MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (MPLADS) The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a contentious program in India. Advocates argue that it helps MPs address local development needs, while critics contend it undermines key constitutional principles like the separation of powers. Ongoing reports about incomplete projects and appeals for higher
MODIFYING THE INDUS WATERS TREATY TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU India’s recent notice to Pakistan on August 30, 2024, seeking to review the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signals its concerns over domestic water demands, clean energy needs, and geopolitical tensions. The 1960 treaty, which allocates control of the Indus River and its tributaries between
FIRST ADVANCE ESTIMATES FOR KHARIF CROP PRODUCTION 2024-25: HIGHLIGHTS AND INITIATIVES The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare recently released the First Advance Estimates for the Kharif crop production for 2024-25. This report demonstrates a record-breaking achievement in foodgrain and oilseed production, highlighting the government’s increasing reliance on technology and collaborative planning to boost agricultural
UP MADARSA EDUCATION ACT UPHELD BY SC: WHAT WAS THE CASE? The Supreme Court recently upheld most of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, which regulates madrasa education in Uttar Pradesh. This decision overturned the Allahabad High Court’s earlier ruling that had deemed the Act unconstitutional. However, the Supreme Court struck down sections
THE WAQF LAND OWNERSHIP CONTROVERSY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU A recent dispute over Waqf Board land ownership in Karnataka has gained significant attention and stirred public concern. This controversy began in a small village in Vijayapura district, where claims emerged that the Waqf Board intended to take over land from local farmers. Key Developments
SUPREME COURT VERDICT IN PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION V. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA (2024) The Supreme Court’s 2024 verdict in the Property Owners Association v. State of Maharashtra case addresses the limits on government authority over private property, especially concerning resources deemed vital for public welfare. This judgment interprets Article 39(b) and Article 300A, highlighting the balance
INDIA’S POTENTIAL ROLE IN RCEP AND CPTPP The CEO of NITI Aayog recently indicated support for India’s involvement in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This marks a potential shift in India’s trade policy, reflecting recommendations in the Economic Survey 2024, which suggests that deeper
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
