News: The political crisis in Maharashtra has brought focus back on the anti-defection law. The law has failed to provide the stability of elected governments. What is anti-defection law? Read more: “Nominated members” and “Anti-defection Law” in India What are the challenges associated with the anti-defection law? Repeated ceding of political power to the judiciary:… Continue reading Ruchi Gupta writes: The crisis in Maharashtra shows the anti-defection law to be ineffective, even counterproductive
Author: Durai
Indian laws on abortions
News: Recently, the US Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade judgement of 1973. The 1973 judgement gave women in America the right to have an abortion before the foetus is viable outside the womb or before the 24-28 week mark. According to a 2018 study in the Lancet, 15.6 million abortions were accessed every… Continue reading Indian laws on abortions
Guidelines to Regulate Child Participation in the Entertainment Industry: A first: norms to protect rights of kids working on OTT platforms
What is the news? Recently, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has published a draft “Guidelines to Regulate Child Participation in the Entertainment Industry”. The guidelines increase the scope of the guidelines to cover social media and OTT platforms for the first time. What is the need for the draft “Guidelines… Continue reading Guidelines to Regulate Child Participation in the Entertainment Industry: A first: norms to protect rights of kids working on OTT platforms
India has emerged as a major buyer of Russian crude. But some caution is in order
News: India is the third-largest importer and consumer of oil in the world. Recently, a few private-sector refiners decided to import larger quantities of crude oil from Russia. Historically India imported oil and crude from Iran, Iraq and Russia. Last month, Russia became India’s second-largest oil supplier by overtaking Saudi Arabia. About crude oil and… Continue reading India has emerged as a major buyer of Russian crude. But some caution is in order
Crude oil diplomacy
News: Recently, a few private-sector refiners decided to import larger quantities of crude oil from Russia. This is likely to impact India’s Crude oil diplomacy and diplomatic standing with Western allies and West Asia, currently the country’s top suppliers. Last month, Russia became India’s second-largest oil supplier by overtaking Saudi Arabia. Why there is an… Continue reading Crude oil diplomacy
Will Agnipath energise or demoralise the military?
News: Recently, the government announced the Agnipath scheme, which fundamentally transforms the process of recruitment of armed forces. Must read: Cabinet clears Agnipath Scheme What are the advantages of Agnipath scheme? Younger military: According to the government, the scheme will bring down the average age from 32 to 26. Introduce new kinds of modern equipment to… Continue reading Will Agnipath energise or demoralise the military?
Can Data Surveillance Prevent The Next Pandemic?
News: Bill Gates advocates “Outbreaks are inevitable but pandemics are optional.” According to him, the next outbreak may turn out to be even more deadly and destructive. He also mentions right now is the best time to start preparing for the next virus and prevent the next pandemic. About the status of some infectious diseases… Continue reading Can Data Surveillance Prevent The Next Pandemic?
Fiscal weakness – State finances can impede growth
News: State governments indulge in most of the general government spending (including the central government). According to a recent Reserve Bank of India(RBI) study, five states namely, Bihar, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal figure among the most stressed states fiscally. The study has highlighted 10 vulnerable states based on their debt stock in 2020-21. These… Continue reading Fiscal weakness – State finances can impede growth
GVC restructuring: China’s zero Covid policy & India’s opportunity
News: Just after reopening the complete lockdown, Shanghai reimposed a fresh, partial Covid-19 lockdown again. This shows China’s zero-tolerance strategy toward Covid-19. The lockdown provides another opportunity for global value chain (GVC) restructuring and relocation. India should utilise this opportunity and must attract relocating supply chains. What are the phases of GVC restructuring? Global financial… Continue reading GVC restructuring: China’s zero Covid policy & India’s opportunity
Do We Need Geoengineering & What Are The Risks?
News: With record-breaking heatwaves hitting many parts of the world, scientific circles have been debating whether countries should prepare to deploy geoengineering technologies to deal with such climate emergencies or not. What is Geoengineering? Geoengineering is an umbrella term for various experimental technologies designed to deliberately alter the climate system to reduce the impacts of… Continue reading Do We Need Geoengineering & What Are The Risks?
