Topic
Indian Polity
100 articles, standardized notes married to real world affairs.
Balancing Power: How India’s Strategic Autonomy Shapes Growth, Security, and Global Influence
I. Introduction Imagine a young policy analyst in New Delhi, poring over classified cables: the UN is voting on a contentious resolution condemning sanctions on a major power. India must choose-vote with the U.S., with Russia, abstain, or propose a neutral text. The choice seems technical, but to the world it signals alliances, direction, and identity. This moment encapsulates India’s perpetual tightrope walk: asserting strategic autonomy while navigating pressure from global powers. This...
9 min read →The Digital Divide: Can Bharat Keep Up With India?
Introduction, Two Nations in One India is often celebrated as a rising digital powerhouse, with world-class IT hubs, global unicorns, and one of the fastest-growing digital economies. But beneath this glittering surface lies another reality-millions of Indians, especially in rural and marginalized regions, remain cut off from this transformation. This contrast between “India” (urban, connected, globalized) and “Bharat” (rural, traditional, underserved) has become a metaphor for the nation’s...
6 min read →River Linking Projects: Solution to Floods and Droughts or Ecological Gamble?
Introduction, The Ambitious Dream of River Linking Water has always been both a blessing and a challenge for India. Every year, while some regions suffer from devastating floods, others face crippling droughts. To solve this imbalance, the concept of river interlinking projects was introduced-an ambitious engineering plan to connect rivers across the country, transferring water from surplus regions to deficit ones. Proponents argue that this could be the ultimate answer to India’s water...
6 min read →Skill Development in India: Are We Preparing for Future Jobs?
Introduction, The Future of Work and India’s Dilemma India is entering a decisive phase in its economic journey. With more than 65% of its population under the age of 35, the country has a unique opportunity to become the global workforce hub of the 21st century. But this advantage comes with a serious question: Are India’s youth equipped with the skills needed for future jobs? In today’s world, where automation, artificial intelligence, green technologies, and globalized industries are...
5 min read →India’s Population Dividend: Opportunity or Demographic Burden?
Introduction, The Population Debate in India India recently surpassed China to become the most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people. For some, this milestone represents a massive opportunity-a young workforce that could drive economic growth and innovation for decades to come. For others, it signals a looming crisis-strain on resources, rising unemployment, and pressure on infrastructure. This duality lies at the heart of the debate: Is India’s population a dividend...
6 min read →The Governor’s Role in Indian Politics: Constitutional Head or Political Pawn?
Introduction, The Debate Around the Governor’s Office The office of the Governor is one of the most debated and controversial institutions in Indian politics. On paper, the Governor is the constitutional head of a state, meant to act impartially, safeguard democracy, and uphold the Constitution. Yet, in practice, the office has often been accused of being politicized-reduced to a tool of the Union government and ruling party at the Centre. Over the decades, Governors have been praised for...
5 min read →Geopolitics of Food Security
Food security today is no longer just about feeding populations. It is about maintaining stability, preserving sovereignty, and wielding influence on the world stage. Much like oil shaped geopolitics in the 20th century, food-especially grains like wheat, rice, and corn-is increasingly shaping the 21st. Nations that can produce, control, or restrict the flow of grain hold tremendous leverage over those that depend on imports. As climate change, war, and economic disruptions test the global...
6 min read →Harnessing Narrative in Election Advertising to Shape Voter Perceptions
Introduction, Why Narratives Win Elections in India India, the world’s largest democracy, is also the world’s largest stage for political advertising. Every five years, over 900 million eligible voters are courted with slogans, jingles, social media reels, and prime-time speeches. Political parties spend billions of rupees crafting messages designed not only to inform but to inspire loyalty. Yet, it isn’t just advertising spend that determines who wins elections-it’s the power of narrative....
5 min read →Democracy vs. Control: The Rise of Government Interference in Indian Media
Government Interference in Indian MediaGovernment Interference in Indian Mediacompeting political ideologies, the Indian media landscape has been central to sustaining this democratic spirit. From the fiery days of the Emergency in 1975, when censorship was imposed with an iron fist, to the digital boom of the 2000s, the press and entertainment industry have always served as vital spaces for dissent, debate, and cultural reflection. Yet, in the 2020s, a new and troubling trend is emerging....
6 min read →The Decline of Liberalism: Are Democracies in Retreat?
Introduction: A World at a Crossroads For much of the twentieth century, liberal democracy was seen as the inevitable end point of human political development. After World War II, Western Europe rebuilt itself with democratic institutions and market economies under the security umbrella of the United States. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 further reinforced this belief, leading political scientist Francis Fukuyama to famously declare the “end of history,” suggesting that liberal...
6 min read →India’s AI Leap with Massive GPU Expansion
1. Introduction: The Silent Arms Race of GPUs Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it is the defining technology of the present. From self-driving cars to medical diagnostics and large language models like ChatGPT, the world is rapidly transforming under AI. But behind every breakthrough lies a critical resource: computing power. And at the heart of this power is the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Globally, tech giants have been racing to secure GPUs, treating them...
5 min read →Operation Abhyaas: How India is Practicing for Real-World Threats
1. Introduction: Beyond Military Drills In an era where global security challenges are evolving faster than ever, military exercises are no longer just about showcasing weapons or marching in perfect formation. They are about simulating real-world threats, from terrorism to cyber warfare, in an environment where mistakes don’t cost lives but offer lessons. Operation Abhyaas, one of India’s most significant bilateral military training exercises, is exactly that: a platform to rehearse the...
4 min read →Iran, Israel, and India: Walking a Diplomatic Minefield
India's foreign policy has long been defined by a fine balancing act. Nowhere is this more evident than in its simultaneous diplomatic relationships with Iran and Israel. Both nations are geopolitically significant, economically important, and ideologically at odds. Iran, a predominantly Shia Islamic republic, has historically opposed Israel's existence as a state. Israel, a Western-aligned democracy in the Middle East, views Iran as its primary regional threat. Despite this deep hostility...
4 min read →Trump’s Tariffs and Trade Wars: What Really Happened?
In 2018, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump launched a dramatic shift in American economic policy by waging a global trade war, the likes of which had not been seen in decades. The primary weapon of this economic battle? Tariffs. These tariffs, mainly directed at China but also targeting allies like the European Union, Canada, and Mexico, were intended to curb trade deficits, bring back manufacturing jobs to the U.S., and punish what Trump called "unfair trade practices." But did it work?...
5 min read →Uniform Civil Code: Social Reform or Political Strategy?
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is one of the most debated and polarizing issues in Indian public discourse. On the surface, it appears to be a progressive social reform aimed at establishing legal equality among all citizens regardless of religion. But behind the rhetoric and legislative ambitions lies a deeper political, cultural, and constitutional conundrum. Is the UCC a necessary modernization of Indian law to uphold the principles of equality and secularism? Or is it a calculated political...
5 min read →Afghanistan, Taliban 2.0, and India's Strategic Dilemma
The return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 marked a dramatic shift in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape. After two decades of U.S. military presence and efforts to build a democratic Afghan government, the sudden withdrawal left a vacuum that the Taliban swiftly filled. For India, this event has not only raised concerns about regional security but also posed a significant diplomatic and strategic challenge. The evolving dynamics of Taliban 2.0, a seemingly more...
5 min read →Is Democracy Still the Best Model? Learning from China’s Rise
For decades, democracy has been upheld as the ultimate political model-equated with freedom, justice, and human rights. Western nations, particularly the United States and European democracies, have long promoted democratic governance as the ideal for every nation. But as China’s rapid economic rise, geopolitical assertiveness, and technological advancement continue to reshape the global order, a provocative question arises: Is democracy still the best model? This blog delves into the core of...
4 min read →The New Criminal Laws of India: Reform or Rebranding?
In 2023, India introduced sweeping changes to its criminal justice system, repealing and replacing three core colonial-era laws: the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act. These laws, originally framed under British rule, had long been criticized for being outdated, procedural-heavy, and in many cases, disconnected from the realities of modern Indian society. Their replacements-Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha...
4 min read →India’s Strategic Dilemma: Non-Aligned in a Divided World?
Since its independence in 1947, India has pursued a foreign policy rooted in non-alignment, a strategy that emerged during the Cold War to avoid entanglement in the U.S.-Soviet rivalry. As one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India championed sovereignty, peace, and autonomy. But the 21st century presents new complexities. The world is no longer bipolar-it is multipolar and increasingly fragmented. U.S.-China tensions, the rise of Russia, and challenges like climate...
5 min read →Tech and Politics: How Social Media Influences Elections Worldwide
In the 21st century, elections are no longer fought just in parliament or the streets-they’re also fought online. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have become powerful tools that shape public opinion, influence political discourse, and mobilize voters. With billions of users around the world, social media has fundamentally changed how democracies function. From Barack Obama’s 2008 digital campaign to the Cambridge Analytica scandal and real-time...
5 min read →Subhas Chandra Bose and the INA: Forgotten Heroes of Freedom
India’s freedom struggle is often associated with peaceful protest and civil disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi. But there was another, more militant path to independence, led by one of the most dynamic and controversial figures in Indian history, Subhas Chandra Bose. Revered as Netaji by his followers, Bose believed that only armed revolution could free India from British rule. His formation of the Indian National Army (INA) and alliance with Axis powers during World War II marked a bold...
5 min read →What is Federalism?
Federalism is a system of government that balances power between a central authority and constituent political units-like states, provinces, or regions. Instead of concentrating all powers at the national level, federalism distributes them across various layers, allowing local governments to address regional issues more effectively while still remaining part of a unified nation. But federalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. Countries implement it differently depending on their history,...
3 min read →Inflation Explained: Causes, Effects, and How Governments Manage It
Inflation is a term you’ve probably heard countless times-whether in the news, in economic discussions, or even in everyday conversations about rising prices. But what exactly is inflation? Why does it happen, and how does it affect your wallet, the economy, and the world? More importantly, how do governments and central banks try to manage it? This blog breaks down inflation in simple terms, explores its causes and effects, and looks at the tools policymakers use to keep it in check. What is...
4 min read →The Geopolitics of Water: The Coming Resource Wars
In the 21st century, the world’s most precious resource isn’t oil or gold-it’s water. As climate change, population growth, and industrial demand escalate, freshwater scarcity has emerged as a pressing global challenge. The geopolitics of water-how access, control, and distribution of water affect international relations-is increasingly becoming a focal point for security analysts, policymakers, and environmentalists alike. . Why Water is the New Oil Unlike fossil fuels, there is no...
5 min read →The Partition of India: A Human Tragedy that Redrew a Subcontinent
In August 1947, as the British Empire loosened its grip on the Indian subcontinent, two new nations were born: India and Pakistan. But this moment of independence, instead of being purely joyous, was accompanied by one of the most traumatic and violent upheavals in human history-the Partition of India. This was not just the drawing of new borders; it was the tearing apart of communities, the shattering of families, and the mass displacement of over 15 million people. More than a million died,...
4 min read →India’s G20 Presidency Aftermath, Key Outcomes and Follow-ups
Introduction India's G20 Presidency in 2023 was a watershed moment in global diplomacy. Under the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The World is One Family), India championed inclusive growth, sustainable development, and digital innovation. The presidency not only solidified India's position as a key global player but also set the stage for long-term policy shifts in climate action, economic stability, and technological governance. As the world moves forward, it's crucial to assess the tangible...
4 min read →Cut Policy in Indian Budget
What are Cut Motions? Cut motions are a tool the opposition uses to limit government spending in the political and economic context of India. Although they are difficult to pass, these motions have the potential to lower the grant amount recommended for each ministry. There are three different kinds of cut motions: token cut motions, economy cut motions, and policy cut motions. Although each motion has a different function, they all strive to cut back on government spending. Policy Cut Motion...
4 min read →Cyber Security Policy of India
The National Cyber Security Policy of India was first implemented in 2013, with the intention of establishing a trustworthy and protected digital environment across the nation. The policy provides India's vision, mission, goals, and objectives for protecting cyberspace. Moreover, the policy outlines a framework for cooperation between the government, corporate sector, academic community, and civil society in order to achieve these goals. In the following article on this blog, we will discuss...
3 min read →India's Nuclear Programme
What is India's Nuclear Programme? India's nuclear program began in the 1950s, with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission and the opening of the first research reactor at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai. India's nuclear program has focused on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including the development of nuclear power plants and the use of radioisotopes for medical and industrial purposes. India has a diverse mix of energy sources, including coal, natural...
3 min read →Governors in Indian Polity
PART VI of the Indian Constitution deals with the states of India and their governments. It covers the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the state governments. Article 152 defines what a state is, and the following articles outline the roles and responsibilities of the Governors of the states. The office of the Governor is dealt with in Articles 153 to 167 of the Indian Constitution. These articles outline the powers and responsibilities of the Governor, as well as the process...
5 min read →Inclusive Development
Introduction Inclusive Development refers to including everyone in India's growth narrative. Growth without inclusiveness is hollow and futile. In terms of quantitative growth, India has made great strides, yet a significant portion of its people is still marginalised. India must prioritise inclusive policymaking so that everyone can participate in and benefit from progress. It is now well recognised that if a significant portion of society is marginalised and excluded, meaningful and lasting...
3 min read →Superstition and related Criminal Activities
Introduction Superstition is typically defined as "a belief or behaviour stemming from ignorance, fear of the unknown, reliance in magic or chance, or a misunderstanding of cause and effect." The nature of superstition lies in its followers' irrationally abject attitude of mind towards such methods and phenomena. Superstition can impede the development of science and technology, encourage its adherents to breach the law and disrupt public order, and even inflict harm to a person's life or...
3 min read →Anganwadis
Introduction Anganwadi is a government-sponsored child-care and mother-care development programmes in India at the village level. It primarily targets children in the 0-6 age group. It was started by the Indian government in 1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Services(ICDS) programme to combat child hunger and malnutrition. In Indian communities, Anganwadi centres offer basic health care services. It is a component of the public health care system in India. The Integrated Child...
3 min read →Caste and Indian Society
Introduction The Indian society is divided into various sects and classes. This is due of the prevailing caste structure in the nation. The caste system has its origins in the ancient Vedas, which divided individuals by varna or occupation. It has brought forth several social ills. The caste system classifies Hindus into four major groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. Varna is first mentioned in...
4 min read →Interstate River Water Dispute
Introduction For a long time, it has been commonly theorised that nations will go to war for control of water, particularly shared water, such as transnational rivers. However, contrary to popular belief, subnational conflicts are significantly more prevalent and economically and socially damaging. In India, such battles between states have flared up from time to time over interstate river water. Because India has a federal political structure, the approach of the Union government and the...
3 min read →Pardoning Powers
Introduction A pardon is a mercy, forgiveness, or clemency act. The concept of pardon is a relic from a time when an omnipotent king had the authority to punish or pardon any punishment. It became a symbol of a god-like king wielding power over his subjects' lives and deaths. The requirement to vesting such power in a body other than the judiciary has always been acknowledged. The power of pardon exists to prevent injustice, whether from severe, unjust laws or from judgements that result in...
4 min read →Right to Die
Introduction The right to life is a fundamental basic human right. It is a fundamental right protected by Article 21 of Part-III of the Indian Constitution. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution states that, ‘no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law’. Now, the Indian judiciary has interpreted this right to life in a variety of ways to include several new rights, such as the right to live with human dignity, the right to...
4 min read →Doctrine of Essentiality
Introduction Sarva Dharma Samabhava is an indigenous notion of Indian secularism that arose in independent India under the influence of Gandhian ideology and is also anchored in Hindu culture and tradition. This idea he discovered in the doctrine of sarva dharma sambhava, which can be translated as "equality of all religions" or "equal treatment of all religions." Indian secularism, took on a distinctive form in the Indian Constitution and government. As D.E.Smith put it, "To most Indians...
3 min read →Compensatory Afforestation Management Fund
Introduction The CAF is a nationally constituted authority with a corpus of crores of money . This is money paid by developers who have destroyed forest land for construction projects, and the idea is that such land must be recovered by regenerating forest on non-forest land. The amount to be paid is determined by the economic value of the goods and services provided by the razed forest. Timber, bamboo, firewood, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, water recharge, and seed dispersal are...
2 min read →Corporate Farming
Introduction Corporate agriculture is associated with industrial agriculture and the growing influence of agribusiness in rural economies. Through vertical and horizontal integration, contract farming, and the acquisition of smaller competitors, multinational corporations, such as meat producers, processed food brands, and seed and chemical companies, have come to dominate the agricultural landscape in many developed nations. Corporate consolidation in the agricultural sector can potentially...
4 min read →Food Fortification
Introduction Fortification is the intentional addition of one or more micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to a food or condiment in order to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health. In addition to increasing the nutritional value of staple foods, the addition of micronutrients can restore micronutrients lost during processing. Fortification is an intervention supported by evidence that aids in the prevention,...
3 min read →Is President a Rubber stamp?
Introduction There shall be a President of India-Article 52, Constitution of India. Despite being vested with tremendous power, it is well known that the President of India cannot act except in accordance with the advice of the council of minister. The President of the Republic of India is the head of state of India and the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces. He is nominal head. The President of India is indirectly elected by the elected members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok...
3 min read →Enforcement Directorate
Introduction The Enforcement Directorate was established in 1956 with its headquarters located in New Delhi. It is tasked with enforcing the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 (FEMA) and some aspects of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Enforcement Directorate has been given the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting PML-related offences. The Directorate is under the operational administrative supervision of the Department of Revenue; the Department of Economic...
5 min read →Soft Power
Introduction Coined by Joseph Nye in the late 1980s, the term "soft power" refers to the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without force or coercion. It is now widely invoked in foreign policy debates. It results from the appeal of a nation's political ideas, policies, and culture. Our soft power is strengthened when other people regard our policies as being justified. As nations try to make sense of and adapt to a fast shifting international environment, the soft...
4 min read →Semiconductor Industry in India
Introduction Semiconductor, a class of crystalline solids whose electrical conductivity is midway between that of a conductor and an insulator. Semiconductors are widely used in the production of numerous electronic devices, such as diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Due to their portability, dependability, power efficiency, and low price, these devices have found widespread use. It is difficult to envision living without electronic devices in the twenty-first century, and the...
3 min read →Rajya Sabha - Rationale of Upper House
Introduction The major reason for the founding of the upper house was to achieve the letter and spirit of federalism. “The need has been felt for a second chamber practically all over the world wherever there are federations of importance,” Gopalaswami Ayyangar said in the Constituent Assembly. Given that the lower house is elected based on territory and population, political scientists believe that bicameralism is necessary for a federal constitution to provide representation to the...
5 min read →Jute Industry in India
Introduction India is the world’s biggest producer of jute , followed by Bangladesh. West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Andhra Pradesh are the main growing regions for jute. India's jute industry has been around for 150 years. Jute production is a labour intensive industry. In West Bengal alone, it employs roughly 2 lakh people, and there are 4 lakh people employed nationwide. The Golden Fibre The second-most common natural fibre in the world is jute. High tensile strength,...
2 min read →Competition Commission of India
Introduction “To promote and sustain an enabling competition culture through engagement and enforcement that would inspire businesses to be fair, competitive and innovative; enhance consumer welfare; and support economic growth.” The Competition Act, 2002 was passed by the Parliament in the year 2002. In accordance with the provisions of the Amendment Act, the Competition Commission of India was set up in 2009. On the recommendation of the Raghavan committee, the Monopolies and Restrictive...
3 min read →National Capital Territory - New Delhi
Introduction The issue of NCT has been a source of contention for quite some time. It is complicated because it not only creates tension between the centre and the states, essentially undermining the federal spirit, but it also creates a power struggle between the executive, or LG, and the elected representative government. Federalism Federalism is a form of political structure that binds distinct polities together within a larger political framework while allowing each to retain its...
3 min read →National Supercomputing Mission
Introduction Supercomputers have gained prominence across the world due to its immense contribution in multiple areas. Multiple sets of data and information may be analysed by supercomputers to provide potentially life-changing solutions. India's pursuit of supercomputing for use in weather forecasting began in the early 1980s. The National Supercomputing Mission was announced in 2015 with the goal of connecting national academic and R&D institutions to a grid of more than 70 high-performance...
2 min read →Question Hour
Introduction Question hour is the liveliest hour in Parliament. Members of Parliament question ministers during this hour and hold them accountable regarding the functioning of their respective ministries. MPs' questions are intended to elicit information and prompt appropriate action by ministries. It is regulated according to parliamentary rules. It is mentioned in the rules and procedures of the house. Three distinct types of questions are asked Starred question (distinguished by an...
2 min read →Scheduled Tribes
Introduction Tribal people are distinct. They are not necessarily inferior; they have their way of life that must be respected and protected rather than being mainstreamed into the mainstream concept of so-called development. Development for all does not have the same connotation, and imposing the majority's idea is a direct assault on their individuality, diversity, and, most importantly, human rights. We must recognise that we cannot continue to interfere with their livelihoods to quench...
3 min read →Production Linked Incentive Scheme
Introduction The Prime Minister's clarion call for a 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' envisions policies to promote the country's manufacturing sector as efficient, equitable, and resilient. Growth in industrial goods production and exports will expose the Indian industry to more foreign competition and ideas, which will aid in improving its ability to innovate further. The promotion of the manufacturing sector and the establishment of a conducive manufacturing ecosystem will not only enable integration...
4 min read →Digitalization
Introduction At this point, it's hard to picture a world without the internet. Since its inception as a platform for everything from personal to commercial communication to social networking and virtual hangouts, the internet has become indispensable. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have cemented their position as a necessary component of modern life. Many people's lives have been transformed by the Internet, Every day, more and more individuals are turning to the internet...
4 min read →Swachh Bharat Mission
Introduction The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched to Increase the emphasis on hygiene and achieve universal sanitation throughout the country. The mission's first phase was implemented as a nationwide campaign from 2014 to 2019, with the goal of eliminating open defecation in rural areas through mass-scale behaviour change, the construction of household-owned and community-owned toilets, and the implementation of techniques for monitoring toilet construction and usage. It is divided...
4 min read →Food Security
Introduction Food security, as defined by the United Nations’ Committee on World Food Security, means that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life. Only in the midst of the worldwide food crisis in the mid-1970s did the idea of food security emerge as a concept. At first, the primary priority was on ensuring international and national...
4 min read →Food Processing
Introduction Food processing refers to any process in which a raw product from agriculture, dairy, animal husbandry, meat, poultry, or fishing is transformed through a process (involving employees, power, machines, or money) in a way that its original physical properties change and this transformed product adds commercial value. It leads to value addition- by techniques such as preservation, the addition of food additives, drying, and so on, to effectively preserve food ingredients, increase...
3 min read →Nutrition and Hunger
Introduction According to Kul C. Gautam, former UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, "the 'hidden hunger' caused by micronutrient deficiency does not produce hunger as we know it." You may not feel it in your stomach, but it affects your overall health and vitality." Our priority should be to ensure that everyone has enough food to eat. However, we must also address a type of hunger that goes unnoticed, known as hidden hunger, which, unlike the gnawing hunger of a lack of food, is often silent....
7 min read →Children in Street Situation
Introduction According to the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), there are 17,914 street children or "children in street situations" in the country. An age breakdown revealed that the largest group of children living on the streets, 7,522 children, are between the ages of 8 - 13, followed by 3,954 children between the ages of 4 to 7. According to the data, Maharashtra has the most street children (4,952), followed by Gujarat (1,990), Tamil Nadu (1,703), Delhi...
3 min read →Hydrogen and Clean Energy Needs
Introduction Hydrogen is the most abundant and simplest element in the universe. On Earth, however, it is rarely found as a gas; therefore, it must be separated from other elements. White hydrogen is a naturally occurring form that is occasionally found underground, but there are few viable extraction methods; therefore, experts seek to generate it artificially. Hydrogen can be derived from a variety of resources, such as fossil fuels, nuclear energy, biomass, and renewable energy sources....
4 min read →The Commonwealth
Introduction The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries. The member governments have shared goals of development, democracy and peace. The values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter. The 1949 London Declaration established existing framework. The Commonwealth is headed by Queen Elizabeth II. The Commonwealth now includes many nations from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific. There are 56 countries in the current...
3 min read →AI & Governance in India
What is Artificial Intelligence? Artificial intelligence is the term used to describe a machine's capacity to carry out cognitive functions like reasoning, perception, learning, and decision-making. Deep learning and machine learning are included under the general term AI. A technology of the twenty-first century, artificial intelligence is revolutionising many facets of existence. It makes it possible for individuals to better integrate information, analyse data, and make decisions using AI...
5 min read →Parliamentary Committees
Introduction The fact that the Parliament meets three times a year, for the Budget, Monsoon, and Winter Sessions, is known to us as citizens. This portion of the legislative session is broadcast and highly followed. The Parliament does, however, have another space where a sizable portion of its work is accomplished. These are referred to as parliamentary committees. A standing committee in the Indian Parliament is one made up of MPs, or Members of Parliament. It is a permanent and regular...
6 min read →Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: NIPUN Bharat
Introduction FLN refers to the ability among children to read with meaning and solve basic math problems by the end of Class 3. These are essential gateway skills that, as the terminology suggests, serve as the basis upon which children build their lives. The successful acquisition of FLN enables children to learn more meaningfully as they advance to higher grades and equips them with essential 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving, which is imperative in longer...
4 min read →The Jan Lokpal & the Lokayukts
The Lokpal institution is a tool for preventing corruption and fostering an effective and accountable government in India. The word "Lokpal" means "caretaker of people" or "people's friend" in Sanskrit. Both the Lokpal and the Lokayukta investigate allegations of corruption on a state and federal level, respectively. It enables allegations of corruption against the prime minister, other ministers, MPs, and group A, B, C, and D personnel of the central government to be filed with the...
7 min read →Sex Work Is a Profession: Supreme Court of India
Introduction Sex workers fall amongst the most vulnerable groups, they are victims of violence and sexual abuse. The gravity of the problem is when the crime is reported rather than being seen as a prey they are seen as predator themselves. A research study by World Health Organisation reported that 70% of sex workers in India were beaten by the police and more than 80% were arrested without evidence and violence is perpetuated by the prejudice that is linked to the perception that sex...
3 min read →Women in Media: South Asia
Introduction The Ministery of Women and Child Development has released a report on the Status of Women in Media in South Asia. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) prepared the report, which was sponsored by UNESCO. Inequalities based on caste, class, religion, ethnicity, and location are exacerbated throughout the South Asian region by severe gender-based discrimination that stifles progress and development for both girls and boys. Existing evidence indicates that, despite...
3 min read →India's Para-diplomacy
Introduction Para-diplomacy, as practised by sub-state governments, presents the concept of decentralisation of political power to make regional governments significant players in the international arena. Paradiplomacy also referred to as "state diplomacy," "regional diplomacy," and "subnational diplomacy," focuses on the ability of subnational governments to conduct foreign policy. Paradiplomacy creates space for external relations of subnational or federal units that might engage in...
4 min read →Ethanol Blending
Introduction Global transportation sector is facing three major challenges, namely depletion of fossil fuels, volatility in crude oil prices and stringent environmental regulations. Alternative fuels specific to geographies can address these issues. Ethanol is considered to be one of most suitable alternative blending, transportation fuel due to its better fuel quality (ethanol has a higher octane number) and environmental benefits. Our nation's energy demand is increasing due to a growing...
3 min read →India’s Arctic Policy
Introduction 'India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development,' India's Arctic policy, lays out six pillars: strengthening India's scientific research and cooperation, climate and environmental protection, economic and human development, transportation and connectivity, governance and international cooperation, and national capacity building in the Arctic region. Multiple stakeholders, including academia, the research community, business, and industry, will be...
2 min read →Sutlej Yamuna link Project
Introduction Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal or SYL, is an under-construction 214-kilometer long canal in India to connect the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers. The canal is being built with aim to share the waters of the rivers Ravi and Beas between the states of Haryana and Punjab. Background The Indus basin was divided after the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, with Pakistan having lower reaches of the Indus River and its tributaries and India gaining the upper reaches of Ravi, Beas and Sutlej....
5 min read →Extremism and Development
Introduction Although global policy emphasises "inclusive development," factions in every country feel excluded from development efforts. Ineffective and corrupt governance breeds extremism and militancy. Injustice, misgovernance, and the system's unwillingness to engage the marginalised,pull people to violence and extremism. Extremist operations are vast, and their acts threaten social, economic, and political growth. Political theorists say extremism ranges from defending one's ideals and...
3 min read →National Infrastructure Pipeline
Introduction Infrastructure is critical for the country's economic growth and poverty reduction. Adequate infrastructure in the form of roads and railways, ports, power, and airports, as well as their efficient operation, are required for the Indian economy to integrate with other economies around the world. A country's infrastructure has a direct impact on its economic and social growth. Many developed countries have made significant progress as a result of massive expansion of economic and...
3 min read →Gram Nyayalyas
In its 114th Report, the Law Commission of India proposed the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas to provide citizens with inexpensive and timely access to justice at their doorsteps. The Gram Nyayalayas Bill was enacted by Parliament on December 22, 2008, and the Gram Nyayalayas Act went into effect on October 2, 2009. The Act extends to the whole of India, except to the States of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and to the tribal areas specified in parts of the Sixth Schedule to the...
3 min read →Feminization of Agriculture
Introduction If there were four women for every ten males in the agricultural sector in 1991, there were six women for every ten men in 2011. This phenomenon of growing female engagement, especially in agricultural labour, is referred to as the feminisation of the Indian agricultural workforce. Causes of Indian Agriculture Feminisation Poverty is a key element that forces women to work as agricultural labourers to augment their family's income. Women also work as unremunerated workers in...
4 min read →Organic Farming
Introduction According to FAO “Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs” Lord Northbourne is credited with coining the phrase "organic farming." The phrase is derived from his notion of "the farm as an...
2 min read →Public Distribution System
Introduction The public distribution system (PDS) is an Indian food security system that is administered by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. PDS developed as a mechanism for addressing the issue of food security by distributing food grains at affordable prices. The PDS is jointly administered by the Central and State Governments. The Central Government buys food grains at MSP through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and has assumed the responsibility for...
7 min read →Digital Divide In India
Introduction At this point, it's hard to picture a world without the internet. Since its inception as a platform for everything from personal to commercial communication to social networking and virtual hangouts, the internet has become indispensable. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have cemented their position as a necessary component of modern life. Many people's lives have been transformed by the Internet, Every day, more and more individuals are turning to the internet...
6 min read →Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Introduction The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership was introduced during the 19th Asean meet held in November 2011. The RCEP negotiations started during the 21st Asean Summit in Cambodia in November 2012. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free-trade agreement between the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) members plus Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. It is worlds largest trade agreement. According to data by the World...
4 min read →Minimum Support Price
Introduction MSPs are the prices at which the government buys certain crops from farmers in order to protect them against a severe drop in prices. It is an essential component of Agriculture Price Policy, and it aims to provide farmers with assistance while keeping prices accessible for consumers. Every year at the start of both crop seasons, the government declares MSP after considering the views of state governments and Central Ministries/Departments concerned for agricultural crops such...
4 min read →Child Labour in India
Introduction The phrase "child labour" is often characterised as employment that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, as well as work that is hazardous to their physical and mental development. It refers to work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and/or interferes with their schooling by denying them the opportunity to attend school; forcing them to leave school prematurely, or requiring them to combine school...
4 min read →What is a Just War?
The traditional Just-War Theory derives from Christian theology. Saint Augustine is often regarded as the first to propose a doctrine of war and justice. The Saint appealed to the Bible and believed that certain wars were necessary to rectify evil. Augustine's version was updated by Saint Thomas Aquinas, who established three requirements for a good war: the war had to be undertaken by a legitimate authority, for a just cause, and with the appropriate motives. Traditional just war theory...
4 min read →Kitchen Cabinet
Introduction The cabinet, which is led by the prime minister and includes around 15 to 20 of the most significant ministers, is the official highest decision-making body. However, a smaller group known as the 'inner Cabinet' or 'Kitchen Cabinet' has developed as the true seat of power. This informal organization is composed of the Prime Minister and two to four powerful colleagues in whom he has confidence and with whom he may discuss any issue. It provides advice to the prime minister on...
2 min read →Declining Standards of Parliament
Introduction Parliament is seen as a temple of democracy, where elected representatives make decisions via discussions and deliberations. It is regarded as the highest standard for holding executives responsible for their actions. However, the prestigious institution has recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons, such as the devaluation of parliamentary authority, declining debate standards, deterioration in the behaviour and character of Members, low levels of participation, and so...
6 min read →Social and Cultural Policy of British in India
Introduction Until 1813, the British maintained a policy of non-interference in the country's social, religious, and cultural life. Following 1813, attempts were made to restructure Indian society and its cultural milieu in response to the advent of new interests and ideas in nineteenth-century Britain as a result of substantial changes in Europe throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Among these developments were the following: The Industrial Revolution started in the 18th century and...
3 min read →Consolidated Fund Of India
Introduction The Consolidated Fund of India contains revenue collected by the government via taxes as well as expenses incurred through borrowings and loans. It is one of three components of the Annual Financial Statement, the other two being the Contingency Fund and the Public Account. Except for a few contingency or public fund expenses, all government expenditures are paid by consolidated funds. Article 266 of the Indian Constitution established the Consolidated Fund of India. It is also...
2 min read →Women In Panchayati Raj
Introduction Panchayati raj institutions are a watershed moment in India's democratic history since they not only percolated democratic decentralization to the grassroots level but also took a big step forward in women's empowerment by granting them a 33 percent reservation. This decentralization paradigm is characterized by a unique combination of rationalism and tokenism. However, women's participation in politics and public life in India has remained abysmally low. Though, there is a...
5 min read →Evergreen Revolution
Introduction India is among the world's largest agricultural economies, sustaining a huge population. At the time of independence, India's economy was heavily reliant on agriculture. Nonetheless, the agricultural sector was in turmoil. Productivity was poor and heavily reliant on the monsoon, there were no irrigation facilities, no infrastructure, and no modern technologies. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Indian society. Despite contributing 19% to the GDP, agriculture and related...
4 min read →Right to Information
Objectives The Act's objectives are: to empower citizens; to promote transparency and accountability; to limit corruption; and to increase people's participation in the democratic process The significance of information accessibility The presence of a right to information surely strengthens governance. Meaningful democracy is based on the notion of an informed citizenry capable of participating thoughtfully in the governance, people’s participation enriches democracy. It enables the...
3 min read →Citizen Charter
Introduction It is widely acknowledged that excellent governance is vital for long-term economic and social growth. Transparency, accountability, and administrative responsiveness are the three basic characteristics of successful governance. The Citizens' Charters idea is a reaction to the desire to find solutions to the challenges that citizens face on a daily basis while engaging with organisations that provide public services. The Citizens' Charter idea enshrines trust between the service...
4 min read →Civil Services in India
Introduction Civil service is critical to the operation of government. Since colonial times, the civil service has been regarded as the "steel frame" of administration in India. In this rapidly changing era of globalisation, the colonial legacy of civil service is still alive and well. The term "civil service" refers to the body of government employees who work in civil occupations that are not political or judicial in nature. From ancient times, the concept of civil service was widespread in...
3 min read →Socialism
For us, there is no valid definition of socialism other than the abolition of the exploitation of one human being by another." ~ Che Guevara Introduction The Oxford English Dictionary defines socialism as a theory or policy that aims at or advocates the ownership or control of the means of production-capital, land, property, etc.-by the community as a whole and their administration in the interests of all. Schumpeter's Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy (1942) where is defined as: that...
5 min read →Compulsory Licensing
Introduction Compulsory licencing is when a government permits another party to manufacture a patented product or process without the patent owner's approval or intends to use the patent-protected invention itself. It is one of the patent flexibilities contained in the WTO's TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement. The TRIPS Agreement does not specify the grounds for justifying compulsory licencing. The Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health, on the other...
3 min read →Right to life and Personal Liberty
No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.~Article 21 Introduction The right to life is certainly the most fundamental of all human rights. Life is necessary for the enjoyment of all other rights. Indeed, other rights seek to improve the quality of life and dignity of individuals. To put it another way, other rights have the goal of making life better. Hobbes placed a premium on self-preservation, and one of the reasons he...
3 min read →Humanitarian Intervention
Introduction Humanitarian intervention lies at the crossroads of realism and liberalism, where state power and material interests collide with human rights and sovereignty. Humanitarian intervention is defined as meddling in a country's internal affairs with the goal of ending or at least minimising suffering caused by events such as civil war, genocide, and starvation. Humanitarian intervention has been a source of heated debate in recent years, not only among academics but also among...
4 min read →India and Terrorism
Introduction In India, terrorism poses one of the greatest dangers to the country's security. In 2018, India was the fifth most terrorism-affected state in the world. 'Killings, kidnappings, destruction of property, and disruption of regular civic order' are just some of the ways in which terrorism affects India's national security. India's national security has been threatened by a variety of terrorism threats, but state-sponsored terrorism remains the most severe threat to the country's...
4 min read →Human Rights and Environment
Introduction Human rights are rights that all humans possess, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or another status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of speech and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone, without exception, is entitled to these rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a watershed moment in human rights history. The Declaration was...
3 min read →Human Rights
Introduction Human rights are rights we have simply because we exist as human beings - they are not granted by any state. These universal rights are inherent to us all, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. They range from the most fundamental - the right to life - to those that make life worth living, such as the rights to food, education, work, health, and liberty. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted...
3 min read →Language Debate in the Constituent Assembly
The question of the national language was one of the most contentious and vehemently argued by Constituent Assembly members. Members of this debate envisaged India as a nation, identified regional and linguistic identities, and strove to develop unity of purpose to set the groundwork for modern India in this discussion. The talks highlighted a schism between North and South India, as well as took communal overtones. By the 1930s, Congress had agreed that Hindustani should be the official...
4 min read →Fiscal Federalism
Introduction Fiscal federalism can best be understood as the economic counterpart to political federalism. It has to do with delegating functions to various levels of government and providing adequate financial resources to carry them out. Revenue distribution is particularly important in determining the character of the state's relationship with the Centre. Taxation powers are incorporated in the union list and the state list of the Constitution; both lists are exhaustive and mutually...
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