Special Article

MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS (MFIS) Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) play a significant role in promoting financial inclusion, particularly for low-income and marginalized communities. They provide essential financial services to individuals who lack access to traditional banking facilities. What Are Microfinance Institutions? MFIs are specialized financial organizations that offer small loans and other financial services to individuals without access

ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS: IMPACTS OF POLEWARD SHIFTS Recent studies indicate that atmospheric rivers (ARs) have shifted poleward by 6 to 10 degrees over the last 40 years. This shift has significant implications for global weather patterns, contributing to increased droughts in some areas and severe floods in others. What are Atmospheric Rivers? Definition: Atmospheric rivers are

COMBATING MONEY LAUNDERING IN INDIA'S ONLINE GAMING SECTOR The Digital India Foundation (DIF) has released a significant report highlighting the threat of money laundering to the integrity and growth of the Indian online gaming sector. This report outlines the emerging risks, industry growth, and recommendations to tackle these challenges effectively. Key Findings of the Report

MANGROVES Cyclone Dana’s recent landfall near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha highlighted the critical importance of mangrove forests in mitigating cyclone damage. Thanks to the extensive mangrove coverage in Bhitarkanika, the cyclone caused less destruction than expected. This resilience is a testament to the protective role mangroves play against natural disasters. What

WHAT ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM COP-16? The 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took place in Cali, Colombia, and brought forward essential steps in global biodiversity conservation. At this conference, India launched its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity

CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION With climate change intensifying and temperatures rising, it’s essential to focus on both climate adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation involves adjusting to climate impacts, while mitigation aims to reduce emissions. Both are crucial for protecting ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. What is Climate Adaptation and Mitigation? Climate Adaptation: Refers to making adjustments

UNPAID WORK AND ITS ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE Unpaid work, especially performed by women, is a crucial yet often overlooked contributor to the economy. It involves essential tasks that support households and communities but are not compensated financially. This type of labor, though vital to societal functioning, often remains invisible in economic assessments and policy discussions. Recently,

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (MPLADS) The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a contentious program in India. Advocates argue that it helps MPs address local development needs, while critics contend it undermines key constitutional principles like the separation of powers. Ongoing reports about incomplete projects and appeals for higher

UP MADARSA EDUCATION ACT UPHELD BY SC: WHAT WAS THE CASE? The Supreme Court recently upheld most of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, which regulates madrasa education in Uttar Pradesh. This decision overturned the Allahabad High Court’s earlier ruling that had deemed the Act unconstitutional. However, the Supreme Court struck down sections

INDIA’S POTENTIAL ROLE IN RCEP AND CPTPP The CEO of NITI Aayog recently indicated support for India’s involvement in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This marks a potential shift in India’s trade policy, reflecting recommendations in the Economic Survey 2024, which suggests that deeper

TRIBAL POVERTY & MANGO KERNEL TRAGEDY In Odisha's Kandhamal district, the tragic deaths linked to mango kernel consumption highlight the severe livelihood challenges faced by tribal communities. Forced by poverty, food scarcity, and lack of resources, many tribal families turn to foraged foods like mango kernels despite the associated health risks. Mango kernels contain cyanogenic

SC ORDERS RE-EVALUATION OF ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY’S MINORITY STATUS The ongoing legal debate surrounding the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has reached a significant turning point with a recent Supreme Court judgment. In a 4:3 majority, a seven-judge bench of the Court overruled the 1967 decision in S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of

STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024 REPORT The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations released its State of Food and Agriculture 2024 report, revealing hidden global costs in agrifood systems totalling approximately USD 12 trillion per year. These costs largely stem from unhealthy dietary habits and environmental harm, prompting a call for reform in

MENTAL HEALTH IN INDIA: ADDRESSING A GROWING CRISIS Mental health in India is an urgent public health issue, recently highlighted by the Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2021 report. This report brings attention to the deepening mental health challenges in India, particularly underscoring a high rate of suicides among men and the limited access

SUPREME COURT GUIDELINES ON BULLDOZER JUSTICE Recently, the Supreme Court of India established comprehensive guidelines under Article 142 of the Constitution to address concerns over the demolition of properties without due legal process. The ruling emphasized the unconstitutionality of demolishing properties of accused individuals without following established legal protocols. Bulldozer Justice: Refers to demolishing the

JANJATIYA GAURAV DIVAS: CELEBRATING TRIBAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO INDIA'S FREEDOM STRUGGLE Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is a significant occasion observed annually on 15th November to honour and celebrate the contributions of India’s tribal communities, especially in the fight for India’s independence. This day highlights the sacrifices made by tribal leaders and freedom fighters like Birsa Munda, whose

MAHA KUMBH MELA 2025: A SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL GATHERING The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place in Prayagraj from 13th January to 26th February 2025. Recognized as the world’s largest peaceful religious congregation, this event attracts millions of pilgrims seeking spiritual cleansing, cultural celebration, and social harmony. The term Kumbh originates from the Sanskrit

ROLE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) IN SUPPORTING INDIAN AGRICULTURE India’s agriculture sector, the backbone of its economy, supports nearly half of the population. However, it faces numerous challenges such as low productivity, environmental degradation, and limited market access. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has immense potential to address these challenges, ensuring agriculture becomes both economically

REGULATORY NORMS FOR LAB-GROWN MEAT, PLANT-BASED PROTEINS The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is taking steps to regulate laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products. These advancements offer sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional meat while addressing environmental and health challenges. Despite the progress, lab-grown meat lacks clear regulatory frameworks in India, making

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA AND INDIA’S EFFORTS TO COMBAT IT Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder that affects millions worldwide, particularly in India’s tribal communities. The government has initiated several programs to tackle this issue, aiming for its eradication by 2047. On Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (15th November 2024), a commemorative postage stamp on

STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN 2024 UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 report examines key trends affecting children’s futures by 2050. It focuses on three major forces shaping children's lives: demographic changes, climate challenges, and emerging technologies. The report highlights global and India-specific insights to address these evolving challenges. Key Findings of the SOWC

DECLINE IN EARTH'S FRESHWATER RESERVES Freshwater resources are vital for human survival, ecosystem balance, and economic development. However, recent findings from NASA-German GRACE satellites and other global reports indicate a sharp decline in Earth's freshwater levels since 2014. This worrying trend is evident both globally and in India, driven by climatic changes, over-extraction, and mismanagement

NUCLEAR ENERGY INVESTMENTS BY BIG TECH AND INDIA'S ROLE IN NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENT Amid the rising electricity demands driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centers, major tech companies are turning to nuclear energy for its reliable, carbon-free power. By investing in nuclear energy, these companies aim to meet their sustainability goals while supporting AI's intensive

INDIA-CARICOM SUMMIT: STRENGTHENING TIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE The 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, held in Georgetown, Guyana, was a milestone in fostering closer cooperation between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Chaired by India's Prime Minister and Grenada's Prime Minister, this summit aimed to strengthen collaboration across various sectors. It built upon the success of the

COKING COAL: IMPORTANCE AND CRITICAL MINERAL STATUS Coking coal, also known as metallurgical coal, is essential for steel production and infrastructure development. India’s high dependence on imported coking coal poses challenges for its economic stability and energy security. A recent NITI Aayog report, “Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Availability to Reduce the Import of Coking Coal”,

RAJARAJA CHOLA I: A PIONEERING CHOLA EMPEROR Rajaraja Chola I, a legendary ruler of the Chola dynasty, left an indelible mark on India’s history through his military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural contributions. Born as Arulmozhi Varman in 947 CE, he earned the title “Rajaraja” meaning “King of Kings,” symbolizing his unparalleled leadership. His reign

HIGH SEAS TREATY: A MILESTONE IN GLOBAL OCEAN GOVERNANCE The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, was signed by India in September 2024, representing a landmark step in international efforts to protect marine ecosystems. Developed under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the