Enforcing the single-use plastic ban

Source: The post is based on the article “Enforcing the single-use plastic ban” published in “The Hindu” on 5th July 2022. Syllabus: GS 3 – Environmental pollution and degradation. Relevance: To understand the challenges associated with the Single-use plastic ban. News: India’s ban on select single-use plastic(SUPs) items came into effect from July 1, 2022. Contents1 Why does the… Continue reading Enforcing the single-use plastic ban

Vasudev Devadasan writes: The conflict between free speech and consent

Source: This post is based on the article “Vasudev Devadasan writes: The conflict between free speech and consent” published in The Indian Express on 5th Jul 22. Syllabus: GS2 – Government policies and interventions Relevance: Sharing of non-consensual intimate images News: The Delhi High Court in Mrs. X v Union of India is confronted with… Continue reading Vasudev Devadasan writes: The conflict between free speech and consent

Govt’s move to tax fuel export will impact policy change in energy sector

News: Recently, the government has imposed export taxes on fuels, and a cess on domestic crude production. Background Lower domestic prices have incentivised refiners to export products at higher prices, resulting in domestic fuel shortages. Before announcements, the fiscal deficit was tracking around Rs 2.2 trillion. It was above budget estimates due to higher subsidies and… Continue reading Govt’s move to tax fuel export will impact policy change in energy sector

The WTO’s leaky boat may be our best hope in a storm

News: In recent months, Russia’s incursion into Ukraine’s sovereign territory has led to new arrangements in the geo-economic and geopolitical arena. Contents1 What are the new arrangements or consequences?2 What are the reasons for such re-arrangement?3 What are the challenges to India’s wheat export ban decision?4 Other related challenges What are the new arrangements or… Continue reading The WTO’s leaky boat may be our best hope in a storm

After Ukraine, the new energy disorder

News: The Ukrainian crisis has radically altered the contours of the global energy landscape. It has created a tangle of relationships and issues for India. What are the issues involved? The petroleum market is tight and prices are ratcheting up. For example, Oil prices are close to $120/bbl. India is now a major purchaser of… Continue reading After Ukraine, the new energy disorder

Ashok Gulati and Ritika Juneja write: Why rice and wheat bans aren’t the answer to inflation

News: Earlier, the government banned wheat exports to check the potential rise in prices in the face of low procurement. But now, there are reports that the government is mulling a ban on rice exports to tame inflation. The wheat and rice exports ban was also done in 2007-08, in the wake of the global… Continue reading Ashok Gulati and Ritika Juneja write: Why rice and wheat bans aren’t the answer to inflation

Wake-up call – on Landslides in Manipur

News: One of the severest natural disasters in Manipur happened recently. The incident led to the death of around 37 people. What has happened? A landslide accident happened in Manipur, leading to deaths and many people trapped below the debris. The disaster compounded due to the accumulation of debris on the pathway of Ijei River.… Continue reading Wake-up call – on Landslides in Manipur

Don’t count hybrids out of the race to go greener

Context: Maruti Suzuki’s chairman recently said that hybrid technology, natural gas and biofuels offer a better path towards a cleaner future than fully-electric cars. Globally, many electric models have hit the streets. Even in India, MG Motors, Hyundai and Tata Motors offer vehicles that liberate users from petrol or diesel refills. However, both India’s and… Continue reading Don’t count hybrids out of the race to go greener

Technology is no panacea for custodial deaths

Context: Technology has been proposed as a silver bullet against custodial deaths by many. However, these solutions are not as effective as they were intended to be. A recent increase in the custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu has brought the issue of custodial deaths into the limelight. Between 2001 and 2018, 1,727 persons died in… Continue reading Technology is no panacea for custodial deaths

Strains on India-Russia defence cooperation

Context: Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, India-Russia defense cooperation is under threat. When the war started in Feb., the Indian armed forces had stocks of spares and supplies for eight to ten months. They expected that war would be over soon and supply from Russia will be resumed, however, it didn’t happen. Now, there are… Continue reading Strains on India-Russia defence cooperation

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