Source: PIB What is the News? Kandla Special Economic Zone(KASEZ) has become the first Green SEZ after it received the IGBC Green Cities Platinum Rating for Existing Cities. About Kandla Special Economic Zone(KASEZ) as First Green SEZ: Kandla has become the first green industrial city in India. It has received a platinum rating after a… Continue reading Kandla becomes first Green SEZ
Significant improvement in India’s score in United Nation’s Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation
Source- PIb What is the news? India has made substantial progress in UNESCAP’s Global Survey on Digital & Sustainable Trade Facilitation with a 90.32 percent score. Introduction – India has made significant progress in the ease of cross-border trade as per the latest UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. As per the… Continue reading Significant improvement in India’s score in United Nation’s Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation
Healthcare privatization has not served India well
Source: live Mint Synopsis: Our failure to invest in public health facilities has resulted in a disproportionately large role for private services in this industry. Introduction India opened its markets to private participation 30 years ago. Overall, sectors dominated by private players boast of a reasonable degree of competitive intensity. The value delivered for prices… Continue reading Healthcare privatization has not served India well
A framework for microfinance regulation that would suit India
Source: Live Mint Synopsis: The proposed framework for microfinance regulation by RBI is a great leap forward and reflects bold thinking. Yet, expanding it to cover other elements can usher in responsible retail lending that includes but transcends microfinance. Background The Malegam Committee Report of 2011 helped establish micro- finance as a legitimate asset class,… Continue reading A framework for microfinance regulation that would suit India
Introducing Gross Environment Product in Uttarakhand: A jargon or reality?
Source: Down to Earth Synopsis: The Uttarakhand government may introduce a well-defined concept of ecosystem services Gross Environment Product’ (GEP) its objectives. Background Degradation of ecosystems had led to adverse impacts on more than 60 per cent of services we get from the ecosystems. The idea of valuation of the components of environment got impetus following… Continue reading Introducing Gross Environment Product in Uttarakhand: A jargon or reality?
Wounded mountains
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: Tourist tragedy in Himachal Pradesh points to the importance of preserving ecology Background The tragic death of nine tourists in a landslip in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is another example highlighting the fragility of the ecology of the Himalayan States. Encouraging an incompatible model of development in the hills, represented… Continue reading Wounded mountains
Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: Scientists for the first time have spotted a Moon-forming region around a planet beyond our solar system. The research offers a deeper understanding of the formation of planets and moons. Background: A study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters has for the first time spotted a Moon-forming region around a planet… Continue reading Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time
Guardrails of Privacy
Source: Indian Express Synopsis: The allegations of targeted surveillance have a chilling effect on personal and civil liberties that are crucial for a democracy to function. Introduction: The recent allegations and reports by Arsenal Consulting and Amnesty International on targeted electronic surveillance of selected activists, politicians, journalists, businessmen, and even scientists are worrying. The sophistication… Continue reading Guardrails of Privacy
Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics
Source: Times of India Synopsis: With Section 66A and Article 35A ended, the government should do the same for Section 124A. It would prevent harassment of dissent and uphold the right to free speech under Article 19 of the constitution. Background: The Supreme Court (SC) had recently asked the Centre the rationale behind not scrapping… Continue reading Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics
The great convergence and a lag
Source: Indian Express Synopsis: India and the US have an expansive new agenda for discussion. This includes not only democracy and human rights, but also Afghanistan, the Indo-Pacific region, reform of global economic institutions, climate change and vaccine diplomacy. Background: The Indian leadership will review US ties this week with the visiting Secretary of State,… Continue reading The great convergence and a lag
