Context: The debate surrounding the comments on Prohpet Mohammad have put the spotlight on the law that deals with criticism of or insult to religion. Provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), primarily Section 295A, define the contours of free speech and its limitations with respect to offences relating to religion. India does not have… Continue reading Hate speech, IPC Sec 295A, and how courts have read the law
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
On India – Sri Lanka ties: Drawing closer
News: Connectivity between Sri Lanka and India seems set to improve, especially between the Tamil areas in the north and Tamil Nadu across the Palk Strait. The projects to link Jaffna by air to Trichy and by boat to Karaikal on the Coromandel Coast form a part of India’s development outreach to Sri Lanka. It focuses… Continue reading On India – Sri Lanka ties: Drawing closer
The fragile state of nuclear disarmament
News: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its yearbook a few days back, highlighting some worrying trends of the past year in international security. The expected rise of the global nuclear arsenal was the chief cause of concern. The comprehensive report claims that while absolute numbers of nuclear arsenal have reduced, they are… Continue reading The fragile state of nuclear disarmament
What commodities should be distributed free or at a subsidised level
News: Recently, the newly elected Punjab government’s announcement of providing up to 300 units of free power to every household. Contents1 Types of allocation of budgetary resources by the policymakers2 What constitutes “freebies”?3 What are the issues?4 Way Forward Types of allocation of budgetary resources by the policymakers (1) providing support to low-income households for… Continue reading What commodities should be distributed free or at a subsidised level
In Sri Lankan crisis, a window of economic opportunity
News: Recently, in an interview with an Indian TV channel, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, talked about significant aspect of India-Sri Lanka relations Proposal for forging closer ties between Sri Lanka and the southern parts of India – the sub-regional integration There are various commonalities between Sri Lanka and the southern parts of… Continue reading In Sri Lankan crisis, a window of economic opportunity
A poverty trend in search of an explanation
News: Recently, two recent studies, separately, from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank (henceforth Fund-Bank) estimated the consumption spending, and thereby poverty in India. Importance of measurement of the progress with respect to the reduction of poverty It is crucial to an assessment of the state of the economy of India, which harbor… Continue reading A poverty trend in search of an explanation
India’s lingering homophobia
News: Recently, the Kerala High Court sanctioned a lesbian couple to live together after they were coercively separated and incarcerated by their family. Indian society has been facing a problem of homophobia. For example, the attitude like “God made Adam and Eve; not Adam and Steve” still lingers in Indian society. What is homophobia? George… Continue reading India’s lingering homophobia
Agnipath will lead to a leaner military, savings in pensions. But there are challenges beyond the bold step forward,
News: Recently, the Government of India has announced the Agnipath Scheme for recruitment of soldiers, the majority of whom will serve for four years. Contents1 What is the Agnipath scheme2 What will be the process of recruitment?3 What was the need of such a reform?4 Argument Against What is the Agnipath scheme It will lead to recruitment… Continue reading Agnipath will lead to a leaner military, savings in pensions. But there are challenges beyond the bold step forward,
Biomass co-firing: Why India’s target for coal power plants is challenging
News: The unavailability of biomass pellets of agricultural residues is halting the implementation of co-firing biomass with coal in thermal power plants. Contents1 What is Biomass co-firing?2 What are the steps taken to improve Biomass co-firing?3 What are the benefits of Biomass co-firing?4 What are the challenges faced in Biomass co-firing in India?5 What should… Continue reading Biomass co-firing: Why India’s target for coal power plants is challenging
Patently false: WTO debate on waiving vax IPR misses the point. Equitable access needs quick tech transfer
News: The ongoing WTO ministerial conference in Geneva is discussing, among other things, a temporary waiver of intellectual property rights (IPR) on Covid vaccines. The genesis was an earlier India-South Africa proposal in October 2020. Since then, many other countries have backed the idea. Of course, as the draft says, India won’t benefit on account… Continue reading Patently false: WTO debate on waiving vax IPR misses the point. Equitable access needs quick tech transfer
