COKING COAL: IMPORTANCE AND CRITICAL MINERAL STATUS Coking coal, also known as metallurgical coal, is essential for steel production and infrastructure development. India’s high dependence on imported coking coal poses challenges for its economic stability and energy security. A recent NITI Aayog report, “Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Availability to Reduce the Import of Coking Coal”,
FROM A REPUBLIC TO A REPUBLIC OF UNEQUAL TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU India marked 75 years of its Constitution on November 26, 2024, which was designed to ensure justice, equality, and liberty while addressing socio-economic inequalities. However, neoliberal economic policies have replaced welfare governance, widening the gap between the rich and poor. This
26/11 MUMBAI ATTACKS The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, executed by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted key locations in the city, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Nariman House, Oberoi Trident, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station. These attacks revealed significant gaps in India's security systems, leading to major reforms in counter-terrorism strategies. Security Challenges Exposed During
RAJARAJA CHOLA I: A PIONEERING CHOLA EMPEROR Rajaraja Chola I, a legendary ruler of the Chola dynasty, left an indelible mark on India’s history through his military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural contributions. Born as Arulmozhi Varman in 947 CE, he earned the title “Rajaraja” meaning “King of Kings,” symbolizing his unparalleled leadership. His reign
DEALING WITH THE CHINA QUESTION TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS China's increasing military capabilities and assertiveness have created challenges for India's defence preparedness. To address this, India must modernize its defence industrial base and strengthen security ties with like-minded Asian nations. Recent defence agreements with Australia and Japan highlight potential for deeper cooperation. India’s Defence
INDIA SIGNS THE FINAL ACT OF THE RIYADH DESIGN LAW TREATY The adoption of the Design Law Treaty (DLT) at the Diplomatic Conference in Riyadh by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) members, including India, is a significant step in enhancing the protection of industrial designs. This treaty simplifies procedures and strengthens international intellectual property (IP)
GLOBAL CRISIS OF FEMICIDE Femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls due to their gender, is a grave violation of human rights driven by discrimination, unequal power dynamics, and harmful societal norms. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25th November), a report titled "Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate
ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES (EVMS) AND VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT) The Supreme Court recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the return of ballot papers over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. The court emphasized that EVMs are questioned mainly after electoral defeats and upheld their security
HIGH SEAS TREATY: A MILESTONE IN GLOBAL OCEAN GOVERNANCE The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, was signed by India in September 2024, representing a landmark step in international efforts to protect marine ecosystems. Developed under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
NATIONAL MISSION ON NATURAL FARMING (NMNF) TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a new initiative launched by the Government of India to promote chemical-free and sustainable farming practices. What is Natural Farming? Natural farming is a chemical-free agricultural system that relies on inputs derived from livestock and plant
INDIANS NEED TO SHARE CONTRACEPTIVE RESPONSIBILITY TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU India’s family planning program, launched in 1952, aimed to stabilize the population and improve maternal and child health. However, there has been a significant decline in male sterilization, or vasectomy, with only 0.3% of sterilizations being performed on men as per NFHS-4 and
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE: CHALLENGES AND REFORMS Women’s participation in governance is vital for achieving gender equality and strengthening democracy. However, despite constitutional provisions and progressive legislation, women leaders in India face numerous challenges that limit their autonomy and effectiveness. Recognizing this, the Supreme Court of India has called for structural reforms to empower women
