Synopsis: With worsening trajectory of climate change parameters across the world, an increased incidence of zoonotic diseases is also being witnessed. What are the key drivers of increased incidence of zoonotic viruses? Viruses account for almost 50% of new and emerging diseases. Since mid-20th century about 75% of all emerging viruses are zoonotic, they spill… Continue reading COP26, Covid & our species
Author: Luv Sharma
The Court’s order on Pegasus still falls short
Synopsis: Instead of constituting a committee to inquire into the allegations made in the Pegasus case, SC could have made use of other prerogative powers available to it. Introduction On October 27, the Supreme Court of India appointed an independent committee to inquire into the Pegasus case. But the court’s order still falls short of… Continue reading The Court’s order on Pegasus still falls short
How to create a truly digital public
Synopsis: Technological solutions for social services should be more citizen centric. At present these solutions are more suitable for elite class instead of marginalised class. Introduction Government has recognized the power of technology in ensuring inclusion at a massive scale. Technology is being used for social services such as receiving vaccines and rations to paying for cooking gas… Continue reading How to create a truly digital public
Run-up to COP26: Wonder rice may help reduce emissions, offer good yield
What is the news? Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Manila have come up with new DSR rice varieties. Must Read: What is Direct Seeded Method (DSR) of growing rice? Why were new varieties developed? Rice-growing is resource-intensive as it covers 11% of the Earth’s arable land and consumes one-third of irrigation… Continue reading Run-up to COP26: Wonder rice may help reduce emissions, offer good yield
Carbon removal and phasing out of coal
Synopsis: Possibility of phasing out coal, challenges involved and major issues with carbon removal technologies. Why phasing out of coal is necessary? Among fossil fuels, coal has the highest contribution to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Almost 40% CO2 emitted from the burning of fossil fuels in 2019 came from coal-fired power plants and industry. Coal… Continue reading Carbon removal and phasing out of coal
SC Judgment on Pegasus spyware case – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction The Supreme Court (SC) has appointed an independent expert technical committee to examine allegations that the government used an Israeli spyware, Pegasus, to snoop on its own citizens. Committee will be overseen by a former apex court judge, Justice R.V. Raveendran. Noting that the snooping allegations are grave and truth… Continue reading SC Judgment on Pegasus spyware case – Explained, pointwise
Why India shouldn’t sign on to net zero
Synopsis: India should not declare a net zero target. Instead it should stake a claim to a fair share of global carbon budget. Introduction The developed world is building up pressure on India to declare a net zero target at the upcoming COP26 meeting at Glasgow. But, reaching net zero by a specific time period… Continue reading Why India shouldn’t sign on to net zero
The perils of natural experiments and randomized controlled trials
Synopsis: The RCTs that have swept economics and won Nobel recognition remain rather unreliable in comparison with clinical trials. We should be sceptical about the policy conclusions of randomized control trials used in economics and social sciences. Introduction Randomized Clinical Trials have revolutionized medicine and led to many life-saving treatments, drugs and vaccines. But, we… Continue reading The perils of natural experiments and randomized controlled trials
COP 26: Greening of polar ice should top agenda; here’s why
Synopsis: Greening of the poles must be a top priority for the upcoming COP26 meeting Introduction Researchers at NASA, using 29 years of data from Landsat satellites, have observed extensive greening around Alaska and Canada, which were snow-covered lands. For the past several decades, the Arctic has been warming twice as quickly as the rest of… Continue reading COP 26: Greening of polar ice should top agenda; here’s why
Explained: Climate targets set, missed
Synopsis: Response of the developed world to the climate change issue, the erosion of Kyoto protocol and impact of three decade long climate diplomacy in addressing challenges related to climate change. Introduction The annual climate meetings have succeeded in inspiring the world into taking collective action against climate change, but they have not been able… Continue reading Explained: Climate targets set, missed
