UP GOVT PROPOSES STRENGTHENING ANTI-CONVERSION LAW: WHY, WHAT ARE THE KEY CHANGES? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has proposed amendments to the state’s anti-conversion law, aimed at making it more stringent and enforceable. This move comes four years after the original act was passed to curb
LANDSLIDES AND THEIR IMPACT IN WAYANAD, KERALA Recently, Wayanad district in Kerala experienced one of its most severe landslide-related disasters due to extreme rainfall and fragile ecological conditions. With over 140 mm of rain in just 24 hours, the event has rekindled memories of the devastating 2018 floods in Kerala, which claimed around 500 lives.
SUB-CLASSIFICATION OF SCHEDULED CASTES (SCS) AND SCHEDULED TRIBES (STS): SUPREME COURT VERDICT The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment that empowers states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for the purpose of reservations. This decision, passed by a 6-1 majority, reverses the 2004 E.V. Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh
STATES CAN SUB-CLASSIFY SCS FOR QUOTAS: SUPREME COURT RULING TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India ruled that states have the authority to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) to provide more targeted affirmative action in public employment and education. This ruling aims to address the
IMPACT OF OIL AND GAS DRILLING ON HOOLOCK GIBBONS IN ASSAM The Union Environment Ministry's recent approval for exploratory oil and gas drilling in Assam's eco-sensitive zones, particularly the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, has sparked concerns over the potential threat to the endangered hoolock gibbons and other wildlife. Cairn India, a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd,
THE GREAT NICOBAR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT The Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project is a major initiative spearheaded by NITI Aayog aimed at transforming the southern part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This project, which began in 2021, has sparked considerable debate due to its potential environmental and social impacts. The project, despite initial concerns,
CENTRE REISSUES DRAFT NOTIFICATION ON ECOSENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are designated regions requiring protective measures to prevent environmental degradation. The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India, has undergone multiple notifications to classify parts of it as ESAs. This initiative aims to regulate activities
CLOUDBURST IN HIMACHAL PRADESH A cloudburst is a sudden and intense rainfall event over a small geographical area, often leading to flash floods and landslides. These events are particularly common in mountainous regions like the Himalayas and have devastating consequences for both life and infrastructure. Recently, a cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh caused significant destruction, highlighting
WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY: ADDRESSING A GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting action to prevent drowning incidents. Drowning is a significant public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and has resulted in over 2.5 million deaths
ELECTION OVERHANG AND INFLATION CONCERNS TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The recent elections in India and subsequent heatwaves have contributed to a slowdown in industrial production, particularly in the core infrastructure sectors. This has raised concerns about inflation, which is broadening beyond food prices. Core Sector Performance Slowdown in Core Sectors The Index
COASTAL EROSION IN TAMIL NADU Coastal erosion is a significant issue affecting Tamil Nadu's coastline, impacting local communities, fishers, and infrastructure. Recent studies reveal severe erosion, threatening livelihoods and exacerbated by development projects. Key Findings of the Study Extent of Erosion: Tamil Nadu's coastline is heavily affected, with nearly 43% experiencing erosion. Over 4,450 acres
THE RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN IN INDIA The "Right to Be Forgotten" (RTBF) pertains to an individual's ability to remove their personal data from digital platforms when it infringes on their privacy. While this concept is well-established in various countries, India currently lacks a specific legal framework for it. The Supreme Court of India is
