GLOBAL SOIL CONFERENCE (GSC) 2024: ENHANCING SOIL HEALTH FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE The Global Soil Conference (GSC) 2024 was recently held in New Delhi, emphasizing the critical role of soil health in ensuring food security, mitigating climate change, and supporting ecosystem services. The event brought together global experts to discuss strategies for sustainable soil management.
GLOBAL SOIL CONFERENCE (GSC) 2024: ENHANCING SOIL HEALTH FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE The Global Soil Conference (GSC) 2024 was recently held in New Delhi, emphasizing the critical role of soil health in ensuring food security, mitigating climate change, and supporting ecosystem services. The event brought together global experts to discuss strategies for sustainable soil management.
COP29 AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded recently in Baku, Azerbaijan. Representatives from nearly 200 countries participated, focusing on agreements to tackle global climate issues. Key Highlights of COP29 New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) Objective: Triple climate
26/11 MUMBAI ATTACKS The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, executed by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted key locations in the city, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Nariman House, Oberoi Trident, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station. These attacks revealed significant gaps in India's security systems, leading to major reforms in counter-terrorism strategies. Security Challenges Exposed During
GLOBAL CRISIS OF FEMICIDE Femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls due to their gender, is a grave violation of human rights driven by discrimination, unequal power dynamics, and harmful societal norms. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25th November), a report titled "Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate
INDIA SIGNS THE FINAL ACT OF THE RIYADH DESIGN LAW TREATY The adoption of the Design Law Treaty (DLT) at the Diplomatic Conference in Riyadh by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) members, including India, is a significant step in enhancing the protection of industrial designs. This treaty simplifies procedures and strengthens international intellectual property (IP)
ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES (EVMS) AND VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT) The Supreme Court recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the return of ballot papers over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. The court emphasized that EVMs are questioned mainly after electoral defeats and upheld their security
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE: CHALLENGES AND REFORMS Women’s participation in governance is vital for achieving gender equality and strengthening democracy. However, despite constitutional provisions and progressive legislation, women leaders in India face numerous challenges that limit their autonomy and effectiveness. Recognizing this, the Supreme Court of India has called for structural reforms to empower women
DEVELOPMENT OF ICONIC TOURIST CENTRES TO GLOBAL SCALE UNDER SASCI The Indian government is actively enhancing tourism by allocating ₹3,295 crore for developing 40 iconic tourist projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. This initiative aims to transform selected tourist destinations into globally recognized sites, boosting local
THE PLACES OF WORSHIP (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) ACT, 1991 The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, is a law enacted to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947. However, this Act has been a subject of controversy due to ongoing legal disputes challenging its provisions. One of
SPACE DEBRIS - GROWING PROBLEM The increasing number of satellites and space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has become a growing concern for space agencies worldwide. The rapid expansion of space activities, especially with private sector involvement, has raised alarms about the long-term sustainability of this crucial area. In response to these concerns, international
CONDUCTING PARLIAMENTARY SESSIONS OUTSIDE DELHI: A DEBATE The idea of holding parliamentary sessions outside Delhi, particularly in South India, has recently been revived by a Member of Parliament from the YSR Congress Party. The proposal cites challenges such as extreme weather and logistical difficulties faced by MPs in Delhi and draws historical support from prominent
GLOBAL DEBT CRISIS: INSIGHTS FROM INTERNATIONAL DEBT REPORT 2024 The International Debt Report 2024 by the World Bank and the UNCTAD report, A World of Debt 2024, shed light on the escalating global debt crisis. These reports highlight the challenges faced by developing nations in managing soaring debt levels and rising borrowing costs, exacerbated by
UNVEILING THE 80-PILLAR ASSEMBLY HALL AT KUMHRAR, PATNA The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated a significant project to uncover the remains of the 80-pillar assembly hall at Kumhrar, Patna, a site linked to the grandeur of the Mauryan empire. This initiative not only sheds light on India's rich historical and architectural legacy but
MINING REGULATIONS IN INDIA The Indian mining sector is vital for economic development, but it faces significant challenges related to environmental sustainability, operational inefficiencies, and legal regulations. Recently, the central government permitted state governments to include non-mineralized areas within existing mining leases for waste management, addressing industry needs while adhering to environmental safeguards. Key Updates
THE NINETYEAST RIDGE AND ITS FORMATION The Ninetyeast Ridge, a 5,000-kilometer underwater mountain chain in the Indian Ocean, has long intrigued geologists. Traditionally believed to have formed from a stationary hotspot, recent research challenges this idea, suggesting the ridge was created by a moving hotspot. Key Findings of the Study Formation by a Moving
INDIA-JAPAN FORUM 2024 The India-Japan Forum, held recently in New Delhi, emphasized strengthening bilateral ties between India and Japan. A notable focus was on advancing collaboration in semiconductor technology and expanding the strategic partnership within the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with the goals of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). Key Highlights of the India-Japan Forum
THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (NGT) AND HIMALAYAN GLACIAL LAKES: A CONCERN FOR CLIMATE AND COMMUNITIES The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently taken suo motu cognizance of a news report highlighting the alarming rise in Himalayan glacial lakes. Over the last 13 years, these lakes have expanded by approximately 10.81% due to increasing temperatures, resulting
DISPUTE OVER CESSES AND SURCHARGES A COMPLICATED ISSUE: ARVIND PANAGARIYA Cesses and surcharges are important tools in India's taxation system, allowing the government to raise additional revenue for specific purposes or to address fiscal challenges. However, their growing use by the central government has raised concerns about fiscal federalism, transparency, and equity. What are Cess
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SPACE EXPLORATION: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS Space exploration is advancing rapidly, yet its environmental impacts are often overlooked. From rocket emissions to the growing problem of space debris, the consequences of these activities pose significant threats to Earth's atmosphere and orbital environment. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring sustainability in space operations.
DECLINE IN DAP SALES AND RISING USE OF NPKS FERTILIZERS The sale of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), a crucial fertilizer for rabi crops, has seen a sharp decline of 25.4% between April and October FY25. At the same time, the demand for NPKS fertilizers (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur) surged by 23.5%. This shift highlights a
CHALLENGES IN THE FUNCTIONING OF PARLIAMENT IN INDIA The former Vice President of India recently emphasized the need for improving parliamentary functioning by transitioning from confrontational politics to meaningful and constructive debates. Ensuring parliamentary decorum and building consensus are critical for strengthening democracy and maintaining public trust. Challenges in the Functioning of Parliament Frequent Disruptions
MISUSE OF INDIAN LAWS: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD Indian laws aimed at safeguarding individuals, particularly women, against crimes such as dowry harassment and domestic violence, have played a significant role in protecting vulnerable groups. However, misuse of these laws has also surfaced, leading to concerns about fairness and gender neutrality. Recent cases, including a PIL
MAOIST INSURGENCY IN INDIA: STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES Maoist insurgency, also known as Naxalism, has been a significant challenge to India’s internal security. It is rooted in social, economic, and political issues, particularly in tribal and rural areas. The union home minister recently paid homage to martyrs of this conflict and declared a goal to eliminate
DOMICILE-BASED RESERVATIONS IN PRIVATE SECTOR JOBS Domicile-based reservation policies in the private sector have become a contentious issue in India. These laws aim to prioritize locals for employment, citing high unemployment among residents and a perceived loss of jobs to migrant workers. While these measures may appear beneficial for local populations, they raise concerns about
