News: Recently, it is said that ‘India is witnessing the progressive normalisation of minority baiting’. About India’s Minority Muslims are our largest religious minority. They constitute 14.3% of the total population. In terms of population, their 200 million number is more than the populations in Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Some happenings in a related context… Continue reading The choice is narrowing the circle or widening it
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
The head and heart of secularism
News: Whether a particular religious practice offends the principles of secularism is often debated in India. The French model of secularism It is clear of all religious considerations. It debars the public officials to demonstrate their religious affiliation, does not permit the wearing of Cross or, if worn, cannot be shown and prohibits the wearing of… Continue reading The head and heart of secularism
The EPI may rankle but India can recast policies
News: Recently, India was placed last among all 180 assessed countries in the latest Environmental Performance Index (EPI), carried out by Yale and Columbia Universities. Key findings of the EPI index India performed better in sub-metrics such as growth rates for black carbon, methane and fluorinated gases, and greenhouse gas emissions based on their intensity… Continue reading The EPI may rankle but India can recast policies
Petty patents can boost R&D
News: Recently, India was ranked 46 in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index (GII) 2021, up from 81 in 2015. These findings corroborate are similar to findings in the UNCTAD’s Digital Economy Report 2021. Importance of Innovation Innovative activity is the key driver of competitiveness and economic growth. It is important for the Indian Economy. The innovation… Continue reading Petty patents can boost R&D
Partha Sen writes: The inflation tightrope
News: The Indian economy has been hit by inflationary shocks. The RBI failed to keep the inflation rate below the upper threshold of 6%. Only after inflation hit 7%, it raised the repo rate. Mandate of the RBI In 2016, an independent monetary policy committee was constituted. It embraced the idea of inflation-target. The Reserve Bank of… Continue reading Partha Sen writes: The inflation tightrope
Ashok Gulati and Ritika Juneja write: An oil palm plan for home
News: Recently, The World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference was concluded. It struggled to find satisfactory answers to some of the complex questions pertaining to global trade, especially with respects to trade in agriculture commodities and public stockholding for food security purposes, What are the major issues in international trade related to trade in… Continue reading Ashok Gulati and Ritika Juneja write: An oil palm plan for home
On India’s unemployment issue: Persistent problem
News: Poor state of employment creation in India is reflected in the recurrent protests against changes in the government’s recruitment policy or delays in appointment. The ongoing violent protests against the change in the recruitment policy for armed forces, which have led to a massive loss of public and private property, are yet another example… Continue reading On India’s unemployment issue: Persistent problem
The WTO restores faith in convergence of views
News: The WTO deal in Geneva confirms that it is still possible for the world’s countries to achieve a modest consensus. India has played a worthy role, even if its gains are far from dramatic. What were the difficult circumstances prevailing before the WTO’s 12th ministerial? That a deal went through was victory in itself.… Continue reading The WTO restores faith in convergence of views
How can Agnipath be made more attractive? Recommendations from 2 former army leaders
News: Recently, the government of India introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces, Agnipath. Violent protests erupted in parts of India ever since the launch of the scheme. Must read: Cabinet clears Agnipath Scheme What are the advantages of the Agnipath Scheme? a) Lower the age profile in the units, b) Create a more empowered… Continue reading How can Agnipath be made more attractive? Recommendations from 2 former army leaders
What West Seti power project can mean for India-Nepal ties
News: India’s National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) will be taking over the West-Seti Hydropower Project in Nepal, after China withdrew from it, ending a six-year engagement between 2012 and 2018. About the Project The project will be a storage scheme generating power round the year. The power will be supplied to India, either for domestic… Continue reading What West Seti power project can mean for India-Nepal ties
