News: Omicron is spreading faster than any virus in history. Latest reports from the UK show that patients with Omicron are 50-70% less likely to be admitted to hospital for treatment. However, observations in Europe and the US show that this milder virus could still put pressure on hospitals because of the speed of spread,… Continue reading Medical postgraduates: Omicron’s Here, Doctors Aren’t
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
Judiciary is Indian democracy’s only flicker of hope
News: Even when other powerful institutions appear to be faltering and floundering, people continue to have faith in the judiciary as the last post of justice. But two issues that need immediate attention in Judiciary. These are 1. Lack of diversity, 2. The secrecy around the appointment of judges. Must read: The Collegium System – Explained… Continue reading Judiciary is Indian democracy’s only flicker of hope
Why online gaming in India needs regulation
News: Online gaming has flourished during the pandemic. The average time spent on online gaming has gone up almost 65% from pre-Covid levels. More than 43 crore people have spent time on virtual gaming. In light of this, this industry needs to be regulated in India. Moreover, regulation of online gaming will not only open… Continue reading Why online gaming in India needs regulation
In Tamil Nadu, a lack of political will to end the Palk Bay conflict
News: Palk Bay (an important marine zone between south-eastern India and northern Sri Lanka) has been a source of dispute for long. It has come under news once again due to arrest of 68 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities. More on this arrest here. What has been the history of the issue? … Continue reading In Tamil Nadu, a lack of political will to end the Palk Bay conflict
Trade defence: On anti-dumping duty on Chinese goods
News: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) recently notified the imposition of anti-dumping duty on five products manufactured in China, including certain aluminium goods and some chemicals, for five years. Contents1 What is the rationale behind this move?2 What is the anti-dumping duty?3 What are some related concerns?4 What is the way… Continue reading Trade defence: On anti-dumping duty on Chinese goods
Strengthening IBC
News: The need for quicker resolution of insolvencies cannot be overemphasised. It makes capital more efficient, improve credit culture, and help boost growth. In this light, it is encouraging to see that the government is consistently working to strengthen the IBC by addressing the emerging gaps. Recently, it proposed another set of changes that would… Continue reading Strengthening IBC
What the pandemic has taught us about the economics
News: Economy is affected by two types of shocks exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous shocks are those that come from outside the system, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Endogenous are those which come from within the system, like the 2008 North Atlantic financial crisis. What are the economic lessons that one can draw from the pandemic? The… Continue reading What the pandemic has taught us about the economics
Farm reform: the Achilles’ heel of any Indian government
News: The withdrawal of the farm laws has pushed back reforms that could have helped in commercializing this sector. The farm reforms did not introduce anything that was not happening in the pockets of the country already. Yet, reforms have been rejected for vested interests. Reversal of these reforms will hamper the growth of the… Continue reading Farm reform: the Achilles’ heel of any Indian government
Edtech’s teachable moment
News: Government has issued an advisory to citizens that caution should be exercised while using the services of companies that offer online and remote learning courses. These companies have been accused of delaying refunds, suppressing information about auto-debit facilities and luring subscribers to sign up for tuitions without explaining the financial implications. What is the… Continue reading Edtech’s teachable moment
An opportunity for Digital India
News: India is pioneering the concept of digital public goods. This provides India an opportunity to take its made-in-India digital public goods to hundreds of emerging economies across the world. Further, owing to the advantage of digital goods over physical goods, the supply of digital public goods to other countries will act as a strategic… Continue reading An opportunity for Digital India
