CHINA-TIBET ISSUE The China-Tibet issue has been a longstanding conflict centered around Tibet's status and autonomy within the People's Republic of China (PRC). Tibet, an autonomous region on the Tibetan Plateau, has a distinct cultural, religious, and linguistic identity that has been a focal point of contention between China and the international community. Historical Background
PUDUCHERRY Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a Union Territory located on the southeastern coast of India. It comprises four regions: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, each with its own unique cultural influences due to their proximity to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Historical Background Ancient History: Puducherry has a rich maritime history dating
REGULATING FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY (FRT) IN INDIA Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) has become a subject of significant concern globally due to its potential implications for privacy, security, and ethical considerations. In India, the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for FRT has prompted calls for robust policies to govern its use effectively. Status of Regulation
LEADER OF OPPOSITION AND SYMBOLIC USE OF ABHAY MUDRA The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha (LS) plays a crucial role in the Indian parliamentary system. Recently, the LoP used the symbolic image of Lord Shiva and the ‘Abhay Mudra’ in Parliament to criticize the government's actions against the idea of India and
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES IN URBAN AREAS AND THE ROLE OF THE 16TH FINANCE COMMISSION Urban areas in India are vital economic hubs, contributing significantly to the country's GDP and government revenues. The 16th Finance Commission's recent developments have brought attention to critical issues regarding fiscal decentralisation and the financial sustainability of urban areas. The World
INDIA TAKES FIRST STEPS TO MEET 2070 NET-ZERO GOAL, NITI AAYOG FORMS PANELS In recent developments, NITI Aayog has taken proactive steps towards India's commitment to achieving a net-zero economy by 2070. This initiative follows India's declaration three years ago at global climate summits. The formation of dedicated multi-sectoral committees aims to devise comprehensive policy
STAMPEDE A stampede is a sudden and uncontrollable mass movement of people, usually triggered by fear, panic, or excitement. It often results in injuries and fatalities due to crushing and trampling. India has seen several tragic stampedes, especially during religious gatherings and festivals, highlighting the need for better crowd management and safety measures. What is
FLOODS IN INDIA: CAUSES, IMPLICATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT Floods are natural disasters characterized by the overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. They are one of the most common natural disasters worldwide, affecting millions of people and causing significant damage. Causes of Floods: Heavy Rainfall: Intense and prolonged rainfall can overwhelm rivers and drainage
SC UPHOLDS MUSLIM WOMEN'S RIGHT TO SEEK MAINTENANCE The Supreme Court of India, in the case of Mohd Abdul Samad v. State of Telangana (2024), dismissed a petition challenging the applicability of Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to a divorced Muslim woman. This case highlights the ongoing legal discourse around the maintenance
COOPERATIVES IN INDIA Cooperatives are people-centered enterprises owned, controlled, and operated by their members to fulfill common economic, social, and cultural needs. They play a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering economic independence. Evolution of Cooperatives in India Historical Development Pre-Independence Era Early Legislation: The Cooperative Credit Societies Act of
GLOBAL SOIL DEGRADATION Soil degradation poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human well-being globally. Addressing this issue is crucial to sustain food security, biodiversity, and mitigate climate change impacts. UNESCO's Insights on Global Soil Degradation Current State of Soil Degradation: Extent: According to UNESCO's World Atlas of Desertification, 75% of soils are already degraded,
INDIA’S AMBITIOUS AIRPORT EXPANSION PLAN India plans to increase the number of its operational airports to 300 by the year 2047. This expansion is driven by a projected eightfold increase in passenger traffic. The plan includes upgrading existing airstrips and constructing new airports across the country. Factors Driving the Expansion Development of Existing Airstrips: Upgrading Current
LIGHTHOUSES IN INDIA A lighthouse is a structure designed to emit light from lamps and lenses, aiding navigation for mariners and fishermen. They mark dangerous coastlines, shoals, reefs, and safe entries to harbors. India maintains 194 lighthouses across its coastal line and islands. Historical Role of Lighthouses: Ancient India: Rigveda and Satapatha Brahmana mention early navigation
DEEP DRILLING MISSION The Ministry of Earth Science in India has embarked on a significant mission to conduct scientific deep drilling of the Earth's crust, aiming to reach a depth of 6 km. This project is being executed with the assistance of the Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) in Karad, Maharashtra. The mission has already
MONEY BILL Recently, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has agreed to review petitions that challenge the government's use of the Money Bill route for passing controversial amendments in Parliament. This issue is significant because it pertains to bypassing the Rajya Sabha and potential violations of Article 110 of the Constitution. Concerns Regarding the Money
UNEP REPORT: "NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS: A GLOBAL FORESIGHT REPORT ON PLANETARY HEALTH AND HUMAN WELLBEING, 2024 The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the report titled "Navigating New Horizons: A Global Foresight Report on Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing, 2024." The report emphasizes addressing emerging challenges that could disrupt planetary health. It highlights eight critical
SEBI PROPOSES NEW ASSET CLASS BETWEEN MUTUAL FUNDS AND PMS The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a proposal to create a new asset class in the Indian investment landscape. This initiative aims to provide investors with a regulated investment option that allows for higher risk-taking and addresses the proliferation of unregistered
MAIZE PRODUCTION IN INDIA India’s maize industry has undergone a transformative shift from being a simple feed crop to becoming a vital element in the fuel and industrial sectors. This development is part of a broader agricultural revolution, mirroring the historic changes in wheat and rice, but with a modern twist driven by private-sector advancements.
FIFTH POSITIVE INDIGENISATION LIST (PIL) The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) aimed at enhancing self-reliance in defence production and reducing import dependency. Purpose and Scope Items Included: The list contains 346 items to advance Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence. Procurement: These items must be procured from Indian industries, including
BHIL PRADESH The Bhils, one of India's oldest tribes, are advocating for a separate state called "Bhil Pradesh." This demand has gained momentum in Rajasthan and neighboring states. Who are the Bhils? Oldest Tribe: Bhils are among India's oldest tribes, belonging to the Dravidian racial group of Western India and the Austroloid group of tribes.
2024 UNAIDS GLOBAL AIDS UPDATE The 2024 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update, titled "The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads," provides an overview of the current state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the global response to it. This report highlights the progress made in the fight against AIDS, ongoing challenges, and recommendations to achieve the
AMRAVATI AND ANDHRA BUDDHISM Recently, a substantial financial aid of Rs 15,000 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh for the development of its capital city, Amravati. This has brought renewed attention to Amravati, a site of historical and spiritual importance in Andhra Pradesh. Historical Evolution Discovery and Early Recognition: In the late 1700s, Raja
KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS 2024 Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to honor the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War (1999). What is Kargil Vijay Diwas? Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Victory Day is observed annually on July 26 in India. This day commemorates India's victory in the
IndiaAI MISSION The Indian government's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reflected in its new budgetary allocation for the IndiaAI Mission. The Union Budget for 2024-25 allocated Rs 551.75 crore to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to enhance AI infrastructure, including the procurement of high-performance Graphic Processing Units (GPUs). This initiative
MAHARASHTRA SPECIAL PUBLIC SECURITY (MSPS) BILL, 2024 The Maharashtra government has proposed the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024, to address the increasing presence of Naxalism in urban areas. The Bill has sparked significant debate due to its broad and stringent provisions. State of Naxalism in India Incidents and Deaths: From 2018 to 2023,
REPORT ON CURRENCY AND FINANCE (RCF) 2023-24: INDIA'S DIGITAL ECONOMY The "Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2023-24," released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), provides an insightful analysis of India’s digital economy. The report highlights how digitalization is reshaping the financial sector and influencing the broader economy. This year’s focus is on
LANDSLIDES AND THEIR IMPACT IN WAYANAD, KERALA Recently, Wayanad district in Kerala experienced one of its most severe landslide-related disasters due to extreme rainfall and fragile ecological conditions. With over 140 mm of rain in just 24 hours, the event has rekindled memories of the devastating 2018 floods in Kerala, which claimed around 500 lives.
IMPACT OF OIL AND GAS DRILLING ON HOOLOCK GIBBONS IN ASSAM The Union Environment Ministry's recent approval for exploratory oil and gas drilling in Assam's eco-sensitive zones, particularly the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, has sparked concerns over the potential threat to the endangered hoolock gibbons and other wildlife. Cairn India, a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd,
CLOUDBURST IN HIMACHAL PRADESH A cloudburst is a sudden and intense rainfall event over a small geographical area, often leading to flash floods and landslides. These events are particularly common in mountainous regions like the Himalayas and have devastating consequences for both life and infrastructure. Recently, a cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh caused significant destruction, highlighting
