Special Article

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

THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE (IBC), 2016  The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, provides a comprehensive framework for resolving insolvency and bankruptcy issues for companies, individuals, and partnerships in India. Recent data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) highlights the progress and challenges in the implementation of the IBC, with a

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED) 2024  World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated annually on 5th June to raise awareness and promote actions for environmental protection. Established by the United Nations in 1972, this day focuses on pressing environmental issues with specific themes each year.                           Key Facts About World Environment Day  Establishment: Initiated by

KAVANGO-ZAMBEZI TRANS-FRONTIER CONSERVATION AREA (KAZA-TFCA) SUMMIT  The 2024 Heads of State Summit for the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) held in Livingstone, Zambia, saw member states reiterating their calls to withdraw from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).   This move came amidst challenges faced by southern African

UNCCD REPORT ON RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS  The UN Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) recently released a report on rangelands and pastoralists, highlighting the need for better recognition of pastoralists' rights and improved market access. This report provides significant insights into the current state of rangelands and pastoralist communities globally and in India.  Key Findings of

74 WOMEN ELECTED TO LOK SABHA, LOWER THAN 2019  The political empowerment of women in India has been a topic of significant discussion, particularly in light of the recent Lok Sabha elections of 2024. The number of women MPs has decreased from 78 in 2019 to 74 in 2024, which constitutes 13.63% of the total

NONE OF THE ABOVE (NOTA) OPTION IN INDIAN ELECTIONS  The None of the Above (NOTA) option in Indian elections allows voters to reject all the candidates contesting in an election.   This provision is designed to empower voters and provide them with an option to express their dissatisfaction with the available candidates.   It ensures that the

UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM (UNGSCF)  The inaugural United Nations Global Supply Chain Forum (UNGSCF) recently convened by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Government of Barbados emphasized critical issues surrounding escalating global supply chain disruptions.   Additionally, the need for supply chain resilience, particularly in the context of India, has become increasingly apparent

SPEAKER OF THE LOK SABHA  The Speaker of the Lok Sabha in India plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House and maintaining the balance of power between the ruling party and its allies, as well as the opposition.   This is especially significant in a coalition government where multiple parties with

STATE OF THE OCEAN REPORT, 2024  The UNESCO State of Ocean Report 2024 emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced oceanographic research and data collection.   The report underscores the critical gaps in data and research and calls for immediate action to support healthy and resilient oceans.  Key Highlights  Inadequate Data and Research  Critical Gap: The report

3 STATES SEEK SHRINKING OF ECO-SENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS  The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a biodiversity hotspot that spans six states in India: Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.   In order to conserve its unique ecology while allowing for sustainable development, the concept of Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) was

INDIA'S POWER SECTOR  India's power sector plays a pivotal role in its economic development, catering to a vast and diverse population. However, it faces numerous challenges ranging from demand-supply imbalances to environmental concerns. The sector is predominantly reliant on coal for electricity generation, despite efforts to diversify towards renewable energy sources.   Current Status of India's

SILK ROAD  The Silk Road is a historic network of trade routes that connected civilizations from East Asia to the Mediterranean, spanning over 1,500 years of human history. It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, cultures, and technologies between diverse regions of the world.   Named after the lucrative trade in silk that originated in China,

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX (EPI)  The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a biennial assessment that evaluates countries' performance in environmental sustainability and conservation efforts.   It provides insights into how nations are progressing towards international environmental goals and commitments, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.   

UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT (UAPA) The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a legislation enacted by the Indian government aimed at the effective prevention of unlawful activities and terrorism. It was originally promulgated as an ordinance on 17th June 1966 and later enacted as an Act in 1967. The UAPA has undergone several amendments to

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (SWM) CESS Solid Waste Management (SWM) cess is a user fee or charge levied by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India to fund waste management services. It is a form of tax imposed to cover the costs associated with waste collection, disposal, and processing. About SWM Cess Definition: A fee charged by

HINDU KUSH HIMALAYAS  The Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) are a critical mountain range that stretches approximately 3,500 kilometres across eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.   These mountains are often referred to as the "water towers of Asia" due to their role as the source of ten major river systems, including

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA-SRI LANKA RELATIONS  India and Sri Lanka have a long-standing relationship rooted in shared cultural, religious, and historical ties.   Recent meetings between the Indian External Affairs Minister and the Sri Lankan President have focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in various sectors.  Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)  Joint Commissioning: The MRCC was built

HEATWAVES AS NOTIFIED DISASTERS  India's recent heatwave crisis has sparked a debate about officially recognizing heatwaves as notified disasters under the Disaster Management (DM) Act of 2005.   This recognition would ensure more focused resources and actions to tackle the devastating impacts of heatwaves, which are periods of abnormally high temperatures occurring during the summer season.