Category: articles

The challenges of public health education in India

The challenges of public health education in India Public health plays a crucial role in shaping a nation’s healthcare system and overall well-being. The Indian Constitution, under Article 47, mandates the state to improve public health. However, challenges such as lack of standardized training, inadequate practical exposure, and limited job opportunities hinder the sector’s growth. A recent development impacting public health education is the United States’ decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and reduce USAID funding, affecting health programs in low- and middle-income countries. While India is not heavily reliant on international aid (which forms only 1%…

An Equitable Future for Women in Science in India

An Equitable Future for Women in Science in India Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) face educational, cultural, and systemic barriers that hinder their participation and career growth. Despite India’s scientific advancements, gender disparity in STEM remains a pressing issue. Key Challenges Faced by Women in STEM: Early Educational Barriers & Societal Norms Limited access to quality STEM education in rural areas. Gender norms discourage girls from pursuing science-related careers. Lack of encouragement from families, educators, and peers. Workplace Challenges & Gender Stereotypes Women face hiring and promotion biases, limiting their career progression. Underrepresentation in leadership roles affects…

Human smuggling must engage Parliament’s attention

Human smuggling must engage Parliament’s attention The article highlights the plight of Indians deported from the U.S., facing inhumane treatment and humiliation. It underscores the broader problem of human smuggling and irregular migration from India. Plight of Deported Indians Many Indians who are deported from other countries face inhumane treatment. They are often shackled, handcuffed, and humiliated before being sent back. Some illegal immigrants from India have been abandoned in dangerous situations, such as clearing ammunition fields in Iraq. Growing Problem of Irregular Migration Every year, thousands of young Indians attempt illegal migration, also known as “irregular migration.” This activity…

A success story like Amul

A success story like Amul India’s fruits and vegetables (F&V) sector is growing rapidly but remains fragmented, leading to high post-harvest losses and low farmer earnings, highlighting the need for structured value chains and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to replicate the success of India’s dairy sector. Growth of India’s Fruits and Vegetables Sector India’s fruits and vegetables (F&V) sector is expanding at a faster pace than cereals, contributing nearly 30% to the value of crop agriculture. Besides being more nutritious, it has the potential to enhance farmers’ incomes signicantly. However, the sector lacks the necessary policy attention and institutional support…

The panchayati raj movement is in distress

The panchayati raj movement is in distress The Panchayati Raj system, established through the 73rd Amendment (1992), aimed to decentralize governance in rural India. However, administrative, nancial, and policy shifts have weakened its effectiveness, requiring urgent reforms. Introduction The 73rd Amendment, passed in 1992, established the Panchayati Raj system to bring democracy to the grassroots level. It introduced a three-tier system of governance at the village, block, and district levels, with 50% reservation for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. Despite initial success, the momentum for decentralization has slowed, and major shifts in society and technology are challenging the relevance…

Income-tax Bill, 2025

Income-tax Bill, 2025 The Income-tax Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to replace the Income-tax Act, 1961, aiming to simplify India’s direct tax system. Analysis of the news: A Move Towards Simplicity The Income-tax Bill, 2025, introduced in Lok Sabha, aims to replace the six-decade-old Income-tax Act, 1961, by streamlining tax provisions, eliminating redundant sections, and introducing a more structured and comprehensible legal framework. The bill focuses on clarity and ease of compliance for taxpayers, ensuring continuity without major structural changes in direct taxation. Key Structural Changes: Shorter and More Organised The new bill is 24% shorter than…

AERO INDIA 2025

AERO INDIA 2025  Aero India 2025 is a biennial event that will be held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, from February 10-14, 2025. It provides a platform for industry, research organizations, academia, MSMEs, and startups to collaborate and contribute to India’s aviation sector. Introduction The event is more than just an exhibition; it promotes innovation, international alliances, and technological advancements in the aerospace and defence sectors. This year’s theme, ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’, highlights India’s commitment to self-reliance and international collaboration in defence technology. India’s Transformation in Aerospace and Defence Since its beginning in 1996, Aero India…

World Wetlands Day 

World Wetlands Day  Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised the World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site. About World Wetlands Day: It is celebrated annually on February 2. This date marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971. It aims to spread awareness about conserving the wetlands, one of the most critical ecosystems on the planet. This year, the theme was “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”. India has been a party to the Convention since 1982, designating 89 Ramsar sites. What are wetlands? Wetlands are regions covered by…

Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4)

Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4) Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer and ISRO astronaut, was recently named the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). About Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4): Ax-4 is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). It is organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with The Ax-4 crew will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the ISS from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once docked, the private astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS. During their time aboard the ISS, the crew will conduct scientific experiments, perform technology demonstrations,…

Greenland’s Lakes Transform Due to Extreme Weather

Greenland’s Lakes Transform Due to Extreme Weather   A recent study highlights how over 7,500 lakes in western Greenland have turned brown, emitted carbon, and suffered a drop in water quality due to extreme weather events in 2022. Analysis of the news: Rapid Transformation of Greenland’s Lakes These lakes, once pristine, play a crucial role in providing drinking water, supporting biodiversity, and acting as carbon sinks. The transformation, which typically takes centuries, occurred within months—an unprecedented rate of change. What Triggered the Change? In 2022, warmer temperatures caused rainfall instead of snowfall, leading to permafrost thawing. As a result, organic carbon,…