Editorials

AIR QUALITY LIFE INDEX (AQLI) 2024 The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) recently released the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024, highlighting critical issues regarding air pollution and its impact on global health. The report highlights the severe consequences of poor air quality, particularly in countries like India, where a significant

INDIA’S PROPOSALS ON FISHERIES SUBSIDIES AT THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) India has been actively advocating for regulations on fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address unsustainable fishing practices and protect the livelihoods of small fishermen. The global concern over overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has led to discussions

REGULATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF CBI IN STATE INVESTIGATIONS The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in handling significant and complex criminal cases in India. However, the decision to transfer an investigation from state police to the CBI is not taken lightly. Recent judicial rulings have emphasized the need for explicit and

GREENHUSHING: A GROWING TREND IN CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATION In recent years, many companies have been certified as carbon neutral, taking significant steps towards environmental sustainability. However, despite these achievements, several firms choose not to advertise their green credentials or future sustainability goals. This practice, known as "greenhushing," refers to the under-reporting or intentional withholding of

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE (IDAFLW) 2023: IMPORTANCE FOR FOOD SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENT The world marks the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) annually on 29th September to highlight the serious issues surrounding food loss and waste. According to the 2023 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report,

MODIFIED PARBATI-KALISINDH-CHAMBAL EASTERN RAJASTHAN CANAL PROJECT (PKC-ERCP) The Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) represents a crucial inter-state collaboration between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh aimed at addressing severe water scarcity issues in Rajasthan. This project is a component of the broader National Perspective Plan (NPP), which seeks to interlink rivers across India for enhanced

SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATIONS FOR CHILDREN: GLOBAL INITIATIVES With the rise of digital platforms, social media has become a prominent part of children's lives. While it provides opportunities for learning and socialization, it also raises concerns regarding children's safety online. The Australian Prime Minister recently proposed a plan to set a minimum age for social media

CLASSICAL LANGUAGES OF INDIA The Government of India has been recognizing certain languages as "Classical Languages" to preserve their ancient heritage and cultural significance. Recently, the Union Cabinet expanded the list by recognizing five more languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. These languages, along with previously recognized ones, represent India's rich linguistic diversity and

RATIONALISATION OF CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES AND LAUNCH OF NATIONAL MISSION ON EDIBLE OILS-OILSEEDS: KEY HIGHLIGHTS The Union Cabinet has recently made significant changes to streamline agricultural initiatives by rationalising 18 centrally sponsored schemes. Among the most notable steps is the introduction of the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) aimed at boosting domestic production of

NATIONAL HEALTH ACCOUNTS (NHA) ESTIMATES The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently released the National Health Account (NHA) estimates for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22. These reports are part of a series that track healthcare spending trends in India, helping in better understanding of the country's health expenditure patterns. Key Findings of

NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS 2024 In 2024, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton for their groundbreaking work on artificial neural networks (ANNs) and machine learning (ML). Their research laid the foundation for various technological advancements, influencing fields such as physics, biology, healthcare, and artificial intelligence (AI),

INDIA’S CONCERNS OVER THE EUROPEAN UNION’S CBAM AND EUDR India’s Finance Minister recently criticized the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), calling them unilateral measures that create barriers for Indian industries. These regulations aim to reduce carbon emissions and deforestation, but India views them as trade barriers that

BASE YEAR REVISION OF INDIA’S GDP The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is currently working on revising the base year for calculating India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This move comes after the 2015 base year revision, which changed the base year from 2004-05 to 2011-12 and drew criticism over certain methodological flaws. The

SATI SYSTEM The recent acquittal of 8 individuals involved in glorifying Sati through the construction of temples in honor of the woman who committed Sati in the Roop Kanwar case of 1987 has brought attention to the historical and legal aspects of this practice. The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987, was enacted in response

INDIA’S BIODIVERSITY TARGETS AND THE KUNMING-MONTREAL GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK (KMGBF) India is preparing to submit its National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This move highlights India’s commitment to halting biodiversity loss and conserving ecosystems, with a focus on sustainable

INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS: POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS AT THE SCO SUMMIT The recent SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad witnessed informal, positive exchanges between India and Pakistan’s leadership. Both sides took a more cooperative approach, aiming to improve their strained relations. What is the SCO Council of Heads of Government? The SCO Council of Heads

GREENWASHING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently released guidelines aimed at regulating "greenwashing" or misleading environmental claims by companies. These guidelines seek to foster transparency in eco-friendly marketing and protect consumers from deceptive practices. What is Greenwashing? Greenwashing is the practice where companies exaggerate or falsely claim environmental benefits for their

MADRASAS IN INDIA AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has raised concerns about the education provided in madrasas, claiming that it fails to meet the requirements set by the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The NCPCR argues that madrasa textbooks focus heavily on Islamic teachings and lack a comprehensive

INDIA'S NOBEL PRIZE PERFORMANCE IN SCIENCES India has not seen a Nobel Prize winner in the sciences—Physics, Chemistry, or Medicine—while working in the country for 94 years. The last Indian to receive this honor was C.V. Raman in 1930 for his work on the scattering of light. The low number of Indian laureates is often

GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX (GHI) 2024 AND INDIA'S POSITION The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 reveals that India ranks 105th out of 127 countries, with a score of 27.3. This score indicates a "serious" hunger crisis, highlighting ongoing challenges related to food insecurity and malnutrition. What is the Global Hunger Index (GHI)? The GHI is an

KRISHNADEVARAYA AND THE VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE The recent discovery of 16th-century copper plate inscriptions at the Sri Singeeswarar temple in Tamil Nadu has brought renewed interest in the Vijayanagara Empire and its most celebrated ruler, King Krishnadevaraya. King Krishnadevaraya Reign and Legacy Period of Rule: Krishnadevaraya ruled the Vijayanagara Kingdom from 1509 to 1529 AD. Titles

BRICS 16TH SUMMIT IN KAZAN, RUSSIA The recent BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, brought together major emerging economies and introduced new members, expanding the influence and goals of the BRICS alliance. Key discussions included multilateral cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development with a strong focus on issues affecting the Global South. New BRICS Members Expansion:

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