CLIMATE CHANGE, A PASSING CLOUD IN INDIAN POLITICS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The fifth phase of India's general election has concluded, revealing a significant omission in the electoral rhetoric of the major political parties: the critical issue of climate change. This neglect stands out sharply amid global environmental crises and
HARNESSING DEGRADED LANDS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India organized a meeting to explore the potential of cultivating biomass on degraded land for green biohydrogen production and bioenergy generation. Key stakeholders and research institutes participated to discuss strategies and initiatives in this regard. Key Highlights: Biomass Cultivation Prospects:
NITI AAYOG REPORT FINDS ‘HUGE GAP’ IN CANCER SCREENING AT AYUSHMAN CENTRES The NITI Aayog report highlighted critical gaps in cancer detection in India, raising concerns about public health risks. It focused on the screening programs at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) meant for early detection of cancers like oral, breast, and cervical
A VEGETABLE TRIUMVIRATE, INFLATION AND THE TAKEAWAY TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU Inflation, a crucial economic indicator, reflects changes in the general price level and cost of living. In India, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures inflation, with a basket of 299 items including vegetables, which hold a 6.04% weight. In FY2023-24, vegetable
INDIAN MANUFACTURING NEEDS MORE SOPHISTICATION: FINANCE MINISTER The recent report by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) sheds light on the growing threat of 'land squeeze,' where the demand for land outpaces its availability, posing significant challenges to farmers and food production globally. Key Highlights of the Report: Rising Land Prices:
INDIAN MANUFACTURING NEEDS MORE SOPHISTICATION: FINANCE MINISTER The manufacturing sector in India plays a significant role in the country's economy, contributing 17% to GDP and employing over 27.3 million workers. The government aims to increase its contribution to 25% of the economy by 2025, as part of the Make in India initiative. While certain sectors
POWERFUL, SYMBOLIC TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU The recent announcements by Ireland, Norway, and Spain to formally recognize the state of Palestine mark a significant shift in international sentiment towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Statements from Leaders: Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris emphasizes the symbolic value of recognizing Palestine. Norway’s Prime Minister supports moderate
WHY INDIAN HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS FELL TO A SIX-YEAR LOW IN FY23 The decline in India’s household net financial savings to GDP ratio has raised concerns about the financial well-being of households and the overall stability of the economy. This decline is attributed to increased borrowing and structural shifts in the economy rather than a mere
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NAGALAND INSURGENCY The Naga insurgency is one of the longest-running ethnic conflicts in India, primarily driven by the quest for Naga sovereignty and autonomy. The conflict has deeply affected the socio-political dynamics of the northeastern region of India. Recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) accused the National Socialist Council
THE MISSING LINKS IN IMEC, AS SHOWN BY THE GAZA WAR TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Chabahar Port Agreement, signed on May 13, 2024, symbolizes a decade-long collaborative effort between India and Iran to develop a vital maritime link that connects India with Afghanistan and Central Asia. This agreement is not
HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently introduced regulations to facilitate the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India. This move is seen as a significant step, comparable to the economic reforms of 1991, aimed at enhancing the quality and competitiveness of India's higher education system. Current Scenario of
SPACE TOURISM Space tourism, once a futuristic dream, is now becoming a reality with individuals like Gopi Thotakura venturing beyond Earth's atmosphere. This burgeoning industry offers recreational trips to space, presenting both opportunities and challenges. What is Space Tourism? Space tourism involves providing recreational space travel experiences for tourists. Types: Suborbital flights offer