News: About 60 countries, including India and China, have pushed for a joint proposal for consideration of several WTO rules. The proposal was pushed at the upcoming 12th ministerial summit of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The proposal has been moved to solve some of the contentious issues linked to, food stockholding, agricultural subsidies, international… Continue reading WTO rules on foodgrains must be updated
Tag: gs paper 2
Dhiraj Nayyar writes: The problem with putting the civil services on a pedestal
Context: Most countries in the world have a cadre of professional civil servants, but nowhere are new entrants to the system of government celebrated like in India. It’s like the public itself hasn’t overcome the colonial legacy of the civil service being the grandest of professions. This has consequences, and must change. Why society has… Continue reading Dhiraj Nayyar writes: The problem with putting the civil services on a pedestal
Bengal decision to make CM as Chancellor
Context: The time may have come to reconsider having Governors as university Chancellors. What is the recent issue? The West Bengal government recently decided to make the Chief Minister the Chancellor of State-run universities, instead of the Governor. This decision appears to be an outcome of the severely strained relations between Governor and Chief Minister.… Continue reading Bengal decision to make CM as Chancellor
Let’s redesign the process of pre-legislative consultation
Context: In 2014, India’s ministry of law and justice issued a policy on pre-legislative consultation. Background In 2012, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued a set of 12 recommendations on policymaking practices for member and non-member nations. Importance of Pre-Legislative Consultation It ensures transparency in the legislative process. Further, lawmakers keep in… Continue reading Let’s redesign the process of pre-legislative consultation
The weight of the GST Council ruling
News: Recently, the SC in Union of India Anr. vs Mohit Minerals Pvt. Ltd., ruled that the recommendations of the GST Council are not binding on either the Union or the States. Some States have rejoiced over the ruling. They believe that this has restored the autonomy of States to legislate on GST. The SC’s observation… Continue reading The weight of the GST Council ruling
How best to interpret CMIE’s consumer survey findings
Context: Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) has been at the forefront of providing necessary data that provide information about the average Indian household. However, some discrepancies in the survey methodology brought the CMIE data under question. CMIE provided the surveys during lockdowns that helped to understand the scale of urban unemployment and distress migration… Continue reading How best to interpret CMIE’s consumer survey findings
Vivek Katju writes: Why India must engage Taliban
Relevance: India – Taliban relations, Engaging with Taliban Context: On June 2, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that a team led by J P Singh, Joint Secretary (PAI) is currently on a visit to Kabul to oversee the delivery operations of India’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. The government clarified that although the delegation would… Continue reading Vivek Katju writes: Why India must engage Taliban
The judiciary should have annual performance reports, too
News: In a rare exhibition of transparency, the Orissa High Court has published an annual report taking stock of its performance in a difficult year that marked by the resurgence of the pandemic. By subjecting itself to the scrutiny of the common citizen, the court has shown exceptional humility. Details of the annual report The… Continue reading The judiciary should have annual performance reports, too
Explained: Why the Gulf matters for India
News: Recently, the ruling BJP suspended its national spokesperson and expelled its Delhi spokesperson Naveen Kumar Jindal, following comments they had made about Islam and the Prophet. The move came after three countries in the Gulf region had summoned the Indian ambassadors to their nations to register their protest, and demanded a public apology from… Continue reading Explained: Why the Gulf matters for India
Taking steps to ensure sex workers’ rights
News: Recently, the SC in Budhadev Karmaskar v. State of West Bengal & Ors, has given directions related to rights of the sex workers and their children. About Sex Worker and Prostitution The expression ‘sex worker’ has not been defined in the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) or any other law. But according to the ITPA… Continue reading Taking steps to ensure sex workers’ rights
