12-June-2024-Editorial

PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS  Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are the foundation of rural governance in India, playing a crucial role in decentralizing power and ensuring local self-governance. They were established to empower rural communities and involve them directly in decision-making processes.  Historical Background  Ancient Governance: Village government in India has a long history. Kautilya’s Arthashastra (200

12-June-2024-Special-Article

SPEAKER OF THE LOK SABHA  The Speaker of the Lok Sabha in India plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House and maintaining the balance of power between the ruling party and its allies, as well as the opposition.   This is especially significant in a coalition government where multiple parties with

13-June-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

STUDY RANKS INDIA SECOND IN NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS  TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU  Recent observations in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, show the Taj Mahal visibly clearer after rain washed away pollution. This phenomenon underscores the significant issue of air pollution and highlights the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O). 

13-June-2024-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

13-June-2024-Editorial

GLOBAL NITROUS OXIDE BUDGET  Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to global warming and ozone layer depletion. A recent study by the Global Carbon Project (GCP) titled “Global Nitrous Oxide Budget (1980-2020)” highlights the alarming rise in N₂O emissions, particularly from human activities.   Key Findings of the Study  Alarming Rise in

14-June-2024-Special-Article

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

14-June-2024-Editorial

URBANISATION  Urbanisation is the process where people move from rural areas to urban centres, resulting in the growth of cities and towns. This trend has accelerated in recent decades, significantly impacting India’s urban centres, which face challenges such as water shortages, urban heating, and infrastructural strains.  What is Urbanisation?  Urbanisation refers to the movement of

15-June-2024-Special-Article

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

15-June-2024-Editorial

NO OUTCOME IN BONN MEETING: WHY MONEY IS KEY TO CLIMATE ACTION  The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is an emerging international climate finance target that aims to build upon and exceed the current commitment of $100 billion per year from developed countries to assist developing nations in addressing climate change. This new target seeks

17-June-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

HIGH COURT’S TAKE ON MARRIAGE ACT, AN EROSION OF RIGHTS  TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The Special Marriage Act, 1954, was enacted to provide a legal framework for inter-faith marriages in India, promoting the values of individual autonomy, liberty, and equality.   However, a recent order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court

17-June-2024-Special-Article

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,

17-June-2024-Editorial

SMART CITIES MISSION  The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was launched on June 25, 2015, by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The mission aims to develop 100 cities across India into smart cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life to their citizens.