Synopsis Diseases and outbreaks are realities and a well-functioning system can help reduce their impact. Introduction The article highlights the importance of epidemiology in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. What is epidemiology and disease surveillance? Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.… Continue reading A disease surveillance system, for the future
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
Make departments smart, first
Synopsis: E-governance holds the promise of improving local governance, but only if we pay attention to the basics. Introduction To have a smart city, there is a need to make all the departments of the city smart. In such cities, good governance is dependent on good service delivery. This requires good availability of data. Thus,… Continue reading Make departments smart, first
WHO’s new air quality standards underline the health-pollution link. It’s time policies take a holistic approach
Synopsis: India’s air quality standards were way short of WHO norms even before. The new thresholds will sharpen these differences. Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). These guidelines are not legally binding but advise to policymakers to shape their policies by prioritizing the health of the people. Read… Continue reading WHO’s new air quality standards underline the health-pollution link. It’s time policies take a holistic approach
Ex Gratia: Why GOI should pay, Compensating Death
Synopsis: The court mediated decision for COVID 19 death compensation will help the poorest. Introduction Recently, Centre on the suggestions of the Supreme Court has agreed to provide financial relief of ₹50,000 per deceased individual to families of those who died of COVID-19. It will also include those who were involved in relief operations or… Continue reading Ex Gratia: Why GOI should pay, Compensating Death
How Poshan vatikas can help bridge the nutrition
Synopsis: Self-reliance and the adoption of sustainable food systems to address nutrition security amongst women and children is needed to address the tackle the challenge of nutrition. Introduction In the backdrop of Poshan Maah in September 2021, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is keen to promote the establishment of “Poshan Vatikas” across the… Continue reading How Poshan vatikas can help bridge the nutrition
Regaining fiscal balance
Synopsis: The advance tax numbers suggest growth in revenue collection continues to remain strong. However, Central government finances would need careful management. Introduction In the current financial year, the fiscal position has improved significantly and the recovery in revenue collection has surprised many. By July-end, the government collected revenue worth over 37% of its Budget… Continue reading Regaining fiscal balance
A flawed calculation of inflation
Synopsis: The current official inflation rate does not correctly measure price rise and it needs modification. Introduction Inflation for the last four months has been worryingly high. Wholesale price index (WPI) has been above 10% and consumer price index (CPI) crossed the 6% mark. Does the official data capture the real picture? Data issues: Unlock… Continue reading A flawed calculation of inflation
How new global tax rules may reshape India?
Synopsis: The conventional global tax system is changing, with several countries, including India, imposing a digital service tax and participating in a new global initiative to modernize tax rules. Why there’s a need for new global tax framework? The new tax framework seeks to tackle digital economy firms in particular since they do not easily… Continue reading How new global tax rules may reshape India?
The importance of Quad meeting amidst current geopolitical flux
Synopsis: This article explains the previous Quad summit and the performance of Working groups and suggestions to improve Quad further. Introduction The leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States will meet for the first-ever in-person Quadrilateral (“Quad”) summit. It is especially significant as it is set against the backdrop of few important recent… Continue reading The importance of Quad meeting amidst current geopolitical flux
Judiciary must reexamine how it has viewed citizenship questions in Assam
Synopsis: NRC was designed to filter out the foreigners in India. However, this seems to be impacting the very right of citizenship of Indians residing in Assam. Introduction Recently, Gauhati High Court, while hearing the case of Asor Uddin, gave its view on citizenship. Ason was declared to be a “foreigner” by a Foreigners Tribunal… Continue reading Judiciary must reexamine how it has viewed citizenship questions in Assam
