Editorials

MICROPLASTICS  Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimetres in diameter, have become a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, posing significant threats to ecosystems and human health.   These minuscule plastic fragments originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastics and deliberate manufacturing of tiny particles for commercial use.   Recent studies have shed light on

THE RECENT UNREST IN PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR  The unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has heightened due to economic woes, including soaring prices and financial strain.   Pakistan's economy faces significant challenges, marked by high inflation, escalating energy costs, and trade disruptions with India.   These factors have contributed to economic instability in regions like PoK, exacerbating the already

PROMOTING COMPETITION IN DIGITAL MARKETS: THE AI CHALLENGE  During the 15th annual day celebrations of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the Chairperson emphasized the inclination of digital markets towards heightened market concentration, potentially leading to monopolistic tendencies.  Key Highlights of the Event:  The CCI Chairperson pointed out that the dominance of digital platforms over

FARM LOAN WAIVERS  Farm loan waivers are governmental measures aimed at relieving farmers from the burden of repaying certain agricultural loans, typically announced during election campaigns to garner support from the farming community.  These waivers are implemented to alleviate agrarian distress caused by factors like crop failure, natural calamities, or economic hardships.  Governments allocate funds

WIPO TREATY ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, GENETIC RESOURCES, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE  The recently concluded World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty on Intellectual Property (IP), Genetic Resources (GRs), and Associated Traditional Knowledge (ATK) marks a significant achievement for countries of the global South, including India.   Adopted by a consensus of over 150 countries, the treaty aims to balance

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