REGULATORY NORMS FOR LAB-GROWN MEAT, PLANT-BASED PROTEINS The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is taking steps to regulate laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products. These advancements offer sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional meat while addressing environmental and health challenges. Despite the progress, lab-grown meat lacks clear regulatory frameworks in India, making
ALL-INDIA SERVICES (CONDUCT) RULES, 1968 The All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 govern the ethical and professional behavior of civil servants in India, including IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service officers. These rules aim to ensure integrity, impartiality, and adherence to constitutional values. Recent suspensions of IAS officers in Kerala for misconduct on social media and
GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS AND THEIR ROLE IN ADDRESSING HUNGER TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU Genetically Modified (GM) crops have emerged as a potential solution to meet the growing global food demand while mitigating environmental damage. However, their impact depends on farming methods and regulatory frameworks, sparking debates about their safety, environmental effects,
SICKLE CELL ANEMIA AND INDIA’S EFFORTS TO COMBAT IT Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder that affects millions worldwide, particularly in India’s tribal communities. The government has initiated several programs to tackle this issue, aiming for its eradication by 2047. On Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (15th November 2024), a commemorative postage stamp on
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE AND TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT: BALANCING TRADITION WITH MODERN GOVERNANCE Preserving the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities while enabling them to participate in modern governance is a significant global challenge. Recent events, like the haka protest by Maori lawmakers in New Zealand against the Treaty Principles Bill, highlight the ongoing debate over protecting Indigenous
INDIA NEEDS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REGULATORY AGENCY TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU While global discussions, like the recent COP29, focus on climate financing, India must also address its internal environmental health issues. Establishing an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) could bridge gaps in environmental governance, promote data integration, and protect public health. Why India Needs
STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN 2024 UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 report examines key trends affecting children’s futures by 2050. It focuses on three major forces shaping children's lives: demographic changes, climate challenges, and emerging technologies. The report highlights global and India-specific insights to address these evolving challenges. Key Findings of the SOWC
RETAIL INFLATION IN OCTOBER TOUCHES 6.21%, CROSSES RBI TOLERANCE CEILING OF 6% In October 2024, retail inflation, as reflected by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 6.2%. Food inflation, monitored through the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), saw a significant increase, reaching 10.87%, its highest level since August 2023. This inflation rate has breached
UNDERSTANDING THE CHANGING NATURE OF EXTREMIST VIOLENCE TOPIC: (GS3) SEQURITY: THE HINDU Extremist violence has taken on new dimensions globally. While conflicts like the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas crisis dominate headlines, evolving patterns of violence by extremist groups often go unnoticed. This trend has significant implications for law enforcement, national security, and the global
G20 RIO DE JANEIRO SUMMIT The 19th G20 Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet." The summit brought together global leaders to address key challenges, including sustainable development, climate change, energy transition, digital infrastructure, and global health. India, an active participant, highlighted its
DECLINE IN EARTH'S FRESHWATER RESERVES Freshwater resources are vital for human survival, ecosystem balance, and economic development. However, recent findings from NASA-German GRACE satellites and other global reports indicate a sharp decline in Earth's freshwater levels since 2014. This worrying trend is evident both globally and in India, driven by climatic changes, over-extraction, and mismanagement
NUCLEAR ENERGY INVESTMENTS BY BIG TECH AND INDIA'S ROLE IN NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENT Amid the rising electricity demands driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centers, major tech companies are turning to nuclear energy for its reliable, carbon-free power. By investing in nuclear energy, these companies aim to meet their sustainability goals while supporting AI's intensive
