Editorials

Context: Focusing on fundamental legal reforms and digitisation is crucial for improving agricultural productivity, infrastructure development, renewable energy expansion, and promoting social equity in India. Challenges in India’s Land Governance System: Complex Legal Structure: India has over 1,500 laws related to land, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. Unclear Land Titles: …

Context: September 26 is recognized as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons by the UN. This year’s observance highlights discussions around the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). About the TPNW: Adopted by the United Nations in July 2017, the treaty came into effect …

Context: The extreme heat in Assam has been attributed to the heat dome effect, which has caused unusually high temperatures in the region. What is a Heat Dome? Definition: A heat dome is a high-pressure system that traps warm air over an area, resulting in prolonged periods of intense heat. …

India State of Forest Report (ISFR) The Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change presented the India State of Forest Report of 2021 in Lok Sabha, amidst contradictions with Global Forest Watch data. ISFR: An assessment of forest cover and tree cover (small patches outside forests) conducted …

Context: The ongoing debate on adopting harmonized laws to handle cross-border insolvency is gaining momentum, emphasizing the need for a coordinated legal framework. What is Cross-Border Insolvency? Cross-border insolvency occurs when a company with assets and liabilities in multiple countries becomes bankrupt. Such cases pose challenges, requiring cooperation between courts …

Unemployment is defined as the condition of being without a job despite actively seeking employment and possessing the necessary qualifications, skills, and willingness to work. Types of Unemployment Frictional Unemployment: Temporary joblessness when individuals are between jobs or changing careers. Structural Unemployment: Occurs due to a mismatch between job seekers’ …

Context: The sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit took place in Wilmington, Delaware, focusing on international cooperation, security, climate, health, and technological innovation. Major Discussions: UN Security Council Reform: Emphasis on making the UNSC more representative and inclusive by expanding both permanent and non-permanent members. Support for Rules-Based International Order: Reaffirmation of …

Context: According to a report by Down to Earth, the Congo Basin received just 4% ($40 million) of global forestry funding between 2017 and 2021. In comparison, the Amazon and Borneo-Mekong regions secured over $1 billion in the same period. Addressing the Funding Gap To address the financial shortfall for …

Context: The Prime Minister’s recent visits to both Moscow and Kyiv mark a shift towards a more active diplomatic involvement, moving beyond India’s traditional non-aligned stance and emphasizing its strategic autonomy in international relations. India’s Changing Diplomatic Approach Initial Position: At the outset, India maintained a distance from the conflict, …

Context: The ideological clash between Gandhi and Ambedkar regarding separate electorates for Scheduled Castes (SC) illustrates their differing visions for caste reform and political representation in pre-independence India. Gandhi’s Perspective Early Views: Initially, Gandhi held traditional Hindu views on caste, endorsing social segregation and promoting caste duties. He opposed practices …

Context: The One Nation, One Election (ONOE) initiative proposes holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (LS) and all state assemblies (SLA) across India. Key Features of ONOE Simultaneous Voting: Voters will cast their ballots for both Lok Sabha and state assembly elections on a single day, or in a …

Context: In 1924, John Marshall, then-Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), announced the discovery of the “civilisation of the Indus Valley” in The Illustrated London News. Overview The Harappan civilisation spanned modern Pakistan, northwest India, and parts of Afghanistan, with significant archaeological sites including Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Rakhigarhi, …

Context: India’s power sector has witnessed significant growth through competitive bidding, but recent moves towards composite bidding for coal and solar energy have raised concerns about the sector’s efficiency and inclusivity. Key Concepts: Competitive Bidding: A transparent process where bidders offer their best prices for services or goods to ensure …

Context: The Ministry of Heavy Industries’ proposal for the “PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme” has been approved. This scheme aims to advance electric vehicle (EV) adoption and enhance related infrastructure. Objectives: Accelerate EV Adoption: Facilitate a quicker transition to electric vehicles through upfront purchase …

Context: On September 12, 2024, we commemorate the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, which took place in 1897. Historical Significance: Location: Saragarhi was a key communication post situated between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan, in the rugged terrain of what is now Pakistan. These forts, originally built by …

Context: Recent tensions in the construction labor arrangement between India and Israel highlight the ongoing issue of skill mismatches between Indian workers’ abilities and their expectations. Facts about India’s Skilling Landscape: Low Formal Skilling: Only 2.7% of India’s workforce has received formal skill training, compared to 52% in the United …

Context: September 12 is celebrated as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, recognizing the economic, social, and political advancements made by countries in the Global South. The day commemorates the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) in 1978, which laid the foundation for technical cooperation among …

Context: India and Germany have been working to strengthen their defense collaboration, marking significant developments in their strategic partnership. Key Milestones: Tarang Shakti Air Exercise: This multilateral air exercise between the German Luftwaffe and the Indian Air Force is a key demonstration of the growing defense ties. It highlights both …

Context: The “India Status Report on Road Safety 2024,” developed by the TRIP Centre at IIT Delhi, highlights the uneven rates of road traffic fatalities across Indian states. Road traffic injuries continue to pose a significant public health challenge in India, with minimal progress in reducing fatalities despite advances in …

Context: Assistive technology played a pivotal role in enabling Indian para-athletes to secure 27 medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, surpassing their previous best achievement in the 2021 Games. Background of Paralympics The Paralympics, originally founded by Sir Ludwig Guttmann in 1948, evolved from the Stoke Mandeville Games into a …