NET BORROWING CEILING’ FOR STATES TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU The central government's imposition of a 'Net Borrowing Ceiling' (NBC) on Kerala in 2023, capping its loans to 3% of its GSDP, has sparked debates over state fiscal autonomy. Background on Borrowing Powers in the Constitution Article 292: Grants the central government the authority
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS) Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the most vulnerable nations to climate change impacts. Despite the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, climate financing for these nations remains inadequate, especially from wealthier, high-emission countries. SIDS face intensified
TRIBAL POVERTY & MANGO KERNEL TRAGEDY In Odisha's Kandhamal district, the tragic deaths linked to mango kernel consumption highlight the severe livelihood challenges faced by tribal communities. Forced by poverty, food scarcity, and lack of resources, many tribal families turn to foraged foods like mango kernels despite the associated health risks. Mango kernels contain cyanogenic
FINANCIAL ROADBLOCKS CONTINUE TO HINDER CONSERVATION EFFORTS TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU The COP16 summit on biodiversity in Cali, Colombia, aimed to advance global biodiversity conservation goals but faced challenges, particularly in financing and monitoring. However, significant financial gaps hinder progress towards meeting the 2030 biodiversity targets. COP16 COP16 Summary: The 16th Conference of the
ON IMPROVING WIND ENERGY GENERATION In August 2024, the Tamil Nadu government launched the "Repowering, Refurbishment, and Life Extension Policy" aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the state's wind energy industry. This policy targets the aging wind turbines in the state, aiming to replace old ones or extend their operational life. However, wind energy producers
SC ORDERS RE-EVALUATION OF ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY’S MINORITY STATUS The ongoing legal debate surrounding the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has reached a significant turning point with a recent Supreme Court judgment. In a 4:3 majority, a seven-judge bench of the Court overruled the 1967 decision in S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of
GLOBAL HEALTH STRATEGY AND CHALLENGES IN INDIA TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU The World Bank's recent report, Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-communicable Diseases, and Human Capital (September 2024), addresses the rapid increase in global aging and the shift towards non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as leading causes of death, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
NANO-COATED FERTILISERS Nano-coated fertilisers represent a groundbreaking advancement in agricultural technology, particularly in nutrient delivery. Recently, Indian scientists developed nano-coated muriate of potash, a form of nano fertiliser, aimed at enhancing the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of traditional fertilisers. These nano-coated fertilisers not only support efficient nutrient absorption but also improve crop yield, soil fertility,
STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024 REPORT The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations released its State of Food and Agriculture 2024 report, revealing hidden global costs in agrifood systems totalling approximately USD 12 trillion per year. These costs largely stem from unhealthy dietary habits and environmental harm, prompting a call for reform in
DELIMITATION AND FEDERALISM IN INDIA TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU With the delimitation freeze ending in 2026, the issue has re-emerged as critical for India's federal structure and ethno-linguistic balance. Concerns are growing over how recalibration could affect the representation of non-Hindi states, potentially shifting political influence toward Hindi-speaking regions. What is Delimitation? Delimitation
THE INTER-STATE COUNCIL: A TOOL FOR STRENGTHENING COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM IN INDIA The Inter-State Council (ISC) is a vital institution established to foster cooperation between the central government and state governments, supporting India’s federal structure. Recently, the ISC was reconstituted with the Prime Minister as its chairperson, emphasizing a renewed focus on cooperative federalism and harmonious
MENTAL HEALTH IN INDIA: ADDRESSING A GROWING CRISIS Mental health in India is an urgent public health issue, recently highlighted by the Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2021 report. This report brings attention to the deepening mental health challenges in India, particularly underscoring a high rate of suicides among men and the limited access
