News: Over 500 trains were cancelled recently following protests against Agnipath scheme. The cancellation follows instances of arson and wilful destruction of railway property. Yet again, Indian Railways (IR) has been made collateral damage. Cancellations not only directly inconvenience millions but undermine the economy, as railway rakes transport 3.3 million tons of freight daily, mainly… Continue reading Flaming question: Why is it so easy to burn trains? Because effective RPF, local police coordination is missing
India buys more coal from Russia, and urea from the US — diversifying supply sources is good policy
News: India’s imports of Russian coal in June are reportedly expected to be the highest in at least seven and a half years. This comes alongside Russia displacing Saudi Arabia to become India’s second-largest oil supplier after Iraq in May. Neither of these are unwelcome developments, nor the fact that India has, for the first… Continue reading India buys more coal from Russia, and urea from the US — diversifying supply sources is good policy
The complex world of regulators
News: Recently, there has been an important change in the working of the government. Nowadays, the statutory regulatory authorities (SRAs) have become important institutions of the government. What are the issues in SRAs? They face questions of accountability and excessive concentration of power. They seem to depart from the principles of the separation of power… Continue reading The complex world of regulators
Resurrecting a dead law
News: Recently, Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is back in the news. India made a formal submission for criminalising “offensive messages” in the ongoing negotiations at the United Nations for a proposed international treaty on combating cybercrime. The language in the submission is similar to what was used in Section 66A. About… Continue reading Resurrecting a dead law
A case of the court straying into the legislative sphere
News: Recently, the Allahabad High Court took cognisance of the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to dowry practice in India. What did the HC say? The High Court expressed its concern over the growing tendency of misuse of the dowry provisions against the husband and his family members. It… Continue reading A case of the court straying into the legislative sphere
9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – June 21st, 2022
Dear Friends, We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs. What we sought to do: Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you. We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough… Continue reading 9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – June 21st, 2022
Arun Prakash writes: Agnipath, between the lines
News: Recently, the government of India introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces, Agnipath. How do other nations solve their challenges with armed forces? All major nations undertake a periodic (every 4-5 years) review of their evolving national security objectives, the options available, and the economic/military means available for achieving them. For example,… Continue reading Arun Prakash writes: Agnipath, between the lines
Why North Is Rain-Starved & Northeast Is Flooded
News: After a season-long heatwave from March to May, the north-northwest and central India are undergoing a rainfall deficit, while Northeast India and Bangladesh are hit with devastating floods. For instance, Meghalaya’s Mawsynram – the world’s wettest place – recorded more than 1,000 mm of rain for the first time on June 17. What are… Continue reading Why North Is Rain-Starved & Northeast Is Flooded
The choice is narrowing the circle or widening it
News: Recently, it is said that ‘India is witnessing the progressive normalisation of minority baiting’. About India’s Minority Muslims are our largest religious minority. They constitute 14.3% of the total population. In terms of population, their 200 million number is more than the populations in Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Some happenings in a related context… Continue reading The choice is narrowing the circle or widening it
The head and heart of secularism
News: Whether a particular religious practice offends the principles of secularism is often debated in India. The French model of secularism It is clear of all religious considerations. It debars the public officials to demonstrate their religious affiliation, does not permit the wearing of Cross or, if worn, cannot be shown and prohibits the wearing of… Continue reading The head and heart of secularism
