WHAT ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM COP-16? The 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took place in Cali, Colombia, and brought forward essential steps in global biodiversity conservation. At this conference, India launched its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
NCST CHALLENGES NTCA’S ADVISORY ON VILLAGE RELOCATION IN TIGER RESERVES TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has expressed serious concerns regarding a recent directive issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). This advisory advises state forest departments to begin the process of relocating villages from tiger reserves. NCST’s
ASIA-PACIFIC CLIMATE REPORT 2024 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has published its Asia–Pacific Climate Report 2024, focusing on the economic effects of climate change in the Asia-Pacific region. The report highlights severe risks to regional GDP, labor productivity, and ecosystems if greenhouse gas emissions remain high. It also emphasizes the urgent need for climate action,
CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION With climate change intensifying and temperatures rising, it’s essential to focus on both climate adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation involves adjusting to climate impacts, while mitigation aims to reduce emissions. Both are crucial for protecting ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. What is Climate Adaptation and Mitigation? Climate Adaptation: Refers to making adjustments
SUPREME COURT RULING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REDISTRIBUTION TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark decision by a nine-judge bench, clarified the scope of Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which deals with the distribution of resources for the common good. The bench disagreed with earlier judgments that allowed the
COAL INDIA LIMITED (CIL) Coal India Limited (CIL) is a central government-owned company that plays a critical role in India's coal mining and production sector. Established to manage and produce coal, CIL has grown to be the world's largest coal producer, fulfilling a vital need in the country's energy infrastructure. Key Facts about Coal India
UNPAID WORK AND ITS ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE Unpaid work, especially performed by women, is a crucial yet often overlooked contributor to the economy. It involves essential tasks that support households and communities but are not compensated financially. This type of labor, though vital to societal functioning, often remains invisible in economic assessments and policy discussions. Recently,
WHAT TRUMP 2.0 MEANS FOR INDIA TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency brings a new chapter in India-U.S. relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed strong support for Mr. Trump during his 2019 rally in Houston, may find benefits in this renewed partnership Opportunities in India-U.S. Relations Stronger
RURAL WAGE STAGNATION IN INDIA Despite India's economic and agricultural growth over recent years, rural wages have shown minimal increase, reflecting a paradox where economic progress has not translated into higher incomes for rural workers. From 2019-20 to 2023-24, the economy and agricultural sector grew at average annual rates of 4.6% and 4.2%, respectively, but
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
