Editorials

INDUS WATERS TREATY  The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is an agreement between India and Pakistan, signed on September 19, 1960, with the World Bank as a broker. This treaty outlines how the water from the Indus River and its tributaries is shared between the two nations.  Key Provisions  Water Sharing  Rivers Covered: The treaty involves

COTTON CULTIVATION  Recent data from the Ministry of Textiles indicates that cotton consumption by the textile industry from October 2023 to September 2024 is one of the highest in this decade.  Key Facts About Cotton Cultivation  About Cotton  Significance: One of India's most important commercial crops, accounting for about 25% of global cotton production.  Nickname:

INDIAN MUSIC EVOLUTION  Indian music has a rich and diverse history that spans millennia, evolving through distinct phases influenced by cultural, religious, and regional factors. From its ancient origins rooted in Vedic hymns to the sophisticated classical forms of today, Indian music reflects a profound cultural heritage and artistic expression.  Ancient Period (Pre-13th Century)  Origins

CHINA-TIBET ISSUE  The China-Tibet issue has been a longstanding conflict centered around Tibet's status and autonomy within the People's Republic of China (PRC).   Tibet, an autonomous region on the Tibetan Plateau, has a distinct cultural, religious, and linguistic identity that has been a focal point of contention between China and the international community.  Historical Background

PUDUCHERRY  Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a Union Territory located on the southeastern coast of India.  It comprises four regions: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, each with its own unique cultural influences due to their proximity to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.  Historical Background  Ancient History:  Puducherry has a rich maritime history dating

REGULATING FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY (FRT) IN INDIA  Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) has become a subject of significant concern globally due to its potential implications for privacy, security, and ethical considerations. In India, the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for FRT has prompted calls for robust policies to govern its use effectively.  Status of Regulation

LEADER OF OPPOSITION AND SYMBOLIC USE OF ABHAY MUDRA  The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha (LS) plays a crucial role in the Indian parliamentary system.  Recently, the LoP used the symbolic image of Lord Shiva and the ‘Abhay Mudra’ in Parliament to criticize the government's actions against the idea of India and

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES IN URBAN AREAS AND THE ROLE OF THE 16TH FINANCE COMMISSION  Urban areas in India are vital economic hubs, contributing significantly to the country's GDP and government revenues.  The 16th Finance Commission's recent developments have brought attention to critical issues regarding fiscal decentralisation and the financial sustainability of urban areas.  The World

INDIA TAKES FIRST STEPS TO MEET 2070 NET-ZERO GOAL, NITI AAYOG FORMS PANELS  In recent developments, NITI Aayog has taken proactive steps towards India's commitment to achieving a net-zero economy by 2070. This initiative follows India's declaration three years ago at global climate summits.   The formation of dedicated multi-sectoral committees aims to devise comprehensive policy

STAMPEDE  A stampede is a sudden and uncontrollable mass movement of people, usually triggered by fear, panic, or excitement.   It often results in injuries and fatalities due to crushing and trampling. India has seen several tragic stampedes, especially during religious gatherings and festivals, highlighting the need for better crowd management and safety measures.  What is

FLOODS IN INDIA: CAUSES, IMPLICATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT Floods are natural disasters characterized by the overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. They are one of the most common natural disasters worldwide, affecting millions of people and causing significant damage. Causes of Floods: Heavy Rainfall: Intense and prolonged rainfall can overwhelm rivers and drainage

SC UPHOLDS MUSLIM WOMEN'S RIGHT TO SEEK MAINTENANCE The Supreme Court of India, in the case of Mohd Abdul Samad v. State of Telangana (2024), dismissed a petition challenging the applicability of Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to a divorced Muslim woman. This case highlights the ongoing legal discourse around the maintenance