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
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
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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.