EMERGENCY PROVISIONS IMPACT CENTRE-STATE RELATIONS The recent violence in Manipur has reignited a critical debate on Centre-State relations, especially regarding the role of the Centre in addressing internal crises within a state. The use of emergency provisions, particularly Articles 355 and 356, has come under focus. These provisions in the Indian Constitution empower the Centre
URBAN FLOODING Urban flooding has emerged as a serious challenge in India, with many states witnessing extreme rainfall events exceeding 20% of normal averages this monsoon season. The increasing intensity of these weather patterns is largely due to the ongoing climate crisis. Over 64% of Indian sub-districts have experienced a rise in heavy rainfall days
WINDFALL TAX ON CRUDE OIL CUT TO ZERO TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU The windfall tax is a special additional excise duty imposed on domestically produced crude oil, with periodic revisions based on global oil prices. As of September 18, the Government of India has reduced the windfall tax on crude oil to zero. The
PM-AASHA SCHEMES TO CONTINUE WITH ADDITIONS: CENTRE TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA). The scheme aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and control price volatility of essential commodities, benefiting both farmers and consumers. Key Aspects of PM-AASHA: Objective:
INDIA-CHINA BORDER DISENGAGEMENT ALONG THE LAC: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS The India-China border, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, has been a long-standing source of tension. While progress has been made in reducing military confrontation, several areas remain contentious. Recent discussions between high-level officials from both sides have aimed at de-escalating the situation,
LEGAL FRAMEWORK REGARDING RAPE IN INDIA The rise in rape cases across India has sparked urgent discussions about the need for comprehensive legal reforms, stricter punishments, and societal changes to combat sexual violence. Addressing the issue requires both legal mechanisms and shifts in social behaviour to ensure the safety and dignity of women in the
HARAPPAN CIVILISATION: ENIGMA REMAINS EVEN AFTER 100 YEARS OF EXPLORATION TOPIC: (GS1) ANCIENT HISTORY: THE HINDU The Harappan civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley civilisation, was first announced by John Marshall in 1924 after the excavation of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. A Bronze Age civilisation, it existed from 3200 BC to 1500 BC, flourishing in
ROLE OF FOOD BANKS IN ADDRESSING FOOD WASTE AND MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE Food banks play a critical role in addressing food insecurity by redistributing surplus food to those in need. They also contribute significantly to mitigating climate change by reducing food waste, which, when left to decompose in landfills, produces harmful greenhouse gases like methane.
TEA INDUSTRY IN INDIA The tea industry in India, a vital part of its agricultural sector, has been facing significant challenges due to climate change, policy reforms, and fluctuating demand. Recent extreme weather events have adversely affected tea production, particularly in Assam and West Bengal, leading to an increase in domestic prices. This situation calls
BOMBAY HIGH COURT STRIKES DOWN CENTRE'S AMENDED IT RULES TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU The Bombay High Court recently invalidated the Centre’s 2023 amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Rules. These amendments sought to establish a Fact Check Unit (FCU) to monitor “fake” or “misleading” news about the government on social media. The
NEWLY APPROVED SPACE PROJECTS The Union Cabinet of India recently approved four major space missions to be executed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These missions, including Chandrayaan-4, the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), the Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS), and the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), mark significant steps in India’s expanding space exploration endeavors.
DECARBONIZATION OF THE STEEL SECTOR The steel industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, making its decarbonization a critical step in mitigating climate change. As India is the second-largest steel producer, the Ministry of Steel has begun exploring funding strategies and policy reforms to transition toward green steel production. This includes
