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
MGNREGA JOB CARD DELETIONS The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, provides rural households with a legal guarantee of wage employment. However, recent data highlights a sharp increase in job card deletions, with over 5.53 crore cards removed in 2022-23. This raises concerns about transparency, workers' rights, and the effective implementation of
KASHMIRI AND CENTRAL ASIAN ARTISANS RECONNECT: A REVIVAL OF CULTURAL TIES After nearly 500 years, artisans from Kashmir and Central Asia reunited in Srinagar for a three-day craft exchange program. This event celebrated Srinagar's designation as a "World Craft City" by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and aimed to revive shared heritage and foster cross-border
5TH MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE (INC-5) The 5th meeting of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, failed to reach a consensus on a global treaty to address plastic pollution. Despite the UN Environment Assembly's 2022 resolution to establish binding rules by the end of
ROAD ACCIDENTS IN INDIA India faces a severe road safety crisis, with alarming rates of accidents and fatalities. Despite government efforts to halve road accident deaths by 2030, recent data shows an increase in accidents and fatalities. This issue highlights the urgent need for robust interventions. Current State of Road Accidents in India Total Accidents
PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA – URBAN 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0): A PATHWAY TO HOUSING FOR ALL The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) aims to ensure affordable housing for economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-class families in urban areas. With its renewed focus, the scheme emphasizes inclusive growth by addressing urban housing shortages while
PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA – URBAN 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0): A PATHWAY TO HOUSING FOR ALL The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) aims to ensure affordable housing for economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-class families in urban areas. With its renewed focus, the scheme emphasizes inclusive growth by addressing urban housing shortages while
DRI REPORT: KEY HIGHLIGHTS ON SMUGGLING IN INDIA The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has released a report showcasing a marked rise in smuggling activities across India, including drug trafficking, illicit currency trade, and contraband cigarettes. It also outlines the challenges and strategies required to tackle these issues effectively. Key Findings of the DRI Report
INDIA’S ROLE IN THE ‘CHINA PLUS ONE’ STRATEGY The 'China Plus One' strategy reflects a global trend where companies aim to diversify their manufacturing and supply chains by establishing operations outside China. India, with its large market and economic potential, is seen as a promising destination for investments. However, despite opportunities created by the US-China
CUMBUM TANK IN ANDHRA PRADESH India has a rich history of water harvesting systems, showcasing ancient engineering marvels and sustainable practices. These systems not only supported agriculture and domestic use but also demonstrated the wisdom of water conservation adapted to local climatic conditions. The Cumbum Tank in Andhra Pradesh recently gained attention for its historical
STREAMLINING DEATH PENALTY AND MERCY PETITION GUIDELINES: SUPREME COURT The Supreme Court of India recently issued comprehensive guidelines to address delays and inefficiencies in executing death sentences and processing mercy petitions. These directives aim to streamline the process, safeguard rights, and ensure fair implementation. Key Guidelines on Death Penalty and Mercy Petitions Establishment of Dedicated
RISING AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT IN INDIA: CAUSES AND CONCERNS From 2017-18 to 2023-24, the number of Indians working in agriculture saw a sharp rise of 68 million, marking a reversal of the previous trend of workforce reduction in the sector. This surge, largely driven by women and concentrated in economically weaker states, raises important questions about
RBI AND THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT - DISPUTE The relationship between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the central government plays a critical role in maintaining economic stability and growth. However, disagreements over policy decisions and institutional roles have occasionally created tensions. The recent conclusion of Shaktikanta Das's tenure as RBI Governor highlights these ongoing
INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY 2024: IMPORTANCE AND THE INDIAN HIMALAYAN REGION (IHR) International Mountain Day is celebrated annually on 11th December to emphasize the importance of mountains for life, biodiversity, and sustainable development. In 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change observed this day to highlight the need to protect the Indian Himalayan Region
AGRARIAN DISTRESS IN INDIA Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy, providing livelihoods to nearly half of the population. However, the sector is in severe crisis, marked by low farmer incomes, escalating debt, and stagnant growth. The Supreme Court (SC)-appointed High-Level Committee recently submitted an interim report highlighting the causes and implications of this agrarian
GLOBALISATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA Globalisation refers to the growing interconnectedness of nations through trade, technology, culture, and communication. This phenomenon has been shaping the global landscape for centuries, evolving in response to technological advancements and geopolitical shifts. Recent events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, and strained relations between
VIJAY DIWAS AND THE 1971 BANGLADESH LIBERATION WAR On 16th December 2024, India observed Vijay Diwas, marking the 53rd anniversary of its victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. This war led to the creation of Bangladesh and showcased India’s strategic, humanitarian, and military prowess. The day is commemorated to honor the sacrifices of the
SWITZERLAND'S WITHDRAWAL OF MFN CLAUSE IN DTAA WITH INDIA Switzerland has decided to withdraw the application of the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause in its Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India. This move, effective from January 2025, will impact the withholding tax rates applicable to Indian entities. What is the MFN Clause in DTAA? DTAA Background:
ONE NATION, ONE ELECTION: KEY PROPOSALS AND IMPLICATIONS The government has taken significant steps to implement "One Nation, One Election" by introducing two Constitution Amendment Bills: "The Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024" and "The Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2024." These bills aim to synchronize elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, ensuring efficiency
ABOUT WORLD WAR II World War II (1939–1945) was one of the most devastating and widespread conflicts in human history. It involved nations from every continent and reshaped global political, social, and economic structures. About World War II Duration and Global Impact Lasted six years, from 1939 to 1945. Affected nearly every nation, causing
