Editorials

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