INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS: POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS AT THE SCO SUMMIT The recent SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad witnessed informal, positive exchanges between India and Pakistan’s leadership. Both sides took a more cooperative approach, aiming to improve their strained relations. What is the SCO Council of Heads of Government? The SCO Council of Heads
WORLD ENERGY OUTLOOK 2024 The International Energy Agency (IEA) released the World Energy Outlook 2024, analyzing key trends in the global energy landscape, including shifts toward clean energy, rising demand, and challenges posed by geopolitical tensions. India’s growing energy needs and its ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 are particularly highlighted. World Energy
GREENWASHING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently released guidelines aimed at regulating "greenwashing" or misleading environmental claims by companies. These guidelines seek to foster transparency in eco-friendly marketing and protect consumers from deceptive practices. What is Greenwashing? Greenwashing is the practice where companies exaggerate or falsely claim environmental benefits for their
MESOPHOTIC CORAL ECOSYSTEMS AND THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry have identified a dual threat to mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. These coral ecosystems are increasingly at risk due to warmer waters from above and exposure to cold waters from below, affecting their health and
MADRASAS IN INDIA AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has raised concerns about the education provided in madrasas, claiming that it fails to meet the requirements set by the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The NCPCR argues that madrasa textbooks focus heavily on Islamic teachings and lack a comprehensive
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON TROPICAL FORESTS Recent studies reveal that Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in tropical forests are facing significant changes in temperature due to global warming and climate change. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) aims to protect at least 30% of the world's land by 2030, with a focus on conserving these crucial
GLOBAL WATER CRISIS WARNING (TH) The Global Commission on the Economics of Water has issued a report emphasizing the urgent need for improved water management to prevent a significant global water crisis. Key Warnings from the Commission: Severe Water Shortage: The report predicts a 40% gap between freshwater demand and supply by 2030. Threat to
INDIA'S NOBEL PRIZE PERFORMANCE IN SCIENCES India has not seen a Nobel Prize winner in the sciences—Physics, Chemistry, or Medicine—while working in the country for 94 years. The last Indian to receive this honor was C.V. Raman in 1930 for his work on the scattering of light. The low number of Indian laureates is often
IMPACT OF MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE (MSP) ON INDIAN AGRICULTURE The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a crucial policy in India's agricultural framework, designed to protect farmers from price fluctuations. Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) announced an increase in MSP for several rabi crops. This decision has reignited discussions about the potential legalization
SUPREME COURT CASE REGARDING MADARSA EDUCATION AND SECULARISM TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS The Supreme Court of India is currently reviewing the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004. This case has significant implications for how religious education, particularly in madarsas, aligns with the principles of secularism in India. Background Madarsa
GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX (GHI) 2024 AND INDIA'S POSITION The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 reveals that India ranks 105th out of 127 countries, with a score of 27.3. This score indicates a "serious" hunger crisis, highlighting ongoing challenges related to food insecurity and malnutrition. What is the Global Hunger Index (GHI)? The GHI is an
INDIA'S AGEING AND SHRINKING POPULATION Recently, politicians in Southern India have expressed worries about the ageing and shrinking population. They have proposed laws to encourage more families to have children. An ageing population refers to a demographic trend where the number of individuals aged 65 and older increases compared to the working-age group (15-64 years).
