News: US will host a virtual “summit for democracy”, which will bring together leaders of 100 countries, civil society and private sector representatives. The summit will convene around 3 broad themes — defending democracy against authoritarianism, addressing and fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights. Why India is likely to be scrutinised at the… Continue reading Why India will be scrutinised at Summit for Democracy
Tag: gs paper 2
A new era in public procurement
News: Recently, the Department of Expenditure in the Ministry of Finance, issued a notification on the General Instructions on Procurement and Project Management. These instructions set out a number of desirable actions in government purchases of works contracts and services. Currently, these are applicable to only Central government entities and Central public sector units. The… Continue reading A new era in public procurement
The way to tackle malnutrition
News: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has released the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). There has been tardy progress in reducing undernutrition, wasting and stunting. Contents1 What are the findings of NFHS 5?2 What are the lacunae in the system?3 What steps can be adopted to improve the progress?4 What should be the way… Continue reading The way to tackle malnutrition
A docket full of unresolved constitutional cases
News: There is a great asymmetry of power between the state and the citizen. Thus, one of the proposals during the making of the constitution was that petitions which challenge the violation of fundamental rights by the state should be decided within one month. The pendency of critical cases in the judiciary reflects that such proposals… Continue reading A docket full of unresolved constitutional cases
Neo-socialism: State’s expanding tech biz
News: Reuters recently reported that Visa Inc. had complained to the US government about India’s “informal and formal” promotion of domestic payments rival RuPay. In this context, state’s direct intervention in digital tech initiatives has been criticised by some as socialisation of fintech. What complaints have been raised by Visa Inc and Master card? Mastercard… Continue reading Neo-socialism: State’s expanding tech biz
Tehran’s white flag in Vienna
News: Iran’s new delegation joined the seventh round of talks in Vienna for the revival of a joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA). Read here: Relevance of the JCPOA | Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action | Iran Nuclear Deal What is the status of progress in talks? Iran has shown an inclination that all the issues can… Continue reading Tehran’s white flag in Vienna
The need to reopen anganwadis
News: Due to the Covid pandemic, Anganwadis were closed owing to lockdown. What are the services provided by Anganwadis? Anganwadis play a crucial role in supporting households, low-income families, by providing child care, health and nutrition, education, supplementary nutrition, immunization, health checkup, and referral services. They play an important role in Integrated Child development services… Continue reading The need to reopen anganwadis
Putin’s visit must be used to realize the potential of India- Russia ties
News: Russian President Vladimir Putin is on one day visit to India. What are the expectations from the summit? India and Russia are expected to begin a 2+2 dialogue Involving defence and foreign ministers. Both countries are expected to sign a ten-year defence pact. and Mutual logistical support agreement for each other’s armed forces. However,… Continue reading Putin’s visit must be used to realize the potential of India- Russia ties
Nagaland killings aren’t a mere ‘blunder’
News: In a counter insurgency operation by Assam Rifles, in Mon district in Nagaland, more than a dozen people and a jawan were killed. Though the union Home Minister has announced a special investigation team to probe the matter, there are reports of violent responses. Why N-E is a unique case wrt security and peace?… Continue reading Nagaland killings aren’t a mere ‘blunder’
The learning curve: Why college education for women matters
News: NITI Aayog released the first state-wise National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), inline with the global index released by the United Nations each year. The report has found that a quarter of the population in the country was multi-dimensionally poor or deprived on at least a few of the 12 counts. How access to various… Continue reading The learning curve: Why college education for women matters
