News: Recently, contrary to the predominant market expectations that the status quo will be maintained by RBI on the monetary policy, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) surprised everyone. The body has reinforced the de facto normalisation, which had already started in November 2021. Contents1 What has been announced by the RBI? 2 What are the reasons… Continue reading RBI shift on monetary policy
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
To begin with, the UGC needs to get the credits right
News: Recently, in pursuance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, various documents related to a four-year undergraduate degree programme have been released for discussion. These are the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), the Learning Outcomes-Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF), and the draft National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) document issued by University Grant Commission (UGC). Contents1 How… Continue reading To begin with, the UGC needs to get the credits right
Fulfilling the potential of the Bay of Bengal community
News: Recently, the fifth summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was concluded in Colombo. The organization is also celebrating its 25th year of the formation, which was launched in 1997. What were the outcomes of the summit? The summit had three important outcomes: – Expanding the grouping’s… Continue reading Fulfilling the potential of the Bay of Bengal community
Closing the gaps in criminal justice
News: Recently, the Supreme Court observed certain deficiencies and inadequacies which occur during the course of criminal trials. Therefore, the court has issued certain guidelines in this regard. Further, the essential notification and the necessary changes has been issued by the Guwahati High Court in January 2022. What directions have been given by the Supreme Court? … Continue reading Closing the gaps in criminal justice
Celebrating India’s contribution to the world of knowledge
Context: Recently there have been debates and discussion over India’s contribution and achievements in various domains of knowledge. The debates arose because despite immense contributions, India’s achievements remain unattributed and uncelebrated despite 5,000 years old civilization. The topic became more important as India is going to celebrate its 75 years of Independence. What have been… Continue reading Celebrating India’s contribution to the world of knowledge
Safeguard Aadhar: CAG’s audit of UIDAI reveals worrisome laxity. It needs to improve fast
News: CAG presented its performance audit of Aadhaar’s regulator, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The audit covered its mature phase, from 2014-15 to 2018-19. CAG’s audit portrays an unsatisfactory picture of the systems and processes in UIDAI. How does the UIDAI function? UIDAI operates Aadhar through a layer of subcontractors. So, when an applicant’s… Continue reading Safeguard Aadhar: CAG’s audit of UIDAI reveals worrisome laxity. It needs to improve fast
On fire hazard from e-vehicles: Read the smoke signals
News: Safety concerns have emerged after several recent incidents in which e-scooters have caught fire, causing panic and loss of life. While the government has ordered an enquiry, the authorities must review and reorder the road-safety ecosystem. Contents1 What are the reasons behind fire incidents?2 What are some issues with battery packs used in e-vehicles… Continue reading On fire hazard from e-vehicles: Read the smoke signals
Biogas: A sustainable solution for curbing pollution, improving livelihoods & enhancing quality of life
News: Pollutants emitted due to the burning of fossil fuels and biomass not only affect the health of people, but are also responsible for climate change. The organic portion of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) produces Methane, when dumped improperly, like in landfills. Disposing of organic wastes in landfills or burning trash is an environmental… Continue reading Biogas: A sustainable solution for curbing pollution, improving livelihoods & enhancing quality of life
The manacles of caste in sanitation work
Context: Even today, the Indian government and civil society continue to grapple with the inhuman nature of manual scavenging. While in 1993, the government promulgated an Act to stop construction of unsanitary dry latrines and employing manual scavengers, the problem still continues. Issues with the Act: Problematic descriptions: The act defined dry latrine as “latrine… Continue reading The manacles of caste in sanitation work
Big headache: Minor offences majorly clog courts and harass individuals and businesses. Decriminalise them
News: The GoI has given a renewed push to decriminalize minor offenses. It has the potential to clog courts, promote ease of doing business and relieve citizens fighting criminal cases for non-serious violations. Example – In 2020 provisions of the Companies Act were decriminalized. Examples of laws causing high pendency: Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments… Continue reading Big headache: Minor offences majorly clog courts and harass individuals and businesses. Decriminalise them
