Source: Times of India, Indian express Synopsis: Northeast needs creative solutions like building economic and technology hubs in contested zones. Further, the contested areas should be administered by a central agency to prevent future claims and counter-claims. Background: Recent border clashes on Assam-Mizoram Border and Assam-Meghalaya border points to the failure of central and state… Continue reading Mending the British-made Assam-Mizoram dispute
Author: Kunal Khureja
Oxygen for fiscal federalism
Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article focuses upon the aspects of Fiscal federalism in India. Synopsis: A special GST rate could be levied by using the power under Article 279A. This would enable the States to raise more resources during the pandemic. Background: India has a federation with a strong centralizing policy. Nonetheless, India maintained… Continue reading Oxygen for fiscal federalism
Assam Mizoram Border Dispute – Explained, Pointwise
Introduction The violent clashes on the Assam-Mizoram border in Lailapur on July 26th are a result of the continuing confrontation between the two states. The clash came days after a meeting of the Union Home Minister with chief ministers of the Northeastern states, held in Shillong. In this meeting, it was reiterated that inter-state border… Continue reading Assam Mizoram Border Dispute – Explained, Pointwise
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana water-share war seems far from over
Source: Business Standard Relevance: Interstate water disputes are a threat to national unity. Therefore, their resolution is of utmost importance. Synopsis: The Krishna-Godavari rivers may have their respective management boards now, but the tussle between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over water-sharing seems far from over. Background: The Jal Shakti Ministry on July 15 issued a… Continue reading Andhra Pradesh and Telangana water-share war seems far from over
Evaluating India’s options in Afghanistan
Source: The Hindu Relevance: Future course of action for India vis-a-vis situation in Afghanistan Synopsis: With the West done with Afghanistan, New Delhi needs to adopt a layered approach in finding a political solution. It has to work with Eurasian powers to protect its interests and stabilise Afghanistan. Background The U.S. is retreating from Afghanistan… Continue reading Evaluating India’s options in Afghanistan
Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time
Source: The Hindu 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 Journal Letters has for the first time spotted a Moon-forming region around a planet… Continue reading Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time
Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics
Source: Times of India 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: The Supreme Court (SC) had recently asked the Centre the rationale behind not scrapping… Continue reading Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics
The great convergence and a lag
Source: Indian Express 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: The Indian leadership will review US ties this week with the visiting Secretary of State,… Continue reading The great convergence and a lag
Cloning overcomes prejudices
Source: Business Standard Relevance: Use of technology for the betterment of agriculture 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 first cloned mammal created at the Roslin Institute in Scotland on July 5, 1996.… Continue reading Cloning overcomes prejudices
IMD may deploy cutting-edge technology to forecast weather events more accurately
Source: Business Standard Relevance – Weather forecasting is important for disaster management and reducing farmer’s crop loss. Synopsis: The ability of India Meteorological Department (IMD) is looking for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for improving weather forecasting. Background: The standing crop of Ujjain farmers got destroyed recently… Continue reading IMD may deploy cutting-edge technology to forecast weather events more accurately
