News: There is an upcoming workshop of chief ministers and chief secretaries of Northeastern states along with Union ministers and secretaries on developmental issues of the Northeast. Since the last eight years, there has been a magical transformation of the eight Northeastern states, shooting N-E to prominence as the Ashtalakshmi of the nation. Issues in… Continue reading How the Northeast has been transformed in the last eight years
Author: Luv Sharma
Another anti-trade action
News: The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently issued a statement that all imports of paper products — from newsprint to letter paper — will require pre-registration. From October 1, according to the new requirements, imports will be subject to a Paper Import Monitoring System, which will require importers to register themselves in a… Continue reading Another anti-trade action
Of lungs, trees and sin stocks
Context: In 1987, the World Health Organization (WHO) marked ‘World No Tobacco Day’ to bring attention to the ill-effects of tobacco. ‘Poisoning our planet’ is the theme for May 31 this year, in an effort to highlight the ill-effects of tobacco on the environment. Meanwhile, large corporate enterprises themselves are making efforts to reduce the… Continue reading Of lungs, trees and sin stocks
India needs a forward-looking strategy on Pakistan
Context: India’s approach is very different from the framework that emerged at the dawn of the 1990s. Since the early 1990s, the regional and international context has also altered in many ways. The balance of power between India and Pakistan has been changing. Now, it is essentially in India’s favour. What have been the changes… Continue reading India needs a forward-looking strategy on Pakistan
Needed, education data that engages the poor parent
News: In recent years, datasets such as Pratham’s Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT’s) National Achievement Survey (NAS) have captured various types of data related to education sector in India. But, is data enough for bringing in a transformative change? The case of Rajasthan’s education… Continue reading Needed, education data that engages the poor parent
Fuelling Federal Fights
Context: The Supreme Court in a recent verdict in the Mohit minerals case stated that GST Council decisions are not binding on states. At one level, this can be seen as a reiteration of the constitutional provision that there is nothing in constitutional amendments relating to GST to force compliance with GST Council decisions. It’s… Continue reading Fuelling Federal Fights
Linking science and innovation
Context: As per Wilhelm von Humboldt, the purpose of a research university is to search for knowledge. However, it is said that such knowledge becomes more beneficial when it walks out of the university’s door in the heads of its students. Contents1 About the linear model of innovation2 Shortcomings in the model3 Importance of public… Continue reading Linking science and innovation
Power for growth
News: The coal shortage could worsen the power crisis in the coming months in India. According to news reports, an internal assessment of the power ministry shows the shortage could increase in the September quarter, which can lead to widespread outages. The domestic production of coal is unable to keep pace with rising power demand.… Continue reading Power for growth
Cyber safety
Context:The recent ransomware attack targeting SpiceJet has put a spotlight on one of India’s biggest cyber-vulnerabilities. Contents1 Why India needs to strengthen its cybersecurity architecture?2 How does a ransomware work?3 What are the challenges involved?4 What is the way forward? Why India needs to strengthen its cybersecurity architecture? Both government services and private sector businesses… Continue reading Cyber safety
Building peace and prosperity with strong BRICS
News: Recently, the BRICS Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement at a virtual meeting. And the first dialogue of Foreign Ministers between BRICS and emerging markets and developing countries was held. The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting indicated that BRICS countries will strengthen solidarity and cooperation in the face of challenges with firm conviction, and take real… Continue reading Building peace and prosperity with strong BRICS

