Context: Political debates about language convey a different picture while if we approach the subject from the other end, that of voters communicating their preferences, and the picture is quite different. What is the situation wrt preference of medium of instruction in schools in India? The demand from parents has led to a sharp rise… Continue reading Being multilingual: Democratic pressure has made political parties introduce English in schools
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
Recalibrating the India-US relationship
Context: The Russia-Ukraine conflict caught India unprepared, like in the case of Chinese incursions in Eastern Ladakh two years ago. It has also put it into an uncomfortable defensive posture. Has India’s position changed on Russia-Ukraine conflict? India’s position on the war has shifted considerably in the past couple of months as Russia’s actions and… Continue reading Recalibrating the India-US relationship
A trade deal that will create jobs
News: India and Australia have recently signed a trade agreement called the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement or IndAusECTA. What does this mean? This deal will eliminate tariffs on more than 85% of Australian goods entering India and almost all of Indian goods entering Australia. Australian exports to India of sheep meat, wool, coal,… Continue reading A trade deal that will create jobs
RBI shift on monetary policy
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. What has been announced by the RBI? The Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)… Continue reading RBI shift on monetary policy
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). How is… 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. What are the reasons behind fire incidents? Harsh summer driving conditions: The scooter fires could have been caused… Continue reading On fire hazard from e-vehicles: Read the smoke signals
