INTERPLAY OF CLIMATE CHANGE, WATER, AND ENERGY The interconnected challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, and energy demand represent a major barrier to sustainable development. Rising global temperatures, altered water availability, and increased energy requirements call for systemic solutions to manage these critical resources effectively. Integrated resource management can help address these challenges and
INDIA'S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES India has made remarkable strides in infrastructure development over the past 25 years, fueled by growing private participation and innovative government initiatives. However, to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, nearly 90% of the required infrastructure is yet to be developed. This
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION IN INDIA Groundwater contamination is a pressing environmental and public health issue in India, as highlighted by recent findings from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Rising levels of chemical pollutants, particularly nitrates, pose significant risks to human health, agriculture, and the environment. Key Findings of the CGWB Report Increase in Nitrate Contamination
INDIA'S DATA CENTRE SECTOR India's data centre sector is expanding rapidly due to factors such as increased digitalization, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the adoption of 5G technology, and data localization laws. The sector is expected to double its capacity by FY27, creating numerous economic and technological opportunities. However, challenges like infrastructure limitations, sustainability concerns,
INDIA’S RELATIONS WITH LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN (LAC) India’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are expanding, with increasing trade, diplomatic engagements, and cultural exchanges across all 33 nations in the region. However, challenges remain, such as geographical distance, limited trade agreements, and competition from China, which has a stronger presence in
POVERTY-FREE VILLAGES: PMAY-G AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES The Ministry of Rural Development recently emphasized creating poverty-free villages by enhancing the implementation of rural development schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). These efforts align with the broader vision of achieving a poverty-free India. Key Features of PMAY-G Objective: Launched in 2016, PMAY-G aims to
TACKLING MATERNAL AND CHILD MALNUTRITION: GLOBAL NUTRITION TARGETS (GNTS) Malnutrition, including undernutrition and overnutrition, remains a critical global health challenge. A recent study published in The Lancet highlights the slow progress made between 2012 and 2021 towards achieving the Global Nutrition Targets (GNTs) aimed at reducing malnutrition. This situation calls for innovative strategies and stronger
PERIODIC LEGISLATIVE REVIEW AND ITS IMPORTANCE Periodic legislative reviews play a crucial role in ensuring that laws remain effective, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of society. Recently, the Supreme Court of India underscored the need for systematic assessments of existing laws to identify deficiencies and address emerging challenges. It proposed reviews at regular
MANUAL SCAVENGING IN INDIA Manual scavenging, an age-old practice of cleaning human excreta manually, persists as a significant social issue in India, violating human rights and dignity. Despite constitutional safeguards and laws prohibiting the practice, it continues to affect marginalized communities, particularly women. Recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held a discussion on the
ORGANIC FARMING AND THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION (NPOP) India has immense potential for organic farming, with increasing recognition on the global stage. The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), now in its 8th edition, aims to enhance India's competitiveness in organic farming by establishing accreditation systems, production standards, and promoting the sector. Recent
RIGHTS FOR FOREST DWELLERS The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has issued a directive to states, urging them to set up institutional mechanisms for ensuring proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, especially in tiger reserves. This move is aimed at addressing complaints of unlawful evictions of forest-dwelling communities and ensuring their legal rights
HONOUR KILLING In a tragic case of honour killing in Madhya Pradesh, a girl was murdered by her family for wanting to marry a person of her choice. Honour killings are a significant human rights violation rooted in regressive societal norms. This issue highlights the urgent need for stronger laws and societal reforms to protect
GLACIERS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE Glaciers are vast, slow-moving ice masses formed over centuries from compressed snow. They play a crucial role in Earth's climate and water cycle. However, with global warming, glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, posing serious challenges to ecosystems and human societies. To address this, the United Nations has declared 2025
INDIA-EU RELATIONS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES India and the European Union (EU) share a strategic partnership based on democratic values and mutual economic interests. As global challenges increase, both entities are enhancing cooperation to address geopolitical, economic, and technological issues. Despite the potential, challenges persist in fully realizing the benefits of their partnership. Significance of India-EU
OXFAM INTERNATIONAL REPORT: RISING GLOBAL INEQUALITY Oxfam International's report, "Takers Not Makers: The Unjust Poverty and Unearned Wealth of Colonialism," highlights the increasing wealth gap worldwide. While billionaires' fortunes continue to grow, the poor face ongoing challenges. The report attributes this widening inequality to historical colonial exploitation. About Oxfam International Established in 1995, Oxfam is
GLOBAL CYBERSECURITY OUTLOOK 2025: KEY INSIGHTS AND INDIA'S PREPAREDNESS The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently published the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report, highlighting the increasing cyber threats to essential infrastructure worldwide. Factors such as geopolitical tensions, outdated systems, and a shortage of skilled professionals are major concerns. The report emphasizes the need for improved
OFFSHORE SAND MINING IN KERALA: ECONOMIC POTENTIAL AND CONCERNS The Union government has decided to start offshore sand mining along Kerala's coast under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 (OAMDR Amendment Act). However, the state government and local communities are strongly opposing the move due to concerns about its impact on
