The need of the hour: A Renewables revolution

Context: Renewable energy can limit climate disruption and boost energy security. Thus, their use must be incentivised and supported. Fossil fuels are the major cause of the climate crisis. All climate indicators are breaking records. It is a strong indication towards ferocious storms, floods, droughts, wildfires and unliveable temperatures in vast swathes of the planet.… Continue reading The need of the hour: A Renewables revolution

Clear signals the ‘fringe’ ought to read

Context: Recently, after the controversy over controversial remarks on the Prophet, India’s top political and bureaucratic functionaries emphasised India’s stronger credentials as a secular democratic polity. Recently, External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval and Prime Minister made statements that emphasised India’s stronger credentials as a secular democratic polity. All these remarks… Continue reading Clear signals the ‘fringe’ ought to read

Reset mode – on GST Council Meet

News: GST Council meeting was held recently. There are many takeaways from this meeting. GST Council meet, held recently, was its first ‘regular’ meeting after a nine-month break. It discussed recommendations of four ministerial groups’ to fix various aspects of the indirect tax regime. The council ratified 3 out of 4 reports by the groups. What were… Continue reading Reset mode – on GST Council Meet

Growing reliance on MGNREGA in rural areas, elevated youth unemployment in urban areas, are worrying signals

Context: Employment scenario in India remains poor. This can be gauged by the data on work demanded and availed by households under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Worrying MGNREGS data MGNREGS data: Number of households seeking employment under MGNREGS has increased gradually. No of households availing work under MGNREGS May 2022… Continue reading Growing reliance on MGNREGA in rural areas, elevated youth unemployment in urban areas, are worrying signals

Don’t ignore the services sector 

News: India aspires to become a $5-trillion economy. It is predicated on the growth of its international trade to $2 trillion by 2030 which is equally contributed by the merchandise and services sector.   Contents1 About the Status of services and manufacturing sector2 What are the issues with the services sector?  3 Why does India need to… Continue reading Don’t ignore the services sector 

About the ban on single-use plastics: Plastic Challenge 

News: The GoI notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021 in August last year. It prohibits 20 single-use plastic items by 2022.  Contents1 About the rules 2021 2 Why is plastic a cause of concern? 3 Whether the nationwide single-use plastic ban beginning from today will be an effective counteraction?  4 What should be done? About the… Continue reading About the ban on single-use plastics: Plastic Challenge 

About NITI Aayog’s report on Gig and Platform workers: Platform economy

News: NITI Aayog has recently released a new policy brief titled “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy.” What is “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” Report? Must read: India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy What are the challenges associated with the NITI Aayog report? Issues with compensation and protections in work: This is particularly for… Continue reading About NITI Aayog’s report on Gig and Platform workers: Platform economy

Do not weaken the anti-defection law

News: The political crisis in Maharashtra again created the debate on anti-defection law. Further, the Supreme Court intervention gave undue advantage to the dissident legislators. What is anti-defection law? Read here: “Nominated members” and “Anti-defection Law” in India Supreme Court of India has described the anti-defection law as “constitutional correctives against a legislatively perceived political evil… Continue reading Do not weaken the anti-defection law

One recruit, one salary – Agnipath Scheme

News: Recently, the government of India introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces, Agnipath. Must read: Agnipath Scheme: Need, Benefits and Challenges – Explained, pointwise What are the advantages of Agnipath Scheme? From the 10th year onwards, Agnipath will yield 31,250 soldiers each year (25 per cent of 125,000) for extended service tenures. The… Continue reading One recruit, one salary – Agnipath Scheme

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