News: CAG presented its performance audit of Aadhaar’s regulator, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The audit covered its mature phase, from 2014-15 to 2018-19. CAG’s audit portrays an unsatisfactory picture of the systems and processes in UIDAI. How does the UIDAI function? UIDAI operates Aadhar through a layer of subcontractors. So, when an applicant’s… Continue reading Safeguard Aadhar: CAG’s audit of UIDAI reveals worrisome laxity. It needs to improve fast
On fire hazard from e-vehicles: Read the smoke signals
News: Safety concerns have emerged after several recent incidents in which e-scooters have caught fire, causing panic and loss of life. While the government has ordered an enquiry, the authorities must review and reorder the road-safety ecosystem. Contents1 What are the reasons behind fire incidents?2 What are some issues with battery packs used in e-vehicles… Continue reading On fire hazard from e-vehicles: Read the smoke signals
Biogas: A sustainable solution for curbing pollution, improving livelihoods & enhancing quality of life
News: Pollutants emitted due to the burning of fossil fuels and biomass not only affect the health of people, but are also responsible for climate change. The organic portion of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) produces Methane, when dumped improperly, like in landfills. Disposing of organic wastes in landfills or burning trash is an environmental… Continue reading Biogas: A sustainable solution for curbing pollution, improving livelihoods & enhancing quality of life
9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – April 8th, 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 – April 8th, 2022
The manacles of caste in sanitation work
Context: Even today, the Indian government and civil society continue to grapple with the inhuman nature of manual scavenging. While in 1993, the government promulgated an Act to stop construction of unsanitary dry latrines and employing manual scavengers, the problem still continues. Issues with the Act: Problematic descriptions: The act defined dry latrine as “latrine… Continue reading The manacles of caste in sanitation work
Big headache: Minor offences majorly clog courts and harass individuals and businesses. Decriminalise them
News: The GoI has given a renewed push to decriminalize minor offenses. It has the potential to clog courts, promote ease of doing business and relieve citizens fighting criminal cases for non-serious violations. Example – In 2020 provisions of the Companies Act were decriminalized. Examples of laws causing high pendency: Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments… Continue reading Big headache: Minor offences majorly clog courts and harass individuals and businesses. Decriminalise them
Time to revisit the IIM Act
News: Recently, IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) witnessed a lot of turbulence over changes in the logo. Other IIMs in the country also witnessed disturbances over a variety of issues. This has raised questions over governance in the premier management institution of India. What changes have been introduced by the IIM Act 2017? The Act has given… Continue reading Time to revisit the IIM Act
BRICS and the creation of a multipolar world
News: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has brought BRICS grouping at the centre of discussion due to multiple reasons. The RIC controls 22% of the global GDP, and it accounts for 16% of global exports of goods and services. Therefore, the current crisis may consolidate BRICS, especially RIC. It has the potential to become a real alternative… Continue reading BRICS and the creation of a multipolar world
Parliament has just passed a dangerous bill
News: Recently, the Rajya Sabha has passed the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022, just two days after it was passed by the Lok Sabha. In fact, Maharashtra has become the first state to launch its biometric database of undertrials and convicts. Such moves are being objected to on account of the violation of the right… Continue reading Parliament has just passed a dangerous bill
Is India’s position on Russia affecting its relationship with the U.S.?
News: Recently, India’s neutral position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has antagonised the U.S. In fact, the U.S. has issued a warning against conducting local currency transactions through Russia’s central bank or constructing an alternative payment mechanism that subverts or circumvents the U.S.’s sanctions against Russia. What are the issues with India’s neutral stand on… Continue reading Is India’s position on Russia affecting its relationship with the U.S.?
