Date of Interview: 14 Sept Board: Smita Nagraj Madam Optional: Economics Background: Economics honours, SRCC, Jaipur Home State: Rajasthan Hobbies: ott tv shows, diary and journal writing To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2020, visit this page Chairman How to achieve 5 trillion dollar economy? Is the target a little bit ambitious? What are 2nd generation… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2020] – Transcript #182 : Smita Nagraj Board, Rajasthan Home State, Economics Optional, Diary Writing Hobby
Researchers develop super-hydrophobic cotton for oil-spill cleanup
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. Introduction Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing stream of waste globally. As per the recent report of the United Nations, the world produced around 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2019,… 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. Introduction Unemployment among educated youth has been high in India for some years now. Despite consistently rising unemployment, youngsters continue to invest in education because over their lifetime, they expect to earn more compared to people with low… 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. Background – Read here: Telecom sector reforms – Explained, pointwise What are some past telecom disputes that happened in India? The 2G case: The 2G case was… 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. Introduction Recently National Statistical Office (NSO) Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households report was released. It throws up interesting data which can also be used to guide the agriculture policies for the future. What are the key findings of the Survey?… Continue reading India must shed obsession with ‘marginal farmers’. Their future lies outside farms — in dairy, poultry, food retail
