Context: India’s air quality has been diminishing on the back of urban development and higher e-commerce adoption, among other factors. The cost of this progress means some of our large Indian cities figure among the world’s most polluted. Citizens’ right to clean breathable air is a fundamental need and is a critical parameter in global… Continue reading Let commercial vehicles take the lead in going electric
Author: Luv Sharma
Serving those who serve: On WHO honour for ASHA workers
News: World Health Organization recognized the immense contribution of India’s ASHA (accredited social health activists) workers by according them the Global Health Leader award. This has given due recognition to the efforts of the workers at the very bottom of the hierarchy. Why were ASHA workers awarded? The ASHAs were honoured for their crucial role… Continue reading Serving those who serve: On WHO honour for ASHA workers
The executive seems more fragile than hurt sentiment
Context: A Dalit academician, was recently arrested for an ‘objectionable’ post on the Gyanvapi mosque row. He is alleged to have promoted disharmony or enmity between religious groups (Section 153A in the Indian Penal Code) and intentionally and maliciously hurt religious sentiments (Section 295A in the IPC). His arrest adds to the trend of increased… Continue reading The executive seems more fragile than hurt sentiment
Opinion: How the Quad can become more than an anti-China grouping
News; Recently, the United States launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) before the Quad leaders’ summit in Tokyo Contents1 About the IPEF2 Importance of IPEF3 What is the response of China?4 Way Forward About the IPEF The US-led economic engagement which will promote fair trade, supply chain resilience, infrastructure, clean energy, and decarbonisation, among others.… Continue reading Opinion: How the Quad can become more than an anti-China grouping
Inadequacies of the Civil Registration System
News: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s estimated excess deaths due to COVID-19 in India which has triggered several responses. Contents1 What has been the government’s response against WHO estimates?2 System for registration in India3 What are the issues with India’s registration system?4 Impact of COVID-19 on registration5 Way Forward What has been the government’s… Continue reading Inadequacies of the Civil Registration System
A new road for India’s fiscal federalism
News: Recently, the Supreme Court of India delivered its verdict in the Union of India vs Mohit Minerals case, where it also made several observations on the GST Council recommendations Contents1 About GST Regime2 Confusions between advisory and binding nature of GST Council’s recommendations3 What are the Supreme Court’s observations in the Union of India… Continue reading A new road for India’s fiscal federalism
The ESG rating conundrum
News: In recent years, the environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments have emerged as a subject of great interest and significance across the globe. In this context, the SEBI had brought out a consultation paper on the need to regulate ESG rating providers. Increasingly, corporates are adopting higher ESG norms, and investors are preferring such investments.… Continue reading The ESG rating conundrum
Can India turn Quad into an instrument to realize its significant potential as technological power?
News: The Prime Minister of India is going to participate in the Quadrilateral Forum that brings together Delhi, Canberra, Tokyo, and Washington. The US President will visit Samsung’s semiconductor facility in South Korea during the visit. This underlines the role of critical technologies in his Indo-Pacific strategy. Importance of critical technologies They are key to… Continue reading Can India turn Quad into an instrument to realize its significant potential as technological power?
Gyanvapi: Court must follow law not faith
News: Recently, The Supreme Court has admitted petitions on the Gyanvapi mosque. At present, a controversy is raging over the Gyanvapi Mosque, which is a legacy of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (1618-1707). Nature of Indian Polity India’s Constitution guarantees the principle of religious equality and protection of minority rights. As per B.R. Ambedkar, these principles… Continue reading Gyanvapi: Court must follow law not faith
A Harvard branch in India, prospects and challenges
News: In Budget 2022, Finance Minister announced that “world-class foreign universities and institutions would be allowed in the planned business district in Gujarat’s GIFT City”. These institutions would be free from domestic regulations to facilitate availability of high-end human resources. And the British Prime Minister during his visit to India wished to strengthen the United… Continue reading A Harvard branch in India, prospects and challenges
