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
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
