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
We need an urgent national plan on electrical safety
News: With the increasing access to electricity, the issue of electricity accidents must be addressed. National or State policies or programs do not provide targets or specific resource allocation for safety, at present. Nearly all households have an electricity connection, as per reports. However, a small portion of the allocation to the electricity sector is… Continue reading We need an urgent national plan on electrical safety
Wake-up call – on Landslides in Manipur
News: One of the severest natural disasters in Manipur happened recently. The incident led to the death of around 37 people. What has happened? A landslide accident happened in Manipur, leading to deaths and many people trapped below the debris. The disaster compounded due to the accumulation of debris on the pathway of Ijei River.… Continue reading Wake-up call – on Landslides in Manipur
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
Technology is no panacea for custodial deaths
Context: Technology has been proposed as a silver bullet against custodial deaths by many. However, these solutions are not as effective as they were intended to be. A recent increase in the custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu has brought the issue of custodial deaths into the limelight. Between 2001 and 2018, 1,727 persons died in… Continue reading Technology is no panacea for custodial deaths
Strains on India-Russia defence cooperation
Context: Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, India-Russia defense cooperation is under threat. When the war started in Feb., the Indian armed forces had stocks of spares and supplies for eight to ten months. They expected that war would be over soon and supply from Russia will be resumed, however, it didn’t happen. Now, there are… Continue reading Strains on India-Russia defence cooperation
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?
