Synopsis: Tarballs, how they are formed, their impact on environment and judicial & legal provisions dealing with such issues. Contents1 Introduction2 What are tarballs and how are they formed?3 What are the challenges being posed by tarballs?4 Why tarballs are being seen on the western coast of India?5 How have authorities responded to the problem?6… Continue reading Tarballs on India’s west coast: A tale of shifting responsibilities
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
RBI microfinance proposals that are anti-poor
Synopsis: Proposals of RBI’s consultative document will reduce the availability of cheap loans to the rural poor. Background In June 2021, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) published a “Consultative Document on Regulation of Microfinance”. The paper was to promote the financial inclusion of the poor and competition among lenders. However, if the recommendations of… Continue reading RBI microfinance proposals that are anti-poor
NIRF ranking does not give full picture of higher education in India
Synopsis: Recently released NIRF ranking showcased its limitation in comparison to other global rankings. Introduction Ministry of Education has released National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2021. Various lacunas are visible in the structuring of this ranking, which makes the ranking impactless. Read more: Fund and Faculty count in higher education rankings What are the different… Continue reading NIRF ranking does not give full picture of higher education in India
The challenge of going back to school
Synopsis: Guidelines on re-opening schools focus more on health measures than on addressing learning difficulties. Introduction Covid pandemic has impacted severely the education of children. With the reopening of schools, governing students is more concerned with providing sanitation and safety measures. There is less focus on bridging the study gap. What are the issues surrounding… Continue reading The challenge of going back to school
On Digital Health ID, proceed with caution
Synopsis: Government must weigh all pros and cons, learn from experiences of other countries to ensure that a good policy does not die due to poor implementation. What are some potential benefits of ABDM? – Well-organized data repositories that enable easy access to records can stimulate much-needed research on medical devices and drugs. This storehouse… Continue reading On Digital Health ID, proceed with caution
Why India needs a refugee law?
Synopsis: India has always welcomed refugees during its history. However, it has still not codified any refugee law. Law is important to bring transparency and economic benefits. India’s efforts towards welfare of refugees Welcoming refugees lies at the core of India’s secular, spiritual and cultural values. India has hosted people fleeing war, conflict, and… Continue reading Why India needs a refugee law?
Taproots to help restore India’s fading green cover
Synopsis: Forest restoration activities and why they are important. Various challenges associated with forest restoration and solutions to deal with it. Contents1 Introduction 2 What is restoration? 3 What are the key challenges associated with the forest restoration? 4 What are the solutions for protection and development of forests? Introduction Forest covers nearly 30% land surface of the earth. They provide… Continue reading Taproots to help restore India’s fading green cover
Cities are taking climate action
Synopsis: Efforts taken by states to deal with climate change, hurdles in transforming states in to a sustainable urban state and how we can find a solution to deal with the twin challenge of climate change and inclusive development. Introduction Recently, Maharashtra’s Environment Minister announced that 43 cities across the State will join the UN-backed ‘Race… Continue reading Cities are taking climate action
India should never fall into the trap of premature celebration
Synopsis: India must focus on doing things right before getting too enthusiastic over the country’s economic ascent. Introduction There is talk of the BSE Sensex at 200,000. In 2019, a year that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth fell, there was talk of achieving a $10 trillion nominal GDP by 2030. Such talk has begun… Continue reading India should never fall into the trap of premature celebration
Recurring pain: On RBI’s decision on auto-debit transactions
Synopsis: RBI must re-examine its auto-debit restrictions Contents1 Introduction2 What are the issues and challenges associated with the RBI’s move?3 What are the other alternatives available?4 What is the way forward? Introduction Recently, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) new rules controlling recurring payments on credit or debit cards came into force. The new rules… Continue reading Recurring pain: On RBI’s decision on auto-debit transactions
