Editorials

Moon Missions

Concept : USSR (Soviet Union) Luna Program:Pioneering series of unmanned missions with milestones like: * Luna 2: First object to impact the Moon (1959) * Luna 3: First images of the Moon’s far side (1959) * Luna 9: First soft landing on the Moon (1966) * Luna 16, 20, 24: …

Read More »

Marine Heat Waves

Concept : Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are periods of abnormally high sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in a specific region of the ocean. They’re like heatwaves on land, but in the ocean. Duration: They can last from days to months, even years in rare cases. Intensity: Their intensity varies, with some being …

Read More »

National Commission for Women

Concept : The NCW, or National Commission for Women, is a crucial government body in India established for the protection and promotion of women’s rights. Established: The NCW was set up in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Function : Advisory and Recommendatory: It primarily functions as …

Read More »

Stubble Burning in India & its Alternatives to fight Pollution

Introduction Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residue after harvest, is a major environmental concern in India. This widespread practice, particularly in northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, contributes significantly to air pollution, impacting public health and overall environmental quality. Negative Consequences of Stubble …

Read More »

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Introduction The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) is a landmark international agreement aimed at addressing the global crisis of biodiversity loss. It builds upon previous biodiversity frameworks, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and sets ambitious targets for the conservation and …

Read More »

The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act

Introduction The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013, is a landmark legislation in India that aims to create safe and secure working environments for women. This Act defines, prohibits, and lays down the procedures for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment at workplaces. Let’s delve deeper into the …

Read More »

National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

Introduction The National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India (GoI) in 2021 to address India’s heavy dependence on edible oil imports. This mission aims to significantly increase domestic oil palm production, a key source of edible oil, and reduce import …

Read More »

Nilgiri Tahr

Concept : The Nilgiri Tahr, also known as the Nilgiri Ibex, is an endangered wild goat species endemic to the southern Western Ghats mountain range in India. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Habitat: Found in open montane grasslands (shola grasslands) at elevations of 1200 to 2600 meters. …

Read More »

Dooar/ Duar Region

Concept : Dooars, also spelled Duars, is a region of alluvial floodplains in Eastern India and southern Bhutan The name comes from the word “door” in various local languages, referencing its location as a gateway to Bhutan. Dooars lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, forming a lush green belt …

Read More »

Curative Petition

Concept : A curative petition is a final judicial remedy available in India to challenge the decisions of the Supreme Court. It’s a last resort option used to rectify a perceived miscarriage of justice in a case where all other legal avenues have been exhausted. Understanding Curative Petitions : Eligibility: …

Read More »

Basic Structure Doctrine of Indian Judiciary

Basic Structure The Basic Structure Doctrine is a cornerstone principle established by the Indian Judiciary to ensure the inviolability of the fundamental character of the Indian Constitution. This doctrine acts as a shield against attempts to radically alter the Constitution’s core tenets through amendments. Evolution of the Basic Structure Doctrine. …

Read More »

Introduction: Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), also known as the Clean India Mission, is a national campaign aimed at eliminating open defecation and improving overall sanitation practices in India. Provisions and Initiatives: The SBM is a two-pronged mission with distinct rural and urban components: Swachh Bharat Mission …

Read More »

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

Introduction: India, a nation undergoing rapid economic growth and urbanization, faces a critical challenge: air pollution. This invisible enemy poses a severe threat to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic productivity. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Government of India launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January …

Read More »

Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs): Scrutinizing the Executive

Introduction In a parliamentary democracy, ensuring accountability of the executive is paramount. Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) serve as a potent instrument for Parliament to scrutinize the government’s actions and decisions on specific issues. This essay elaborates on the objectives, provisions, limitations, and potential ways to strengthen JPCs for effective governance. …

Read More »

Plastic Treaty

Concept : Plastic pollution is a major environmental threat, harming ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The global plastic waste problem is projected to worsen significantly without robust intervention. In recognition of this urgency, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a resolution in 2022 to develop a new global treaty …

Read More »

Medicanes: Mediterranean Hurricanes

Introduction The Mediterranean Sea, known for its idyllic weather and rich history, can also unleash powerful storms. Medicanes, a portmanteau of “Mediterranean” and “hurricane,” are tropical-like cyclones that occasionally form over this basin. While less frequent and intense than their tropical counterparts, medicanes pose a significant threat to coastal communities …

Read More »

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Building a Domestic Chip Ecosystem

India Semiconductor Mission

Introduction The Indian government, recognizing the critical role of semiconductors in the digital age, launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021. This initiative aims to address the country’s dependence on foreign chipmakers and foster a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem Objectives of the ISM The ISM has a multi-pronged approach …

Read More »

Heat Waves in India: A Burning Challenge

heat waves in India

Concept Heatwaves, periods of abnormally high temperatures exceeding seasonal norms, are a growing concern in India. These scorching events pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and overall economic well-being. The Scorching Reality: Frequency and Intensity on the Rise India experiences heatwaves primarily between March and June, with the …

Read More »

Election process in India

election process

Concept India, the world’s largest democracy, conducts elections of immense scale and complexity. The electoral process in India is governed by the Constitution and managed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), an autonomous constitutional authority. Electoral Machinery: Election Commission of India (ECI): An independent constitutional body responsible for administering …

Read More »