News: The world’s largest producer and exporter of palm oil, Indonesia, is facing domestic shortages, leading to price controls and export curbs. What explains this situation, and what are the implications for India? What is the present situation wrt palm oil in Indonesia? Indonesia has witnessed the domestic prices of branded cooking oil spiral, between… Continue reading Explained: Indonesia’s palm oil crisis, and its implications for India
Tag: gs paper 2
Realism versus liberalism in international relations
Context: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has rekindled the realism versus liberalism debate in international relations. The liberals call the war an attack by “authoritarian Russia” on “democratic Ukraine”. The realists argue that the war was the culmination of the post-Cold War power games in Europe. What are the theories of liberalism? Liberalism has 3 core… Continue reading Realism versus liberalism in international relations
A candid conversation about the caged parrot
News: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) recently gave a candid appraisal of the state of India’s investigating agencies. The CJI called upon investigators to stand up to the unethical pressures in order to uphold the confidence entrusted in them by the public. He stated if middle-and senior-level investigators deviated from the path of objectivity… Continue reading A candid conversation about the caged parrot
Has IAS Failed The Nation? Not Really
Context: Recently, the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) has come under severe criticism from different quarters, including from several senior retired IAS officers. Therefore, it demands both constructive criticism and introspection for the improvement in the premier institution of the Indian bureaucracy. Contents1 What are the problems the IAS is facing? 2 Why the IAS has not… Continue reading Has IAS Failed The Nation? Not Really
Repairing the complex India-Nepal relationship
News: Recently, the Nepal Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba completed his visit to India which was also his first bilateral visit abroad. What is the convergence of interests between India and Nepal? Recently, Nepal ratified the agreement with the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). China claimed that it was part of the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific strategy… Continue reading Repairing the complex India-Nepal relationship
Sending a strategic message
News: Recently, India and Australia, struck a trade deal known as the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). The deal was brokered after two decades of efforts. It is said to be a “watershed moment” for bilateral relations for both India and Australia. What has been proposed under the trade deal? It will enable… Continue reading Sending a strategic message
How the UAPA is wrecking lives
News: Recently, an accused in “the Delhi riots cases” who was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 was denied bail by a Sessions Court in Delhi. He was involved in a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019. What is the concept of bail in criminal law? The bail is based… Continue reading How the UAPA is wrecking lives
On Mission Vatsalya: The child at the centre
Context: Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 were launched recently to provide integrated benefits to women and children. The intent behind these schemes is to provide integrated benefits to children and women. Contents1 What are the components under Mission Vatsalya?2 What are some associated concerns?3 What is ChildLine?4 What is the way… Continue reading On Mission Vatsalya: The child at the centre
No quota without quantifiable data
Context: The Madras High Court recently quashed the 10.5% special reservation for Vanniyakula Kshatriyas with the overall 20% quota for Most Backward Classes (MBC) and Denotified Communities (DNC). It has again highlighted the importance of quantifiable data as a prerequisite for reservation in education and employment. Is there a need for an exhaustive study? It… Continue reading No quota without quantifiable data
Strengthen secularism, save the republic
Context: The judgment of Karnataka High Court regarding the hijab issue has further provoked the hijab-wearing college students in Udupi. They have approached the Supreme Court to contest the order. What is the political dimension of the hijab issue? The issue of hijab is political as well as constitutional. The Supreme court can settle the… Continue reading Strengthen secularism, save the republic
