GLARE ON FSSAI FOR RAISING LIMITS OF PESTICIDES IN SPICES AND CULINARY HERBS The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of food products consumed by millions of people across the country. However, a recent decision by the FSSAI to raise the maximum residue limit (MRL)
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY POPULATION With India's demographic landscape rapidly evolving, the care for the elderly population has emerged as a pressing challenge. As the country experiences the benefits of its demographic dividend, it also witnesses a significant rise in the elderly population. Status of Elderly Population in India Projected Growth: The elderly population (aged
CHUNK OF INDIA’S FORESTS ‘MISSING’ AFTER 27-YEAR-DELAY TO FILE REPORTS The recent actions taken by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in compliance with a Supreme Court order, have brought attention to the challenges surrounding the identification and protection of unclassed forests in India. Implications of Supreme Court Order: MoEFCC uploaded various
NEW IUCN REPORT SHOWS WAY TOWARD REGENERATIVE BLUE ECONOMY The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has published a report presenting a blueprint for a Regenerative Blue Economy (RBE), seeking to surpass conventional sustainability strategies by actively rejuvenating and revitalizing ocean ecosystems. This approach represents a paradigm shift in ocean governance, emphasizing the protection
CASE BEFORE SUPREME COURT: CAN GOVT REDISTRIBUTE PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTY? The Supreme Court (SC) of India is currently hearing a case concerning the government's authority to acquire and redistribute privately owned properties, focusing on whether private properties can be considered "material resources of the community" under Article 39(b) of the Constitution. This case arose from
INDIA HELPING FIVE NATIONS DEVELOP EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS India is proactively aiding neighbouring countries and small island nations in establishing early warning systems to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. This initiative aligns with the United Nations' 'Early Warnings for All' campaign, aiming to minimize loss of life and property. Objective: Reduce the adverse
HUNDREDS OF GLACIAL LAKES EXPANDING IN HIMALAYAN REGION, FLAGS ISRO The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has observed a concerning trend of large-scale expansion in glacial lakes in the Himalayan region between 1984 and 2023. This expansion, documented through satellite monitoring, poses significant risks to downstream areas and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS ARE NATURE’S INGENIOUS SOLUTION FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT IN INDIA Constructed wetlands have emerged as innovative and nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment, offering a comprehensive approach to address the diverse array of pollutants present in industrial and municipal wastewater. About Constructed Wetlands: Constructed wetlands are engineered systems designed to replicate the natural processes of
CARBON FARMING Carbon farming has emerged as a sustainable agricultural approach aimed at mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation. This method integrates regenerative farming practices to improve soil health, increase agricultural productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. About Carbon Farming: Carbon farming focuses on managing agricultural and forestry practices to
INDIA OFFERED SUGARCANE SOP VASTLY IN EXCESS OF WTO LIMITS: US AND AUSTRALIA The Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is a global treaty instituted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) as part of the Uruguay Round negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). It aims to remove trade barriers, promote transparent market access,
THE SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LPG PRICE HIKES Recent study highlighting heavy reliance on fuelwood in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, despite government efforts to promote Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), highlights the challenges of transitioning to cleaner cooking fuels in rural areas. The high prices of LPG, coupled with environmental concerns associated with fuelwood usage, call for accessible
NAVIGATING INDIA’S TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING PwC India, a professional services network, recently released a report titled 'Navigating India's Transition to Sustainability', focusing on sustainability efforts among leading Indian companies. The report analyzes how companies are adapting to the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) disclosures mandated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India
PARLIAMENT AN UNSAFE WORKPLACE DUE TO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY MPS, SAY UNIONS The recent cases of alleged sexual harassment involving Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and government employees have highlighted a concerning issue: the criminalization of politics. This phenomenon raises significant ethical questions about moral responsibility and professional ethics. What Does
STATE OF EMPLOYMENT IN INDIA India has witnessed a significant surge in employment over recent years, generating over 80 million additional jobs between 2017-18 and 2022-23. This rapid growth has sparked discussions about its underlying causes and the sustainability of this trend. Key Trends in Employment Growth: Historical Growth: Analysis of NSSO data from 1983
SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS RIGHT TO LIFE OF FOETUS The Supreme Court recently declined a plea from a 20-year-old unmarried woman seeking to terminate her over 27-week pregnancy. This decision upheld the Delhi High Court's earlier ruling. The case brings into focus important aspects of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act and the rights associated
NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of diverse conditions caused by various pathogens like viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins. These diseases often afflict impoverished communities in tropical regions, leading to severe health, social, and economic consequences. About Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) NTDs have complex epidemiology, often linked to environmental factors.
GOING TO POLICE SHOULD BE LAST RESORT IN MATRIMONIAL DISPUTES: SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT The Supreme Court made significant observations while ruling on a petition filed by a husband against the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision. These observations provide guidance on approaching marital disputes, emphasizing caution and alternative methods of resolution. Key Observations: Caution Against
HARNESSING DEGRADED LANDS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India organized a meeting to explore the potential of cultivating biomass on degraded land for green biohydrogen production and bioenergy generation. Key stakeholders and research institutes participated to discuss strategies and initiatives in this regard. Key Highlights: Biomass Cultivation Prospects:
INDIAN MANUFACTURING NEEDS MORE SOPHISTICATION: FINANCE MINISTER The recent report by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) sheds light on the growing threat of 'land squeeze,' where the demand for land outpaces its availability, posing significant challenges to farmers and food production globally. Key Highlights of the Report: Rising Land Prices:
WHY INDIAN HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS FELL TO A SIX-YEAR LOW IN FY23 The decline in India’s household net financial savings to GDP ratio has raised concerns about the financial well-being of households and the overall stability of the economy. This decline is attributed to increased borrowing and structural shifts in the economy rather than a mere
HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently introduced regulations to facilitate the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India. This move is seen as a significant step, comparable to the economic reforms of 1991, aimed at enhancing the quality and competitiveness of India's higher education system. Current Scenario of
BIMSTEC ACQUIRES ‘LEGAL PERSONALITY’ AFTER CHARTER COMES INTO FORCE The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) achieved a significant milestone with the entry into force of its charter on 20th May 2024. BIMSTEC is a regional organization comprising seven member states situated around the Bay of Bengal, aimed at fostering
INDIA HOSTS THE ANTARCTIC PARLIAMENT Antarctica, a continent long shrouded in mystery and isolation, is now experiencing a surge in human activity, driven by tourism, scientific research, and geopolitical interests. Against this backdrop, the ongoing 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Kochi, Kerala, serves as a crucial platform for deliberating on the future of
GLOBAL NUCLEAR LANDSCAPE The global landscape is witnessing a resurgence of nuclear anxieties, driven by geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and regional conflicts. In this context, India faces multifaceted challenges and opportunities in its nuclear program and energy sector. Evolution of the Global Nuclear Landscape: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's veiled nuclear threats during the Ukraine conflict have
WORLD MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY 2024 On World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, India celebrates advancements in menstrual hygiene management, with around 80% of young women aged 15-24 using safe menstrual products, as reported by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020). Despite overall progress, the menstrual hygiene needs of women in Indian prisons remain largely overlooked,
CYCLONE REMAL: 31 KILLED AS RAIN, LANDSLIPS WREAK HAVOC IN NORTHEAST The recent Cyclone Remal caused severe landslides in northeastern India, resulting in significant casualties. This highlights the urgent need for enhanced multi-hazard disaster resilience. While early warnings for cyclones have improved, landslide prediction and prevention remain a challenge. What is a Landslide? A landslide
