274 research outputs found
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Magnets, Minerals, and Leverage: India’s Rare Earth Predicament
Full text linkIndia is navigating a sensitive phase, dealing with its heavy reliance on China for rare earth elements (REEs) and the magnets derived from them, which are indispensable to its burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry, defense manufacturing, and semiconductors. China’s recent export restrictions, effective from April 4, 2025, have exposed vulnerabilities in India’s supply chains, prompting urgent calls for self-reliance and strategic recalibration. The imposition of stringent requirements, such as end-user certificates (EUCs) authorized by both the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Chinese Embassy, has disrupted the flow of these critical materials, threatening production schedules and economic goals. With only 2-3 weeks of magnet supply left, Indian automakers like Bajaj Auto have sounded alarms, warning of a “dark cloud on the horizon” that could halt EV production by July. Yet, amidst this crisis, India is mobilizing to reduce its dependence on China through domestic production initiatives, government incentives, and diplomatic efforts.  
When No-Code Became No-Truth: The Rise and Fall of Builder.ai
Full text linkThe collapse of Builder.ai, a London-based startup once heralded as a 1.5 billion pioneer in no-code software development, serves as a stark reminder of the perils of unchecked ambition in the tech industry. Founded in 2016 by Sachin Dev Duggal, the company promised to revolutionize app creation with an AI-driven platform that allowed users to build software “as easily as ordering pizza” using an AI assistant named Natasha. Backed by heavyweight investors like Microsoft and the Qatar Investment Authority, Builder.ai raised over 445 million and positioned itself as a leader in the AI boom. Yet, by May 2025, the company had filed for bankruptcy, its operations crippled by creditor seizures, allegations of fraud, and the revelation that its much-touted AI was largely powered by human engineer
Social Management of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Exploring the Gap and Its Implementation
Full text linkVarious crop insurance programs have been implemented by various states since the time before independence. The "First Ever Crop Insurance Scheme 1972" was the first crop insurance program implemented after India gained independence. Subsequently, numerous other crop insurance programs were implemented, including the Tentative Crop Insurance Scheme (PCIS) in 1979, the Comprehensive Crop Insurance Programme (CCIS) in 1985, the Experimental Crop Insurance Programme (ECIS) in 1997, the Trial Scheme on Seed Crop Insurance (PSSCI) in 2000, the Farm Income Insurance Programme (FIIs) in 2003, and the National Agricultural Insurance Programme (NAIS) in 1999. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is one of these crop insurance programs. It safeguards farmers from various losses they may experience before, during, and after the cultivation of various crops in various seasons. The Indian government recently introduced this new crop insurance program in the 2016 kharif season. It aims to give farmers financial assistance for unforeseen losses and a stable income that encourages them to continue farming with cutting-edge equipment and novel agricultural techniques. It also aims to ensure the flow of credit in the agricultural sector, which further aids in the nation\u27s development.
This study aims to examine the causes of the issues preventing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana from being implemented and potential methods to address them using a social management model of holistic governance. This study comprises a comparative analysis of the states implementing the scheme with those currently outside the purview of the same. This would help reveal the factors that make the latter unqualified to be considered worthy of the scheme\u27s implementation. Data from various government sources would further help locate the gaps that need to be bridged and this study would attempt to help map possibilities for the same.
A recent advancement in public governance theory is the holistic governance concept. It aims to build an integrated framework for social management and unifies the functional aspects of government departments and agencies. This study would further the current engagement with studies on implementing Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
A Critique on the Inclusion of Culture as an Important Factor in Teaching-Learning
Full text linkGuru and Gurukul were the first recorded sources of the education in the history of education system in India. Home has always been the first institution of learning for a new born child. Subsequently, upon reaching adolescence, the child is sent to a gurukul under the tutelage of a chosen guru. The purpose was to create an environment of experiential learning from a young age. This meant that along with other members of the family, the learner lived with the guru’s family and participated in the household chores of the guru’s home while pursuing academics. Living under strict regulations and following their culture, meant that the learner wasmastering both his own culture as well as the culture of the Gurukul. It taught the child life skills and respect for the values, beliefs, traditions, and practices of the Gurukul and the guru, in tandem with those of his family. While growing up in the Gurukul, the learner understood and accepted diversity as a way of life. In the nineteenth century, frequent and repeated foreign invasions -Islamic and European, brought new cultures and its assimilation impacted traditional learning methods. India was introduced to the modern system of education as enunciated by Lord Macaulay. After independence, the structure of education has undergone a change with a new National Education Policy (NEP) being introduced. The current, twenty-first-century version focuses on knowledge of culturein language teaching-learning as globalization is the buzzword and diversity is the gatekeeper. This paper intends to trace the chronological revisions that NEP has undergone and critique why the latest version considers culture as an imperative factor in Language teaching-learning. An exploratory research method will be used to answer questions on the need to understand the role of the cultures of the mother tongue and target language to gain expertise in communication in English as a second language and the Associate Official Language
New Study Reveals Australians Struggle to Afford Homes Nationwide
Full text linkIn a recent study conducted by the Parliamentary Library and commissioned by the Greens, it has been determined that the average income earner in Australia faces significant challenges in purchasing a home, regardless of location. Utilizing data from esteemed sources such as property researcher Core Logic and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the study sheds light on the daunting reality that homeownership remains out of reach for many Australians
Study of Performance of MSME Sector in North- Eastern Region of India
Full text linkIn India, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector contributes considerably to the GDP, exports, employment, and balanced regional development. This study examines the performance of the MSME sector in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India, which includes eight states, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. When it comes to any economic activity, this Region faces many challenges, such as a lack of infrastructure, inadequate access to finance, technological obsolescence, inadequate market linkages, lack of awareness and many more. The study is based on Secondary data from various official websites of the Government of India. An attempt has been made to see the performance of the MSME Sector inthe North-Eastern Region of India. The policies and programs articulated by the Government of India to uplift the MSMEs of the NER. The Study addresses the difficulties faced by this sector and will suggest recommendations to enhance performance
Drives and Determinants for Forming Farmer Producer Organization Developed by NGO: A Study in Dang District, Gujarat
Full text linkThe development of the agriculture sector has been India’s top priority since the first five-year plan. Although agriculture\u27s contribution to India\u27s GDP has fallen below 15 per cent, its importance remains significant due to the reliance of 75 per cent of Indian families on rural incomes and the vast rural population of 770million, 70 per cent of whom live in poverty. Ensuring food security and meeting theneeds of a growing population hinges on productive, competitive, diversified, and sustainable agriculture. Small and marginal farmers face production risks, and organizational models like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are emerging to integrate them into value chains, enhance their livelihoods and reduce transaction costs. This study addresses four objectives related to FPOs: discussing the concept, determining performance indicators, identifying factors contributing to effective FPOs, and recognizing traits of FPO leaders and members. The development process of FPOs is also explored. These objectives provide insights into comprehending FPO dynamics. The study draws on responses from NGO officials and members of Dang FPO in Gujarat, along with a review of relevant FPO studies, contributing to ongoing research on NGOs and FPOs in Gujarat. 
Empowering the Future: Ensuring the Rights of PreSchool Children in India Through Legal Reforms
Full text linkEarly Childhood Development (ECD) has become a critical policy imperative in India, particularly emphasising Early Childhood Care andEducation (ECCE) within the framework of rights, development, and economic returns outlined. While India recognises the significance of ECD in the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the absence of enforceable laws establishing ECCE as a justiciable right of pre-school children in India necessitates a deeper exploration and urgent legal reform. This gap hinders access to quality care and education, impacting their well-being and future opportunities.
This study employs a doctrinal and comparative approach to explore the legal and policy frameworks related to ECD and ECCE in India and internationally, providing a solid foundation for informed policy recommendations and advocacy efforts. It examines internationalconventions and the Indian constitutional context and draws comparative perspectives to assess the legal frameworks governing pre-school children’s rights that could inform legal reforms in India. It underscores the significance of a comprehensive multisectoral approach involving policymakers, parents, civil society organisations, and the private sector for effective implementation. These findings hold practical implications for stakeholders, promoting and protecting pre-school children’s rights and building a more equitable and just society for all children
Sustainable Energy Adoption Prospects for Gujarat\u27s Inland Container Depots
Full text linkUnder the Indian Sub-Continent, India has the longest coastline advantage of 7,500 Kilometers and 14,500 Kilometers of potential navigable waters, which gives India immense opportunities for logistics development. The Government of India conceptualized the SagarMala Project in 2015 to develop ports and related infrastructure. Mr. Gadkari, Honourable Minister for Road Transport and Highways, India, had advised in 2017 that “Sagarmala and Bharatmala are two different programs. But, our efforts are to present it as a garland for the whole country”. Inland container depots can connect industries in the hinterland by offering multi-modal modes of transport like - railways, roadways, inland waterways transport and dedicated freight corridors connecting to seaports. As global economies strive for growth and industrial development, they also face environmental challenges. Global trade is largely handled by ocean shipping, which is a major contributor to emissions. India, being a developing economy and thriving towards industrialization has also committed to control the intensity of emissions
