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
Compendiums on hydrogen and fuel cell, materials for energy storage, conservation launched
Source: PIB What is the News? The Department of Science and Technology has launched three documents namely: Hydrogen and Fuel Cell(HFC) 2018, Material for Energy Storage (MES) 2018, and Material for Energy Conservation and Storage Platform (MECSP) 2017. These documents contain information on ongoing research activities in their fields. Key Initiatives Mentioned in the Article:… Continue reading Compendiums on hydrogen and fuel cell, materials for energy storage, conservation launched
Parliament passes National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2021
Source: PIB What is the News? Parliament has passed the National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2021. Key Provisions of the Bill: Institutes of National Importance(INI): The Bill declares certain institutes of food technology, entrepreneurship, and management as institutions of national importance. These institutes are: National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and… Continue reading Parliament passes National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2021
Periodic Labour Force Survey and Unemployment in India- Explained, pointwise
Introduction The unemployment rate in India is always a reason to worry. Just before the Covid crisis at the end of the 2019-20 financial year, India had around 403.5 million employed people. But, during the second wave alone, India lost around 23 million jobs across formal and informal sectors as states and Union territories imposed… Continue reading Periodic Labour Force Survey and Unemployment in India- Explained, pointwise
