News: As per Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, the average urban unemployment rate remained 9% in 2021. Before COVID the unemployment rate touched its peak in 2017-18 at 6.1%, with urban unemployment as high as 7.8%. This was further exacerbated by the pandemic. As per Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, the average urban unemployment rate… Continue reading Whither unemployment benefits
A solution in search of a problem: on 10% reservation
The Government passed 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act creating a 10% reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS), for those, who have an income threshold of Rs. 8 lakh per annum. This article discusses potential implication of the EWS Amendment, followed by some alternatives: Issues with the amendment: Excludes no one: As per India Human Development Survey… Continue reading A solution in search of a problem: on 10% reservation
Changing the jurisprudence of scarcity
News: The Prime Minister’s recently made observation about the plight of the Indian medical students returning from Ukraine is on point. Why are problems being faced in the education sector? States are demanding reservation higher than 50%. It is demanded because most of the state’s population is eligible for reservation and goes beyond 50%. For… Continue reading Changing the jurisprudence of scarcity
Sri Lanka’s aggravating economic crisis
News: Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is aggravating rapidly, putting citizens through enormous hardship. Sri Lanka’s Consumer Price inflation is at 16.8%, and it must repay foreign debt totalling nearly $7 billion this year. Reason for the crisis Ever since the start of the pandemic, 1) Sri Lankan labourers in West Asian countries were left stranded… Continue reading Sri Lanka’s aggravating economic crisis
When West Weaponizes Sanctions
News: Recently, the Indian PM pointed towards the domestic political stability in the face of external threats and challenges like global conflict, instability and mounting inflationary pressures. Consequences of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict and the economic sanctions The military campaign in Ukraine has destabilised the European security order. The western economic sanctions on Russia are… Continue reading When West Weaponizes Sanctions
Russia’s offer of cheaper oil is tempting, but India must be cautious
News: Global crude oil prices have now risen above $100 a barrel due to the Russia-Ukraine Conflict 2022. Impact of high crude prices on India Indian government is under tremendous pressures. It has to spend twice as much to import oil. It cannot pass on these high oil costs to consumers, and will have to… Continue reading Russia’s offer of cheaper oil is tempting, but India must be cautious
Amid Ukraine crisis, India does well to deepen ties with Australia and Japan, draw red lines vis a vis Beijing
News: The Chinese Foreign Minister attacked QUAD members. He mentioned that “No country should pursue its so-called absolute security at the expense of other countries’ security”. He stated this in wake of Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narender Modi’s summit-level meetings with the prime ministers of Japan and Australia. Accusation made by China on the west … Continue reading Amid Ukraine crisis, India does well to deepen ties with Australia and Japan, draw red lines vis a vis Beijing
The pandemic’s income inequality surprise
News: Recently, a study was done for analysing the changes in the poverty and income inequality in India due to the Covid-19 pandemic. What has been the impact of Covid-19 Pandemic? Macro level: Indian GDP fell sharply during the lockdown. It largely witnessed V-shaped recovery after the lockdown. Micro-level: During the lockdown: the poverty (income below $1.90)… Continue reading The pandemic’s income inequality surprise
Ministry of Culture implements financial assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas
What is the News? The Union Minister for Culture has informed Lok Sabha about the “Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas.” What is the Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas? Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture. Type: Central… Continue reading Ministry of Culture implements financial assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas
Prime Minister of India and Australia hold 2nd India Australia Virtual Summit
What is the News? Minister of India and held the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit. What are the key highlights from the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit? Return of Artefacts to India: Australia returned 29 ancient artefacts to India. The artefacts include 12th century Chola bronzes, 11th-12th century Jain sculptures from Rajasthan, 12th-13th century sandstone Goddess Mahisasuramardini… Continue reading Prime Minister of India and Australia hold 2nd India Australia Virtual Summit
