News: A phenomenon called Marine heat waves (MHW) have increased significantly in the past few decades in the Indian Ocean region. This is also impacting the Indian monsoon. What are marine heatwaves and why they occur? These are periods of increased temperatures over seas and oceans. They are caused by an increase in the… Continue reading Frequent marine heatwaves in Indian Ocean disrupt India’s monsoon pattern
A less taxing state
News: India has had a very high rate of tax litigation. Therefore, Government has recently announced that the overarching aim of direct tax policy reform is to move towards a simpler regime, without exemptions and low rates. What has been the status of tax litigation in the country? In 2014-15, about Rs 2.1 lakh… Continue reading A less taxing state
A bigger, not better, defence budget
News: Even as the total allocation for defence under the current budget has increased, it has fallen as a percentage of GDP. About the recent budget allocation in the defence sector The government allocated Rs 5.25 trillion to the Ministry of Defence, out of the total government outlay of Rs 39.45 trillion. This accounts for 13.31%… Continue reading A bigger, not better, defence budget
Explained: The Pakistan-China relationship
News: Recently, Rahul Gandhi blamed the central government for weakening the country and bringing Pakistan and China together. How does Pakistan and China relations develop? Recognition: Pakistan had recognised the People’s Republic of China after India and established diplomatic ties in 1951. But, due to Pakistan’s membership in SEATO and CENTO – US-led anti-communist military pacts, … Continue reading Explained: The Pakistan-China relationship
Regarding the budget: 4 Choices, No Free Lunch
News: The government has followed a capital expenditure strategy in the recent budget, but there are certain questions associated with the government’s strategy. What is the dilemma the government is facing? On the one hand, the economy still needs fiscal support to drive growth and employment. On the other hand, the global backdrop has become… Continue reading Regarding the budget: 4 Choices, No Free Lunch
A border move that will only bolster China
News: Indian Army Chief, in a recent interview, said that out of the six friction points (in Ladakh), five have been solved. Why the statement is a cause of concern? Friction points which Army Chief talks about are Depsang, Galwan, Hot Springs, Gogra, North bank of Pangong Tso, Kailash Range, and Demchok. According to him,… Continue reading A border move that will only bolster China
Union Budget 2022-23: Why CSE disagrees with government’s proposal on coal gasification
What is the News? In the Union Budget 2022-23, the Union Finance Minister has announced four coal gasification-pilot projects will be set up. However, this announcement is contrary to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)’s assessment about the coal gasification process not being attractive from a climate change point of view. What is Coal Gasification?… Continue reading Union Budget 2022-23: Why CSE disagrees with government’s proposal on coal gasification
Biological Diversity Amendment Bill, 2021: Provisions and Concerns – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction The Union Budget 2022-23 highlighted the need for energy transition and mitigating the climate change. At the same time, the proposals for single-form clearances for ease of doing business seem contrary to the climate concerns and commitments. The reflection of such opposite nuances is very much evident in the recently… Continue reading Biological Diversity Amendment Bill, 2021: Provisions and Concerns – Explained, pointwise
High Court stays Haryana’s 75% law for reservation to locals in private jobs
What is the News? Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the Haryana government’s law guaranteeing 75% reservation to locals in private sector jobs. What was the local reservation law passed by the Haryana Government? Haryana Assembly has passed The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Bill, 2020. The Bill provided for 75% reservation for… Continue reading High Court stays Haryana’s 75% law for reservation to locals in private jobs
ISRO conducts breakthrough demonstration of hack-proof quantum communication
What is the News? Scientists from Ahmedabad-based Space Applications Centre and Physical Research Laboratory have successfully demonstrated Quantum Entanglement. Must read: [Yojana January Summary] India as a Space Power – Explained, pointwise What is Quantum Communication? Quantum communication is one of the safest ways of connecting two places with high levels of code and quantum… Continue reading ISRO conducts breakthrough demonstration of hack-proof quantum communication
