AIR QUALITY LIFE INDEX (AQLI) 2024 The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) recently released the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024, highlighting critical issues regarding air pollution and its impact on global health. The report highlights the severe consequences of poor air quality, particularly in countries like India, where a significant
INDIA’S PROPOSALS ON FISHERIES SUBSIDIES AT THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) India has been actively advocating for regulations on fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address unsustainable fishing practices and protect the livelihoods of small fishermen. The global concern over overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has led to discussions
WORLD TOURISM DAY 2024 World Tourism Day is an annual event celebrated globally on September 27th to raise awareness about the social, cultural, and economic significance of tourism. In 2024, the theme “Tourism and Peace” was adopted, emphasizing how tourism fosters cross-cultural understanding, promotes peace, and contributes to global stability. By encouraging dialogue and cultural
A RICE VARIETY TO CURB FARM FIRES: PUSA-2090 TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS Stubble burning has long been a major environmental challenge, especially in North India, due to its contribution to air pollution. The rice variety Pusa-2090 promises a solution, providing farmers with an alternative to Pusa-44, a popular but environmentally detrimental crop. With shorter
IMPACT OF LA NIÑA ON INDIA'S AIR QUALITY AND WINTER TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: INDIAN EXPRESS La Niña is a climate phenomenon that influences global weather patterns, and its delayed impact can have significant effects on air quality in India. The winter of 2023-24 is expected to witness worsening pollution due to La Niña's interaction with
REGULATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF CBI IN STATE INVESTIGATIONS The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in handling significant and complex criminal cases in India. However, the decision to transfer an investigation from state police to the CBI is not taken lightly. Recent judicial rulings have emphasized the need for explicit and
SUPREME COURT RULING ON PMLA AND BAIL: A LANDMARK JUDGMENT The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a significant ruling that addressed the misuse of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, especially regarding prolonged pretrial detention. The court criticized the use of the law as a tool to keep the accused in jail
NITI AAYOG REPORT PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS IN INDIA TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India has recognized the need for a robust framework to effectively handle future public health emergencies. The NITI Aayog, through its expert group, has put forward several recommendations aimed at strengthening
NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA (NMCG) The Ganga River holds immense cultural, religious, and environmental importance for India. It is not only a vital water source for millions of people but also central to India's spiritual and social heritage. However, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth have severely polluted the river. To address this, the
GREENHUSHING: A GROWING TREND IN CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATION In recent years, many companies have been certified as carbon neutral, taking significant steps towards environmental sustainability. However, despite these achievements, several firms choose not to advertise their green credentials or future sustainability goals. This practice, known as "greenhushing," refers to the under-reporting or intentional withholding of
LADAKH'S DEMAND FOR SPECIAL STATUS: SIXTH SCHEDULE INCLUSION TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU Ladakh, after its separation from Jammu and Kashmir and its designation as a Union Territory in 2019, has been pressing for greater autonomy. The main demand is for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This demand reflects
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE (IDAFLW) 2023: IMPORTANCE FOR FOOD SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENT The world marks the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) annually on 29th September to highlight the serious issues surrounding food loss and waste. According to the 2023 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report,
