News: There has been friction between center and state over the lack of compensation cess. What is GST? It is a “consumption-based destination tax”, which means that the revenue will go to the state in which the goods/services are consumed. What are the steps that can be initiated by the state to cover the financial loss?… Continue reading A combative federalism
Author: Ramandeep Kaur
False dichotomy: On merit versus reservation
News: Recently, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of extending reservation to OBCs in All India quota (AIQ) of seats in admission to undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental courses. What is All India Quota? It is a quota that has been implemented since 1986. It is envisaged as a domicile-free quota to access medical… Continue reading False dichotomy: On merit versus reservation
Budgeting for the education emergency
News: Less resource allocation is seen in the education sector. Contents1 What is the public resource allocation in the education sector?2 What is the difference in data observed from various surveys?3 What is the impact of the pandemic on children?4 What methods can be adopted to increase access to education? What is the public resource allocation… Continue reading Budgeting for the education emergency
Setting sail for a powerful India-German partnership
News: German navy frigate Bayern recently arrived in Mumbai after visiting Japan, Australia and other countries. This move is for strengthening the relationships between India and Germany. Bayern has also participated in NATO missions and operation Atlanta in the past. Read here: India-Germany relations: After 16 years About Indo-Pacific region It is home to around 65% of… Continue reading Setting sail for a powerful India-German partnership
How the Quad can help climate action
News: After the pandemic world is cautiously opening up with increasing vaccination and businesses getting back on track. The QUAD is harnessing its energy to addressing the pandemic. Significance of QUAD The Quad was born in response to a natural calamity, the tsunami of 2004. It is unified in saving the planet from environmental degradation with… Continue reading How the Quad can help climate action
Challenges associated with the 10th schedule: How to fix the anti-defection loophole
News: There is a need to take urgent steps to fix the Tenth Schedule if the system wants to get rid of open corruption. Read more: Explained: Anti-defection law, for independent legislators What are the challenges associated with the 10th schedule? Paragraph 3: It was omitted by 91st Amendment Act, 2003. This clause protected defectors as long… Continue reading Challenges associated with the 10th schedule: How to fix the anti-defection loophole
Evolution of New India: The ground rules of ‘the one land of many’
News: The idea of India emerges from the nationalist movement and its institutionalization in the republic. On the 72nd anniversary of republic day, India must relook at the direction of the Indian republic. Contents1 How did the idea of New India emerge?2 How did the modern ideas shape new Indian citizens?3 How did Dr Ambedkar… Continue reading Evolution of New India: The ground rules of ‘the one land of many’
About the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021: Counting trees properly
News: The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021 has been released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). What is the Indian state of Forest Report 2021? ISFR 2021 shows an increase of 154 0 km² of Forest area. They also contain data on growing stocks, carbon stock, forest cover etc. The assessment is… Continue reading About the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021: Counting trees properly
Countering China: India’s long game with China and challenges posed by a ‘soft’ state
News: Chinese economy is more than five times of Indian size. Its defence capabilities are more than that of India. China is also eyeing global leadership in the field of IT, robotics, Artificial Intelligence etc. All these, place India at a great disadvantage. It is time that India should now act proactively for countering China. On… Continue reading Countering China: India’s long game with China and challenges posed by a ‘soft’ state
Ukraine Conflict: Why India needs to pay attention Russian military build-up in Ukraine
News: Russian military build-up near Ukraine can impose several implications for India. It can complicate India’s objectives vis-à-vis Russia, China, the US, Europe, and even Ukraine. Read here: India-Russia summit recognised that each needs the other, and that the drift in bilateral ties needs to be arrested What are the potential challenges which India has to face?… Continue reading Ukraine Conflict: Why India needs to pay attention Russian military build-up in Ukraine