Context: Maruti Suzuki’s chairman recently said that hybrid technology, natural gas and biofuels offer a better path towards a cleaner future than fully-electric cars. Globally, many electric models have hit the streets. Even in India, MG Motors, Hyundai and Tata Motors offer vehicles that liberate users from petrol or diesel refills. However, both India’s and… Continue reading Don’t count hybrids out of the race to go greener
Tag: gs paper 3
Explained: How Kerala has struggled to identify buffer zones around its protected forests
News: For over a month now, Kerala farmers living along the Western Ghats have been protesting a June 3 directive of the Supreme Court for setting up buffer or eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) for all protected forests in the country. What is the Supreme Court order? The SC in its order has said national parks, wildlife sanctuaries… Continue reading Explained: How Kerala has struggled to identify buffer zones around its protected forests
Growing reliance on MGNREGA in rural areas, elevated youth unemployment in urban areas, are worrying signals
Context: Employment scenario in India remains poor. This can be gauged by the data on work demanded and availed by households under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Worrying MGNREGS data MGNREGS data: Number of households seeking employment under MGNREGS has increased gradually. No of households availing work under MGNREGS May 2022… Continue reading Growing reliance on MGNREGA in rural areas, elevated youth unemployment in urban areas, are worrying signals
Don’t ignore the services sector
News: India aspires to become a $5-trillion economy. It is predicated on the growth of its international trade to $2 trillion by 2030 which is equally contributed by the merchandise and services sector. Contents1 About the Status of services and manufacturing sector2 What are the issues with the services sector? 3 Why does India need to… Continue reading Don’t ignore the services sector
About the ban on single-use plastics: Plastic Challenge
News: The GoI notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021 in August last year. It prohibits 20 single-use plastic items by 2022. Contents1 About the rules 2021 2 Why is plastic a cause of concern? 3 Whether the nationwide single-use plastic ban beginning from today will be an effective counteraction? 4 What should be done? About the… Continue reading About the ban on single-use plastics: Plastic Challenge
GST: Five years stronger
News: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has completed its 5th year since its inception on 1 July 2017. Seventeen different laws were merged, and a single taxation system was brought in through the GST. It was first discussed in the report of the Kelkar Task Force on indirect taxes in 2003. Must read: Goods… Continue reading GST: Five years stronger
About NITI Aayog’s report on Gig and Platform workers: Platform economy
News: NITI Aayog has recently released a new policy brief titled “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy.” What is “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” Report? Must read: India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy What are the challenges associated with the NITI Aayog report? Issues with compensation and protections in work: This is particularly for… Continue reading About NITI Aayog’s report on Gig and Platform workers: Platform economy
Semiconductors: Heroes Of The New Digital World
News: The government has launched the Semicon India program to secure a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India. It will make India self-reliant on key items such as semiconductors. Contents1 About the government initiative2 Decoding chips:3 What are the processes in the making of Semiconductors Device?4 Foundry Phase (only fabrication)5 Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT)… Continue reading Semiconductors: Heroes Of The New Digital World
Phased ban on plastics is welcome. Challenge will lie in enforcement, bringing in viable substitutes
News: The government has introduced rules to ban plastic in India in a phased manner. Now, the ban on the manufacture and use of several common use-and-throw plastic products will come into effect from 01 July 2022. Contents1 New Plastic Ban rules (To be banned in a phased manner)2 Some Success achieved by the state… Continue reading Phased ban on plastics is welcome. Challenge will lie in enforcement, bringing in viable substitutes
A direct approach to conservation
News: It has been found that India has not been able to mobilise private and public finance through Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES). This could have helped India achieve the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Contents1 What are the biodiversity finance measures that can enable biodiversity protection and… Continue reading A direct approach to conservation
