News: According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), opium production in Afghanistan has crossed 6,000 tonnes for the 5th consecutive year. It led to an increase in the production of opiates by 8%. What were the reasons behind the increase in opium production in Afghanistan? Source of income: Taliban is involved in promoting… Continue reading Narco-terrorism: Afghanistan, the rise of a narco-terrorist state
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Protect, don’t pander: On suppression of free speech
News: Bangalore’s show of stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui has been cancelled owing to the fear that it would create law and order problems and disrupt peace and harmony. Police even arrested the local organizers and those selling tickets for the show which had nothing to do with the content of his performance . A similar… Continue reading Protect, don’t pander: On suppression of free speech
Omicron’s lesson: We’re not covid-safe until everyone is
News: The emergence of Omicron has evoked fresh demands for booster shots. Rich countries continue to stockpile and administer booster shots, while people in many low and low-middle income countries wait for their first jab. However, the emergence of new variants from low-vaccination-coverage regions essentially means that covid could be a never-ending battle. The only… Continue reading Omicron’s lesson: We’re not covid-safe until everyone is
It’s time for a paradigm shift in how we treat illnesses
News: Antibiotics have become our preferred method of treatment nowadays. This has made treatments more standardised with no customised treatment for individuals irrespective of their genetic diversity. But, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic resistance, a worldwide health concern. Hence, we need to push for a better alternative medicine… Continue reading It’s time for a paradigm shift in how we treat illnesses
On regulation of social media: Social Media Beware
News: Australian PM has announced new laws to help clean up social media. Contents1 What is the new Australian law?2 Why do countries need such laws?3 What is the benefit & challenges of anonymity offered by social media platforms?4 What is the stand of India on it and the way forward? What is the new… Continue reading On regulation of social media: Social Media Beware
Helping Supreme Court: Regional courts of appeal can spare SC from many matters. But judicial infirmities will remain
News: To address the Supreme Court’s pendency burden, Attorney General KK Venugopal plea suggested setting up at least four regional courts of appeal (RCAs). He also recommended that RCA should focus solely on constitutional matters. How does the pendency of cases affect the functioning of SC? The pendency of cases in the Supreme Court has… Continue reading Helping Supreme Court: Regional courts of appeal can spare SC from many matters. But judicial infirmities will remain
The many challenges before trade unions
News: Trade unions have intensified their agitation against the Codes in the wake of the government’s decision to repeal the farm laws. The labour code requires repeal for many reasons. However, as opposed to the success of farmers’ protests, the trade unions’ agitations failed in achieving their demands. What are the problems with the labour… Continue reading The many challenges before trade unions
Data regulation in India: All you need to know
News: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Personal Data Protection (PDP) bill is finally ready to table its report during the winter session of the Parliament. The JPC has prescribed a phased approach to implementing provisions of the bill. The Act will be fully active in two years. What are the major recommendations of the… Continue reading Data regulation in India: All you need to know
Reducing poverty
News: NITI Aayog has come up with India’s first multi-dimensional poverty index (MPI). It is a useful report for policymakers and NGO’s to know about the well-being of Indians on a wider set of indicators other than income. More about the report: The report figured usual states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP as India’s poorest… Continue reading Reducing poverty
Get to Business: About India – Pakistan relations
News: India and Pakistan have partially opened their land border recently. Recent trade relations between India and Pakistan After the Pulwama terror attack, bilateral trade between the two countries plummeted from around $2 billion in 2017-18 to $280 million in 2020-21 (April to February). Also read: “India-Pakistan Relations” – Pakistan to Resume Trade with India What steps… Continue reading Get to Business: About India – Pakistan relations
