RIGHT TO SHELTER The Supreme Court of India recently addressed the need to balance the development of railway infrastructure in Haldwani with the fundamental right to shelter for individuals accused of illegally occupying railway land. The court emphasized that its decisions should not be interpreted as encouragement for future encroachments on public land. Right to
STATE OF FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN THE WORLD 2024" (SOFI 2024) REPORT The "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024" (SOFI 2024) report, published by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, presents a critical analysis of global food security and nutrition trends. This year's report emphasizes the urgent need for increased
UNION BUDGET 2024-25: KEY MEASURES FOR RURAL AND TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT The Union Budget 2024-25, presented as the first general budget of the 18th Lok Sabha, introduced several significant initiatives aimed at improving rural infrastructure and tribal welfare. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Overview: Launched on December 25, 2000, PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road
SUB-CLASSIFICATION OF SCHEDULED CASTES (SCS) AND SCHEDULED TRIBES (STS): SUPREME COURT VERDICT The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment that empowers states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for the purpose of reservations. This decision, passed by a 6-1 majority, reverses the 2004 E.V. Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh
THE GREAT NICOBAR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT The Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project is a major initiative spearheaded by NITI Aayog aimed at transforming the southern part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This project, which began in 2021, has sparked considerable debate due to its potential environmental and social impacts. The project, despite initial concerns,
WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY: ADDRESSING A GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting action to prevent drowning incidents. Drowning is a significant public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and has resulted in over 2.5 million deaths
THE RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN IN INDIA The "Right to Be Forgotten" (RTBF) pertains to an individual's ability to remove their personal data from digital platforms when it infringes on their privacy. While this concept is well-established in various countries, India currently lacks a specific legal framework for it. The Supreme Court of India is
ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION IN INDIA Organ donation and transplantation play a crucial role in saving lives and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from organ failure. India has made significant strides in this field, achieving new milestones and addressing challenges. Key Highlights from the Annual Report 2023-24 Milestone Achievement: In 2023, India
WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to reform the Waqf Act of 1995 to enhance accountability and transparency in the administration of Waqf properties in India. The proposed amendments aim to address concerns regarding the unchecked powers of Waqf Boards and introduce measures to ensure fair management of these properties, which
CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING IMANE KHELIF'S WIN AT PARIS OLYMPICS 2024 The recent boxing match at the Paris Olympics 2024 between Algeria's Imane Khelif and Italy's Angela Carini has sparked widespread controversy. This issue is centered around gender eligibility in women's sports, with accusations of unfair advantages due to biological factors. Why Did Imane Khelif's Victory
TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) IN INDIA Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning concept that seeks to align transportation systems with land use to create sustainable and efficient urban spaces. This approach focuses on developing high-density, mixed-use neighborhoods around public transportation hubs, promoting reduced dependence on private vehicles, and fostering vibrant communities. In light of increasing
DECLINE IN DEMAND FOR WORK UNDER MGNREGS The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is a flagship program designed to provide employment to rural households in India. A significant decline in demand for work under this scheme was reported in July 2024, indicating various economic and environmental factors at play. Here’s a detailed
DNA PROFILING IN LEGAL CONTEXT DNA profiling, or DNA fingerprinting, plays a crucial role in forensic science by identifying individuals based on their unique genetic makeup. However, recent legal developments, including a Madras High Court decision in July 2024, have reignited debates about the reliability of DNA evidence in criminal cases. About DNA Profiling DNA
MELTING POLAR ICE DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IS MAKING EARTH’S DAYS LONGER Recent scientific studies have revealed that climate change, particularly the melting of polar ice caps, is not only influencing weather patterns and sea levels but also affecting Earth's rotation. As ice melts and water redistributes, subtle but significant changes are occurring in the
DISINFORMATION, AI AND ‘CYBER CHAKRAVYUH’ The year 2024 has seen a significant rise in digital threats, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in forms like Generative AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), posing new challenges. The evolving landscape includes risks such as digital attacks, disinformation, and cyber threats, highlighted by a global disruption caused by a
NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY (NUE) Recent advancements in biotechnology have led to the discovery of significant variation in nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) among popular Indian rice varieties. This discovery has paved the way for the development of high-yielding, low-nitrogen varieties, which can help reduce fertilizer costs and mitigate environmental pollution. Additionally, the Prime Minister of India has
BROILER CHICKEN INDUSTRY IN INDIA The broiler chicken industry in India has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from traditional, small-scale farming into a highly organized and vertically integrated agribusiness. This evolution has enabled even smallholders to engage in commercial poultry farming, resulting in increased productivity and profitability. The industry's growth has been fueled by technological
KOSI-MECHI RIVER LINKING PROJECT The Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project is a significant component of India’s ambitious National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers. This initiative aims to address irrigation needs in Bihar by connecting the Kosi River with the Mechi River. Despite its intended benefits, the project has faced considerable opposition from local communities due
WHY ARE CANCER CASES SOARING IN INDIA? A recent study published in the journal Cancer forecasts a troubling rise in global cancer cases and deaths among men by 2050. The projections highlight a pressing public health challenge that necessitates immediate and comprehensive action. Findings of the Study Projected Increase in Cancer Cases and Deaths: Rise
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: ARAVALI RANGE The Aravalli Range, stretching from Gujarat to Delhi, is a vital ecological zone in India. Recent studies reveal severe environmental issues impacting this region, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation measures. This range, often considered a natural barrier against desertification, is facing significant threats due to human activities such as
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN INDIA The mental health of medical students in India has become a pressing concern, as highlighted by the recent report released by the National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students, 2024. The report, issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC), reveals alarming statistics
BHARATMALA PARIYOJANA Bharatmala Pariyojana is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aimed at enhancing India’s road infrastructure. Launched to improve road connectivity across the country, this program focuses on developing economic corridors, border roads, coastal roads, and expressways. About Bharatmala Pariyojana: Umbrella Program: Bharatmala Pariyojana is an overarching program under
DUAL-USE GOODS AND TECHNOLOGIES: INDIA'S POSITION AND GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS Dual-use goods and technologies refer to items that can serve both civilian and military purposes. The transfer and trade of these goods are tightly regulated due to their potential to be used in the development of weapons and military systems. In recent times, there has been
TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS BETWEEN INDIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES India shares numerous rivers with its neighbouring countries, making water management and distribution an essential aspect of bilateral relations. These transboundary rivers not only support agriculture and industry but are also vital for energy production and drinking water supply. Many agreements and treaties have been established to govern
VOLUNTARY VEHICLE-FLEET MODERNIZATION PROGRAM (V-VMP) The Vehicle Scrapping Policy 2021, also known as the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program (V-VMP), is a recent initiative by the Indian government aimed at modernizing the vehicle fleet on Indian roads. This policy encourages the scrapping of old and unfit vehicles through various incentives, with the ultimate goal of reducing
PATHWAYS AND STRATEGIES FOR ACCELERATING GROWTH IN EDIBLE OILS TOWARDS GOAL OF ATMANIRBHARTA The NITI Aayog's recent report titled "Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils towards Goal of Atmanirbharta" provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s edible oil sector. It outlines current challenges, future potential, and strategies to achieve self-sufficiency. This report is
GENDER BUDGET STATEMENT (GBS) 2024-25 The 2024-25 Union Budget of India marks a significant milestone in gender-focused financial planning. For the first time, allocations for women-led development have reached 1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with funding surpassing ₹3 lakh crore. Key Highlights of GBS 2024-25 Increased Pro-Women Allocations Current Allocation: The budget for
