Editorials

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

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