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 and… Continue reading 9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – January 28th, 2022
About India State of Forest Report 2021: Plantations, invasive species… what all India counts as ‘forest’
News: Forest Survey of India has recently released its reports which show an increase in forests by 2,261 square kilometres. But, various researchers and environmentalists do not agree with this claim. What are the findings of the Forest Survey of India? Read here: India State of Forest Report 2021 – Explained, pointwise What are the arguments presented… Continue reading About India State of Forest Report 2021: Plantations, invasive species… what all India counts as ‘forest’
India’s economy and the challenge of informality
News: This article says that fiscal policy efforts to formalize the economy are not enough in the case of India. There is a need for a coherent approach that focuses on the productivity of workers, efficiency, and overall economic growth. What is the fiscal perspective of formalization? One, according to international financial institutions such as… Continue reading India’s economy and the challenge of informality
Political economy of regulatory reform
News: This article discusses the status of implementation of regulatory reforms announced in the last seven budgets. Why financial regulatory reforms are needed? Financial regulatory reforms clarify the role and objectives of regulation, establish sound agency architecture and institutionalize sound governance and processes within a statutory regulatory authority (SRA). For example, Securities and Exchange Board… Continue reading Political economy of regulatory reform
Fiscal policy must take centre-stage for a broad revival
News: The third wave of the pandemic is receding but the impact of the pandemic on the economy may last longer. However, response of the government in dealing with the pandemic-induced disruptions can change the scenario. This article discusses the need to reduce inequality and how fiscal measures can help in that. Why inequality is… Continue reading Fiscal policy must take centre-stage for a broad revival
Devas: Dead But Biting
News: India needs to amend law on investment treaties to protect its foreign assets and calm global investors. What is the Devas issue? Read here What does the Supreme court verdict say? SC has confirmed that Devas was created for fraudulent purposes. It neither had the technology nor IP rights when entering into the agreement… Continue reading Devas: Dead But Biting
Digital Services Act: No online targeting
News: The European Parliament has passed the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aim towards protecting the privacy of users. What is the earlier Data Protection Rule EU had? The EU already had the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which offers granular privacy protection to anybody (not only EU citizens). GDPR classified data about race, ethnicity, political opinions, religious… Continue reading Digital Services Act: No online targeting
Finding a way to share IAS officers
News: The Union Government proposal to amend IAS Cadre Rules has attracted the opposition of various states. What are the present rules for the deputation of cadre officers? Read here: Deputation of Cadre Officers and the Proposed Amendments – Explained, pointwise Why there is a decline in the number of officers who opt for central deputation?… Continue reading Finding a way to share IAS officers
Why Supreme Court’s order in Alapan Bandyopadhyay case is worrying
News: Recently Supreme Court set aside the Calcutta High Court ruling which cost the Central administrative channels decision in the Alapan Bandyopadhyay case. What is the subject matter of the case? Then West Bengal Chief Secretary did not attend a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. He was charge-sheeted by the Centre for this event. … Continue reading Why Supreme Court’s order in Alapan Bandyopadhyay case is worrying
India’s Ukraine ‘challenge’
News: The stand-off between Russia and Ukraine, China, and Taiwan has put several questions for India on how to respond to the development. How did the change in USA policy lead to a change in Russia and China policy? Russia and China seem to believe that the USA has diminished its economic and military capacity and… Continue reading India’s Ukraine ‘challenge’
