Special Article

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. 

POLITICAL REPRESENTATION AND FOREST CONSERVATION IN INDIA'S SCHEDULED AREAS  A recent study has investigated the connection between political representation and forest conservation in India's Scheduled Areas. The focus is on the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and its impact on forest management by Scheduled Tribes (STs).  About the Study  Objective: To analyze how

HYDROPOWER GENERATION IN INDIA  Hydropower generation in India plays a critical role in the country's energy mix, contributing significantly to its power generation capabilities. However, recent trends indicate challenges and declines in hydropower output.  Overview  Declining Generation:  Hydropower generation in India has decreased by 17.33% from 162.05 billion units in FY23 to 133.97 billion units