News: Over 500 trains were cancelled recently following protests against Agnipath scheme. The cancellation follows instances of arson and wilful destruction of railway property. Yet again, Indian Railways (IR) has been made collateral damage. Cancellations not only directly inconvenience millions but undermine the economy, as railway rakes transport 3.3 million tons of freight daily, mainly… Continue reading Flaming question: Why is it so easy to burn trains? Because effective RPF, local police coordination is missing
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
India buys more coal from Russia, and urea from the US — diversifying supply sources is good policy
News: India’s imports of Russian coal in June are reportedly expected to be the highest in at least seven and a half years. This comes alongside Russia displacing Saudi Arabia to become India’s second-largest oil supplier after Iraq in May. Neither of these are unwelcome developments, nor the fact that India has, for the first… Continue reading India buys more coal from Russia, and urea from the US — diversifying supply sources is good policy
The complex world of regulators
News: Recently, there has been an important change in the working of the government. Nowadays, the statutory regulatory authorities (SRAs) have become important institutions of the government. Contents1 What are the issues in SRAs?2 Some good examples of SRAs success3 How can the working of SRAs be improved?4 Measures Taken So far What are the… Continue reading The complex world of regulators
Resurrecting a dead law
News: Recently, Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is back in the news. India made a formal submission for criminalising “offensive messages” in the ongoing negotiations at the United Nations for a proposed international treaty on combating cybercrime. The language in the submission is similar to what was used in Section 66A. Contents1… Continue reading Resurrecting a dead law
A case of the court straying into the legislative sphere
News: Recently, the Allahabad High Court took cognisance of the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to dowry practice in India. Contents1 What did the HC say?2 How is the judgment different from the SC’s judgment?3 What are the arguments against the issuance of directions by the Allahabad HC?4 Argument… Continue reading A case of the court straying into the legislative sphere
Arun Prakash writes: Agnipath, between the lines
News: Recently, the government of India introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces, Agnipath. Contents1 How do other nations solve their challenges with armed forces?2 What is the main challenge faced by the Indian armed forces?3 What is the reason for the challenges faced by armed forces?4 What are the challenges associated with… Continue reading Arun Prakash writes: Agnipath, between the lines
Why North Is Rain-Starved & Northeast Is Flooded
News: After a season-long heatwave from March to May, the north-northwest and central India are undergoing a rainfall deficit, while Northeast India and Bangladesh are hit with devastating floods. For instance, Meghalaya’s Mawsynram – the world’s wettest place – recorded more than 1,000 mm of rain for the first time on June 17. Contents1 What… Continue reading Why North Is Rain-Starved & Northeast Is Flooded
The choice is narrowing the circle or widening it
News: Recently, it is said that ‘India is witnessing the progressive normalisation of minority baiting’. Contents1 About India’s Minority2 Some happenings in a related context3 What are the Consequences?4 What are the challenges? About India’s Minority Muslims are our largest religious minority. They constitute 14.3% of the total population. In terms of population, their 200… Continue reading The choice is narrowing the circle or widening it
The head and heart of secularism
News: Whether a particular religious practice offends the principles of secularism is often debated in India. Contents1 The French model of secularism2 India’s Secularism Model3 Issues of Indian Model of Secularism4 Case of banning of cow slaughter The French model of secularism It is clear of all religious considerations. It debars the public officials to… Continue reading The head and heart of secularism
The EPI may rankle but India can recast policies
News: Recently, India was placed last among all 180 assessed countries in the latest Environmental Performance Index (EPI), carried out by Yale and Columbia Universities. Contents1 Key findings of the EPI index2 What is controversial in the index?3 The Indian Government’s response4 What are the objections to various claims made by the Indian Government?5 Way… Continue reading The EPI may rankle but India can recast policies
