The post is about SDG 1, which is No Poverty. The article revolves around efforts made by organizations and institutions to reduce poverty.
Achieving Zero Hunger in India requires comprehensive strategies, combining government initiatives, technology, and grassroots efforts to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity by 2030 for a healthier, equitable future.
The book review by Belal Ahmad critically examines Caste Matters in Public Policy, edited by Rahul Choragudi, Sony Pellissery, and N. Jayaram. This book explores how caste influences public policy in India, emphasizing its resilience and transformation over time. Originating from a seminar on caste and contemporary public policy, the book includes contributions from 13 authors across 10 chapters, divided into three thematic parts.
Key topics discussed include the historical evolution of caste-based policies, challenges of caste enumeration, affirmative action, and the dynamics of caste in different Indian states and religious communities. The book also highlights caste hierarchies within non-Hindu religions and examines caste’s persistence in shaping Indian society and governance. The epilogue provides a framework for integrating caste analysis into public policy to address socio-cultural realities.
Ahmad provides a detailed overview, noting the book’s depth in addressing caste as a pervasive societal force but also pointing out areas needing further exploration
DECODING SDG LOCALIZATION IN SELECTED STATES Shravani Thota, Muskan Jaiswal, Rishabh Dev Bhardwaj, Avika Kamboj, Rajlakshmi Anand Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Localization; Global Indicator Framework (GIF); National Indicator Framework (NIF); NITI Aayog; MoSPI; Scheme; Policy; Delhi; Telangana; Uttar Pradesh; West Bengal. On 25th September (2015), the UNGA adopted the document titled “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, comprising 17 SDGs and 169 targets. This stands as the de-facto international obligatory cornerstone for the sustainable ‘one earth, one future’ solution, where countries are expected to reorient their domestic spending priorities. At the global level, the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) established the Inter-agency and Expert Group (IAEG) to devise and monitor the Global Indicator Framework (GIF). Accordingly, in sync with GIF, the Indian Ministry of Statistics and Policy Implementation (MoSPI) has developed the National Indicator Framework (NIF), to monitor the progress of the SDGs realization at the national level. Following the row, the States/UTs are processing with their tailored sub-national monitoring operation, i.e. the State Indicator Framework (SIF) and District Indicator Framework (DIF). As per the Indian model of SDG localization promoted by NITI Aayog, the progress of States and Union Territories (UTs) as of 2024 is outlined in the tabular data (Fig. NITI Aayog, 2024). Here, the selection criterion for inclusion of Indicators in NIF includes – ‘relevance to SDG targets, ‘national priorities’, ‘data availability’, and ‘policy significance’. For each indicator, the NIF specifies data sources and periodicity. These data sources include official government statistics from various surveys, administrative data, and censuses. Responsibility for data collection and reporting rests with the concerned line Ministries and Departments. NIF is evolving in nature like the GIF. Consequently, the GOI has established a High-level Steering Committee (HLSC) on SDGs under the Chairmanship of the Chief Statistician of India (CSI) and Secretary, MoSPI to review and refine the NIF periodically. This Committee comprises members from NITI Aayog, MHA, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, MoEFCC, Ministry of Finance, and the MoSPI. Area Parameter No. of States Completed (Out of 28) No. of UTs Completed (Out of 8) Vision/Roadmap SDG vision document 23 4 Coordination Mapping of SDG targets with schemes and departments 25 3 Mechanism for coordination with line departments at the State level 26 6 Formation of Working Groups/Committees/Task Forces 24 5 Monitoring and Reporting SDG cell/centre/team at the State level 25 1 State Indicator Framework 16 1 District Indicator Framework 6 1 Block Indicator Framework 6 1 Dashboard developed 16 1 Budgeting SDGs linked to budget allocation 11 1 Capacity Building Capacity building/training of officials 24 1 Involvement of CSOs/CSR in awareness generation and capacity building 15 2 In the recently released NITI Aayog SDG India Index 2023-24, the overall SDG score for the country stands at 71, a significant improvement from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018 (Baseline Report), here all the state’s scores have improved. Following are the selected states’ composite scores – i.) Delhi- 70; ii.) Telangana: 74; iii.) Uttar Pradesh: 67; iv.) West Bengal: 70. Delhi (A.) Profile: Officially known as the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, is India’s capital and one of its most populous urban centers. According to the 2011 Census, Delhi had a population of 16,787,941. The NCT covers an area of 1,483 square kilometers and comprises 11 districts, 3 municipal corporations, and 272 municipal wards. Additionally, it has 1,799 urbanized villages and several gram panchayats under its administrative framework (Government of NCT of Delhi, n.d.). (B.) Institutional framework for SDGs Monitoring/Coordination: The Planning Department has been designated as the nodal authority for SDGs, with its Director serving as the Nodal Officer. The Delhi Vision 2030 document has been developed to align the city’s developmental strategies with the SDGs. More than 1,500 unique and SMART indicators have been mapped to various schemes and programs, ensuring a structured approach toward sustainable development. The framework includes 15 goals and 264 indicators to monitor and track progress (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 2022). Delhi has also established a digital infrastructure for real-time SDG tracking and monitoring. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with the United Nations Regional Coordinator Office, has launched an SDG Dashboard to facilitate real-time data visualization and progress reporting. Various IT applications have been developed to enhance outcome-based budgeting linked to SDG objectives. The Planning Department ensures the effective integration of SDGs across government departments, aligning the region’s policies with the National Indicator Framework (Government of NCT of Delhi, n.d.). (C.) SDG-wise Existing Schemes – SDG 1: The Mukhyamantri Covid-19 Pariwar Arthik Sahayata Yojana. SDG 2: Zero HungerThe Mid-Day Meal Scheme ensures nutrition for school children, while initiatives under the Department of Women and Child Development support nutrition for children under six and pregnant/lactating mothers. SDG 3: Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics provide accessible primary healthcare services, improving overall health outcomes. SDG 4: The Chunauti Initiative focuses on improving learning outcomes in government schools, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. SDG 5: The Ladli Scheme offers financial assistance to girl children from economically weaker sections, promoting their education and empowerment. SDG 6: Projects under the Delhi Jal Board aim to provide clean drinking water and improve sanitation infrastructure. SDG 7: The Delhi Solar Policy encourages the adoption of solar energy, promoting sustainable energy solutions. SDG 8: The Rozgar Bazaar Portal connects job seekers with employers, fostering economic growth and employment generation. SDG 9: The Delhi Startup Policy supports innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a conducive startup ecosystem. SDG 11: The Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana focuses on providing affordable housing to economically weaker sections, ensuring sustainable urban development. SDG 13: The Odd-Even Traffic Scheme aims to reduce vehicular pollution, contributing to climate action efforts. SDG 16: The Delhi Commission for Women works toward preventing harassment and violence against women through dedicated law enforcement initiatives. These initiatives reflect Delhi’s commitment to localizing SDGs and achieving sustainable development across various sectors. Telangana (A.) Profile: Telangana has 33 districts and a population of
Witness Protection Scheme – Supreme Court’s initiative to bring justice -Aryan Thakur, Adv.Deevaina, Vaishali Jaiswal Justice is similar to coal, and witnesses serve as one of those artisans who contribute their own insights and observations to aid the victim carve out the diamond, but jeopardy is put to their life. Why was the need felt to protect the witnesses? “Witness” as addressed by the Apex court of the land is the individual who has first-hand knowledge of the incident occurred who communicates that knowledge to the court of law either in oral or written format based on his direct observation to the act committed. But this costed life of many intimidations of witness, killings, threats, leading to hostile witness and compromised trials. Due to which justice was not served in the manner it should have been which brought failed prosecution, wrongful acquittals and loss of public trust in the legal system. Witness have lost their right to life and liberty in cases involving high profile criminals, having connection with the political leaders or criminal syndicates which uses the witness’s weakness and turn them hostile either by fear or money. Viewing the compromising state of being a main witness Supreme Court brought in The Witness Protection scheme 2018, which is an initiative to save the witness and bring faith in the judiciary. Overview of The Witness Protection scheme Aim: Prevent witness from turning hostile due to any kind of fear. Categories of witness which are recognized based on threat levels i;e A) life threatening danger B) Reputation, Safety or property at stake C) Threat during investigation or trails having no immediate danger. The key highlights of the scheme are Identity Protection. Police security, Escort services and home surveillance. Relocation or change of identity. Video conferencing for testimony. State witness protection Fund. Implementation and challenges By submitting a protection request, assessing the threat, and assigning security measures including in-camera trials, police cover, identity change, and relocation, the Witness Protection Scheme is put into action. Authorities ensure proper execution through funding, supervision, and regular evaluations. Effective deployment requires resource allocation, quick processing, and strict enforcement for witness protection[2]. By ensuring their safety and encouraging truthful testimony, the 2018 Witness Protection Scheme aims to shield witnesses who are in danger. Its execution includes protection requests, threat assessments, and security measures such as in-camera trials, police cover, identity change, and relocation. However, discrepancies are caused by a number of factors, including bureaucratic delays, geographic imbalances, political interference, and inadequate funding. Uneven implementation reduces its effectiveness, and many witnesses are still unaware of their rights. Ensuring consistent and efficient execution requires bolstering legal support, expanding financing, and simplifying processes. Justice, fair trials, and the rule of law depend on a strong protection system. Implementing the 2018 Witness Protection Scheme is hampered by a number of issues. While bureaucratic delays slow down urgent protection needs, a lack of funding and resources hinders effective implementation[3]. Rural witnesses are more vulnerable due to regional injustices and poor infrastructure. Its effectiveness is diminished by inconsistent application, and many witnesses are still unaware of their rights. Increasing funding, streamlining procedures, and fortifying legal support are all necessary to guarantee reliable and effective execution. A robust protection system is necessary to uphold justice, fair trials, and the rule of law[4]. Though Indian Judiciary safeguards the witnesses with the help of the scheme still it remains voluntary on the part of authorities and discretion of the court as it lacks legal backing as parliament has not converted it into law. The 2023 bill presented to Rajya Sabha stays in back books waiting for a legislative action to it. A Comparative Analysis of Witness Protection: India versus International Practices Overview of Key Differences Legal Foundation Indian witness protection frameworks exist mainly through the Witness Protection Scheme of 2018, which the country introduced within the last decade. International jurisdictions established robust legal frameworks representing decades of development throughout their jurisdictions. The United States runs its witness protection program under the Organized Crime Control Act, and Australia uses the Witness Protection Act 1994. The different bases for legal authority shape how protection measures operate and affect their levels of enforceability and effectiveness. Implementation Structure and Control The U.S. WITSEC program, along with international protection programs, exercises its control through dedicated federal agencies to ensure consistency and maintain accountability operations. India’s response mechanism works through separate agencies across each state, which results in diverging implementation quality across states. The decentralized structure of protection measures causes extensive challenges for the country to maintain consistent security standards. The absence of a single governing body creates difficulties between different state agencies, which results in unreliable implementation of security protocols. Protection Measures and Services Protection services provided in India possess different levels of scope when compared to both national and international security protocols. The protection approach in India centres on physical security instead of employing strategies such as voice modulation and anonymity orders and extensive witness screening that Great Britain utilizes. International safety programs provide comprehensive protection services, which include identity alteration programs and financial support together with relocation help and psychological care. The scheme extends its support base through long-term mechanisms that help with job placements and continuous security examinations, although this type of comprehensive assistance does not exist in India at present. Resource Management and Allocation The difference stems from how countries handle the management and distribution of resources. International jurisdictions create separate budgets to support witness protection initiatives as well as specialized staff and specialized infrastructure facilities. The current resource challenges and distribution problems within India’s framework make the overall protection program less effective and accessible to potential participants. A mismatch in resource distribution impacts both protection
In India, the right to freedom of speech is protected under Article 19(1)(a) but is subject to reasonable restrictions to prevent harm, such as hate speech. Laws like Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code aim to curb speech that incites violence or communal hatred. Striking a balance between safeguarding free expression and preventing harm remains a complex constitutional challenge, especially in the digital age.
Begun in January 2001, Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan (SSA) essentially focused on Universal Elementary Education (UEE). This project under the central government ranges from capacity building, quality education through time-bound implementation plan by delegating stakeholdership at local levels. The paper examines the extent of implementation while scrutinizing and highlighting the regional outlooks focusing on the conditions of rural education in three regions – Delhi, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. To balance both, suggestions for betterment alongside few alternatives have been identified.
ABSTRACT
The BRICS has evolved its institutional and financial frameworks to enhance global economic stability. The New Development Bank, with over $30 billion in approved projects, and the $100 billion Contingent Reserve Arrangement exemplify the progress. Recent initiatives include expanding the NDB’s membership to countries like Egypt and promoting local currency trade to reduce U.S. dollar reliance. BRICS nations are also exploring a shared reserve currency to bolster financial independence. These developments signify a strengthened commitment to reshaping the global percentage of BRICS trade in local currencies to around 20% by 2025, with foreign exchange in cross-border claims rising to 15%. However, the dominance of the U.S. dollar remains a challenge.
The attached document literates a brief research about Capital Punishment, co-authored by: Rewa Sharma, Gargee Deshpande, Priyanshi Jha, and Parth Mayekar.
Sexual violence as a weapon of war is not incidental; it is a calculated strategy used to terrorize communities and assert dominance. From Rwanda to Bosnia, Ukraine to Afghanistan, countless women have suffered as tools of warfare, yet international mechanisms remain alarmingly ineffective. The failure of global institutions to enforce justice perpetuates this cycle of trauma. Despite legal frameworks, the lack of real accountability leaves survivors abandoned. If this inhuman warfare tactic remains unchecked, its scars will linger far beyond the battlefield. Urgent action is needed to create survivor-focused solutions and enforce meaningful consequences for perpetrators.
