News: The overall performance on the disinvestment front in 2021 is particularly disappointing. The government has raised only about Rs 9,300 crore compared to the target of Rs 1.75 trillion. This needs to be changed because, India’s post-pandemic medium-term growth, to a large extent, will depend on how government finances are managed, and the disinvestment… Continue reading Disinvestment needs a different approach
On James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): A new universe
News: The 25-year saga of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) illustrates the difficulties in doing pure science, and the way international cooperation can overcome such difficulties. The JWST was conceptualised in 1996 when development began with an initial R&D budget of $500 million. It took a combined effort from America’s National Aeronautics and Space… Continue reading On James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): A new universe
Debt-for-climate swaps an effective means for relief
News: A global transition to a net-zero economy requires huge amounts of annual financing by vulnerable and low income countries. Moreover, the pandemic has induced a debt distress around the world. This debt pressure and the climate crisis can be addressed jointly via Debt-for-climate swaps. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that “it… Continue reading Debt-for-climate swaps an effective means for relief
Judges & journos: CJI is partly right on the media mixing news and views. But judges should be less prickly too
News: Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, in a recent event, expressed worry about how news and views are being mixed together in today’s time. He also talked about the “recent trend to sermonise about judgments, and villainise judges” The article urges the judiciary to be less prickly (irritable) about criticism, including when not just… Continue reading Judges & journos: CJI is partly right on the media mixing news and views. But judges should be less prickly too
Asia faces many regional security threats
News: In Asia today, the economy is global, politics are local, and security is local, regional and transnational. Asia is now the epicentre of security risks. More worrying is the international and regional system’s inability to address these issues. What are the present regional security threats in Asia? The region is facing 1. Intensified Sino-American… Continue reading Asia faces many regional security threats
On FCRA & NGOs: Killing the license
News: After 2020 amendment to the FCRA act 2010, NGOs are required to renew their FCRA (Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act) license in order to be able to receive foreign funding. Ministry of home affairs (MHA), which looks into these renewals recently denied Missionaries of Charity group (an NGO founded by Mother Teresa) renewal of its… Continue reading On FCRA & NGOs: Killing the license
J&K delimitation exercise sets a dangerous precedent
News: Delimitation Commission headed by Justice Ranjana Desai has completed the task of delimitation of Jammu and Kashmir, but there have been some concerns regarding its mandate. What are the issues associated with the recently concluded delimitation of J&K? Population base: This delimitation commission has taken the 2011 Census as the basis for delimitation for… Continue reading J&K delimitation exercise sets a dangerous precedent
[Yojana December Summary] Direct-to-Consumer Model – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction Before the advent of large modern economies and consequently, globalisation, individuals around the world preferred buying locally (and directly), and in fact, that was the only channel of economic activity known to man. This activity was characterized by low development status of transportation and communication platforms. However, the ‘Direct to… Continue reading [Yojana December Summary] Direct-to-Consumer Model – Explained, pointwise
[Update] UPSC Civil Services 2020 Examination -Reserve List of Recommended Candidates Released
Today, UPSC has declared the list of 75 recommended candidates against the remaining vacancies of the UPSC Civil Services 2020 Examination. You can access the list by downloading the following document: UPSC Civil Services 2020 – Reserve list of Recommended candidates UPSC declared the result of the UPSC Civil Services 2020 Examination on 24th Sep.… Continue reading [Update] UPSC Civil Services 2020 Examination -Reserve List of Recommended Candidates Released
[Download] Prelims Marathon Weekly Compilation – December, 2021 – 5th week
Hello everyone, We are posting a compilation of Prelims Marathon for the month of December 2021 – Fifth week. Click on the following link to download Download About Prelims Marathon Daily Prelims Marathon is focused on UPSC Prelims 2020. Under this initiative, we post, daily 10 MCQs, based on the provided weekly schedule. For More… Continue reading [Download] Prelims Marathon Weekly Compilation – December, 2021 – 5th week
