What is the News? The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that China is building a second bridge on the Pangong Tso lake. This site is not far from the site of one of the most intense friction points in the border standoff that began in May 2020. What is the status of bridges built… Continue reading Explained: What China aims to achieve by building a second, bigger bridge on Pangong Tso
The controversy around the Jagannath temple Heritage Corridor Project
What is the News? The Puri Heritage Corridor Project is a ₹3,200 crore redevelopment project of the 800-year-old Jagannath temple in Puri by the Odisha government to create an international heritage site. About Puri Jagannath temple Read here: Puri Jagannath temple panel for construction of chariots What are the issues surrounding Puri Heritage Corridor Project?… Continue reading The controversy around the Jagannath temple Heritage Corridor Project
Draft notification for electronic waste management: 60% e-waste recycling likely by 2023
What is the News? The Environment Ministry released the draft notification for electronic waste management for public feedback. India has a formal set of rules for electronic waste management. These were first announced in 2016 and amended in 2018. The latest rules are expected to come into effect by August. What are the key provisions… Continue reading Draft notification for electronic waste management: 60% e-waste recycling likely by 2023
India drops to 54th place on tourism development Index, top in South Asia
What is the news? India was ranked 54th in the global travel and tourism development index. The ranking of India in 2019 was 46th. Findings of the Global Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) India is still at the top place in South Asia. Japan has topped the list. While, US, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland,… Continue reading India drops to 54th place on tourism development Index, top in South Asia
Front running: Sebi likely to soon initiate stringent action
What is the News? Recently, there was a case of mutual fund irregularities, including front-running the AMC’s transactions. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is expected to take harsh action, which might include action against top fund house employees. What is Front running? Front-running is a dubious market practice in which a dealer,… Continue reading Front running: Sebi likely to soon initiate stringent action
Decolonising science in Indian education
Context: Education is central to the idea of modernity in independent India. In the Indian education system, a certain aspect of European modernity has lingered for a long time which has hampered the Indian intellectual discourse. The true spirit of education refers to “Shiksha vo hoti hai jisme baat se baat nikle” (education should produce… Continue reading Decolonising science in Indian education
Combating desertification
News: The 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was recently held at Abidjan. It called upon nations to invest in restoring degraded land for future prosperity, and urged the 196 participating nations to reclaim 1 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030. What is the global situation… Continue reading Combating desertification
Let commercial vehicles take the lead in going electric
Context: India’s air quality has been diminishing on the back of urban development and higher e-commerce adoption, among other factors. The cost of this progress means some of our large Indian cities figure among the world’s most polluted. Citizens’ right to clean breathable air is a fundamental need and is a critical parameter in global… Continue reading Let commercial vehicles take the lead in going electric
Serving those who serve: On WHO honour for ASHA workers
News: World Health Organization recognized the immense contribution of India’s ASHA (accredited social health activists) workers by according them the Global Health Leader award. This has given due recognition to the efforts of the workers at the very bottom of the hierarchy. Why were ASHA workers awarded? The ASHAs were honoured for their crucial role… Continue reading Serving those who serve: On WHO honour for ASHA workers
The executive seems more fragile than hurt sentiment
Context: A Dalit academician, was recently arrested for an ‘objectionable’ post on the Gyanvapi mosque row. He is alleged to have promoted disharmony or enmity between religious groups (Section 153A in the Indian Penal Code) and intentionally and maliciously hurt religious sentiments (Section 295A in the IPC). His arrest adds to the trend of increased… Continue reading The executive seems more fragile than hurt sentiment
