May Day and the Challenge of Regulating Working Hours

Central Idea May 1st commemorates the historic Haymarket Square affair and is celebrated globally as International Labour Day or May Day. The day holds immense significance as it signifies the struggle of workers to secure their rights. However, the idea of reducing working hours to improve social welfare is still a dream for many in… Continue reading

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): India’s Progress Analysis

Central Idea India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the first meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under India’s G20 Presidency, expressed concern about the slowing down of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given India’s large population, the success of achieving these goals is crucial for global progress. While India has made progress towards… Continue reading

Link between poor Solid Waste Management and Stray Dog Attacks

Central idea: Several incidents of stray dog attacks in Indian cities have shed light on the link between urban solid waste management and the issue of stray dogs. Stray Dog Attacks in India Cities have witnessed a sharp increase in the stray dog population, which as per the official 2019 livestock census stood at 1.5… Continue reading

Issues with Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has now flagged alleged discrepancies with respect to the forest clearance granted for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project. What is GNI Project? The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island,” a proposed mega project being piloted by NITI Aayog. The project aims… Continue reading

Bihan Mela of Kondh Tribals

Central idea: Since 2019, the Kondh tribe in Nayagarh district, Odisha has been celebrating the Bihan Mela, or the seed festival, to promote the revival of indigenous farming. Bihan Mela This event involves the collection and preservation of indigenous seeds, and farmers from 40 villages in Dasapalla block participate in the festival. After harvesting kharif… Continue reading

Conservation work at Delhi’s Zafar Mahal to begin

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to initiate conservation works at Zafar Mahal in south Delhi’s Mehrauli. Zafar Mahal Zafar Mahal, located in Mehrauli village, South Delhi, India, is considered the last monumental structure built during the fading years of the Mughal era. The palace was built in the 18th and 19th centuries,… Continue reading

Cell-Based Meat: An Environmentally Friendly and Ethical Alternative

Central Idea Cell-based meat, also known as cultured meat, is a promising alternative to traditional meat production that could offer ethical and environmental benefits. However, there are still many unknowns about its safety, nutritional value, and potential health risks that must be addressed. What is Cell-based meat in short? Cell-based meat, also known as cultured… Continue reading

India’s One Health Approach to Tackle Future Pandemics

Central Idea The Covid-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in the world’s health systems, including countries ranked high in the Global Health Security Index. It has also provided an opportunity to build stronger health systems to prevent and respond to future pandemics. India’s One Health approach aims to address the health of people, animals, and ecosystems together… Continue reading

Women’s Political Representation in India: Moving Beyond Tokenism

“The progress of a community can be measured by the degree of progress which women have achieve” ——Babasaheb Ambedkar Central Idea Women have broken the glass ceiling of patriarchy in various sectors; however, they still face significant barriers to political participation in India. Despite achieving suffrage early, women hold only 14% of seats in the… Continue reading

Whether The Nuclear Power in India Should Be Phased Out?

Central idea Germany has recently shut down its last nuclear power plant, and France, the nuclear powerhouse of the world, is struggling to replenish its stock of aging reactors. With solar and wind power becoming more popular globally, the question arises whether nuclear power, with its attendant concerns on cost and safety, remains a relevant… Continue reading

Bharat Tap Rating System for Water Fixtures

Central idea: The Centre is in the process of bringing in a star rating system for water fixtures similar to the ratings of electrical appliances. Bharat Tap Rating The star rating system would come under one umbrella called Bharat Tap, which was formulated under AMRUT 2.0 to drive water efficiency. The initiative aims to promote… Continue reading

Latest National Health Account figures on India’s Healthcare Sector

Central idea: The National Health Account Estimates 2019-20 report shows an increase in government spending and a decline in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. About National Health Account (NHA) estimates The NHA estimates for India 2019-20 is the seventh consecutive report prepared by the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC). NHSRC was designated as National Health… Continue reading

Over 19,000 Seamounts discovered

Central Idea: Scientists have reported finding 19,325 new seamounts after poring through new high-resolution data. A study had already mapped 24,000 seamounts across the world’s oceans. Why study this? The recent discovery of new seamounts was made possible by advancements in altimetry for gravity-field mapping, which improved spatial coverage. The CryoSat-2, Envisat, Jason-1 geodetic missions,… Continue reading

What is Ningaloo ‘Hybrid’ Solar Eclipse?

A ‘hybrid’ solar eclipse called the Ningaloo Eclipse recently happened on April 20, 2023. Ningaloo ‘Hybrid’ Solar Eclipse It was a rare astronomical event that occurred on April 20, 2023. The Moon passed directly between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on a narrow strip of land in Western Australia. It was a… Continue reading

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution: Exclusion From Indian School and College Curricula

Central Idea The recent exclusion of Darwin’s theory of evolution from Indian school and college curricula has prompted concerns among scientists and educators, as it is one of the most firmly established theories in science that explains the origin of all forms of life and rescues the explanation from the belief in an intelligent designer.… Continue reading

SC modifies judgement on Eco-Sensitive Zones

Central idea The Supreme Court modified its judgment on mandatory eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries across the country. The court has now made it clear that ESZs cannot be uniform across the country and has to be “protected area-specific.” What are the Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)? Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or… Continue reading

[pib] Cabinet approves the Policy for the Medical Devices Sector

Central idea: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister, approved the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023. National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 The Policy, 2023 aims to facilitate an orderly growth of the medical device sector to meet the public health objectives of access, affordability, quality, and innovation. The policy lays down a roadmap for… Continue reading

India’s sustainable jet fuel may get ASTM certified in 2023

Central idea The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) has developed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using home-grown technology from cooking oil and oil-bearing plants. SAF is also being produced from non-petroleum-based renewable feedstocks, municipal solid waste, woody biomass, fats/greases/oils, and other feedstocks. About ASTM certification ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes… Continue reading

Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Initiative

Central Idea: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a PRET initiative to be better prepared for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic. What is PRET Initiative? The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative is launched by the WHO to prepare for future outbreaks of a similar… Continue reading

Preventing Heat Strokes: Lessons from Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan

Central Idea The recent deaths of 14 people due to heat stroke in Navi Mumbai serves as a reminder of the dangers of heat waves, and with the IMD predicting a hotter summer this year, it’s essential that we take proactive steps to prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses. The Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan (HAP), launched… Continue reading

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