Source: This post is based on the article “Vasudev Devadasan writes: The conflict between free speech and consent” published in The Indian Express on 5th Jul 22. Syllabus: GS2 – Government policies and interventions Relevance: Sharing of non-consensual intimate images News: The Delhi High Court in Mrs. X v Union of India is confronted with… Continue reading Vasudev Devadasan writes: The conflict between free speech and consent
Author: Luv Sharma
Govt’s move to tax fuel export will impact policy change in energy sector
News: Recently, the government has imposed export taxes on fuels, and a cess on domestic crude production. Background Lower domestic prices have incentivised refiners to export products at higher prices, resulting in domestic fuel shortages. Before announcements, the fiscal deficit was tracking around Rs 2.2 trillion. It was above budget estimates due to higher subsidies and… Continue reading Govt’s move to tax fuel export will impact policy change in energy sector
The WTO’s leaky boat may be our best hope in a storm
News: In recent months, Russia’s incursion into Ukraine’s sovereign territory has led to new arrangements in the geo-economic and geopolitical arena. Contents1 What are the new arrangements or consequences?2 What are the reasons for such re-arrangement?3 What are the challenges to India’s wheat export ban decision?4 Other related challenges What are the new arrangements or… Continue reading The WTO’s leaky boat may be our best hope in a storm
After Ukraine, the new energy disorder
News: The Ukrainian crisis has radically altered the contours of the global energy landscape. It has created a tangle of relationships and issues for India. What are the issues involved? The petroleum market is tight and prices are ratcheting up. For example, Oil prices are close to $120/bbl. India is now a major purchaser of… Continue reading After Ukraine, the new energy disorder
Ashok Gulati and Ritika Juneja write: Why rice and wheat bans aren’t the answer to inflation
News: Earlier, the government banned wheat exports to check the potential rise in prices in the face of low procurement. But now, there are reports that the government is mulling a ban on rice exports to tame inflation. The wheat and rice exports ban was also done in 2007-08, in the wake of the global… Continue reading Ashok Gulati and Ritika Juneja write: Why rice and wheat bans aren’t the answer to inflation
Don’t count hybrids out of the race to go greener
Context: Maruti Suzuki’s chairman recently said that hybrid technology, natural gas and biofuels offer a better path towards a cleaner future than fully-electric cars. Globally, many electric models have hit the streets. Even in India, MG Motors, Hyundai and Tata Motors offer vehicles that liberate users from petrol or diesel refills. However, both India’s and… Continue reading Don’t count hybrids out of the race to go greener
Why is defection a non-issue for voters?
News: Recently, India has seen a political drama in Maharashtra in which 37 Shiv Sena legislators were involved in defection. Anti-Defection Laws in India It is not new to Indian politics, and has been around for a long time. It is a routine exercise in Indian politics. There have been several attempts to strengthen laws… Continue reading Why is defection a non-issue for voters?
Breather for NGOs
News: The Centre has recently amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules. These modifications are a welcome step after the escalation of restrictions on the NGO sector since 2015. What are the modifications introduced? The government extended to September 30 the validity of FCRA entities whose five-year permits would lapse between July 1 and… Continue reading Breather for NGOs
Explained: How Kerala has struggled to identify buffer zones around its protected forests
News: For over a month now, Kerala farmers living along the Western Ghats have been protesting a June 3 directive of the Supreme Court for setting up buffer or eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) for all protected forests in the country. What is the Supreme Court order? The SC in its order has said national parks, wildlife sanctuaries… Continue reading Explained: How Kerala has struggled to identify buffer zones around its protected forests
There Are Cracks In Brics & Trouble For India
Context: Amid the evolving geopolitical situation, the BRICS mechanism appears to be undergoing an identity crisis. There is a deepening contradiction at the heart of the grouping, which is likely to result in extremely difficult choices for Indian foreign policy. What are the major pillars of BRICS? Historically, the group’s agenda was not just economic,… Continue reading There Are Cracks In Brics & Trouble For India
