Contemporary Issues Simplified

Marriage has long been regarded as one of the most enduring social institutions—structuring kinship, regulating inheritance, and ensuring social continuity. In societies like India, it has also carried deep cultural, religious, and familial significance. However, for Generation Z (born roughly between 1997 and 2012), marriage is no longer an unquestioned rite. Instead, it is being critically evaluated, delayed, redefined, or, in some cases, rejected.   This shift does not signal the collapse of marriage as an institution but rather its transformation under the pressures of economic change, technological influence, and evolving individual aspirations . Gen Z is not dismantling marriage—they are renegotiating its terms.   Marriage as a Social Institution: A Brief Context Traditionally, marriage has served multiple functions: Social: Legitimizing relationships and family structures Economic: Facilitating resource sharing and financial stability Cultural:...

In an era defined by unprecedented digital connectivity, technology has transcended its role as a mere enabler to become a central determinant of human behaviour. What began as convenience has, for many, evolved into compulsion. The phenomenon of digital addiction —characterized by excessive and uncontrollable use of digital devices—now poses a complex socio-psychological challenge. With platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube shaping everyday interactions, youth identity is increasingly being constructed in the virtual domain rather than the real world.   What Defines Digital Addiction? Digital addiction is not merely high screen time; it is defined by: Loss of control over usage Compulsive engagement despite negative consequences Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability when offline) Neglect of real-life responsibilities It is rooted in neurobiological mechanisms involving Dopamine, where intermittent reward...

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...