Source: Indian Express What is the News? NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has detected an unusually high concentration of methane along with carbon dioxide and dihydrogen in the moons of Saturn. What did the Cassini spacecraft find? The spacecraft has found that: Titan has methane in its atmosphere and Enceladus has a liquid ocean with erupting plumes… Continue reading Explained: What plumes on Enceladus tell us about possibility of life on Saturn’s Moon
Oxfam: 11 people die of hunger each minute around the globe
Source: The Hindu What is the news? Findings of the Oxfam report: The Hunger Virus Multiplies Key findings Hunger is a greater threat: Death toll from famine outpaces that of COVID-19, which kills around seven people per minute. 11 people die of hunger each minute and that the number facing famine-like conditions around the globe… Continue reading Oxfam: 11 people die of hunger each minute around the globe
Indian Navy prohibits flying of drones within 3 kms of Naval assets
Source: Business Standard What is the news? Indian Navy has prohibited flying of non-conventional aerial objects like drones and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) within 3 kms of Naval base, units and assets. Any non-conventional aerial object, including RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), found violating this prohibition, will be destroyed or confiscated without any liability. Additionally, actions may… Continue reading Indian Navy prohibits flying of drones within 3 kms of Naval assets
Cairn Energy dispute and Government disputes with private entities – Explained, pointwise
Introduction Britain’s Cairn Energy Plc has secured an order from a French court authorizing the freezing of 20 Indian government properties in Paris valued at over 20 million euros. This is the first court order secured against India to enforce a $1.2-billion arbitration award that Cairn Energy had won against the Indian government in the… Continue reading Cairn Energy dispute and Government disputes with private entities – Explained, pointwise
In defence of India’s noisy democracy
Source: The Hindu Relevance: The article compares the much talked about Chinese authoritarian model with India’s democratic model of governance. Synopsis: Rather than looking into China’s authoritarian model, it is time to defend the noise of Indian democracy. Background China’s development over the last century has been impressive. Hundreds of millions have been lifted out… Continue reading In defence of India’s noisy democracy
Undead section
Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article is an example of a non-implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment at ground level. Synopsis: The invalid Sec. 66A is often invoked out of ignorance and is used as a tool of harassment. What is the issue? Section 66A of the IT Act was struck down as unconstitutional six… Continue reading Undead section
Falling government school enrolment is alarming and it needs to be addressed soon
Source: Indian Express Relevance: Articles highlight the need for reforms in India’s education system. Synopsis: Need reforms on governance, performance management, and English instruction to strengthen public education in India. Background The proportion of India’s children attending a government school has now declined to 45 percent. Whereas this number is 85 percent in America, 90… Continue reading Falling government school enrolment is alarming and it needs to be addressed soon
Sedition law has no place in a modern democracy
Source: Indian Express Relevance: There should be a fine balance between fundamental rights and statutes. Synopsis: The sedition law was born out of an authoritarian mindset and a zeal to ensure the fixation of order. It’s been done away within most of the world (including U.K and U.S) and should be removed from India as… Continue reading Sedition law has no place in a modern democracy
The Afghan knot
Source: Indian Express Synopsis: India is entangled in the Afghan Knot, as the ground situation is fast turning in favour of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The future course will be full of complexities and challenges post the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Background: The United States Armed Forces are scheduled to be withdrawn from Afghanistan… Continue reading The Afghan knot
Judges should not act like emperors, says SC
Source: The Hindu What is the news? Supreme Court has reiterated that public officers should not be called to the court unnecessarily. The bench observed this while considering an appeal against Allahabad High Court judgment as it noticed that the High Court summoned the Secretary, Medical Health in court. SC’s observations On separation of powers:… Continue reading Judges should not act like emperors, says SC
