News: India’s imports of Russian coal in June are reportedly expected to be the highest in at least seven and a half years. This comes alongside Russia displacing Saudi Arabia to become India’s second-largest oil supplier after Iraq in May. Neither of these are unwelcome developments, nor the fact that India has, for the first… Continue reading India buys more coal from Russia, and urea from the US — diversifying supply sources is good policy
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
The complex world of regulators
News: Recently, there has been an important change in the working of the government. Nowadays, the statutory regulatory authorities (SRAs) have become important institutions of the government. What are the issues in SRAs? They face questions of accountability and excessive concentration of power. They seem to depart from the principles of the separation of power… Continue reading The complex world of regulators
Resurrecting a dead law
News: Recently, Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is back in the news. India made a formal submission for criminalising “offensive messages” in the ongoing negotiations at the United Nations for a proposed international treaty on combating cybercrime. The language in the submission is similar to what was used in Section 66A. About… Continue reading Resurrecting a dead law
A case of the court straying into the legislative sphere
News: Recently, the Allahabad High Court took cognisance of the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to dowry practice in India. What did the HC say? The High Court expressed its concern over the growing tendency of misuse of the dowry provisions against the husband and his family members. It… Continue reading A case of the court straying into the legislative sphere
Arun Prakash writes: Agnipath, between the lines
News: Recently, the government of India introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces, Agnipath. How do other nations solve their challenges with armed forces? All major nations undertake a periodic (every 4-5 years) review of their evolving national security objectives, the options available, and the economic/military means available for achieving them. For example,… Continue reading Arun Prakash writes: Agnipath, between the lines
Why North Is Rain-Starved & Northeast Is Flooded
News: After a season-long heatwave from March to May, the north-northwest and central India are undergoing a rainfall deficit, while Northeast India and Bangladesh are hit with devastating floods. For instance, Meghalaya’s Mawsynram – the world’s wettest place – recorded more than 1,000 mm of rain for the first time on June 17. What are… Continue reading Why North Is Rain-Starved & Northeast Is Flooded
The choice is narrowing the circle or widening it
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
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
