News: Drafters of the constitution made every possible provision for an equitable share of powers and responsibilities among different levels of government. But today, India is witnessing challenges in the federal system and institutions. What provisions are provided in the constitution to ensure federalism? 7th Schedule of the constitution: The list divides the responsibilities between three tiers… Continue reading Federalism: The Republic Day is a reminder of the spirit of federalism – and why it is under strain
Author: Ramandeep Kaur
Unemployment and joblessness: How to avert a demographic disaster
News: Utilization of demographic dividends depends on the ability of the economy to generate gainful employment. But India is witnessing unemployment and joblessness. What is the current scenario of unemployment and joblessness? India’s joblessness rate is at 7.9%, in December 2021 with urban unemployment rising to 9.3%. In Uttar Pradesh, the Labour force has risen… Continue reading Unemployment and joblessness: How to avert a demographic disaster
Anonymous on social media: The many problems of online anonymity
News: Social media handles and platforms encourage the use of anonymity which amplify various issues like fake news, online abuse etc. How can one be anonymous on social media? Social media defines anonymity as “Unidentifiable within a set of subjects” but that identity is not linear. The most common type of anonymity involves the use of… Continue reading Anonymous on social media: The many problems of online anonymity
Reforms in the multilateral institutions: A gathering storm over multilateral institutions
News: Indian Prime Minister, while addressing the World Economic Forum annual conference, talked about required reforms in the multilateral institutions to deal with the new world order. Chinese President also talked about the need for reforms to uphold true multilateralism, fairness and justice. Why are the reforms in the multilateral institutions necessary? 1) Dysfunctional system of… Continue reading Reforms in the multilateral institutions: A gathering storm over multilateral institutions
Urban governance: Democratise and empower city governments
News: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India released a report titled “state finances, study of budgets of 2021-22 “. What does the report talk about? RBI report, on the lines of 15th finance commission report, mentioned that: – local governments played a great role in combating the pandemic, but this has now worsened their economic… Continue reading Urban governance: Democratise and empower city governments
Data on sanitation: NFHS data offers a reality check for claims of Swachh Bharat success
News: Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation released the National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) Round-3 (2019-20). But NARSS data shows some discrepancies with the NFHS 5 data. What are the findings of NARSS data on sanitation? NARSS is aligned with the SBM and is implemented through private agencies. It measures the performance of each… Continue reading Data on sanitation: NFHS data offers a reality check for claims of Swachh Bharat success
Explained: The Devas-Antrix deal and its aftermath
What is the news? The Supreme Court has upheld the liquidation of Devas, whose foreign investors continue to fight for compensation following the cancelled 2005 satellite deal with Antrix. The Supreme Court has kept the $1.2 billion award in suspension. What is Devas- Antrix deal? Devas entered into a lease contract with ISRO’s private sector… Continue reading Explained: The Devas-Antrix deal and its aftermath
Explained: The Ravidassias of Punjab
What is the news? Recently, the Punjab elections have been postponed to 20th February from the earlier 14th February. This was done because of the Guru Ravidas Jayanti, an annual occasion during which Ravidassias travel to Varanasi in large numbers. Who is Guru Ravidas and who are considered as Ravidassias? Guru Ravidas was a mystic… Continue reading Explained: The Ravidassias of Punjab
Why do Indian do so well abroad
News: In times of hyper-nationalism, there comes an interesting note on who is ruling the world. Currently, CEOs of many companies are Indians including Microsoft, Twitter etc. Also, many Indians can be found heading important political positions across the global level, for instance, Kamala Harris Vice President of the USA, Yasmin Trudeau as a state… Continue reading Why do Indian do so well abroad
Deepening debt crisis in SL strokes crisis over Chinese lending
News: Sri Lanka struggling financially to pay for its imports. This raised questions about Chinese lending to the South Asian nations as part of its Belt and Road initiative programme. Why Sri Lanka is struggling financially? Sri Lanka’s key foreign exchange earners, tourists and remittances from abroad were hit hard by the pandemic. So, it… Continue reading Deepening debt crisis in SL strokes crisis over Chinese lending
