Going electric

India must be a reliable trade partner to compete in the EV space

India's decision to exempt import duties on 35 capital goods used in the manufacture of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and 28 items used in the making of mobile phone batteries is a welcome step toward boosting domestic manufacturing and clean technology adoption. 

The issue is about the 'quality' of India's publications

At a public function in February 2025 to commemorate National Science Day, the Union Minister for Science and Technology said that "India will overtake the U.S. in the number of scientific publications by 2029". He went on to say that China, with 8,98,949 publications, is in the lead, followed by the United States with 4,57,335 publications, followed by India with 2,07,390 papers. 

The role of communities in conserving water

On March 22, World Water Day, Prime Minister highlighted the need to conserve water for present and future generations through collective action. On the same day, the Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025, emphasizing the importance of community participation in water conservation.

Whittling down sources of U.S. soft power

Soft power is defined as the use of positive attraction and persuasion to achieve foreign policy objectives. The US, which had increased its soft power through alliances, trade, education, immigration and foreign aid, is now looking at a decline of its global influence. 

Panel seeks comprehensive review of GST framework

PAC urges Finance Ministry to simplify GST regime by eliminating unnecessary procedures; it calls for a transparent refund mechanism, fairer penalty structures, use of Al for revenue projections. 

Release Samagra Shiksha dues to States: House panel

A parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended that the Education Ministry amicably resolve the differences with West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and settle their dues of over ₹4,000 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) on a priority basis. 

DRDO test-fires vertically launched SAM for Navy

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on Wednesday that the under-development vertically launched short-range surface-to-air missile (VLSRSAM) for the Navy successfully demonstrated its near-boundary, low-altitude capability during a test fire.