What is the news? Recently, researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, have developed a new class of super-hydrophobic cotton composite with Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) that promise marine oil-spill clean-up in near future. What are the features of the new cotton material developed? First, this is a novel, highly porous and water-repellent super-hydrophobic cotton composite material containing… Continue reading Researchers develop super-hydrophobic cotton for oil-spill cleanup
Rich nations to miss $100-bn climate fund target even by 2025
What is the news? As per a recent report published by Oxfam, developed countries’ pledge to provide $100 billions of annual financing, made over a decade ago is unlikely to be met even five years after the target i.e. by 2025. This threatens the aim of limiting global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius as part… Continue reading Rich nations to miss $100-bn climate fund target even by 2025
China’s ‘Lehman moment’
What is the news? Failure of Evergrande (China’s too big to fail real estate sector developer) would affect economic activities in China, which in turn, may have cascading negative consequences for the world. Introduction Financial stress in China’s largest real estate developer, Evergrande, has led to turmoil across global markets. Evergrande has a total debt… Continue reading China’s ‘Lehman moment’
How sustainable is India’s exports boom?
Synopsis: The rise in exports has sparked hopes of a swift post-pandemic recovery, but there are reasons to be cautious. Introduction August was the fifth straight month when India’s goods exports exceeded $30 billion. In the last five years, other than this ongoing run, it crossed $30 billion in just one other month i.e. March 2019… Continue reading How sustainable is India’s exports boom?
How effective is CPCB in its management of e-waste?
Synopsis: In this article, we will discuss the e-waste generation in India, roles and responsibility of CPCB and actions needed by CPCB to manage it. Contents1 Introduction 2 What is the scale of e-waste generation in India?3 Who is responsible for managing e-waste in India? 4 What are shortcomings in e-waste management in India? 5 What are the… Continue reading How effective is CPCB in its management of e-waste?
The difference education makes to what the salaried earn in India
Synopsis: Earning variations can be explained by education but our problem of educated unemployment deserves deeper examination. Contents1 Introduction2 Why people continue to invest in higher education?3 How education makes difference to the salaried in India?4 What does this analysis of rural and urban worker reveal? Introduction Unemployment among educated youth has been high in… Continue reading The difference education makes to what the salaried earn in India
Gig economy workers need more protection of their rights
Synopsis: India needs to create more formal jobs and provide protection to gig economy workers through labour reforms. Introduction Three years ago, CEO of Walmart had said that the Flipkart-Walmart combination would generate 10 million jobs in India, which is roughly equal to India’s annual job creation requirement. But, Flipkart didn’t say these jobs would materialize… Continue reading Gig economy workers need more protection of their rights
Utilize a rear-view mirror for further telecom reforms
Synopsis: Article takes a look at the history of telecom disputes in our courts, which shackled the sector’s potential, and lessons that governing institutions must avoid going forward. Contents1 Background2 What are some past telecom disputes that happened in India?3 What were the implications of 2G and AGR cases?4 What is the way forward? Background… Continue reading Utilize a rear-view mirror for further telecom reforms
India must shed obsession with ‘marginal farmers’. Their future lies outside farms — in dairy, poultry, food retail
Synopsis: Farming is best left to those who can do it well. Better fewer, but better. Contents1 Introduction2 What are the key findings of the Survey?3 What does the data imply?4 What should we do for the rest of the farmers? Introduction Recently National Statistical Office (NSO) Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households report was released. It… Continue reading India must shed obsession with ‘marginal farmers’. Their future lies outside farms — in dairy, poultry, food retail
A new water policy for India
Synopsis: Article discusses the need of new water policy in India while listing some directions based on which water policy can be drafted. Introduction In 2019, the Ministry of Jal Shakti set up a committee to draft a new National Water Policy (NWP). The earlier NWPs of 1987, 2002 and 2012 were drafted entirely within the government… Continue reading A new water policy for India
