News: Recently, food Inflation has become a global phenomenon, with several countries going through spells of high inflation. Those afflicted include major developed countries such as US, UK and parts of Europe, and the developing countries such as India, Brazil, and Mexico. What is the situation wrt inflation? The Wholesale price index (WPI) has been… Continue reading Persistent inflation likely to threaten Indian Food Security
On Digital Banking Units (DBUs): Digital delivery
Context: The Union finance minister recently made a declaration at the Atlantic Council think tank that the government is planning to set up as many as 75 digital-only banks or non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). Digital Banking Units (DBUs) could transform access to financial services in remote areas where the physical delivery of such services is… Continue reading On Digital Banking Units (DBUs): Digital delivery
Government needs to factor in that both production and procurement are likely to be below expectations
Context: India isn’t going to harvest a bumper wheat crop this time. What is the situation wrt wheat production and procurement this year? The Agriculture ministry made an all-time high output estimate of 111.32 million tonnes (mt) in mid-February, when the crop looked good, thanks to surplus rains and an extended winter. Most field reports… Continue reading Government needs to factor in that both production and procurement are likely to be below expectations
This is India’s moment of reckoning
News: Recently, there have been global developments of conflict and violence in Ukraine. It has been followed by the imposition of the western economic sanctions on Russia. This has presented new opportunities and threats to the world, especially India. What have been the trends since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989? There was… Continue reading This is India’s moment of reckoning
Its time to celebrate democratic governance in a war-ridden world
News: In the light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the West is trying to shape a global consensus in favour its democratic governance model. This is leading to widening the divide between authoritarian and democratic regimes. What have been the arguments against the democratic governance model? In last few years, the Chinese and Russian… Continue reading Its time to celebrate democratic governance in a war-ridden world
The Brittle Middle
News: Recently, the Supreme Court found serious fault within the high courts. The High Courts have consistently failed to uphold judicial discipline while pronouncing orders. What are the recent instances in which the HCs have failed to uphold judicial discipline? A Rajasthan high court bench granted bail to an accused of raping his minor niece… Continue reading The Brittle Middle
Not just dollars: Sri Lanka needs deep economic reforms to dig its way out of the crisis
Context: A series of positive developments in Sri Lanka have triggered hopes that it’ll eventually see through one of the worst economic crisis that it’s going through right now. What are the positive developments? On the political front, 17 new ministerial appointments were initiated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, suggesting an end to the political logjam.… Continue reading Not just dollars: Sri Lanka needs deep economic reforms to dig its way out of the crisis
Prunus dinabandhuana: New plant species of ‘Cherry Blossom’ found in Manipur
What is the News? Scientists from Manipur have found a new plant species of ‘Cherry Blossom’. They have named the plant species as ‘Prunus dinabandhuana’ as a mark of respect and for the outstanding contributions of scientist Dr Dinabandhu Sahoo. What is Cherry Blossom? The Cherry Blossom or ‘Sakura’ is the national flower of Japan. India… Continue reading Prunus dinabandhuana: New plant species of ‘Cherry Blossom’ found in Manipur
Expert body needed on Man-Animal Conflict: Panel
What is the News? The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Forests and Climate Change has submitted its report on the proposed Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021. The Bill seeks to amend the Wildlife Protection Act,1972. What are the suggestions given by the committee? Standing Committee of the State Board for Wild Life(SBWL) The Bill provides… Continue reading Expert body needed on Man-Animal Conflict: Panel
Genetically modified mosquitoes for controlling vector-borne diseases? Successful trial gives hope
What is the News? Oxitec, the UK-based company, has said that the first open-air study of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes(GMM) in the United States has yielded positive results. What are Genetically Modified Mosquitoes(GMM)? These are the mosquitoes whose genome has been altered using recombinant DNA technology. Their genome is altered in a way to favour the… Continue reading Genetically modified mosquitoes for controlling vector-borne diseases? Successful trial gives hope
