Editorials

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

ATAL MISSION FOR REJUVENATION AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION (AMRUT)  The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched in 2015 to enhance basic infrastructure and implement urban reforms in selected cities across India, covering about 60% of the urban population.    AMRUT 2.0 Scheme Overview:  Launched in 2021, AMRUT 2.0 aims to extend the

PERSONALITY RIGHTS  The ongoing disputes involving Hollywood actress and OpenAI, and the legal action by the New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft, underscore the significance of personality rights and the regulatory landscape for AI.   Personality rights are vital for individuals, especially celebrities, to control their public persona. In India, while explicit laws on personality

COALITION GOVERNMENT  Coalition government refers to a system where multiple political parties cooperate to form a government. This collaboration is often necessary when no single party achieves a clear majority in elections. Coalition governments are built on agreed programs and shared objectives to exercise political power together.  Features of Coalition Government  Multiple Parties: At least

SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS  The demand for special category status (SCS) by states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar has recently gained prominence with the formation of the new NDA government.   What is Special Category Status?  Special Category Status (SCS) is a designation given by the central government to support states with substantial geographical and socio-economic challenges.

WILFUL DEFAULTER  Wilful defaulters are borrowers who intentionally fail to repay their debts despite having the financial capacity to do so. To prevent these individuals from escaping legal and financial consequences, various measures such as Look-Out Circulars (LOCs) are employed.                                  Look-Out Circular (LOC)  LOC is a notice to prevent individuals wanted by authorities

HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE SURVEY (HCES)  The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), undertaken by the National Statistical Office (NSO), offers invaluable insights into the expenditure patterns of households in both rural and urban areas throughout India. It is a comprehensive study conducted every five years to gather data on household consumption patterns, which is essential for

PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS  Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are the foundation of rural governance in India, playing a crucial role in decentralizing power and ensuring local self-governance. They were established to empower rural communities and involve them directly in decision-making processes.  Historical Background  Ancient Governance: Village government in India has a long history. Kautilya’s Arthashastra (200

GLOBAL NITROUS OXIDE BUDGET  Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to global warming and ozone layer depletion. A recent study by the Global Carbon Project (GCP) titled “Global Nitrous Oxide Budget (1980-2020)” highlights the alarming rise in N₂O emissions, particularly from human activities.   Key Findings of the Study  Alarming Rise in

URBANISATION  Urbanisation is the process where people move from rural areas to urban centres, resulting in the growth of cities and towns. This trend has accelerated in recent decades, significantly impacting India’s urban centres, which face challenges such as water shortages, urban heating, and infrastructural strains.  What is Urbanisation?  Urbanisation refers to the movement of

NO OUTCOME IN BONN MEETING: WHY MONEY IS KEY TO CLIMATE ACTION  The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is an emerging international climate finance target that aims to build upon and exceed the current commitment of $100 billion per year from developed countries to assist developing nations in addressing climate change. This new target seeks

SMART CITIES MISSION  The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was launched on June 25, 2015, by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The mission aims to develop 100 cities across India into smart cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life to their citizens.