Context: MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) are critical for achieving the overall objectives of economic development. During the pandemic, MSME was the worst hit sector. The sector is still struggling. MSMEs are a significant contributor in terms of industrial output, employment generation, and exports. This sector is trying to recover from the effects of… Continue reading In pandemic shock, critical lessons for MSMEs
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
India-US ties: The scope for literal common space
News: India’s 2+2 dialogue on strategic cooperation with the US has resumed. After India’s abstentions from 11 votes on the issue of Ukraine at the United Nations, and the shift of the US’s emphasis from QUAD to AUKUS, the present dialogue is very important. It will clear all the doubts related to India-US relations.… Continue reading India-US ties: The scope for literal common space
India and the U.K.: Crafting a new legacy
Context: India-UK relationship has been on an upward trajectory, exemplified by conclusion of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The agreement established a 2030 Roadmap of India-U.K. relations. What are the areas of cooperation between India and the U.K.? In her recent visit, the U.K. Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of countering Russian aggression and developing ties between… Continue reading India and the U.K.: Crafting a new legacy
State of adolescent learning
Context: Over the last few decades in India, there has been a massive government drive to push for universal enrolment, extending to secondary as well as primary school children. Successive Annual Status of Education Reports (ASER) have shown that this drive has been largely successful for both age groups, with high enrolment rates even during… Continue reading State of adolescent learning
Amending the Weapons of Mass Destruction Act
Context: The Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022 was passed in the Lok Sabha recently. The Bill amends the WMD and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005 which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, transport, or transfer of WMD (chemical, biological and nuclear weapons)… Continue reading Amending the Weapons of Mass Destruction Act
Red lines got blurred in our triage of mega risks
News: For last two years, India has been witnessing the fiscal and monetary expansion measures. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has adopted a monetary policy. It aims to prioritize price-control or inflation in India. Contents1 What is the meaning of shifting of red lines in the article? 2 Why red lines have shifted and… Continue reading Red lines got blurred in our triage of mega risks
Social media has a serious disinformation problem. But it can be fixed.
Context: Social media platforms have effectively supplanted traditional information networks in India. What are the benefits of social media? Democratizing access to information, fostering community, increasing citizen participation and reducing the distance between ordinary people and decision-makers. Why are there instances of misinformation on social media? Social media platforms have adopted design choices that have… Continue reading Social media has a serious disinformation problem. But it can be fixed.
India’s role in a disordered world
Context: Institutes of global governance are weakening. For instance, the climate crisis is unresolved, vaccines were hoarded by rich countries, and the World Trade Organization is struggling. How did the institutes of global governance emerge? After World War II, new institutions of global governance were established – the United Nations and the General Agreement on… Continue reading India’s role in a disordered world
Rethink the Bill
News: Recently, the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 was passed by Parliament. The act has replaced the Identification of Prisoners Act 1920. How is the passed bill an intrusive and dangerous piece of legislation? It will lead to forcible collection of personal data, including biometric and genetic data. Therefore, it may violate the right to… Continue reading Rethink the Bill
Why central services cannot be exempted from reservation for disabled
News: Recently, the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (Department) issued a notification. It exempts all categories of posts in the IPS, the Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli Police Service, the Indian Railway Protection Force Service, and the posts of combatant nature in the paramilitary… Continue reading Why central services cannot be exempted from reservation for disabled
