Category: articles

Sprouting sustainable, nutrition-sensitive food systems

Sprouting sustainable, nutrition-sensitive food systems Despite being a major agricultural producer, India ranks 105 out of 127 in the Global Hunger Index 2024 and faces a paradox of coexisting undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiency. The article highlights the urgent need for a nutrition-sensitive, sustainable transformation of India’s food systems, integrating climate resilience, agricultural diversity, and community-led innovation. Key Issues: India’s Nutrition Crisis: As per NFHS-5 (2019–21): 5% children under 5 are stunted, 57% of reproductive-age women are anaemic, Simultaneously, obesity is rising (24% of women and 22.9% of men affected). Nearly 194 million Indians are undernourished, reflecting both caloric and…

The building blocks of an India-U.S. energy future

The building blocks of an India-U.S. energy future The evolving strategic partnership between India and the United States now places renewed emphasis on energy security, especially in the domains of critical minerals and nuclear energy. As highlighted by Arunabha Ghosh, this partnership is pivotal not just for bilateral ties, but for achieving India’s long-term sustainable energy goals, particularly in the face of global supply chain disruptions, climate imperatives, and emerging technological challenges. Key Themes and Strategic Highlights: India’s Energy Security Imperatives: India’s energy future is being shaped by: Predictable access to diverse and secure energy sources Minimal supply chain disruptions…

The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional

The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional The position of Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha has remained vacant throughout the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) and continues to remain vacant even after the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha. This unusual situation raises serious concerns about constitutional compliance and respect for parliamentary conventions. Constitutional Provisions: Article 93 mandates that the Lok Sabha must elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker “as soon as may be,” emphasizing urgency, not discretion. Article 94 outlines that the Deputy Speaker holds office until resignation, removal, or disqualification. The Deputy Speaker’s role is…

Tackle heatwaves with short- and long-term measures

Tackle heatwaves with short- and long-term measures India, in recent years, has faced severe heatwaves earlier than in previous years, with rising temperatures and increasing frequency of heat-related stress. The year 2024 was recorded as the warmest year, highlighting the growing intensity of heatwaves in the country. In this context, Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya discusses the impacts of heatwaves and suggests both short- and long-term measures to combat this rising issue. Key Points of the Article: Impact of Heatwaves: Health Effects: Rising temperatures and heat stress can cause significant health issues such as heatstroke, dehydration, kidney failure, and other severe conditions.…

India, rising power demand and the ‘hydrogen factor’ 

India, rising power demand and the ‘hydrogen factor’ India’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 involves massive electrification of energy use and the deployment of low-carbon technologies. A significant focus is now placed on nuclear energy expansion and green/low-carbon hydrogen production as alternatives to fossil fuels in both power generation and industrial applications. Key Highlights: Net-Zero and Electrification: Moving toward a net-zero economy requires electrification of industries currently dependent on fossil fuels — especially steel, fertilizer, and chemical industries. Hydrogen (particularly green/low-carbon hydrogen) is a key substitute molecule in industrial processes. India’s Rising Power Demand: To meet projected electricity…

Soyuz Spacecraft

Soyuz Spacecraft A Soyuz spacecraft, adorned to commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion, departed from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome recently, transporting an American and two Russians to the International Space Station (ISS). About Soyuz Spacecraft The Soyuz spacecraft is a Russian (formerly Soviet) spacecraft that has been used since the 1960s to transport astronauts and cosmonauts to and from space. The Soyuz programme is the longest operational human spacecraft programme in the history of space exploration. The first crewed flight into space was on 23 April 1967. Soyuz means “union” in Russian. Although they were conceived by the…

Shaping a future-ready workforce

Shaping a future-ready workforce The article by P. John J. Kennedy examines India’s workforce preparedness in light of the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (2025) and the QS World Future Skills Index. It highlights India’s opportunities and challenges in aligning its education system and skill development with the rapidly evolving global job market. Key Insights: Drivers of Global Labour Market Transformation: Technological Advancements & Digital Access – Cited by 60% of employers as major future job market drivers. Economic Uncertainties & Job Displacement – 50% of employers expect economic pressures to impact employment structures. Green Transition & Climate…

The other space race — the geopolitics of satellite net

The other space race — the geopolitics of satellite net The growing adoption of satellite-based internet services such as SpaceX’s Starlink marks a shift in global connectivity infrastructure — with deep implications for national sovereignty, economic dependency, and geopolitical alignment. India’s collaboration with private players like SpaceX, through Airtel and Jio, raises critical questions about balancing technological pragmatism with strategic autonomy in the era of the New Space Race. India and Starlink India’s digital divide remains stark, especially in remote and rural areas where fiber optic cables and cell towers are absent. Starlink, a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation…

Colossal wastage that is food for thought

Colossal wastage that is food for thought The United Nations Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index Report (FWIR) 2024 highlights a pressing global issue: 1.05 billion tonnes of food wasted in 2022, with India ranking second only to China. This problem is not just about resource mismanagement; it has severe economic, environmental, and social implications. Key analysis Understanding Food Wastage and Loss Food Wastage: Includes edible and inedible parts discarded from manufacturing, retail, restaurants, and households. Food Loss: Happens at earlier stages due to poor storage, transportation, and handling. India’s Per Capita Household Food Waste: 55 kg per year (compared to…

India’s marginalised Parliament in budgetary affairs

India’s marginalised Parliament in budgetary affairs A national budget is far more than a mere financial statement; it is a reflection of a country’s economic vision, governance philosophy, and policy priorities. In democratic systems, the principle of parliamentary control over public finance is fundamental, ensuring fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability. However, in India, the role of Parliament in shaping the Budget remains minimal, with an executive-driven process that sidelines legislators. To rectify this imbalance, critical institutional reforms, such as pre-Budget discussions and the establishment of a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), must be implemented to enhance legislative oversight and ensure a…