ELECTORAL FREEBIES IN INDIA The topic of electoral freebies in India is a contentious issue that raises questions about ethical governance, fiscal responsibility, and the long-term impact on society. A recent survey shows mixed opinions among urban voters regarding freebies, especially in light of rising debates about their sustainability. Prime Minister criticism of the "revdi
ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS: IMPACTS OF POLEWARD SHIFTS Recent studies indicate that atmospheric rivers (ARs) have shifted poleward by 6 to 10 degrees over the last 40 years. This shift has significant implications for global weather patterns, contributing to increased droughts in some areas and severe floods in others. What are Atmospheric Rivers? Definition: Atmospheric rivers are
GENDER REPRESENTATION IN THE INDIAN JUDICIARY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU The representation of women in the Indian judiciary remains low, especially in higher courts such as the High Courts and the Supreme Court. Although entry-level recruitment of women has improved, female judges still face numerous obstacles at senior levels. Current Statistics: According to the
INDIA-GERMANY INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONSULTATIONS India and Germany share a significant partnership marked by cooperation in various sectors. Recently, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Scholz co-chaired the 7th round of India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi. Key Highlights of the Meeting Focus on India Document: Germany released the "Focus on India" document, which serves as a
COMBATING MONEY LAUNDERING IN INDIA'S ONLINE GAMING SECTOR The Digital India Foundation (DIF) has released a significant report highlighting the threat of money laundering to the integrity and growth of the Indian online gaming sector. This report outlines the emerging risks, industry growth, and recommendations to tackle these challenges effectively. Key Findings of the Report
ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF ADJOURNMENTS AND CASE PENDENCY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU President Droupadi Murmu has emphasized the need to eliminate delays in the judicial process. During the District Judiciary Conference, she highlighted that frequent adjournments create obstacles for poor and rural populations in accessing justice, as they fear their cases will remain unresolved
THE NILGIRIS AS A SHARED WILDERNESS TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU The Nilgiri Biosphere, India’s first UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, spans over 5,500 square kilometres across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is home to rare and endemic flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri tahr, the star-eyed bush frog, and medicinal plants used by indigenous communities.
ISRO AND DBT COLLABORATION FOR SPACE EXPERIMENTS The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) recently signed an agreement to develop and conduct scientific experiments for the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). Planned for completion between 2028 and 2035, BAS will be India's own space station, fostering advancements in space technology
MANGROVES Cyclone Dana’s recent landfall near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha highlighted the critical importance of mangrove forests in mitigating cyclone damage. Thanks to the extensive mangrove coverage in Bhitarkanika, the cyclone caused less destruction than expected. This resilience is a testament to the protective role mangroves play against natural disasters. What
INDIA'S PATH TO ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU China, an autocracy, has seen notable wage growth despite limited returns for shareholders. Conversely, India, a democracy, has enjoyed high shareholder returns alongside weaker wage growth. This divergence underlines the distinct paths these countries have taken toward economic growth, underscoring India's struggle with “employed
WMO’S GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) BULLETIN 2023 The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released its annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Bulletin for 2023, detailing the latest analysis on GHG levels from its Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) program. This report highlights the ongoing rise in GHG concentrations, underlining the urgent need for effective climate action. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
WHAT ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM COP-16? The 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took place in Cali, Colombia, and brought forward essential steps in global biodiversity conservation. At this conference, India launched its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
