Tag: business standard

News: In 2021 and 2022, the present inflation rate in developed markets is much higher (8.5% in the US). Therefore, the central banks of developed markets (DM) like the US Fed, or the European Central Bank, or the Bank of England — all of them have chosen inflation targeting. It has generated debate on the… Continue reading Focus on CPI inflation 

Context: Recently, the Ministry of AYUSH launched e-CHARAK, an electronic platform for interaction between various stakeholders in the medicinal plants sector. It will allow sale, purchase and sharing of material as well as know-how between different stakeholders. In this relation, medicinal plants sector has come under focus.    The curative plants of significant commercial value are… Continue reading Medicinal plants await good marketing 

News: The University Grants Commission (UGC) proposal to allow undergraduate and postgraduate students to pursue two degrees simultaneously is a progressive step forward in the higher education sector. What are the potential benefits of this move? First, this policy will help high-school students who are often unsure of whether to pursue the sciences or humanities… Continue reading ‘Dual-use’ learning

Contents1 Context: 2 What is the background?3 What is DNA sequencing?4 What led to the recent breakthrough?5 What is the significance of complete genomic sequencing?6 What is the way forward? Context:  Scientists have completed the first full and seamless catalog of genetic instructions of humans. It’s expected that research will help to explain how every cell… Continue reading Humans Decoded

News: The government’s decision to supply fortified rice across the country in phases by 2024 is a welcome move to address malnutrition. At present, fortified rice is being supplied through the Targeted public Distribution System (TPDS) in one district each of 11 states under a pilot project running since 2019. Must Read: Food Fortification in… Continue reading Fortifying nutrition

News: Recently, the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 was passed by Parliament. The act has replaced the Identification of Prisoners Act 1920.   How is the passed bill an intrusive and dangerous piece of legislation?   It will lead to forcible collection of personal data, including biometric and genetic data. Therefore, it may violate the right to… Continue reading Rethink the Bill 

News: Safety concerns have emerged after several recent incidents in which e-scooters have caught fire, causing panic and loss of life. While the government has ordered an enquiry, the authorities must review and reorder the road-safety ecosystem. Contents1 What are the reasons behind fire incidents?2 What are some issues with battery packs used in e-vehicles… Continue reading On fire hazard from e-vehicles: Read the smoke signals

News: Recently, IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) witnessed a lot of turbulence over changes in the logo. Other IIMs in the country also witnessed disturbances over a variety of issues. This has raised questions over governance in the premier management institution of India.  What changes have been introduced by the IIM Act 2017?  The Act has given… Continue reading Time to revisit the IIM Act 

News: Union Commerce and Food Minister Piyush Goyal’s stated optimism about India’s wheat exports scaling a new high in FY23, though his projection of the volume of likely shipments being around 10 million tonnes seems rather modest. What are the new opportunities for Indian exports? Russia-Ukraine war: Russia and Ukraine together normally account for 25-30%… Continue reading Export Opportunity