What is the News? Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (also known as CSIR-CMER) has developed a Solar DC Cooking System. What is the Solar DC Cooking System? Solar DC Cooking System is a Solar Energy based Cooking System that consists of a solar PV panel, charge controller, battery bank and cooking oven. Benefits of this… Continue reading CSIR-CMERI Solar DC Cooking System- A Step Towards a Green & Pollution Free India
India’s income divide narrows, wealth divide persists: Survey data
What is the News? National Sample Survey Organisation(NSSO) has released the All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) for 2018-19. The survey has provided data on the wealth inequality in India. What are the key highlights from the survey? Wealth Inequality In 2018-19, India’s top 10% households held 55.67% of the wealth in urban areas… Continue reading India’s income divide narrows, wealth divide persists: Survey data
Regaining fiscal balance
Synopsis: The advance tax numbers suggest growth in revenue collection continues to remain strong. However, Central government finances would need careful management. Introduction In the current financial year, the fiscal position has improved significantly and the recovery in revenue collection has surprised many. By July-end, the government collected revenue worth over 37% of its Budget… Continue reading Regaining fiscal balance
A flawed calculation of inflation
Synopsis: The current official inflation rate does not correctly measure price rise and it needs modification. Introduction Inflation for the last four months has been worryingly high. Wholesale price index (WPI) has been above 10% and consumer price index (CPI) crossed the 6% mark. Does the official data capture the real picture? Data issues: Unlock… Continue reading A flawed calculation of inflation
How new global tax rules may reshape India?
Synopsis: The conventional global tax system is changing, with several countries, including India, imposing a digital service tax and participating in a new global initiative to modernize tax rules. Why there’s a need for new global tax framework? The new tax framework seeks to tackle digital economy firms in particular since they do not easily… Continue reading How new global tax rules may reshape India?
The importance of Quad meeting amidst current geopolitical flux
Synopsis: This article explains the previous Quad summit and the performance of Working groups and suggestions to improve Quad further. Introduction The leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States will meet for the first-ever in-person Quadrilateral (“Quad”) summit. It is especially significant as it is set against the backdrop of few important recent… Continue reading The importance of Quad meeting amidst current geopolitical flux
Judiciary must reexamine how it has viewed citizenship questions in Assam
Synopsis: NRC was designed to filter out the foreigners in India. However, this seems to be impacting the very right of citizenship of Indians residing in Assam. Introduction Recently, Gauhati High Court, while hearing the case of Asor Uddin, gave its view on citizenship. Ason was declared to be a “foreigner” by a Foreigners Tribunal… Continue reading Judiciary must reexamine how it has viewed citizenship questions in Assam
Citizen scorecards for better accountability
Synopsis: The CAG’s auditing standards highlight the importance of performance audits for promoting transparency and evaluating outcomes. Introduction Soon, Parliament is going to celebrate 100 years of establishment of the Public Account Committee in December. What is the Public accounts Committee (PAC)? It was set up in 1921 under the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms to conduct audits… Continue reading Citizen scorecards for better accountability
Let’s rework incentive structures to boost IBC recovery
Synopsis: IBC is a landmark reform and its efficiency can be further enhanced by adopting incentive structure. Introduction Despite value erosion at disbursal due to poor credit discipline, the IBC has yielded impressive recoveries so far. However, the Code has also been criticized on several other grounds, many of which are questionable. Why IBC ‘s… Continue reading Let’s rework incentive structures to boost IBC recovery
WHO says air pollution kills 7 million a year, toughens guidelines
What is the News? The World Health Organization(WHO) has released the Global Air Quality Guidelines(AQGs). What are Global Air Quality Guidelines(AQGs)? Global Air Quality Guidelines(AQGs) is an annual mean concentration guideline for particulate matter and other pollutants. The guidelines were last updated in 2005. Since then, there has been a marked increase of evidence that… Continue reading WHO says air pollution kills 7 million a year, toughens guidelines
