News: Surprising many, India announced its net-zero target, including many other new commitments, at the recently held COP 26 meeting in Glasgow. This has established India as a world leader in fighting the climate change crisis. But, there is a gap between what the government says on the international stage and what it does at home.… Continue reading On COP26: Home truths on climate change
Author: Luv Sharma
On USO Fund: Speed up broadband roll-out
News: It has been almost two decades since the Union government’s telecom policy set aside 5% of its receipts from the sector towards the Universal Service Obligation (USO) fund. The USO fund now totals in excess of Rs 1 trillion. The management of this fund is often in question. Also, in light of the size… Continue reading On USO Fund: Speed up broadband roll-out
A global gateway to creating links, not dependencies
News: With its new Global Gateway strategy, the European Union is showing how it can aid investors, partners and people, without any debt traps, and with projects that are sustainable and serve the needs of local populations. What is the Global Gateway strategy? – Read here How EU is forging global partnerships with various countries?… Continue reading A global gateway to creating links, not dependencies
Fathoming the new world disorder
News: The inconclusive wars the U.S. fought in recent years has allowed its regional rivals an opportunity wherein they are trying to maximise their influence, even at the risk of triggering more conflicts. This transition, from American unipolarity into something that is still unknown, has put America in a strategic dilemma: Should it stay focused… Continue reading Fathoming the new world disorder
RBI Governor, PM signal reforms in trouble-prone urban co-operative banks
What is the news? Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has indicated that the banking regulator will bring in sweeping regulatory changes to reform urban co-operative banks. The Prime Minister, the Union Finance Minister and the Governor were present at an event to mark the payment of nearly ₹1,300 crore to over 1 lakh depositors… Continue reading RBI Governor, PM signal reforms in trouble-prone urban co-operative banks
SC says scribes should not suffer for reporting on what is already in public domain
What is the news? The Supreme Court in an order has urged the political class to be more tolerant of each other’s opinion while maintaining a temperate language in their critiques. Background: The order came after West Bengal informed the court that it had no objection to the quashing of FIRs registered on the basis… Continue reading SC says scribes should not suffer for reporting on what is already in public domain
Watch for secretive behaviour, tendency to switch screens: govt advisory on online gaming among children
What is the news? The Centre has issued an advisory to parents and teachers on the threats posed by online gaming, observing that the closure of schools due to the lockdown has caused an increase in children using cell phones and the internet. Issued by: Ministry of Education It comes days after Rajya Sabha Chairman… Continue reading Watch for secretive behaviour, tendency to switch screens: govt advisory on online gaming among children
Despite risks, there’s great potential in cryptocurrencies
News: Reports indicate that the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, is to be introduced in this winter session of Parliament. While it is unclear what the Bill will contain, if India goes the China route and bans cryptocurrencies, it would be unfortunate. What is the way forward? – The underlying blockchain… Continue reading Despite risks, there’s great potential in cryptocurrencies
What true MSP means
News: Farms laws have been repealed by the Govt. Further, it has also conceded to the demand of the unions to set up a committee to ensure minimum support prices (MSP) for all farmers along with other assurances. Amongst them, perhaps the most controversial and ambiguous is the demand for a guarantee of MSP. As… Continue reading What true MSP means
Rising inequality in India – Explained, Pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What are the key findings of the Inequality report?3 What are the different forms of inequality prevalent in India?4 What are the reasons behind high inequality in India?5 What are the implications of inequality?6 What is the way forward? Introduction The latest World Inequality Report has pointed to rising… Continue reading Rising inequality in India – Explained, Pointwise
