Editorials

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

COASTAL EROSION IN TAMIL NADU Coastal erosion is a significant issue affecting Tamil Nadu's coastline, impacting local communities, fishers, and infrastructure. Recent studies reveal severe erosion, threatening livelihoods and exacerbated by development projects. Key Findings of the Study Extent of Erosion: Tamil Nadu's coastline is heavily affected, with nearly 43% experiencing erosion. Over 4,450 acres

UPDATED FAO FIRE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recently updated its "Integrated Fire Management Voluntary Guidelines," which were first introduced nearly 20 years ago. The updated guidelines address contemporary challenges related to climate change and emphasize a more integrated approach to fire management. Key Aspects of the Updated FAO Guidelines Integration

SUPREME COURT RULING ON THE NOMINATION OF MCD ALDERMEN The Supreme Court of India recently ruled that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi has the authority to nominate "aldermen" to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) without requiring the advice of the Delhi Government’s Council of Ministers. This decision clarifies the powers of the LG

QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT (QIM) The Quit India Movement (QIM), also known as the August Kranti or August Revolution, is commemorated on August 8th each year in India. The movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942, was a significant milestone in India’s fight for independence from British rule. In 2024, India celebrates the 82nd anniversary of

GST ON HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE: CURRENT DEBATES AND IMPLICATIONS The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health and life insurance premiums has become a focal point of debate in India, particularly after opposition leaders led protests demanding the removal of the 18% GST on insurance premiums. This tax, coupled with the rising cost of

UPDATED FAO FIRE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recently updated its "Integrated Fire Management Voluntary Guidelines," which were first introduced nearly 20 years ago. The updated guidelines address contemporary challenges related to climate change and emphasize a more integrated approach to fire management. Key Aspects of the Updated FAO Guidelines Integration

SEAWEED CULTIVATION IN INDIA Seaweed cultivation presents a significant opportunity for sustainable development in India. Recognizing its potential, NITI Aayog has proposed a comprehensive roadmap to boost seaweed production, addressing various aspects from research to market promotion. This strategic initiative aims to harness the environmental, economic, and social benefits of seaweed, contributing to India's growth

WORLD BIOFUEL DAY 2024 World Biofuel Day, observed annually on August 10th, highlights the importance of biofuels as sustainable energy alternatives and celebrates advancements in this field. The day commemorates the successful operation of an engine powered by peanut oil by Sir Rudolf Diesel on August 9, 1893. The focus of World Biofuel Day 2024

NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL RANKING FRAMEWORK (NIRF) 2024 The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2015, is a significant initiative aimed at assessing and ranking higher education institutions in India. The NIRF rankings are highly anticipated each year, as they provide a transparent and objective evaluation of institutions based on

BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT Ballast water management has recently come under scrutiny due to a case involving the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) demanding ₹160 crore from the Kamarajar Port in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, for ineffective ballast water management. The WRD claims that poor management has led to the proliferation of Mytella strigata, or charru

MARTAND SUN TEMPLE The Martand Sun Temple, located in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, holds immense historical and architectural significance. Recently, the temple was illuminated with the tricolors of the Indian flag as part of Independence Day celebrations, evoking pride among locals and tourists. The temple is a testament to India's ancient architectural

SUBCLINICAL TUBERCULOSIS Subclinical Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant challenge in managing TB incidence rates, especially in high-burden countries like India. Despite advancements in TB detection and treatment, subclinical TB remains a hidden contributor to the ongoing transmission of the disease, complicating efforts to control it. What is Subclinical Tuberculosis? Subclinical TB refers to a form

WHY CLIMATE CHANGE POSES AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO PANAMA CANAL The Panama Canal is a crucial global shipping route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, it is facing significant challenges due to prolonged drought conditions, intensified by climate change. This has led to reduced water levels in Lake Gatun, impacting the canal's operations

VOICE OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT (VOGSS) The Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS) is an initiative led by India aimed at bringing together countries from the Global South to discuss and address common challenges and opportunities. This summit provides a platform for developing nations to share their perspectives on global issues and advocate

HEMA COMMITTEE REPORT – MALAYALAM FILM INDUSTRY The Hema Committee, chaired by retired Kerala High Court judge Justice K Hema, along with veteran actor Sharada and retired IAS officer K B Valsala Kumari, was formed to investigate and address issues in the Malayalam film industry. The committee's recent report has uncovered serious concerns about sexual

INDIA-POLAND RELATIONS The recent visit of the Prime Minister of India to Poland was a historic event, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The visit resulted in the elevation of bilateral ties to a "Strategic Partnership," signifying a deepening of cooperation across various sectors. This visit highlights India's intent to

OVERHAUL OF THE INCOME TAX ACT, 1961 The Indian Income Tax Act of 1961, a cornerstone in the country’s direct tax system, is undergoing a significant revision. This initiative, led by the Income Tax Department through an internal committee, is part of a larger central government effort to modernize and simplify the tax laws. The

INDIA, AFRICA CAN DOUBLE TRADE TO $200 BILLION India has unveiled an ambitious plan to double its exports to African countries to USD 200 billion by 2030, as revealed at the 19th India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This strategic initiative aims to strengthen economic ties between

INDIA’S PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO UKRAINE India's Prime Minister recently made a historic visit to Ukraine, marking the first such trip by an Indian head of state since Ukraine's independence in 1991. This visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in areas of defence, trade, and humanitarian assistance. The visit holds particular importance given the

UNIFIED PENSION SCHEME The Union Cabinet has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), designed to provide government employees with an assured pension after retirement. The scheme is scheduled to come into effect on 1st April 2025, shifting central government employees from the current National Pension System (NPS) to the UPS. This new pension framework offers

PRADHAN MANTRI JAN-DHAN YOJANA (PMJDY) The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched on August 28, 2014, as a flagship financial inclusion initiative of the Government of India. Its primary objective is to provide affordable financial services like banking, credit, insurance, and pensions to all citizens, especially the underprivileged. Now, as it completes a decade,

NATURAL RUBBER SHORTAGE IN INDIA India is currently grappling with a significant shortage of natural rubber (NR), with domestic production falling short of demand by around 550,000 tonnes. Despite efforts to increase production, the gap between supply and consumption continues to widen, impacting various industries and contributing to higher import dependency. Causes of Natural Rubber

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND EUROPEAN COLONISATION The colonisation of Indigenous peoples by Europeans led to significant upheaval, loss of land, and cultural disruption across various continents. Indigenous Peoples Affected by European Colonisation Māori in New Zealand Colonisation Impact: European arrival in 1769, marked by Captain James Cook, transformed New Zealand from a Māori-dominated society to one