Editorials

COOPERATIVES IN INDIA  Cooperatives are people-centered enterprises owned, controlled, and operated by their members to fulfill common economic, social, and cultural needs.  They play a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering economic independence.  Evolution of Cooperatives in India  Historical Development  Pre-Independence Era  Early Legislation: The Cooperative Credit Societies Act of

GLOBAL SOIL DEGRADATION  Soil degradation poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human well-being globally. Addressing this issue is crucial to sustain food security, biodiversity, and mitigate climate change impacts.  UNESCO's Insights on Global Soil Degradation  Current State of Soil Degradation:  Extent: According to UNESCO's World Atlas of Desertification, 75% of soils are already degraded,

INDIA’S AMBITIOUS AIRPORT EXPANSION PLAN  India plans to increase the number of its operational airports to 300 by the year 2047. This expansion is driven by a projected eightfold increase in passenger traffic. The plan includes upgrading existing airstrips and constructing new airports across the country. Factors Driving the Expansion  Development of Existing Airstrips: Upgrading Current

LIGHTHOUSES IN INDIA  A lighthouse is a structure designed to emit light from lamps and lenses, aiding navigation for mariners and fishermen. They mark dangerous coastlines, shoals, reefs, and safe entries to harbors. India maintains 194 lighthouses across its coastal line and islands. Historical Role of Lighthouses:  Ancient India: Rigveda and Satapatha Brahmana mention early navigation

DEEP DRILLING MISSION  The Ministry of Earth Science in India has embarked on a significant mission to conduct scientific deep drilling of the Earth's crust, aiming to reach a depth of 6 km.   This project is being executed with the assistance of the Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) in Karad, Maharashtra.   The mission has already

MONEY BILL  Recently, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has agreed to review petitions that challenge the government's use of the Money Bill route for passing controversial amendments in Parliament. This issue is significant because it pertains to bypassing the Rajya Sabha and potential violations of Article 110 of the Constitution.  Concerns Regarding the Money

UNEP REPORT: "NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS: A GLOBAL FORESIGHT REPORT ON PLANETARY HEALTH AND HUMAN WELLBEING, 2024 The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the report titled "Navigating New Horizons: A Global Foresight Report on Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing, 2024." The report emphasizes addressing emerging challenges that could disrupt planetary health. It highlights eight critical

SEBI PROPOSES NEW ASSET CLASS BETWEEN MUTUAL FUNDS AND PMS The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a proposal to create a new asset class in the Indian investment landscape. This initiative aims to provide investors with a regulated investment option that allows for higher risk-taking and addresses the proliferation of unregistered

MAIZE PRODUCTION IN INDIA India’s maize industry has undergone a transformative shift from being a simple feed crop to becoming a vital element in the fuel and industrial sectors. This development is part of a broader agricultural revolution, mirroring the historic changes in wheat and rice, but with a modern twist driven by private-sector advancements.

FIFTH POSITIVE INDIGENISATION LIST (PIL)  The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) aimed at enhancing self-reliance in defence production and reducing import dependency.  Purpose and Scope  Items Included: The list contains 346 items to advance Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.  Procurement: These items must be procured from Indian industries, including

BHIL PRADESH The Bhils, one of India's oldest tribes, are advocating for a separate state called "Bhil Pradesh." This demand has gained momentum in Rajasthan and neighboring states. Who are the Bhils? Oldest Tribe: Bhils are among India's oldest tribes, belonging to the Dravidian racial group of Western India and the Austroloid group of tribes.

2024 UNAIDS GLOBAL AIDS UPDATE The 2024 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update, titled "The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads," provides an overview of the current state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the global response to it. This report highlights the progress made in the fight against AIDS, ongoing challenges, and recommendations to achieve the