News: On June 10, India’s power demand touched a record high of 211 MW even as the coal shortage continued with coal stocks available only for eight days. Consequently, the Ministry of Power directed the power-generating companies or ‘gencos’ to use imported coal for 10% of their requirement, failing which their domestic supplies would be… Continue reading The problems plaguing thermal power generators
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Crude oil diplomacy
News: Recently, a few private-sector refiners decided to import larger quantities of crude oil from Russia. This is likely to impact India’s Crude oil diplomacy and diplomatic standing with Western allies and West Asia, currently the country’s top suppliers. Last month, Russia became India’s second-largest oil supplier by overtaking Saudi Arabia. Why there is an… Continue reading Crude oil diplomacy
Towards a single low tax regime
News: The Goods and Service Tax (GST) regime which reduced big barriers to free trade and economic growth in India is back in the news due to various reasons, including demand for low-tax regime. Why should India move towards a low tax regime? The late Finance Minister of India, Arun Jaitley had announced that the… Continue reading Towards a single low tax regime
The role of caste in economic transformation
News: Recently, India witnessed agitations against farm laws, agitation for reservation by agriculture castes, and is witnessing an ongoing protest against the Agnipath programme, at present. What are the reasons for such protest? They are all arguably an outcome simmering discontent due to jobless economic growth for at least two decades, coupled with rising poverty… Continue reading The role of caste in economic transformation
Fiscal weakness – State finances can impede growth
News: State governments indulge in most of the general government spending (including the central government). According to a recent Reserve Bank of India(RBI) study, five states namely, Bihar, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal figure among the most stressed states fiscally. The study has highlighted 10 vulnerable states based on their debt stock in 2020-21. These… Continue reading Fiscal weakness – State finances can impede growth
GVC restructuring: China’s zero Covid policy & India’s opportunity
News: Just after reopening the complete lockdown, Shanghai reimposed a fresh, partial Covid-19 lockdown again. This shows China’s zero-tolerance strategy toward Covid-19. The lockdown provides another opportunity for global value chain (GVC) restructuring and relocation. India should utilise this opportunity and must attract relocating supply chains. Contents1 What are the phases of GVC restructuring?2 How… Continue reading GVC restructuring: China’s zero Covid policy & India’s opportunity
Do We Need Geoengineering & What Are The Risks?
News: With record-breaking heatwaves hitting many parts of the world, scientific circles have been debating whether countries should prepare to deploy geoengineering technologies to deal with such climate emergencies or not. Contents1 What is Geoengineering?2 What are Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) technologies?3 What are Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies?4 What are the advantages and disadvantages… Continue reading Do We Need Geoengineering & What Are The Risks?
It is time India plans a hub airport flight path
News: There is an ongoing discussion on transforming India’s metro gateway airports into a hub airport. Today’s conditions are just right for building a hub airport. Contents1 The concept of a hub airport2 Advantages of a hub airport3 What are the impediments?4 What are the opportunities? The concept of a hub airport A hub airport… Continue reading It is time India plans a hub airport flight path
We Have A Long Wait Before India Inc Gets Space-Ready
Context: Recently, India opened up the space sector, with the intention of gaining economic and strategic importance. However, reality has been different. India’s share in the $440-billion global space economy is only around 2%. In June, 2020, India announced reforms based on four pillars; 1) Freedom of innovation for the private sector, 2) Changing the… Continue reading We Have A Long Wait Before India Inc Gets Space-Ready
Open access: A game changer for green energy?
News: Government recently notified green energy open-access rules. The article analyses the rules. India’s 2030 target is 500 GW of non-fossil generating capacity. However, the present grid-connected installed capacity (including large hydro) is about 165 GW. Contents1 What was the need for green energy open access rules?2 How green energy open access rules are helpful?3… Continue reading Open access: A game changer for green energy?
