News: The UGC has decided to conduct a Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admission from 2022-23 in undergraduate programmes in all the Central Universities (CUs) funded by it. Background Madhuri R. Shah Committee (1984) recommended a national merit examination for the Central Universities. The govt advocates for ‘one nation, one standard’ maxim in different… Continue reading On CUET: Centralising tests
Author: Luv Sharma
Bridging the bay in quest of a stronger BIMSTEC
News: Sri Lanka is ging to host the Fifth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. It is going to be the silver jubilee (25 years of BIMSTEC). BIMSTEC members should build the momentum of collaborations in the Bay of Bengal region for the security and development of all. What… Continue reading Bridging the bay in quest of a stronger BIMSTEC
Aid Sri Lanka’s economy and not Rajapaksa’s grip
News: As per reports, Sri Lanka has sought an additional $1 billion by way of a credit line, which would be on top of the $2.4 billion aid package it has already received from New Delhi this year. India should help Colombo get past its economic crisis for the sake of friendly ties and regional… Continue reading Aid Sri Lanka’s economy and not Rajapaksa’s grip
Between BRICS and Quad
News: Recently, the Chinese and Russian leaders visited New Delhi. Both developments are important in the context of India’s position over the Russia-Ukraine war What has been India’s position on Ukraine crisis? India has consistently abstained from voting on all resolutions by both the West and Russia. For example, India abstained from Russia’s resolution in… Continue reading Between BRICS and Quad
A subregional grouping that must get back on course
News: A summit level meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is going to be organized in Sri Lanka. It is an opportunity to take concrete steps to address critical challenges confronting the region. About Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue (BOBMD) It was organised recently by the Centre… Continue reading A subregional grouping that must get back on course
Towards affordable healthcare in India: ‘Jan Aushadhi’ to ‘Jan Upyogi’
News: India marked the Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2022 in mid-February. Contents1 About Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)2 What is the need for affordable healthcare?3 What are some issues with PMBJP that need to be addressed?4 What is the way forward? About Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi… Continue reading Towards affordable healthcare in India: ‘Jan Aushadhi’ to ‘Jan Upyogi’
Fixing the service: Recruiting more IAS officers is necessary, as is a real merit system and trimming of government
News: Data presented by a parliamentary committee has revealed that over 1,500 sanctioned IAS officer posts (22%) at the state level lie vacant, with some states reporting greater gaps than others. It should be noted that GoI had earlier mooted an amendment to service rules to ensure more officers are available for central deputation by… Continue reading Fixing the service: Recruiting more IAS officers is necessary, as is a real merit system and trimming of government
Common University Entrance Test won’t solve the real problems
News: University Grants Commission (UGC) recently announced the introduction of the Central University Entrance Test (CUET), which is now mandatory for undergraduate admission at any of the 45 central universities in the country. What is the need for a centralised entrance test like CUET? In India there is an uneven quality of different school boards… Continue reading Common University Entrance Test won’t solve the real problems
The Start-up India initiative
News: Recently a research paper was released by Dublin City University in Ireland which reviewed India’s entrepreneurial policy ‘Startup India’ which was introduced in 2016. How has the program been successful so far? The study affirmed that Startup India had a positive impact in reducing regional entrepreneurial disparities. Startup India entrepreneurship outreach campaigns in… Continue reading The Start-up India initiative
A contributor, not consumer
News: Recently, A book named Atmanirbhar Bharat: A vibrant and Strong India was published which analysed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in May 2020. What kind of self-reliance should India pursue? India’s Atmanirbharta should neither be protectionist nor be isolationist. It should be a self-reliant India. India should… Continue reading A contributor, not consumer
