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
