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
THE HIDDEN COST OF GREENWASHING INDIAN RAILWAYS TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU The Indian Railways is on a mission to electrify its entire broad-gauge network, aiming to create a "green railway" and achieve net-zero carbon emissions. While the initiative appears to align with environmental goals, it raises concerns about economic inefficiency, environmental impact, and wastage
CHALLENGES IN THE FUNCTIONING OF PARLIAMENT IN INDIA The former Vice President of India recently emphasized the need for improving parliamentary functioning by transitioning from confrontational politics to meaningful and constructive debates. Ensuring parliamentary decorum and building consensus are critical for strengthening democracy and maintaining public trust. Challenges in the Functioning of Parliament Frequent Disruptions
GLOBALISATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA Globalisation refers to the growing interconnectedness of nations through trade, technology, culture, and communication. This phenomenon has been shaping the global landscape for centuries, evolving in response to technological advancements and geopolitical shifts. Recent events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, and strained relations between
