Uttar Pradesh’s draft population bill has an ableism problem

Source: The Indian Express Relevance: Population control measures have to be rational and focus on the welfare-based approach Synopsis:  Apart from UP’s population policy’s coercive approach to population control, it plays into the widely prevalent notion of the disabled as a burden. Introduction: A new draft Bill prepared by the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Law Commission seeks to… Continue reading Uttar Pradesh’s draft population bill has an ableism problem

Healthcare privatization has not served India well

Source: live Mint Synopsis: Our failure to invest in public health facilities has resulted in a disproportionately large role for private services in this industry.  Contents1 Introduction 2 What is the state of India’s healthcare?3 What should be done?4 Conclusion  Introduction  India opened its markets to private participation 30 years ago.  Overall, sectors dominated by private… Continue reading Healthcare privatization has not served India well

A framework for microfinance regulation that would suit India

Source: Live Mint Synopsis:  The proposed framework for microfinance regulation by RBI is a great leap forward and reflects bold thinking. Yet, expanding it to cover other elements can usher in responsible retail lending that includes but transcends microfinance. Background The Malegam Committee Report of 2011 helped establish micro- finance as a legitimate asset class,… Continue reading A framework for microfinance regulation that would suit India

Introducing Gross Environment Product in Uttarakhand: A jargon or reality?

Source: Down to Earth Synopsis: The Uttarakhand government may introduce a well-defined concept of ecosystem services Gross Environment Product’ (GEP) its objectives. Contents1 Background2 Ecosystem Services3 Ecosystem Services provided by Uttarakhand4 Concept to measure Ecosystem Services5 Way forward Background Degradation of ecosystems had led to adverse impacts on more than 60 per cent of services we… Continue reading Introducing Gross Environment Product in Uttarakhand: A jargon or reality?

Wounded mountains

Source: The Hindu Synopsis: Tourist tragedy in Himachal Pradesh points to the importance of preserving ecology Background The tragic death of nine tourists in a landslip in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is another example highlighting the fragility of the ecology of the Himalayan States. Encouraging an incompatible model of development in the hills, represented… Continue reading Wounded mountains

Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time

Source: The Hindu  Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 Findings of the study:4 About PDS 70:5 Birth of a moon: Synopsis: Scientists for the first time have spotted a Moon-forming region around a planet beyond our solar system. The research offers a deeper understanding of the formation of planets and moons. Background: A study published in the Astrophysical… Continue reading Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time

Guardrails of Privacy  

Source: Indian Express Synopsis: The allegations of targeted surveillance have a chilling effect on personal and civil liberties that are crucial for a democracy to function. Introduction: The recent allegations and reports by Arsenal Consulting and Amnesty International on targeted electronic surveillance of selected activists, politicians, journalists, businessmen, and even scientists are worrying. The sophistication… Continue reading Guardrails of Privacy  

Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics

Source: Times of India  Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 Opinion of Court on Sedition:4 Why should the government abolish it? Synopsis: With Section 66A and Article 35A ended, the government should do the same for Section 124A. It would prevent harassment of dissent and uphold the right to free speech under Article 19 of the constitution. Background:… Continue reading Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics

The great convergence and a lag

Source: Indian Express  Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 India’s Anxiety:4 Reasons behind this gap:5 Policy Shifts in Washington:6 Way Ahead: Synopsis: India and the US have an expansive new agenda for discussion. This includes not only democracy and human rights, but also Afghanistan, the Indo-Pacific region, reform of global economic institutions, climate change and vaccine diplomacy. Background:… Continue reading The great convergence and a lag

Cloning overcomes prejudices

Source: Business Standard  Relevance: Use of technology for the betterment of agriculture Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 India and Cloning Technology:4 Utility of Cloning for the livestock sector: Synopsis: The development and popularisation of cloning technology can be a boon for the Indian livestock sector, which relies heavily on buffalo milk. Background: Dolly (a sheep) was the… Continue reading Cloning overcomes prejudices

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