Synopsis: India’s vaccination drives have evolved over the last two decades. It has overcome not just scientific challenges, but also social issues like hesitancy. Introduction India’s health infrastructure was put under severe stress by the 2nd COVID wave. The best remedy to prevent recurrence is to complete the vaccination drive. However, Vaccination faces a great… Continue reading How India ramped up its vaccination drive
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Regulatory limbo: Digital markets are fast expanding. We need an umbrella law for platforms
Synopsis: India needs to speed up its regulatory architecture in line with the pace of adoption of digital marketplaces. Introduction One consequence of lockdowns imposed across the world during COVID was the quickening pace of economic transactions shifting from physical to digital marketplaces. Eighteen months since the pandemic hit, societies have moved towards more engagements… Continue reading Regulatory limbo: Digital markets are fast expanding. We need an umbrella law for platforms
How to boost financial inclusion
Synopsis: Greater flexibility in financial products will lead to greater inclusion of nano-enterprises, a segment which is critical to the growth of our rural economy. Introduction There are 63.4 million MSMEs in India, 99% of which are micro enterprises with less than Rs 10 lakh in investment. These tiny businesses are run by nano-entrepreneurs, a… Continue reading How to boost financial inclusion
Women self-help groups: Funding alone does not work; the government needs to listen in
Synopsis: Women-run SHGs form the backbone of our country. In order to help them to sustain for a long period, government needs to frame proper policy and provide ecosystem to the SHGs other than providing funding to them. As a whole, institutional support is needed to fully exploit their potential. Introduction Women-run SHGs form the… Continue reading Women self-help groups: Funding alone does not work; the government needs to listen in
COVID-19, kidney injury and need for vaccine shot
Synopsis: Covid-19 pandemic has long-term effects on internal organs. This article deals with issues with its impact on Kidney. Introduction: COVID-19 damages many organs including the lungs, heart and kidneys. A severe form of the disease is seen in older adults and people with chronic heart, kidney and lung diseases, diabetes or other conditions that… Continue reading COVID-19, kidney injury and need for vaccine shot
Political incentives for populism could let India’s democracy down
Synopsis: A democracy claims to represent the majority or the will of the people. However, often it seems to represent the will of a well-organized minority. Introduction The struggles of democracy to meet the conflicting demands of the electorate are well known. This was on display in 2018 in Goa when taxi drivers came head… Continue reading Political incentives for populism could let India’s democracy down
Can the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation be the regional body that stabilises Afghanistan?
Synopsis The crisis in Afghanistan presents a major opportunity for the SCO to realise its regional ambitions. Introduction The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation‘s (SCO) importance for Afghanistan seems self-evident if one can see its member and observer nations. Its founding leaders are the two great powers of the east — Russia and China. Its other initial… Continue reading Can the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation be the regional body that stabilises Afghanistan?
Archakas of all hues : About religious reforms
Synopsis: The reforms made by the Tamil Nadu government in Temples and their acceptance in Court is paving a way for reforms in Temples throughout India. Introduction Recently, the Tamil Nadu government appointed 24 trained archakas (priests) in temples across the State which come under the control of the Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments… Continue reading Archakas of all hues : About religious reforms
The Quad must be flexible to counter China’s many strategies across a wide range of issues
Synopsis: The Quad needs to be flexible to counterbalance China across a range of issues, be it Afghanistan or the South China Sea. Introduction Quad is now shaping up as a security-plus platform. Recently, India and Australia held their first 2+2 ministerial dialogue. Militaries of the four countries participated in the Malabar joint naval exercise last year. Also, work is underway… Continue reading The Quad must be flexible to counter China’s many strategies across a wide range of issues
Shifts and stagnancy in the caste profile of our asset rich and poor
Synopsis: India’s debate on modifying affirmative action policies should be informed by an understanding of the trends observed so far. Introduction There are increasing demands for a caste census and the removal of a 50% cap on reserved seats for central government jobs and admissions to the central educational institutions. Read more: Caste based census… Continue reading Shifts and stagnancy in the caste profile of our asset rich and poor
