News: Recently, the sanctions imposed by the west following the Russia-Ukraine conflict have triggered discussions on how other countries would manage their foreign currency (FX) reserves, which are used as an insurance against economic shocks. How countries accumulate Forex? A country running current account surpluses accumulate foreign assets over time. For example, China and Saudi… Continue reading Too Many Dollars In Reserve?
Time to set price distortions right
Context: Since 1991, India has undergone economic liberalisation, openness to international trade and investment, resulting into an open free market economy in India. The government’s major priority since then has always been to improve the ease of doing business. However, it has failed to improve the cost of doing business, which been very high due… Continue reading Time to set price distortions right
The rooftop eclipse on India’s solar ambitions
Context: In 2015, the Govt set a target of 100 GW (gigawatt) of solar energy capacity by 2022. Of the 100 GW, 60 GW was to come from utility-scale solar plants, which stood at 41.7 GW, or 70% of the target, by 2021. The rest was to come from solar rooftop, which has managed only… Continue reading The rooftop eclipse on India’s solar ambitions
Why wheat prices have shot up despite India’s huge reserves
Context: One side effect of Russia attacking Ukraine has been a rise in global wheat prices. Wheat importers are struggling. Significance of wheat The consumer price index (CPI), which measures retail inflation, has two entries for wheat, wheat/atta-PDS (public distribution system) and wheat/atta-other sources. This takes into account the wheat sold both through the PDS… Continue reading Why wheat prices have shot up despite India’s huge reserves
Why is there no debate in Parliament?
News: Parliament’s productivity was around 129% for the Lok Sabha in the last session in 2022. However, under the garb of enhanced productivity, a tradition of intense debate over bills has been lost. What are the features of a parliamentary democracy? In a parliamentary democracy, all the proposals or legislations must be put to deliberations… Continue reading Why is there no debate in Parliament?
A vision for US-India economic partnership
News: Recently, there has been differences between the United States and India over India’s stand on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has brought the bilateral relationship between the largest and sixth-largest global economies at the centre of debate and their expected role in the Indo-Pacific Region. What have been the convergence of Interests between India… Continue reading A vision for US-India economic partnership
Demolition drives violate international law
Context: Communal clashes broke out during Ram Navami processions in several parts of the country including at Khargone in Madhya Pradesh. Subsequently, the Madhya Pradesh government bulldozed the houses of those who were allegedly involved in rioting. The State government claims that these demolitions are in response to illegal encroachments. However, the fact that these… Continue reading Demolition drives violate international law
Explained | ‘Poison pill’ and other corporate defence mechanisms to prevent hostile takeovers
What is the News? Twitter is trying to thwart billionaire Elon Musk’s takeover attempt with a “Poison Pill”. This would make it much more expensive and complicated for the Tesla CEO to take control of Twitter. Acquirer What is Poison Pill? Poison Pill is a corporate defense strategy utilized by a target company to prevent… Continue reading Explained | ‘Poison pill’ and other corporate defence mechanisms to prevent hostile takeovers
National Highways Precast Concrete Policy
What is the News? The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways(MORT&H) has released the National Highways Precast Concrete Policy. What is Precast Concrete? Precast concrete is reinforced concrete that is cast away from the building site and assembled on site. Advantages of Precast Concrete: 1) All-weather and fast construction, 2) Reliable quality & enhanced performance… Continue reading National Highways Precast Concrete Policy
Defence Secretary inaugurates two-day National Level Pollution Response Exercise of Indian Coast Guard off Mormugao harbour, Goa
What is the News? Defence Secretary has inaugurated the 8th edition of the two-day National Level Pollution Response Exercise, ‘NATPOLREX-VIII’. What is Exercise NATPOLREX? Conducted by: Indian Coast Guard(ICG). Purpose: It is a marine spill preparedness exercise. Objective: To enhance the preparedness and response capability of all the stakeholders in combating marine spills. – To… Continue reading Defence Secretary inaugurates two-day National Level Pollution Response Exercise of Indian Coast Guard off Mormugao harbour, Goa
