News: Even years after India initiated an ‘open data’ policy, openness, of public datasets, is still very rare. Unlike in the West, the statistical ecosystem in India is not such that administrative datasets can be scrutinized by independent researchers and then deployed for policymaking. What are the issues/ challenges in using administrative data for policymaking?… Continue reading On India’s Data Policy – The promise and peril of big data in India’s policy space
Tag: gs paper 2
Health will remain high on agenda
News: Both the first and second waves of COVID have shown that India needs to strengthen its inadequately resourced health system. The new year calls for a renewed resolve to build an efficient, equitable and empathetic health system. Contents1 What has been done since the onset of the pandemic to strengthen the health infrastructure… Continue reading Health will remain high on agenda
Testing the red lines in the Iran nuclear talks
News: Multilateral nuclear talks have started once again in Vienna with a new Iranian negotiating team. For the time being, the talks seems to have no positive outcomes. Both US and Iran are completely rigid and want the other party to back down and make concessions before they will move. Hence, it’s unclear whether the… Continue reading Testing the red lines in the Iran nuclear talks
Reading sex ratio trends in NFHS-5 data
News: The NFHS data is a well-structured and unique one. Further, the findings of NFHS and the Census figure are no means comparable. Must read: NFHS-5 and its findings – Explained, pointwise About the NFHS Read here: What is National Family Health Survey (NFHS)? What do the NFHS findings signify on the sex ratio? NFHS-5 results indicate… Continue reading Reading sex ratio trends in NFHS-5 data
Age and marriage: On raising the age of marriage for women
News: Recently, the Union Cabinet has passed a proposal raising the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years — the same as men. The government has taken this decision based on the recommendations of the Committee headed by Jaya Jaitly. Must read: Raising the legal age of marriage for women –… Continue reading Age and marriage: On raising the age of marriage for women
The realm of ideas must always be free and fair
News: US Congress recently approved a bill to ban imports from Xinjiang that might be the result of forced labor. Must read: U.S. imposes sanctions against China over abuse of Uighurs Contents1 Why was the reason behind the USA move?2 Why religious conversions should be checked?3 How religion is used in politics in India?4 What… Continue reading The realm of ideas must always be free and fair
Bangladesh – Model or Miracle?
News: Bangladesh got Independence in 1971. The then war-torn country referred to by many as basket-case, is now a developmental model for growth and human development. A basket-case is a country or organization that is in severe financial or economic difficulties, one that is unable to pay its debts. In which areas, Bangladesh is doing… Continue reading Bangladesh – Model or Miracle?
Summoning CEC, EC to PMO is outrageous
News: Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners were summoned by the PMO to attend a meeting with the Principal Secretary(PS) to the PM. This move has come under criticism, as the independent Election Commission of India(ECI) is a gift of the Constitution to the nation. Must Read: Independence of EC is reducing – Explained, pointwise Why the… Continue reading Summoning CEC, EC to PMO is outrageous
For an honest broker: On Russia and India-China ties
News: Recently, the Russian President visited India for 21st India – Russia Annual summit. Read more: India-Russia summit recognised that each needs the other, and that the drift in bilateral ties needs to be arrested Contents1 Talks about China during the visit2 What are the challenges in the holding RIC meeting?3 Why Russia’s role as… Continue reading For an honest broker: On Russia and India-China ties
Soft power: Who does it help?
News: Nations export culture, ideology, and people to create soft power. They export because they have a competitive edge, superior education system, rich culture, superior political system, and military might. Read more: Hard knocks for soft power Contents1 What are the benefits of Soft power?2 About India’s soft power during ancient times3 About the soft… Continue reading Soft power: Who does it help?
