09-August-2024-Editorial

GST ON HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE: CURRENT DEBATES AND IMPLICATIONS The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health and life insurance premiums has become a focal point of debate in India, particularly after opposition leaders led protests demanding the removal of the 18% GST on insurance premiums. This tax, coupled with the rising cost of

10-August-2024-Editorial

UPDATED FAO FIRE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recently updated its "Integrated Fire Management Voluntary Guidelines," which were first introduced nearly 20 years ago. The updated guidelines address contemporary challenges related to climate change and emphasize a more integrated approach to fire management. Key Aspects of the Updated FAO Guidelines Integration

10-August-2024-Editorial

SEAWEED CULTIVATION IN INDIA Seaweed cultivation presents a significant opportunity for sustainable development in India. Recognizing its potential, NITI Aayog has proposed a comprehensive roadmap to boost seaweed production, addressing various aspects from research to market promotion. This strategic initiative aims to harness the environmental, economic, and social benefits of seaweed, contributing to India's growth

12-August-2024-Editorial

WORLD BIOFUEL DAY 2024 World Biofuel Day, observed annually on August 10th, highlights the importance of biofuels as sustainable energy alternatives and celebrates advancements in this field. The day commemorates the successful operation of an engine powered by peanut oil by Sir Rudolf Diesel on August 9, 1893. The focus of World Biofuel Day 2024

14-August-2024-Editorial

NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL RANKING FRAMEWORK (NIRF) 2024 The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2015, is a significant initiative aimed at assessing and ranking higher education institutions in India. The NIRF rankings are highly anticipated each year, as they provide a transparent and objective evaluation of institutions based on

15-August-2024-Editorial

BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT Ballast water management has recently come under scrutiny due to a case involving the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) demanding ₹160 crore from the Kamarajar Port in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, for ineffective ballast water management. The WRD claims that poor management has led to the proliferation of Mytella strigata, or charru

16-August-2024-Editorial

SUSTAINABLE COFFEE PRODUCTION India is recognized globally as one of the top coffee producers, renowned for its high-quality coffee varieties. However, recent environmental challenges have posed significant threats to coffee production in the country. Unfavourable weather conditions, including high temperatures, excessive rainfall, and landslides, have led to considerable losses in coffee plantations, raising concerns about

17-August-2024-Editorial

MARTAND SUN TEMPLE The Martand Sun Temple, located in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, holds immense historical and architectural significance. Recently, the temple was illuminated with the tricolors of the Indian flag as part of Independence Day celebrations, evoking pride among locals and tourists. The temple is a testament to India's ancient architectural

19-August-2024-Editorial

SUBCLINICAL TUBERCULOSIS Subclinical Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant challenge in managing TB incidence rates, especially in high-burden countries like India. Despite advancements in TB detection and treatment, subclinical TB remains a hidden contributor to the ongoing transmission of the disease, complicating efforts to control it. What is Subclinical Tuberculosis? Subclinical TB refers to a form

20-August-2024-Editorial

WHY CLIMATE CHANGE POSES AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO PANAMA CANAL The Panama Canal is a crucial global shipping route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, it is facing significant challenges due to prolonged drought conditions, intensified by climate change. This has led to reduced water levels in Lake Gatun, impacting the canal's operations

21-August-2024-Editorial

VOICE OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT (VOGSS) The Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS) is an initiative led by India aimed at bringing together countries from the Global South to discuss and address common challenges and opportunities. This summit provides a platform for developing nations to share their perspectives on global issues and advocate

22-August-2024-Editorial

HEMA COMMITTEE REPORT – MALAYALAM FILM INDUSTRY The Hema Committee, chaired by retired Kerala High Court judge Justice K Hema, along with veteran actor Sharada and retired IAS officer K B Valsala Kumari, was formed to investigate and address issues in the Malayalam film industry. The committee's recent report has uncovered serious concerns about sexual