Climate change: 14% coral reefs lost since 2010, says study 

Contents1 What is the news? 2 What are the key findings of the report? 3 What are some positive findings in the report?4 Why are corals significant? What is the news?  As per a report, world lost its 14% coral reefs in last 10 years. The reason being ocean-acidification, warmer sea temperatures and local stressors such as… Continue reading Climate change: 14% coral reefs lost since 2010, says study 

Srei’s fall and the sorrysaga of shadow lenders

What is the news? After the 2018 collapse of IL&FS and 2019 collapse of DHFL, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has added the Kolkata-based Srei Group to the country’s list of failed non-bank lenders. The regulator superseded the boards of two non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd and Srei Equipment Finance Ltd.… Continue reading Srei’s fall and the sorrysaga of shadow lenders

Govt proposes changes to Forest Conservation Act 

Contents1 What is the news? 2 What amendments have been proposed?  3 What is the definition of forest land?4 What is the rationale behind introduction of draft amendment? What is the news?  The Centre has proposed an amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, to liberalize forest laws. The ministry sent all states a copy of… Continue reading Govt proposes changes to Forest Conservation Act 

Some dope on law: Decriminalise cannabis, rework NDPS Act, for investigative focus on hard drugs supply 

What is the news?  The arrest and custodial interrogation of celebrity attendees of a cruise party has reopened the debate over criminalisation of cannabis. What is the status of cannabis regulation in India?  India criminalised cannabis under American pressure in 1985 through the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.  As per GoI surveys, even after three decades of criminalization of cannabis, ganja… Continue reading Some dope on law: Decriminalise cannabis, rework NDPS Act, for investigative focus on hard drugs supply 

Tarballs on India’s west coast: A tale of shifting responsibilities

Synopsis: Tarballs, how they are formed, their impact on environment and judicial & legal provisions dealing with such issues. Contents1 Introduction2 What are tarballs and how are they formed?3 What are the challenges being posed by tarballs?4 Why tarballs are being seen on the western coast of India?5 How have authorities responded to the problem?6… Continue reading Tarballs on India’s west coast: A tale of shifting responsibilities

On Digital Health ID, proceed with caution

Synopsis: Government must weigh all pros and cons, learn from experiences of other countries to ensure that a good policy does not die due to poor implementation. What are some potential benefits of ABDM? – Well-organized data repositories that enable easy access to records can stimulate much-needed research on medical devices and drugs. This storehouse… Continue reading On Digital Health ID, proceed with caution

Are Smog towers effective? – Explained, pointwise

For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is a smog tower?3 What are the harmful effects of smog?4 What is the scale of air pollution in India?5 What are some issues with the smog towers?6 What has been the global experience?7 What is the way forward? Introduction Two new smog towers have been recently inaugurated in… Continue reading Are Smog towers effective? – Explained, pointwise

Taproots to help restore India’s fading green cover 

Synopsis: Forest restoration activities and why they are important. Various challenges associated with forest restoration and solutions to deal with it.  Contents1 Introduction 2 What is restoration? 3 What are the key challenges associated with the forest restoration? 4 What are the solutions for protection and development of forests?  Introduction  Forest covers nearly 30% land surface of the earth. They provide… Continue reading Taproots to help restore India’s fading green cover 

Cities are taking climate action 

Synopsis: Efforts taken by states to deal with climate change, hurdles in transforming states in to a sustainable urban state and how we can find a solution to deal with the twin challenge of climate change and inclusive development.   Introduction  Recently, Maharashtra’s Environment Minister announced that 43 cities across the State will join the UN-backed ‘Race… Continue reading Cities are taking climate action 

India and the geopolitics of the moon

Synopsis: Delhi should take a hard look at the emerging challenges to the current space order and its interests on the moon, and develop strategies to pursue them through a national lunar mission. Contents1 Introduction2 What are the trends indicating a renewed global lunar activity?3 How are China and Russia partnering on space-cooperation?4 How is… Continue reading India and the geopolitics of the moon

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