News: The year 2021 was a record one for trade despite the pandemic. The world merchandise trade volume grew at twice the rate of world GDP at market exchange rates in the two decades before the global financial crisis. According to the WTO, the World merchandise trade volume is expected to grow at 3% in… Continue reading India must seize the trade opportunity opening now
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The challenge for Middle Powers like India, France and Germany
News: Recently, the head of the European Union visited India, and Prime Minister of India visited the two European countries – France and Germany. India’s relationship with the continental European Countries Ex-French President Charles de Gaulle famously declared, “the strength and stability of India are essential for peace and tranquillity in South Asia”. German Chancellor Konrad… Continue reading The challenge for Middle Powers like India, France and Germany
The school dress is in the cross hairs
News: Recently, the Karnataka government had ordered a school uniform code to be followed in the classroom as well as the examination hall. In fact, the Kendriya Vidyalayas (central schools) which are not governed by the provincial government have also fallen in line with the Karnataka order. A historical background of school uniform The colonial… Continue reading The school dress is in the cross hairs
In the time of war: On India’s ties with Europe without upsetting Russia
Context: Prime Minister three-nation visit to Europe comes at a time when the continent is facing its biggest security crisis since the end of the Cold War. While bilateral issues are at the centre of these meetings, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the major issue. Contents1 What were the key highlights of the tour?2… Continue reading In the time of war: On India’s ties with Europe without upsetting Russia
Ed reform gone rogue
Context: On 17th Mar 22, the University Grants Commission (UGC) released a draft curriculum for a ‘Four-Year Undergraduate Programme’, or FYUGP, a key component of the National Education Policy. But the curriculum is filled with confusion and contradiction. What is the draft curriculum released by the UGC? The curriculum demarcates three phases for the students’… Continue reading Ed reform gone rogue
‘Obnoxious’ speech does not call for heavy hand of the law
News: Recently, the Delhi High Court conducted the bail hearing of Umar Khalid, an accused in the case related to the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. He was booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for his speech delivered at Amaravati which has been seen as being part of a “larger conspiracy” to… Continue reading ‘Obnoxious’ speech does not call for heavy hand of the law
Green partners: India must integrate with EU’s renewables supply chain, with access to its technology
Context: The Prime Minister’s visit to Germany, the first leg of his three-nation European tour, has , set the stage for an essential aspect of India’s development pathway. Following talks, India’s foreign secretary identified the joint declaration of intent on green and sustainable development partnership as perhaps the most important one. – Both countries will… Continue reading Green partners: India must integrate with EU’s renewables supply chain, with access to its technology
Distortion, imposition: Why Northeast groups are against Centre’s Hindi push
News: Recently, at the 37th meeting of the Parliamentary Official Language Committee, the Union Home Minister commented that nine tribal communities of the Northeast have converted their dialects’ scripts to Devanagari. Further, all eight states of the Northeast have agreed to make Hindi compulsory in schools up to Class 10. The comments have led to protests in… Continue reading Distortion, imposition: Why Northeast groups are against Centre’s Hindi push
The court’s burden
News: Recently, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) proposed a National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation (NJIC) with corresponding bodies at the State level at the joint conference of Chief Justices and Chief Ministers. Arguments in favour The court complexes have a lot of inadequacies in India. There is a wide gulf between the available infrastructure and the… Continue reading The court’s burden
A defining moment for Indo-German ties
News: The Prime Minister of India is going to attend the sixth Indo-German Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in Berlin. The IGC is the only such format that India has with any country. Contents1 Important initiatives taken at the IGC 2 What are the other areas of convergence of interest between both the countries? 3 Convergence of Interests 4 What are… Continue reading A defining moment for Indo-German ties
