Relevance: Global and Asian Geopolitics, India-China Relations, India-Russia relations News: The confrontation between Russia and Ukraine is now raging on with no end in sight, and with its long-term implications yet unknown. What are the consequences for India? India’s initial phase of diplomatic rush is over. Its geopolitical options are shrinking as the war drags… Continue reading A war that is shrinking India’s geopolitical options
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
The technical higher education market dissected
News: During the past two years, the higher education technical institutions have seen a drop of 18.3% and 6.01% in the number of institutions and intake capacity, respectively. Background of technical higher education Much of the growth in technical higher education has been after 1991, when the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) became functional. … Continue reading The technical higher education market dissected
Digital markets must be defined well for competition regulation
Context: Digital markets operate differently than traditional markets. Hence, the rise of the digital sector has presented unique challenges for Indian regulatory authorities, including the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Further, several issues emerging from the growth of digital markets are being analysed by regulators in other countries simultaneously, resulting in a lack of guidance… Continue reading Digital markets must be defined well for competition regulation
Reforming the NITI Aayog
Context: The justification for the establishment of the NITI Aayog has been more or less disproved by the way development policies are being formulated in the present Union government regime. Contents1 Why NITI Aayog was established?2 What kind of role has NITI Aayog played since it was established?3 What are the issues invovled?4 What are… Continue reading Reforming the NITI Aayog
For a stronger navy, India needs to fast-track the submarine project
News: Recently, the French defence major, Naval Group, announced its inability to participate in India’s Project 75-I. Russian and German submarine builders have also withdrawn from this project earlier. India’s Project 75-I Under this project, conventional (non-nuclear or diesel-electric) submarines are to be built domestically. What are the issues with India’s Submarine project? Installation of… Continue reading For a stronger navy, India needs to fast-track the submarine project
The road to safety
News: Recently, The Delhi government has initiated a drive to enforce lane discipline, starting with strict compliance on the bus lane. Trials over the last month have thrown up several lessons Contents1 What are the road-safety-related problems in India?2 What are the causes of traffic, accidents, and others’ problems in Indian Cities, especially Delhi?3 Measures… Continue reading The road to safety
Direct paddy sowing reaps benefits
News: Recently, the Haryana government has announced a higher incentive of ₹ 10,000 per hectare for the direct planting of rice. What are the issues in present rice cropping practice? At present, rice growers generally use much more water than the crop actually needs. Around 40-45% of the water used for irrigation goes to paddy… Continue reading Direct paddy sowing reaps benefits
What explains India’s U-turn on wheat exports?
News: Union government has recently banned the exports of wheat. However, there are certain conditions, under which exports will be allowed: First, where an irrevocable letter of credit has already been issued. Second, one window has been kept open for the neighboring countries in the notification. It says export will be allowed to other countries… Continue reading What explains India’s U-turn on wheat exports?
Root cause analysis for the power crisis
Context: The root cause of the present electricity crisis in India is said to be the demand surge due to heat waves. However, it is not the case with other products where the private sector is involved. For example, the surge in the ice-cream demand is higher compared to electricity in summers. However, no one… Continue reading Root cause analysis for the power crisis
Fiddling with a climate response while our workers face the heat
News: Meteorologists are predicting that temperatures will rise above 50°C across much of South Asia, owing to less rainfall than usual in this period. Extreme heat and high humidity can prevent human sweat from evaporating, reducing the body’s ability to cool down, this condition is called ‘Wet-bulb’ temperature. Several Indian cities have recently experienced wet-bulb… Continue reading Fiddling with a climate response while our workers face the heat
