THE PLACES OF WORSHIP (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) ACT, 1991 The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, is a law enacted to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947. However, this Act has been a subject of controversy due to ongoing legal disputes challenging its provisions. One of
KASHMIRI AND CENTRAL ASIAN ARTISANS RECONNECT: A REVIVAL OF CULTURAL TIES After nearly 500 years, artisans from Kashmir and Central Asia reunited in Srinagar for a three-day craft exchange program. This event celebrated Srinagar's designation as a "World Craft City" by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and aimed to revive shared heritage and foster cross-border
REFLECTIONS ON BAKU’S NCQG OUTCOME TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU With COP29 in Baku focusing on finance, the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) was expected to address the critical financial needs for climate action, especially for developing nations. However, the outcomes have left much to be desired. Importance of Climate Finance for Developing Countries Critical
SPACE DEBRIS - GROWING PROBLEM The increasing number of satellites and space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has become a growing concern for space agencies worldwide. The rapid expansion of space activities, especially with private sector involvement, has raised alarms about the long-term sustainability of this crucial area. In response to these concerns, international
5TH MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE (INC-5) The 5th meeting of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, failed to reach a consensus on a global treaty to address plastic pollution. Despite the UN Environment Assembly's 2022 resolution to establish binding rules by the end of
A CUT IN TIME TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU The Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aims to combat plastic pollution worldwide. However, after five rounds of discussions since the resolution was adopted in 2022, the treaty has failed to achieve consensus. The Global Plastics Treaty Initiated by a 2022
CONDUCTING PARLIAMENTARY SESSIONS OUTSIDE DELHI: A DEBATE The idea of holding parliamentary sessions outside Delhi, particularly in South India, has recently been revived by a Member of Parliament from the YSR Congress Party. The proposal cites challenges such as extreme weather and logistical difficulties faced by MPs in Delhi and draws historical support from prominent
ROAD ACCIDENTS IN INDIA India faces a severe road safety crisis, with alarming rates of accidents and fatalities. Despite government efforts to halve road accident deaths by 2030, recent data shows an increase in accidents and fatalities. This issue highlights the urgent need for robust interventions. Current State of Road Accidents in India Total Accidents
STATES AND THE CHALLENGES BEFORE THE FINANCE COMMISSION TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU The Sixteenth Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, is tasked with addressing India’s fiscal challenges and redefining the financial relationship between the Union and the States. Opportunities from Global Changes Emerging trends like “friendshoring” and “reshoring” are reshaping global trade and investments.
GLOBAL DEBT CRISIS: INSIGHTS FROM INTERNATIONAL DEBT REPORT 2024 The International Debt Report 2024 by the World Bank and the UNCTAD report, A World of Debt 2024, shed light on the escalating global debt crisis. These reports highlight the challenges faced by developing nations in managing soaring debt levels and rising borrowing costs, exacerbated by
PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA – URBAN 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0): A PATHWAY TO HOUSING FOR ALL The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) aims to ensure affordable housing for economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-class families in urban areas. With its renewed focus, the scheme emphasizes inclusive growth by addressing urban housing shortages while
PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA – URBAN 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0): A PATHWAY TO HOUSING FOR ALL The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) aims to ensure affordable housing for economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-class families in urban areas. With its renewed focus, the scheme emphasizes inclusive growth by addressing urban housing shortages while
