Editorials

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

COOPERATIVES IN INDIA  Cooperatives are people-centered enterprises owned, controlled, and operated by their members to fulfill common economic, social, and cultural needs.  They play a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering economic independence.  Evolution of Cooperatives in India  Historical Development  Pre-Independence Era  Early Legislation: The Cooperative Credit Societies Act of

GLOBAL SOIL DEGRADATION  Soil degradation poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human well-being globally. Addressing this issue is crucial to sustain food security, biodiversity, and mitigate climate change impacts.  UNESCO's Insights on Global Soil Degradation  Current State of Soil Degradation:  Extent: According to UNESCO's World Atlas of Desertification, 75% of soils are already degraded,

INDIA’S AMBITIOUS AIRPORT EXPANSION PLAN  India plans to increase the number of its operational airports to 300 by the year 2047. This expansion is driven by a projected eightfold increase in passenger traffic. The plan includes upgrading existing airstrips and constructing new airports across the country. Factors Driving the Expansion  Development of Existing Airstrips: Upgrading Current

LIGHTHOUSES IN INDIA  A lighthouse is a structure designed to emit light from lamps and lenses, aiding navigation for mariners and fishermen. They mark dangerous coastlines, shoals, reefs, and safe entries to harbors. India maintains 194 lighthouses across its coastal line and islands. Historical Role of Lighthouses:  Ancient India: Rigveda and Satapatha Brahmana mention early navigation

DEEP DRILLING MISSION  The Ministry of Earth Science in India has embarked on a significant mission to conduct scientific deep drilling of the Earth's crust, aiming to reach a depth of 6 km.   This project is being executed with the assistance of the Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) in Karad, Maharashtra.   The mission has already