News: In the backdrop of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Prime Minister of India has emphasised the need for India to be atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in defence and agricultural sector in the Amrit Kaal (next 25 years). Contents1 What is India’s present situation in terms of import dependence?2 Why is Agri R&D significant for… Continue reading Budgeting for a well-fed, self-reliant India
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Food processing potential
News: Food processing sector has performed impressively in the past few years on the back of govt support. Even in times of the pandemic, this sector has grown due to the inc in demand for ready-to-consume and home-deliverable foods. But, it still has a huge untapped potential. The article throws light on the current situation… Continue reading Food processing potential
On boosting exports: Beyond $400 billion
News: Recently, there has been an export boom in the international market. Therefore, India has fixed a goal of attaining the $400 billion target for the current fiscal year. Contents1 What are the factors driving India’s exports?2 Why global economy is expected to slow down? 3 How India’s policies may obstruct its export growth?4 What is… Continue reading On boosting exports: Beyond $400 billion
The effect of farm sector changes on agrarian movements in India
News: In recently-concluded state elections, the farmer’s movement and the repeal of the three farm laws that passed in 2020 were referred to during the political discourse in some parts of the electoral landscape. In Punjab, a group of farm protestors who contested elections failed to register their presence. In Uttar Pradesh, the agitation failed… Continue reading The effect of farm sector changes on agrarian movements in India
Technology can make policing better — and also more dangerous
News: On March 11, the NCRB Foundation Day, the union home minister said that the second phase of the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) Project is going to be completed by the year 2026. Features & advantages of ICJS The system will include artificial intelligence, fingerprint systems and other tools of predictive policing. For example,… Continue reading Technology can make policing better — and also more dangerous
Phasing out coal-based plants: The way forward
Context: The world including India is making plans to decarbonise in context of the looming threat of climate change Contents1 Challenges in achieving 500GW non-fossil fuel generation capacity by 20302 Status of Coal based power sector in India 3 How to phase out India’s coal-based plants to decarbonise the power sector? 4 Challenges in decommissioning of coal… Continue reading Phasing out coal-based plants: The way forward
Global uncertainties, India’s growth prospects
News: On February 28, 2022, the National Statistical Office (NSO) released India’s GDP data for Quarter 3 of 2021-22. The NSO also released Second Advance Estimates (SAE) for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Contents1 India’s Growth performance 2 What are the challenges for economic recovery amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties? 3 Challenges in bearing burden of increased oil prices 4 What… Continue reading Global uncertainties, India’s growth prospects
Green Bonds, digital currency hold promise
Context: The Budget had two major announcements pertaining to the issuance of sovereign green bonds and a central bank digital currency. These two launches will be a joint effort between the government and the RBI. What are Sovereign Green Bonds? It will be a part of the government’s borrowing program. The government undertakes borrowing to… Continue reading Green Bonds, digital currency hold promise
It may be time to revive Keynes’ idea of a global reserve currency
Context: The US has weaponized its financial power to pressurize Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. The result of sanctions is that Russia cannot access around half of its foreign exchange reserves. This has led to discussion that other countries will try to diversify their reserves away from the US dollar. Why is the US Dollar… Continue reading It may be time to revive Keynes’ idea of a global reserve currency
A blow to equitable access to essential medicines
News: In October 2020, India and South Africa tabled a proposal in the World Trade Organization (WTO) seeking temporary waiver from Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This was to ensure availability of affordable vaccines, medicines and other medical products. What are the reasons for such demand? This was based on the contention… Continue reading A blow to equitable access to essential medicines

