Pan-India SIR to cover more than 10 States in first phase

The Election Commission (EC) is all set to announce the schedule for a country-wide roll-out of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls at a press conference in the next few days. The first phase of the process will be implemented in more than 10 States and one Union Territory, including election-bound Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal. 

Literacy helped Kerala lead in development indices: Murmu

The power of literacy and knowledge has enabled Kerala to rank among the leading States on several human development indicators, President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday.

The UN matters, as a symbol of possibility

Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of the most devastating war in human history, the nations of the world came together to forge a new compact one that would seek to prevent future conflict, promote human dignity and uphold the rule of law across borders. The United Nations (UN) was born not of triumph, but of tragedy; not as a monument to power, but as a mechanism for peace.

Immunity of international organisations is no free pass

International cooperation between countries often leads to the creation of international organisations (IOs) to administer the treaties that states sign and ratify. These IOs, or Intergovernmental Organisations, may operate at the multilateral level, such as the United Nations (UN), or at the regional level, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Should India take global leadership on climate change?

Ahead of Conference of the Parties (COP)30 in November in Belém, Brazil, global headwinds have left many developed countries in the West increasingly reluctant to take on the mantle of climate leadership. India, like other countries, is expected to update climate commitments and present an adaption plan. Should India take global leadership on climate change? Hisham Mundol and Ulka Kelkar discuss the question in a conversation moderated by Jacob Koshy. Edited excerpts:.

When even good news is not forthcoming

As a reporter, one has to quickly get used to the fact that the government is not a friend. It isn't an adversary, per se, but it certainly is not predisposed to help the media. If you are one of the few journalists that the government chooses to speak to, you have to remember that the 'exclusive' titbits shared with you are still those that the government wants you to know. The real secrets are just that: secrets.

How do monsoons affect Tamil Nadu?

How are heavy rains affecting cities, farmland, and infrastructure? What are the health and environmental risks of prolonged heavy rainfall? What role is the Mullaperiyar Dam playing in rising flood risk? Can Tamil Nadu manage simultaneous inflows from Kerala and local monsoon rains?

Why cloud seeding is not a solution to Delhi's air pollution crisis

Delhi's air remains polluted due to emissions from vehicles, construction, power plants, waste burning and agricultural fires; cloud seeding cannot create rain without clouds, provides only temporary relief at best, and diverts attention from evidence-based solutions that address the root causes.

Tri-services to get systems, platforms for ₹79,000 cr.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday approved a series of capital acquisition proposals worth around 79,000 crore aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The Defence Ministry said the approvals granted during a meeting at South Block would cover a wide spectrum of platforms and systems designed to enhance lethality, mobility, and intelligencegathering capabilities across the Services.