What is the news? Recently, Global Witness Foundation, a Washington DC-based human rights watchdog, released its latest report titled Last Line of Defence. The report discusses the environment and land rights activists. As per the report, 227 environment and land rights activists were murdered globally in 2020. What are the key findings of the report? Firstly,… Continue reading When climate crisis meets human rights conundrum: Decoding death curves of environment, land avengers
Author: Luv Sharma
Folk rice: Researchers spot a dozen Indian paddy varieties that can boost nourishment
What is the news? As per the recent study, 12 folk varieties of Indian rice can supplement the nutritional demand of important fatty acids in undernourished mothers. These can further supplement the arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in neonates through breast-feeding. DHA and ARA are fatty acids found in breast milk, as well… Continue reading Folk rice: Researchers spot a dozen Indian paddy varieties that can boost nourishment
Faltering on privatisation
Synopsis: Despite ambitious disinvestment targets, the pace on this front has ben slow. Govt has tweaked tax laws to change that, but the government needs to approach disinvestment more strategically. Just modifying tax laws would not be enough. Introduction Recently government released new policy on strategic disinvestment in central public sector enterprises (CPSEs). The policy intends… Continue reading Faltering on privatisation
Partnership with US could help India meet renewable energy targets
Synopsis: India can achieve renewable energy targets efficiently by strengthening its partnership with US. The problems and challenges associated are discussed. Introduction India’s front-line position as third highest emitter of greenhouse gases has sharpened focus on its future policy course to mitigate carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement. There is escalating pressure for India to commit itself to… Continue reading Partnership with US could help India meet renewable energy targets
Powering ahead in the future
Synopsis: Electric vehicles show great future. But the sellers of two-wheeler are showing reluctance in implementing electric vehicles module. We need to identify and overcome the problems. Introduction Regarding two-wheeler electrification in India, things are in the right direction. And their sales in India are likely to at least double in 2021 compared with 2020… Continue reading Powering ahead in the future
Food Systems Summit: ‘Supports to farmers keeping the world away from SDGs and the Paris Agreement’
What is the news? On September 14, three UN agencies — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) — released A multi-billion-dollar opportunity: Repurposing agricultural support to transform food systems report. About the report The report analysed countries’ support to farmers and the consequent adverse impacts on food prices,… Continue reading Food Systems Summit: ‘Supports to farmers keeping the world away from SDGs and the Paris Agreement’
Not just groundwater, fluoride has poisoned agricultural soil, crops in Bengal
What is the news? A new study has pointed out that crops and vegetables that use fluoride-contaminated groundwater have been contributing to an increase in consumption of fluoride among locals in Bengal. The study investigated the magnitude of fluoride contamination in agricultural land soil and food crops in two districts of Western Bihar, as well… Continue reading Not just groundwater, fluoride has poisoned agricultural soil, crops in Bengal
Climate change could cause 216 mn to migrate: World Bank
What is the news? As per the report of the World Bank, climate change could push more than 200 million people to leave their homes by 2050 and create migration hot spots unless urgent action is taken to reduce global emissions and bridge the development gap. Climate change is a powerful driver of internal migration… Continue reading Climate change could cause 216 mn to migrate: World Bank
Regulatory limbo: Digital markets are fast expanding. We need an umbrella law for platforms
Synopsis: India needs to speed up its regulatory architecture in line with the pace of adoption of digital marketplaces. Introduction One consequence of lockdowns imposed across the world during COVID was the quickening pace of economic transactions shifting from physical to digital marketplaces. Eighteen months since the pandemic hit, societies have moved towards more engagements… Continue reading Regulatory limbo: Digital markets are fast expanding. We need an umbrella law for platforms
Women self-help groups: Funding alone does not work; the government needs to listen in
Synopsis: Women-run SHGs form the backbone of our country. In order to help them to sustain for a long period, government needs to frame proper policy and provide ecosystem to the SHGs other than providing funding to them. As a whole, institutional support is needed to fully exploit their potential. Introduction Women-run SHGs form the… Continue reading Women self-help groups: Funding alone does not work; the government needs to listen in
