Context: In October last year, India witnessed significant power shortages due to low inventory of coal at the power plants. After seven months, reports of coal-shortage induced power outages across states have surfaced. States like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have asked industries to reduce consumption to manage the power deficit. How can the Indian power… Continue reading How to shock-proof India’s power sector
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Social dialogue for safe workplaces
News: Recently, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) celebrated April 28 as World Day for Safety and Health at Work to stress on the prevention of accidents and diseases at work. The ILO also published “Enhancing social dialogue towards a culture of safety and health with theme, “Act together to build a positive safety and health… Continue reading Social dialogue for safe workplaces
Energy independence through hydrogen
News: Recently, the Indian government released India’s Green hydrogen policy. It is expected to create a hydrogen economy and further boost India’s energy transition. Further, According to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India’s hydrogen consumption is anticipated to leapfrog by 2050. What are the benefits of the hydrogen fuel in the energy sector? In… Continue reading Energy independence through hydrogen
Let us pause to think about ‘freebies’ versus incentives
Context: Sri Lanka government cut taxes across the board and provided several free goods and services, as a result of which the economy collapsed and the heavily-indebted country has had no choice but to default on its commitments. As a corollary, the issue of freebies given out by Indian states has come under the lens… Continue reading Let us pause to think about ‘freebies’ versus incentives
Unemployed Indians: For a country in the midst of a demographic transition, this is the biggest challenge
Context: India has an employment problem which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. For a country of the young, in the midst of a demographic transition, this problem is perhaps the most formidable challenge before the government. What are some indicators of rising problem of unemployment in India? Increase in work demanded under MGNREGA: One… Continue reading Unemployed Indians: For a country in the midst of a demographic transition, this is the biggest challenge
Electric vehicles have a dark side too: Blood batteries and child labour
Context: EVs are being pitched as cleaner, greener and sustainable. But are they? Underlying the shiny exteriors of an electric vehicle lies a shocking story of blood batteries, extreme poverty and child labour. Contents1 What is the usage of Cobalt in production of EVs?2 What are the humanitarian problems associated with production of EVs?3 Is… Continue reading Electric vehicles have a dark side too: Blood batteries and child labour
PDS has had a spectacular run. That may not last
Context: Its golden chapter was scripted in an environment of low global commodity prices and surplus domestic foodgrain production. That party is over, even as food inflation is back. Why was the 2020-21 year very important for the agricultural sector? (1) In 2020-21, Agriculture was the only sector to grow at 3.3%, even as the… Continue reading PDS has had a spectacular run. That may not last
Public Sector Banks must move beyond recapitalization bonds
News: Recently, the public sector banks (PSBs) had a huge amount of gross non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. It peaked at ₹8.96 trillion or around 14.6% of total loans in March 2018. However, the gross NPAs have fallen to ₹5.59 trillion, or around 7.9% of total loans as of December 2021. What are the challenges before… Continue reading Public Sector Banks must move beyond recapitalization bonds
Rethinking innovation in defence
News: Recently, a report was released by the Parliamentary Standing Committee which draws a comparison of India’s defence sector spending on research and development with the US and other countries. What are the findings of the report? According to the report, India spends too little on research and development (R&D) in the defence sector. The… Continue reading Rethinking innovation in defence
Niti Aayog’s battery swapping policy provides direction, but lacks a constructive roadmap
Context: The Niti Aayog released the first draft of the Battery Swapping Policy 2022 on April 21, 2022, to improve interoperability and push for faster adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment. Why the battery swapping segment if significant? This segment has competitive prices compared to others. Further, it also constitutes… Continue reading Niti Aayog’s battery swapping policy provides direction, but lacks a constructive roadmap
