News: Recently, Britain formalised a symbolic “self-isolation” through Brexit in 2020. However, despite the economic shocks that were anticipated from both the COVID and the nation’s withdrawal from the European Union, Britain attracted more Indian students to its shores during a pandemic. What is the nature of the UK-India relations wrt education? Britain’s institutions have… Continue reading Shitij Kapur on why India offers opportunities in educational partnerships
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
Placing semicon diplomacy at the heart of India’s foreign policy
News: The PM of India made a clarion call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Consequently, the government announced the Semicon India programme for India’s drive for self-sufficiency in semiconductors. It aims to provide $10 bn fiscal support and other non-fiscal measures for the sector. Contents1 How is semicon diplomacy relevant to India’s foreign policy? 2 What are the… Continue reading Placing semicon diplomacy at the heart of India’s foreign policy
What Does Junk Food Deserve? Stars, Or Warnings?
Context: A triple burden of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient malnutrition, as well as overweight and obesity – is rising in India. More nourishing freshly cooked home-foods or more natural foods are being replaced by cheaper preprocessed packaged alternatives with high levels of salt, sugar and fat. These products fill the stomach, but do not nourish… Continue reading What Does Junk Food Deserve? Stars, Or Warnings?
Calibrated, coordinated action is needed by Centre & states to address the issue of high fuel prices
[ Context: A few days ago, Prime Minister said that several Opposition-ruled states did not heed the Centre’s call to lower taxes on petrol and diesel. While several chief ministers contradicted the PM, the situation is particularly challenging for both the Centre and states as revenue from fuel taxes accounts for a sizeable share of… Continue reading Calibrated, coordinated action is needed by Centre & states to address the issue of high fuel prices
Explained: Shah Faesal will return to IAS; what are the rules for resignation and reinstatement of an officer?
News: IAS officer Shah Faesal, who resigned in 2019, has been reinstated by the central government. What is the process by which an IAS officer can resign, or be put back in service? What rules govern these actions? The first Kashmiri to top the Civil Services Examination (2010 batch), Faesal’s resignation, in January 2019, had… Continue reading Explained: Shah Faesal will return to IAS; what are the rules for resignation and reinstatement of an officer?
India’s e-belt and road initiative for digital diplomacy
News: In recent times, India has discovered that its homegrown digital solutions have furthered its development agenda. Moreover, it’s also argued that these digital solutions can also support India in widening its diplomatic efforts. Contents1 India’s digitization journey2 How can India leverage its digital solutions in the form of digital diplomacy? 3 What are the key… Continue reading India’s e-belt and road initiative for digital diplomacy
India’s EU ties could pay off well if we take a discerning approach
News: On 25 April, India and the European Union (EU) issued a joint press release on the launch of an EU- India Trade and Technology Council. What is the significance? The Council will promote cooperation between both jurisdictions on issues that lie at the intersection of trade, trusted technology and security. It will augment avenues… Continue reading India’s EU ties could pay off well if we take a discerning approach
Net Zero by 2050 will hit a major timing problem technology can’t solve. We need to talk about cutting consumption
News: Many climate activists and scientists are reassuring that the climate crisis can be solved rapidly without any changes to lifestyle, society or the economy. They suggest paths such as a) Switching from fossil fuels to renewable power, electric vehicles and energy efficiency technologies, b) Adding seaweed to livestock feed to cut methane and c)… Continue reading Net Zero by 2050 will hit a major timing problem technology can’t solve. We need to talk about cutting consumption
The march of folly
Context: At present, Russian invasion of Ukraine is facing a lot of criticism from the international community. It seems Russia is not going to win the war. This is going to be very similar to the Russian and US failures in Afghanistan, and their failed interventions in West Asia. Contents1 Why is Russia not going… Continue reading The march of folly
Instant justice is not the way of a civilised society
News: Recently, there have been bulldozing of residential or commercial dwellings of people. This incident has raised eyebrows over the criminal justice system and the menace of “Instant Justice” in the case of Indian society. Contents1 Trends in the criminal justice system 2 Why criminal justice system has evolved over time? 3 What are the issues in… Continue reading Instant justice is not the way of a civilised society
