Dear Friends, We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs. What we sought to do: Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you. We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and… Continue reading 9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – September 13th, 2021
Impact of fossil fuel extraction on global warming
What is the news? As per recent study, the global oil and gas production should decline by 3% per year until 2050 to keep global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. This target was set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. To achieve this target, global fossil fuel extraction needs to go down. What is the current progress on Paris… Continue reading Impact of fossil fuel extraction on global warming
Cleaning the Yamuna a story of missed deadlines
Synopsis: The Yamuna, as it passes through Delhi, becomes extremely polluted. Immediate steps are needed to check this sorry state of the river. News: Recently, the draft NCR Regional Plan-2041 was prepared by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). It has fixed 2026 as the new deadline to ensure ‘zero discharge of untreated sewage… Continue reading Cleaning the Yamuna a story of missed deadlines
Organic farming should never be turned into an article of faith
Synopsis: Policies that respect the farmer’s economic freedom offer the best route to sustainable agriculture. Introduction Recently, the Srilankan government imposed a state of emergency in Sri Lanka after its mismanaged response to the foreign exchange crisis cascaded into food shortages. The Sri Lankan government had imposed a range of import controls earlier this year.… Continue reading Organic farming should never be turned into an article of faith
Winners and losers in shipping crisis
Synopsis: Challenges faced by exporters due to steep rise in ocean freight rates and congestion in various ports of the world. Introduction There has been a steep rise in ocean freight rates and congestion in various ports of the world. Indian exporters have complained of increase in freight rates by 300% to 1000% for various… Continue reading Winners and losers in shipping crisis
A step backward: On unemployment in India
Synopsis: The periodic labour force survey (PLFS) indicates that India, far from modernising and formalising its economy, seems to be moving backwards in terms of the employment available. Introduction Recent PLF survey has stated that unemployment rate has declined by a percentage point to 4.8 per cent in 2019-20. The previous number, in the first… Continue reading A step backward: On unemployment in India
There’s a major new risk in town and it’s called crypto
Synopsis: Retail investors are the ones who’ll most likely suffer in the high-yield, high-risk Crypto market. Government should come up with regulations before its too late. Introduction Crypto products are being mass marketed in India without the oversight needed for investor safety. The crypto marketing campaigns have now reached even tier-II and tier-III cities. How… Continue reading There’s a major new risk in town and it’s called crypto
The Quad must be flexible to counter China’s many strategies across a wide range of issues
Synopsis: The Quad needs to be flexible to counterbalance China across a range of issues, be it Afghanistan or the South China Sea. Introduction Quad is now shaping up as a security-plus platform. Recently, India and Australia held their first 2+2 ministerial dialogue. Militaries of the four countries participated in the Malabar joint naval exercise last year. Also, work is underway… Continue reading The Quad must be flexible to counter China’s many strategies across a wide range of issues
Shifts and stagnancy in the caste profile of our asset rich and poor
Synopsis: India’s debate on modifying affirmative action policies should be informed by an understanding of the trends observed so far. Introduction There are increasing demands for a caste census and the removal of a 50% cap on reserved seats for central government jobs and admissions to the central educational institutions. Read more: Caste based census… Continue reading Shifts and stagnancy in the caste profile of our asset rich and poor
Let central banks stay focused on their goals
Synopsis: Urjit Patel has suggested adding climate aims to the monetary agenda, however it has multiple risks associated to it. Hence, other tools should be used for our carbon crisis. Introduction Recently, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel laid out a strong argument in favour of the proposition of adding climate goals… Continue reading Let central banks stay focused on their goals
