News: The government of Rajasthan has decided to introduce an urban job guarantee scheme similar to MGNREGA, which will offer 100 days of demand-based employment. What are the concerns associated with the scheme? State economy: First concern is whether 800cr allocation will be enough for the open-ended program? Rajasthan’s government debt is already at 1/3rd of state GDP, as reported… Continue reading Facing the job problem
Tag: gs paper 2
A reductionist approach – On health sector
News: For a long, Government has focused on a reductionist approach of private-level interventions, ignoring social determinants of health. How did this problem arise? In the previous decade, Government’s focus remained on maternal and child health and infectious diseases. After this, focus moved to non-communicable diseases (NCD) and chronic illness. This led to individualistic and… Continue reading A reductionist approach – On health sector
Drafting a new Constitution is impossible
News: Chief Minister of Telangana said that the governments at the Centre over the years have been suppressing the powers of the State, so there is a need for a new Constitution. Why the demand for drafting a new constitution is not feasible? First, Dr. Ambedkar was originally elected from the Bengal assembly, which went to Pakistan… Continue reading Drafting a new Constitution is impossible
New Delhi’s stance on Europe’s crisis is just about right
News: At the Munich Security Conference recently, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar was asked why India keeps pointing fingers at China’s violation of the sovereignty of smaller states while not condemning Russia’s incursions into Ukraine. Western officials have sought to rope India in as part of a unified worldwide opposition to Russia’s incursions into Ukraine. But… Continue reading New Delhi’s stance on Europe’s crisis is just about right
Flashpoint Ukraine
News: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and possible sanctions by US will impact India adversely. What are the probable adverse impacts on India? Inflationary impact: the significant upward pressures on oil prices, exacerbated by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ recent unwillingness to raise output. It will accentuate inflationary impulses and increase risks for the… Continue reading Flashpoint Ukraine
India risks being left out of TRIPS waiver
News: India, with South Africa, proposed to waive key provisions of the TRIPS agreement on Covid-19 vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, and related technologies. Developed countries attempt at limiting the waiver to vaccines alone, leaving out diagnostics and therapeutics and excluding India. Read here: US Support to TRIPS Waiver – Challenges Ahead What are Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual… Continue reading India risks being left out of TRIPS waiver
Barring students from studying Indian history or culture in foreign universities speaks of prickliness and prejudice
News: Under the new government guidelines, courses concerning Indian Culture, History, and Social Studies in foreign universities shall not be covered under National Overseas Scholarship (NOS). What the new guidelines are not justified? – It will shrink the student opportunities, and put a ceiling on their academic ambitions. – Government should not decide on what students… Continue reading Barring students from studying Indian history or culture in foreign universities speaks of prickliness and prejudice
Regulation, not prohibition – on online skill gaming industry
News: The Karnataka High Court has delivered a judgment striking down major portions of the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021. This law was introduced to ban online gambling and skill-based gaming platforms like rummy, poker, and fantasy sports that involved risking money on an uncertain event. Apart from Karnataka, Madras and Kerala High Court also struck… Continue reading Regulation, not prohibition – on online skill gaming industry
Data openness is good but its safe use is a must
News: The Government of India has released a policy document called “Draft India Data Accessibility & Use Policy 2022”. About the Draft India Data Accessibility & Use Policy, 2022 Read here: Draft India Data Accessibility & Use Policy, 2022: India’s draft data policy unlocks govt data for all, mulls monetization What are the challenges in allowing public… Continue reading Data openness is good but its safe use is a must
Kyiv, The World & US – On Ukraine crisis
News: Russia deployed its troops near Ukraine’s borders. This has raised several concerns about what steps will the world countries adapt if the situation gets worse. Read here: Russia – Ukraine crisis | Timeline What will be the consequences if Russia invades Ukraine territory? On Russia: US can impose CAATSA sanctions on Russia and put Russia out of… Continue reading Kyiv, The World & US – On Ukraine crisis
