News: This week, the Government of India submitted a detailed affidavit in the Supreme Court on the issue of who is a minority, and how minorities are defined in the Constitution. About Government’s affidavit: It states about granting minority status to Hindus in Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, a few Northeastern states, and Lakshadweep. The affidavit says… Continue reading Hindu as minority: Government’s affidavit is consistent with the Constitution
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
Globalization is dying: Long may the phenomenon live
Context: Recently, the Western world came together to impose sanctions on Russia, decades old business arrangements with countries were terminated. All this came in the backdrop of COVID-19, exposing the vulnerability of globalization. Among nation-states it has led to hardening of nationalistic agendas. Countries are focusing on self-reliance to reduce geopolitical risks. Is it possible… Continue reading Globalization is dying: Long may the phenomenon live
Sound governance is a must for gender-inclusive output growth
“Good governance” is referred to as a process of enabling the accountability of decision-making and how decisions are implemented to tackle holistic development agendas. It also brings about women’s empowerment directly by boosting gender-participation in decision making. Contents1 Good governance in practice:2 Gender disparities deter economic progress:3 A case for entrepreneurship to help bridge gender… Continue reading Sound governance is a must for gender-inclusive output growth
Economic crisis in the island nation has provided an opportunity for Sri Lanka and India to deepen their relationship
News: In the backdrop of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Sri Lanka that began on Monday. Both countries are expected to sign agreements, including in defence and maritime security. This is a follow up to the $2.4 billion financial aid India has extended over the past few months.… Continue reading Economic crisis in the island nation has provided an opportunity for Sri Lanka and India to deepen their relationship
Between BRICS and Quad
News: Recently, the Chinese and Russian leaders visited New Delhi. Both developments are important in the context of India’s position over the Russia-Ukraine war What has been India’s position on Ukraine crisis? India has consistently abstained from voting on all resolutions by both the West and Russia. For example, India abstained from Russia’s resolution in… Continue reading Between BRICS and Quad
A subregional grouping that must get back on course
News: A summit level meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is going to be organized in Sri Lanka. It is an opportunity to take concrete steps to address critical challenges confronting the region. About Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue (BOBMD) It was organised recently by the Centre… Continue reading A subregional grouping that must get back on course
Towards affordable healthcare in India: ‘Jan Aushadhi’ to ‘Jan Upyogi’
News: India marked the Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2022 in mid-February. Contents1 About Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)2 What is the need for affordable healthcare?3 What are some issues with PMBJP that need to be addressed?4 What is the way forward? About Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi… Continue reading Towards affordable healthcare in India: ‘Jan Aushadhi’ to ‘Jan Upyogi’
Fixing the service: Recruiting more IAS officers is necessary, as is a real merit system and trimming of government
News: Data presented by a parliamentary committee has revealed that over 1,500 sanctioned IAS officer posts (22%) at the state level lie vacant, with some states reporting greater gaps than others. It should be noted that GoI had earlier mooted an amendment to service rules to ensure more officers are available for central deputation by… Continue reading Fixing the service: Recruiting more IAS officers is necessary, as is a real merit system and trimming of government
Common University Entrance Test won’t solve the real problems
News: University Grants Commission (UGC) recently announced the introduction of the Central University Entrance Test (CUET), which is now mandatory for undergraduate admission at any of the 45 central universities in the country. What is the need for a centralised entrance test like CUET? In India there is an uneven quality of different school boards… Continue reading Common University Entrance Test won’t solve the real problems
Detecting microplastics in human blood
News: A recent study confirmed the presence of microplastics in human blood. Contents1 What are Microplastics?2 What were the key results of the study?3 What is the significance of the study?4 Does the presence of microplastics in blood have a health impact? What are Microplastics? Microplastics are tiny bits of various types of plastic found… Continue reading Detecting microplastics in human blood
