Simple, but brilliant: on Nobel Prize for Chemistry

Synopsis: This year’s Nobel Prize for Chemistry is awarded for the discovery of an efficient, “precise, cheap, fast and environmentally friendly” concept of catalysis asymmetric organocatalysis. Read – What is asymmetric organocatalysis? Significance of discovery Simpler: This concept for making molecules is simpler than one could ever imagine. Accelerating research: The multitudes of new organocatalysts… Continue reading Simple, but brilliant: on Nobel Prize for Chemistry

There’s an urgent need to clean up the World Bank and IMF

Synopsis: Wrongdoings of WB and IMF, unsuitability of heads of these institutions, various steps that these institutions need to take to maintain their credibility and legitimacy  Introduction  Head of the World Bank and IMF are selected under the dual monopoly selection procedure wherein only an American can head the World Bank and only a European can head the… Continue reading There’s an urgent need to clean up the World Bank and IMF

The farmers’ movement is no longer about the three controversial farm laws

Synopsis: Despite the Supreme Court issuing a stay on the controversial farm laws passed by the govt, the protests which started against them, have carried on. They are now less about the farm laws but more about the issues and problems being faced by our farmers since long. A brief look at some of these… Continue reading The farmers’ movement is no longer about the three controversial farm laws

A host of challenges greets India’s new Air Chief

Synopsis: The IAF has played a stellar role in defending India. The squadron strength of the Air force is depleting. We need a quality and quantity check of its operational assets before pushing for the creation of theatre commands. Introduction Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari assumed office as Chief of Air Staff on September… Continue reading A host of challenges greets India’s new Air Chief

Seeding a data revolution in Indian agriculture

Synopsis: Two consultation paper, one by the Ministry of Agriculture and the other by Bain were released recently. They both talk about leveraging digital technology for helping farmers and supporting their livelihoods. Introduction The first consultation paper is on the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW). It talks… Continue reading Seeding a data revolution in Indian agriculture

Our automobile sector needs a hearty dose of tax relief

Synopsis: Due to a demand slump and reluctance shown by entrepreneurs to invest in the auto industry, it is going through a rough phase. This sector can be a key driver for the future economic growth of India. Introduction Indian auto industry suffered yet another setback when the renowned automaker, Ford Motors, decided to exit… Continue reading Our automobile sector needs a hearty dose of tax relief

Will a bad bank fix India’s broken banking system?

Synopsis: Last month, the Union government set up the National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) under the Companies Act. Two experts, Ajit Ranade  and C.P. Chandrasekhar, discuss the bad bank proposal. We list out the key points. Must Read: NARCL: Need and Challenges – Explained, pointwise What is the need to bail out banks?  There… Continue reading Will a bad bank fix India’s broken banking system?

Decentralised renewable energy solutions offer great promises for healthcare facilities

Synopsis: In facilitating access to affordable RTPV electricity in public healthcare facilities, India can achieve the twin objective of greening the economy and transforming the healthcare infrastructure so that it can provide affordable health services. Introduction It has been a big challenge for our health infrastructure to deal with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Apprehension… Continue reading Decentralised renewable energy solutions offer great promises for healthcare facilities

Stronger at the grassroots: On strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions

Synopsis: About PRIs, role played by them in COVID-19 crisis, need to build their capacity further so that they can deal with these kinds of situations in stronger way. Introduction  The Panchayati Raj was first adopted by Nagaur in Rajasthan on October 2, 1959. It has expanded vastly. There are now 2,60,512 Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) represented by about 31 lakh elected members across… Continue reading Stronger at the grassroots: On strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions

The recent QES estimates are unreliable 

Synopsis: New Quarterly Employment Survey, its key findings, various challenges associated with the survey and the way forward  Introduction  Recently, the Ministry of Labour and Employment released the results of a new Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) for April-June 2021 for the organized (formal) sector.  It represents establishments employing ten or more workers. The surveyed sectors were manufacturing, construction,… Continue reading The recent QES estimates are unreliable 

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