Editorials

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

AMRAVATI AND ANDHRA BUDDHISM Recently, a substantial financial aid of Rs 15,000 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh for the development of its capital city, Amravati. This has brought renewed attention to Amravati, a site of historical and spiritual importance in Andhra Pradesh. Historical Evolution Discovery and Early Recognition: In the late 1700s, Raja

KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS 2024 Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to honor the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War (1999). What is Kargil Vijay Diwas? Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Victory Day is observed annually on July 26 in India. This day commemorates India's victory in the

IndiaAI MISSION The Indian government's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reflected in its new budgetary allocation for the IndiaAI Mission. The Union Budget for 2024-25 allocated Rs 551.75 crore to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to enhance AI infrastructure, including the procurement of high-performance Graphic Processing Units (GPUs). This initiative

MAHARASHTRA SPECIAL PUBLIC SECURITY (MSPS) BILL, 2024 The Maharashtra government has proposed the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024, to address the increasing presence of Naxalism in urban areas. The Bill has sparked significant debate due to its broad and stringent provisions. State of Naxalism in India Incidents and Deaths: From 2018 to 2023,

REPORT ON CURRENCY AND FINANCE (RCF) 2023-24: INDIA'S DIGITAL ECONOMY The "Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2023-24," released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), provides an insightful analysis of India’s digital economy. The report highlights how digitalization is reshaping the financial sector and influencing the broader economy. This year’s focus is on

LANDSLIDES AND THEIR IMPACT IN WAYANAD, KERALA Recently, Wayanad district in Kerala experienced one of its most severe landslide-related disasters due to extreme rainfall and fragile ecological conditions. With over 140 mm of rain in just 24 hours, the event has rekindled memories of the devastating 2018 floods in Kerala, which claimed around 500 lives.

IMPACT OF OIL AND GAS DRILLING ON HOOLOCK GIBBONS IN ASSAM The Union Environment Ministry's recent approval for exploratory oil and gas drilling in Assam's eco-sensitive zones, particularly the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, has sparked concerns over the potential threat to the endangered hoolock gibbons and other wildlife. Cairn India, a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd,

CLOUDBURST IN HIMACHAL PRADESH A cloudburst is a sudden and intense rainfall event over a small geographical area, often leading to flash floods and landslides. These events are particularly common in mountainous regions like the Himalayas and have devastating consequences for both life and infrastructure. Recently, a cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh caused significant destruction, highlighting

COASTAL EROSION IN TAMIL NADU Coastal erosion is a significant issue affecting Tamil Nadu's coastline, impacting local communities, fishers, and infrastructure. Recent studies reveal severe erosion, threatening livelihoods and exacerbated by development projects. Key Findings of the Study Extent of Erosion: Tamil Nadu's coastline is heavily affected, with nearly 43% experiencing erosion. Over 4,450 acres