTION The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is an emerging international climate finance target that aims to build upon and exceed the current commitment of $100 billion per year from developed countries to assist developing nations in addressing climate change. This new target seeks
SMART CITIES MISSION The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was launched on June 25, 2015, by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The mission aims to develop 100 cities across India into smart cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life to their citizens.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL (NSC) OF INDIA In the context of enhanced global strategic relations, the National Security Advisors of India and the U.S. recently met to discuss strengthening cooperation in various critical areas. This meeting marks the first official U.S. visit since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election for a third term. U.S. National Security Advisor
UNESCO LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVES FOR “GREENING EDUCATION” The Greening Education Partnership is a global initiative launched by UNESCO to address the climate crisis through education. It involves 80 member states and aims to transform educational institutions into Green Schools, integrating sustainable practices and curricula to prepare learners for climate challenges. This initiative aligns with Sustainable
UNITED NATIONS ACTIVITIES ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) A recent United Nations (UN) report has highlighted the growing concern that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is being used to spread misinformation and hate-driven narratives about World War II atrocities, including the Holocaust. The report warns that AI can unintentionally create deceptive content, fueling anti-Semitism and other forms
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (CJS) IN INDIA The criminal justice system (CJS) in India is a set of agencies and processes established to control crime and impose penalties on those who break the law. The system is primarily based on the Indian Penal Code (IPC), enacted in 1860. The Constitution of India places the police, public
INDIA, RUSSIA SET TO FINALISE MUTUAL DRAFT LOGISTICS AGREEMENT The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) between India and Russia marks a significant milestone in enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. This agreement aims to streamline logistics support for joint operations, making them more efficient and cost-effective. Here are the key points about RELOS
53RD MEETING OF THE GST COUNCIL The 53rd meeting of the GST Council introduced several measures aimed at easing compliance for small businesses and providing tax exemptions on various services. These changes are expected to benefit a broad range of stakeholders, from students to manufacturers, and signal potential shifts in the GST framework. Key Decisions:
KALLAKURICHI HOOCH TRAGEDY: FERMENTED WITH METHANOL AND APATHY Hooch is a widely used term for low-quality alcohol. The word "hooch" originates from the Hoochinoo tribe in Alaska, known for producing strong liquor. Hooch is often produced in unregulated and unsanitary conditions, making it risky to consume. Production Process of Hooch Fermentation: Begins with a sugary
INDUS WATERS TREATY The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is an agreement between India and Pakistan, signed on September 19, 1960, with the World Bank as a broker. This treaty outlines how the water from the Indus River and its tributaries is shared between the two nations. Key Provisions Water Sharing Rivers Covered: The treaty involves
COTTON CULTIVATION Recent data from the Ministry of Textiles indicates that cotton consumption by the textile industry from October 2023 to September 2024 is one of the highest in this decade. Key Facts About Cotton Cultivation About Cotton Significance: One of India's most important commercial crops, accounting for about 25% of global cotton production. Nickname:
INDIAN MUSIC EVOLUTION Indian music has a rich and diverse history that spans millennia, evolving through distinct phases influenced by cultural, religious, and regional factors. From its ancient origins rooted in Vedic hymns to the sophisticated classical forms of today, Indian music reflects a profound cultural heritage and artistic expression. Ancient Period (Pre-13th Century) Origins
