Source: Indian Express, Time of India Synopsis: The onset of sea trials of INS Vikrant marks a historic moment for the Indian Navy, which till now had aircraft carriers, but none built at home. The brand-new INS Vikrant is 75% indigenous and is the first big-ticket example of Atmanirbhar India. Background: August 4, 2021, marked… Continue reading India’s indigenous aircraft carrier setting sail for sea trials is a historic moment
Author: Kunal Khureja
Re-negotiate Indus Treaty with Pakistan in light of climate change: Standing Committee on Water Resources
Source: Down to Earth Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 Findings of the committee in its 12th report:4 Way Forward: Synopsis: The 1960 Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan did not take present-day issues like climate change into account. This calls for a renegotiation of the treaty through discussion and deliberation among the two countries. Background:… Continue reading Re-negotiate Indus Treaty with Pakistan in light of climate change: Standing Committee on Water Resources
Why liberalism is withering on the vine
Source: Business Standard Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 Assumption made by two theories:4 Why did the two theories fail to attain liberalism?5 Suggestions: Synopsis: Liberal ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity cannot be optimised, except in small communities. Background: Liberalism is associated with mainly two popular theories. The first one is given by Adam Smith and focuses… Continue reading Why liberalism is withering on the vine
Building sites could be fined, shut under new dust rules
Source: Times of India Relevance: Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in India. Controlling pollution in Delhi will result in less pollution in surrounding regions as well. Synopsis: All new large construction sites in Delhi may soon have to install at least three real-time air quality monitoring stations and adhere to strict dust… Continue reading Building sites could be fined, shut under new dust rules
Global food systems are not thinking about women. A UN report calls for action
Source: Down to earth Synopsis: A recent ‘Action Track’ report of the United Nations has highlighted the vulnerability of women in obtaining equitable access to food. It calls for altering the unequal power structures for more inclusive decision-making in the society that would ensure better accessibility of food by women. Contents1 Introduction2 Evidence of inequitable… Continue reading Global food systems are not thinking about women. A UN report calls for action
Setting new house rules
Source: Indian Express Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 Reasons behind disorderly conduct by MPs:4 Steps to ensure disciplinary conduct:5 Why are such steps not duly implemented?6 Suggestions: Synopsis: The legislative body’s role must be strengthened and deepened so that disruption of proceedings ceases to be an option. Background: Disruption is replacing discussion as the foundation of our… Continue reading Setting new house rules
Climate emergency: Tipping points are already here, scientists warn
Source: Down to earth Synopsis: The tipping points of a Climate Emergency are already visible on Earth. The countries should acknowledge them and take urgent action towards decarbonization of the global economy and restoration of nature. Background: In 2019, more than 11,000 scientist signatories talked about the need for declaring a climate emergency. They emphasized… Continue reading Climate emergency: Tipping points are already here, scientists warn
Disregarding Parliament
Source: Business Standard, Indian Express Contents1 Synopsis: 2 Background:3 What’s the issue?4 Indian Scenario Versus Global Scenario:5 Impact of Coordinated Refusals: Synopsis: Parliamentary Standing committees must not be hijacked by politics. They are an integral part of the Indian Parliamentary system and perform an enormous amount of good work. Background: The head of the Parliamentary Standing… Continue reading Disregarding Parliament
Rethink aviation policy
Source: business-standard.com Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 Dismal state of airline sector:4 Problems created by Government:5 Way Forward: Synopsis: The government’s approach to the aviation sector in India has grown messy, confusing, and possibly counter-productive. Background: Recently the director-general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) pointed out that government regulation was slowing the aviation sector’s recovery… Continue reading Rethink aviation policy
The draw of space and nuclear technologies
Source: thehindu.com Contents1 Synopsis:2 Background:3 About the Gates Plan:4 Rationale behind the initiatives:5 Associated Concerns: Synopsis: It remains to be seen whether the new ventures of Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates will strike a chord and benefit mankind. The projects are aimed to address the issues of climate change and high reliance on fossil fuels,… Continue reading The draw of space and nuclear technologies
