Synopsis: The payment-voucher system’s (e-RUPI) features make it ideal for programmes aimed at bridging the digital divide in India. How has India progressed wrt digital payment ecosystem? India has emerged as a leader in digital payments, with a manifold increase in such transactions in recent times. There are not many countries that allow digital transactions… Continue reading The e-Rupi could take us a long way towards financial inclusion
India’s digital architecture: From infrastructure to superstructure
Synopsis: To support our ecosystem for financial inclusion, we need to factor in the enablers and account aggregation. Introduction India’s asset monetization initiative, the National Monetisation Pipeline has garnered attention but other two recent initiatives which are far more substantive did not get their fair share of it. One was the Factoring Bill amendments and… Continue reading India’s digital architecture: From infrastructure to superstructure
Protect Digital India: About the challenges associated with banning VPNs
Synopsis: Understand the issues associated with banning VPNs. Introduction The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs discovered that VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) might conceivably allow anonymous activity online. So, the committee recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs collaborate with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to develop a coordination mechanism to block VPNs.… Continue reading Protect Digital India: About the challenges associated with banning VPNs
Drone’s Economic Impact Will Match Internet’s
Synopsis: The recently released new drone rules 2021 are centered around light-touch governance. The resultant progressive ecosystem will lead to opportunities in multiple sectors of the economy. Background Read here: Drone Rules 2021 – Explained Must Read: How new drone guidelines can give wings to drone startups? Where will drones work? Once drones take off in full force, opportunities… Continue reading Drone’s Economic Impact Will Match Internet’s
The long and the short of the NMP
Synopsis: Pertinent questions, in the light of the recently announced NMP, have been raised in the article. Questions are related to the impact of NMP on ordinary citizens, whether NMP was the only option before the govt, and whether public sector enterprises are actually inefficient. Background Read here: National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) project – Explained… Continue reading The long and the short of the NMP
Hidden costs of renewable power in compulsory purchases of RE for discoms
Synopsis: As India is pushing towards its renewable energy target, it also needs to look at the way the new capacity is being added and the existing power purchase mechanisms. Introduction India’s renewable power programme, with tariff bids for solar power hitting new lows every few months, is coming up at the cost of thermal power. The idea… Continue reading Hidden costs of renewable power in compulsory purchases of RE for discoms
Non Binary genders need more visibility in India’s Census 2021
Synopsis: Separating sex and gender in the country’s biggest socio-economic survey is necessary. Introduction Census data is important as it acts as a base for many other surveys in the country. This is because the census data is a better enumeration of categories of gender. But still, the Census is far from perfect. About the… Continue reading Non Binary genders need more visibility in India’s Census 2021
Its time for national conversation on how to live with the virus
Synopsis: The goal is not to eliminate the infection, but to reduce sickness and mortality. Introduction This article highlights the impact of Covid on people’s lives and what can be expected in the future. Given that virus is constantly evolving, how we shape our policies is crucial for a healthy society. What are the limitations… Continue reading Its time for national conversation on how to live with the virus
Spirit of federalism lies in the constitution
Synopsis Legislation in a federal setup needs careful consideration while dealing with laws in the concurrent list. Introduction Recently, various State governments raised concerns about Central unilateralism in the enactment of critical laws on subjects in the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. This may undermine federal principles in India. What are… Continue reading Spirit of federalism lies in the constitution
A Taliban-led Afghanistan and the Chinese conundrum
Synopsis: This article explains the impact of US exit from Afghanistan on Pakistan and China. Introduction After postponing the announcement twice, Taliban spokesmen have said that they expect to have a new government in Afghanistan this week. The Taliban announced this after they captured the Afghan capital Kabul more than three weeks ago. The real… Continue reading A Taliban-led Afghanistan and the Chinese conundrum
