News: The Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia is going to make a visit to Japan and India. India-Australia relations In general (1) Both have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which is full of practical, and tangible actions. (2) Both hold annual leaders’ summits and biennial 2+2 talks involving foreign and defence ministers. (3)… Continue reading India and Australia: Partners with shared interests and entwined
Tag: gs paper 2
A wish list for reform in India’s higher judiciary
News: There are rumours that the age of retirement of Supreme Court of India judges is to be increased to 67 years What should be the prioritized areas with respect to the reforms in the functioning of the Supreme Court of India? The disparity between the retirement ages of HC (62year) and SC judges(65year) should… Continue reading A wish list for reform in India’s higher judiciary
Sukanta Chaudhuri writes: Education plan for disbanded Agniveers is alarmingly vague
News: Recently, the government of India introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces, Agnipath. What are the educational benefits provided to Agniveers? Two major plans have been mooted. First, those joining after Class X can proceed to a Class XII certificate through the National Institute of Open Schooling. Second, a special three-year degree programme… Continue reading Sukanta Chaudhuri writes: Education plan for disbanded Agniveers is alarmingly vague
India buys more coal from Russia, and urea from the US — diversifying supply sources is good policy
News: India’s imports of Russian coal in June are reportedly expected to be the highest in at least seven and a half years. This comes alongside Russia displacing Saudi Arabia to become India’s second-largest oil supplier after Iraq in May. Neither of these are unwelcome developments, nor the fact that India has, for the first… Continue reading India buys more coal from Russia, and urea from the US — diversifying supply sources is good policy
The complex world of regulators
News: Recently, there has been an important change in the working of the government. Nowadays, the statutory regulatory authorities (SRAs) have become important institutions of the government. Contents1 What are the issues in SRAs?2 Some good examples of SRAs success3 How can the working of SRAs be improved?4 Measures Taken So far What are the… Continue reading The complex world of regulators
Resurrecting a dead law
News: Recently, Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is back in the news. India made a formal submission for criminalising “offensive messages” in the ongoing negotiations at the United Nations for a proposed international treaty on combating cybercrime. The language in the submission is similar to what was used in Section 66A. Contents1… Continue reading Resurrecting a dead law
A case of the court straying into the legislative sphere
News: Recently, the Allahabad High Court took cognisance of the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to dowry practice in India. Contents1 What did the HC say?2 How is the judgment different from the SC’s judgment?3 What are the arguments against the issuance of directions by the Allahabad HC?4 Argument… Continue reading A case of the court straying into the legislative sphere
Arun Prakash writes: Agnipath, between the lines
News: Recently, the government of India introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces, Agnipath. Contents1 How do other nations solve their challenges with armed forces?2 What is the main challenge faced by the Indian armed forces?3 What is the reason for the challenges faced by armed forces?4 What are the challenges associated with… Continue reading Arun Prakash writes: Agnipath, between the lines
The WTO restores faith in convergence of views
News: The WTO deal in Geneva confirms that it is still possible for the world’s countries to achieve a modest consensus. India has played a worthy role, even if its gains are far from dramatic. Contents1 What were the difficult circumstances prevailing before the WTO’s 12th ministerial?2 What is the significance of the deal?3 What… Continue reading The WTO restores faith in convergence of views
How can Agnipath be made more attractive? Recommendations from 2 former army leaders
News: Recently, the government of India introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces, Agnipath. Violent protests erupted in parts of India ever since the launch of the scheme. Must read: Cabinet clears Agnipath Scheme What are the advantages of the Agnipath Scheme? a) Lower the age profile in the units, b) Create a more empowered… Continue reading How can Agnipath be made more attractive? Recommendations from 2 former army leaders
