Context: In a rapidly changing world, there is a need to talk about skill development and predicting where jobs will be in 2032. What are the challenges wrt job creation? It is difficult to predict what jobs will be created in the long run. Also, India’s mental models for skill related policies were not only… Continue reading Changing the skill development model
Tag: gs paper 3
Living in hothouse India: We have entered a new age of heat extremes. Concrete and glass-heavy urban buildings are a major hazard
Context: India is searing. Large parts of the country are in the grips of unbearable heat and heatwaves. It’s not supposed to be like this in March and April. Such heat is usually expected in May and June – the year’s hottest months. But this temperature anomaly is not unexpected. In fact, various IPCC reports… Continue reading Living in hothouse India: We have entered a new age of heat extremes. Concrete and glass-heavy urban buildings are a major hazard
That coal feeling: Shortage of rail wagons is one reason for dipping power plant inventory. But problem goes further
Context: Thermal power plants in India are once again struggling with coal inventory dipping to critical levels. A similar coal crisis had surfaced in India in October last year. Given that both coal mining and logistics through railways are dominated by GoI-owned enterprises, it reflects poorly on official management of an essential economic input. Contents1… Continue reading That coal feeling: Shortage of rail wagons is one reason for dipping power plant inventory. But problem goes further
Amway a Ponzi scheme? ’Buyer beware’ won’t do
News: Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) froze assets of Amway India worth ₹758 crore. The federal agency issued a statement, alleging that the company was perpetrating a “scam” by running a pyramid “fraud” in the guise of direct-selling MLM network. The new members, it said, are not buying the products to use those, but to… Continue reading Amway a Ponzi scheme? ’Buyer beware’ won’t do
Behind the curve on Metaverse
Context: Concept of Metaverse is promising immersive environments where we can do pretty much anything. Users will utilise avatars and gear like virtual/augmented reality helmets or glasses (more options will surely develop) to dive in. But whatever the global pace of development may be, India may well be behind the curve Must Read: What is… Continue reading Behind the curve on Metaverse
Addressing the digital tax challenge
Context: Over the past four years, 137 countries have been engaged with the OECD. It is related to the ongoing discussion and proposal to find a solution to the tax challenges arising from digitalisation. What are the tax challenges in the age of digitization? In a digital economy, the firms operate seamlessly across borders. Therefore,… Continue reading Addressing the digital tax challenge
Persistent inflation likely to threaten Indian Food Security
News: Recently, food Inflation has become a global phenomenon, with several countries going through spells of high inflation. Those afflicted include major developed countries such as US, UK and parts of Europe, and the developing countries such as India, Brazil, and Mexico. Contents1 What is the situation wrt inflation? 2 What is the likely impact of… Continue reading Persistent inflation likely to threaten Indian Food Security
On Digital Banking Units (DBUs): Digital delivery
Context: The Union finance minister recently made a declaration at the Atlantic Council think tank that the government is planning to set up as many as 75 digital-only banks or non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). Digital Banking Units (DBUs) could transform access to financial services in remote areas where the physical delivery of such services is… Continue reading On Digital Banking Units (DBUs): Digital delivery
Government needs to factor in that both production and procurement are likely to be below expectations
Context: India isn’t going to harvest a bumper wheat crop this time. What is the situation wrt wheat production and procurement this year? The Agriculture ministry made an all-time high output estimate of 111.32 million tonnes (mt) in mid-February, when the crop looked good, thanks to surplus rains and an extended winter. Most field reports… Continue reading Government needs to factor in that both production and procurement are likely to be below expectations
When the stars came out
News: Recently, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched on 25 Dec 21. It was a joint project of NASA, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency and involved many universities, organisations, and companies across 14 countries. It is to be administered by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STSI). The project proved that… Continue reading When the stars came out
