Synopsis: Virtual hearings started during the pandemic provided much relief. However, now focus should be on other measures like the establishment of circuit benches. Contents1 Background:2 What are circuit benches?3 The adverse impact of Fixed Location:4 Way Forward: Background: The pandemic saw the initiation of virtual proceedings in the Supreme Court. It was because the… Continue reading Significance of Circuit Benches
Author: Kunal Khureja
Appointment of Ambassadors – in US and India
Synopsis: The US administration needs to make a choice between appointing career diplomats or big contributors for appointing the new ambassadors. In India as well, there is a practice of appointing diverse people as ambassadors. Contents1 Background: 2 Why are wealthy contributors made ambassadors?3 Why shouldn’t they be appointed?4 Appointments of ambassadors in India5 Positive role… Continue reading Appointment of Ambassadors – in US and India
Governance Issues facing Private Education Institutions
Synopsis: The private educational institutions are failing to deliver optimum results. Thus, the role of the state in providing accessibility in educational institutions can’t be ignored. Contents1 Background:’2 Rationale behind privatisation:3 Concerns with Privatisation:4 Way Forward: Background:’ The two renowned faculties of Ashoka university (Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Arvind Subramanian) have recently resigned. Allegedly, the… Continue reading Governance Issues facing Private Education Institutions
The New EPF Tax Rules Should be Re-examined
Synopsis: A new EPF Tax Rules under EPF(Employees Provident Fund) contributions is under the proposal. The intended objective is to prevent abuse of process by HNIs (High net individuals), however, there are some concerns that demand re-examination. Contents1 Background2 What changes have been made?3 The rationale behind the proposal:4 Concerns with New EPF Tax Rules… Continue reading The New EPF Tax Rules Should be Re-examined
Issues with UGC’s New Undergraduate History Curriculum
Synopsis: Recently, the UGC (University Grants Commission) suggested a new undergraduate history curriculum. However, it falls short to meet its desired objectives and requires reconsideration. Background: The UGC released a new document on the undergraduate history curriculum, named Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF), 2021. The document suggestes changes as per the changing domestic and international… Continue reading Issues with UGC’s New Undergraduate History Curriculum
Sustainable Agriculture demands Optimum Water Management
Synopsis: The declining availability and accessibility of water necessitates strengthening the water management measures. In this regard, the focus should be drawn on Sustainable Agriculture. Background On March 22 (World Water Day), Prime Minister launched the ‘Catch the rain Campaign’ under Jal Shakti Abhiyan. The campaign focuses on robust rainwater conservation including the use of… Continue reading Sustainable Agriculture demands Optimum Water Management
Why India should adopt Net-Zero Emission Target?
Synopsis: India should adopt the net-zero emission target like others. It will lead to simultaneous attainment of net-zero emission and economic growth. Some temporary challenges may arise, but they can be tackled with robust policy measures. Contents1 Background:2 What are Net-zero emissions?3 Why India Need to adopt net-zero emissions?4 How Net-zero emissions can fuel economic… Continue reading Why India should adopt Net-Zero Emission Target?
Discrimination in taxing provident fund (PF)
Synopsis: The Finance Minister has enhanced the Provident Fund(PF) limit up to 5 lakhs from the previously proposed 2.5 lakh. This is a discriminatory proposal for taxing PF and should be reconsidered. Contents1 Background:2 Current Threshold limits for Provident Fund:3 Concerns with such a move4 Way Ahead: Background: The finance bill 2021 was passed with… Continue reading Discrimination in taxing provident fund (PF)
Similarities between Disinvestment and fiscal deficit
Synopsis: Selling of Public assets (Disinvestment) has similar macroeconomic results to fiscal deficit. Both increase wealth inequalities in the society and hence should be avoided. Contents1 Background2 Fiscal Strategy of selling Public Sector Undertakings:3 Relationship between Disinvestment and Fiscal Deficit:4 How does fiscal deficit increase wealth inequality?5 How selling of public assets increases wealth inequality?6… Continue reading Similarities between Disinvestment and fiscal deficit
Water conservation is must for preventing another pandemic
Synopsis: NITI Aayog has expressed concerns over the poor water quality in India. This gives a conducive environment for the spread of another pandemic through the water. Thus, it requires an effective mechanism for water conservation. Contents1 Background:2 How the virus spreads through contaminated water?3 Need for water conservation in India4 Is there any clean… Continue reading Water conservation is must for preventing another pandemic
