Contemporary Issues Simplified

Heatwaves have emerged as one of the most severe manifestations of climate change, particularly in tropical countries like India. Unlike sudden disasters, heatwaves are “silent killers” whose impacts accumulate gradually yet devastate human health, economies, and ecosystems. According to the  India Meteorological Department (IMD) , a heatwave is declared when: Maximum temperature ≥ 40°C in plains (≥30°C in hills), and Departure from normal is  4.5°C to 6.4°C (heatwave)  or  ≥6.5°C (severe heatwave) Alternatively, any temperature ≥45°C is classified as a heatwave irrespective of normal levels  Globally, the  World Meteorological Organization (WMO)  defines heatwaves as prolonged periods of abnormally high temperatures, including both  daytime and night-time temperatures , the latter being crucial for human recovery. Spatial & Temporal Occurrence in India Heatwaves in India exhibit a  distinct seasonal and regional pat...

India is a rapidly growing economy with rising energy demands year-on-year to fuel its growth story. But unfortunately, a notable share (34-37%) of the nation's energy requirements is still fulfilled by crude oil and natural gas with heavy import dependency (90%) which showcases vulnerability to external shocks  like inflation in global energy prices and supply disruptions. Recent disruptions in energy supply chains resulting from geopolitical tensions in West Asia and closure of Strait of Hormuz have only brought this vulnerability to the fore.  While Government of India is engaged in diplomatic talks to release energy shipments and holding the domestic prices steady, the adverse impact on Indian economy is visible . A few instances include a hike in commercial LPG prices, greater losses to revenue of OMCs and public exchequer in an attempt to hold the prices of petrol and diesel at current levels thus straining fiscal deficit, substantial currency depreciation with increas...

  Indian Parliament approved Transgender Persons(Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill,2026 , removing provisions recognizing self-perceived identity and mandating certification through a medical board.  This marks a decisive shift in State's perception of Identity- not something self-asserted but subject to verification and institutional approval . It dissents from the practices followed by many Western nations and is a also a major departure from the Supreme Court's observation in NALSA vs Union of India Case,2014 where it was affirmed that Identity is self-perceived and central to dignity and personal liberty. State's responsibility was in fact to protect it.  But this new amendment has shifted authority from individual autonomy to public institutions.  Government of India is seeking a more transparent classification among the "third gender" to gauge vulnerabilities and provide targeted welfare measures with administrative clarity. But what are the tensions we ...