DEEPENING INDIA’S SPACE AMBITIONS TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU India has set ambitious goals for its space program over the next two decades, focusing on human spaceflight, a space station, and lunar exploration. A critical element to achieving these goals is the development of powerful and reusable rockets, including ISRO’s Next Generation Launch
ASSISTED DYING: A DEBATE ON CHOICE AND DIGNITY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, 2024-25, aims to grant terminally ill adults the right to seek medical assistance to end their suffering. Its introduction has sparked ethical, legal, and moral debates, with global implications. Key Highlights of the Bill
THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (NGT) AND HIMALAYAN GLACIAL LAKES: A CONCERN FOR CLIMATE AND COMMUNITIES The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently taken suo motu cognizance of a news report highlighting the alarming rise in Himalayan glacial lakes. Over the last 13 years, these lakes have expanded by approximately 10.81% due to increasing temperatures, resulting
RISING AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT IN INDIA: CAUSES AND CONCERNS From 2017-18 to 2023-24, the number of Indians working in agriculture saw a sharp rise of 68 million, marking a reversal of the previous trend of workforce reduction in the sector. This surge, largely driven by women and concentrated in economically weaker states, raises important questions about
URBAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLLS: A MISSING SPOTLIGHT TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU Urban Local Governments (ULGs), empowered by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, are critical for urban governance and service delivery. Despite this, their potential remains underutilized, with timely elections gaining renewed attention amid discussions on simultaneous elections (ONOE). Challenges with ULG
DISPUTE OVER CESSES AND SURCHARGES A COMPLICATED ISSUE: ARVIND PANAGARIYA Cesses and surcharges are important tools in India's taxation system, allowing the government to raise additional revenue for specific purposes or to address fiscal challenges. However, their growing use by the central government has raised concerns about fiscal federalism, transparency, and equity. What are Cess
RBI AND THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT - DISPUTE The relationship between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the central government plays a critical role in maintaining economic stability and growth. However, disagreements over policy decisions and institutional roles have occasionally created tensions. The recent conclusion of Shaktikanta Das's tenure as RBI Governor highlights these ongoing
SWITZERLAND SUSPENDS MOST-FAVOURED-NATION CLAUSE IN TAX TREATY WITH INDIA TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU Switzerland recently decided to suspend the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India, effective January 1, 2025. This move could lead to increased tax liabilities for Indian companies in Switzerland and affect Swiss investments in
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SPACE EXPLORATION: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS Space exploration is advancing rapidly, yet its environmental impacts are often overlooked. From rocket emissions to the growing problem of space debris, the consequences of these activities pose significant threats to Earth's atmosphere and orbital environment. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring sustainability in space operations.
INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY 2024: IMPORTANCE AND THE INDIAN HIMALAYAN REGION (IHR) International Mountain Day is celebrated annually on 11th December to emphasize the importance of mountains for life, biodiversity, and sustainable development. In 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change observed this day to highlight the need to protect the Indian Himalayan Region
DECLINE IN DAP SALES AND RISING USE OF NPKS FERTILIZERS The sale of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), a crucial fertilizer for rabi crops, has seen a sharp decline of 25.4% between April and October FY25. At the same time, the demand for NPKS fertilizers (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur) surged by 23.5%. This shift highlights a
AGRARIAN DISTRESS IN INDIA Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy, providing livelihoods to nearly half of the population. However, the sector is in severe crisis, marked by low farmer incomes, escalating debt, and stagnant growth. The Supreme Court (SC)-appointed High-Level Committee recently submitted an interim report highlighting the causes and implications of this agrarian
