Context: The government, which earlier used to conduct Consumption Expenditure Surveys (CES) and update poverty lines, has not released any data on this lately. The last consumption survey of 2017-18 was junked. Based on the leaked estimates of consumption expenditure from that survey, it was reported that poverty increased from 31% in 2011-12 to 35%… Continue reading Poverty estimates are a shot in the dark
Tag: gs paper 3
A greener, safer future for Indian cities
Context: The IPCC’s latest report shows how smart urban planning can mitigate the effects of climate change. What is the need for smart urban planning in India? India is witnessing one of the largest urban growth spurts in history. By the time India turns 100, nearly half the population will be living in urban areas,… Continue reading A greener, safer future for Indian cities
In pandemic shock, critical lessons for MSMEs
Context: MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) are critical for achieving the overall objectives of economic development. During the pandemic, MSME was the worst hit sector. The sector is still struggling. MSMEs are a significant contributor in terms of industrial output, employment generation, and exports. This sector is trying to recover from the effects of… Continue reading In pandemic shock, critical lessons for MSMEs
India-US ties: The scope for literal common space
News: India’s 2+2 dialogue on strategic cooperation with the US has resumed. After India’s abstentions from 11 votes on the issue of Ukraine at the United Nations, and the shift of the US’s emphasis from QUAD to AUKUS, the present dialogue is very important. It will clear all the doubts related to India-US relations.… Continue reading India-US ties: The scope for literal common space
Red lines got blurred in our triage of mega risks
News: For last two years, India has been witnessing the fiscal and monetary expansion measures. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has adopted a monetary policy. It aims to prioritize price-control or inflation in India. What is the meaning of shifting of red lines in the article? It refers to a situation when the… Continue reading Red lines got blurred in our triage of mega risks
RBI shift on monetary policy
News: Recently, contrary to the predominant market expectations that the status quo will be maintained by RBI on the monetary policy, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) surprised everyone. The body has reinforced the de facto normalisation, which had already started in November 2021. What has been announced by the RBI? The Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)… Continue reading RBI shift on monetary policy
Safeguard Aadhar: CAG’s audit of UIDAI reveals worrisome laxity. It needs to improve fast
News: CAG presented its performance audit of Aadhaar’s regulator, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The audit covered its mature phase, from 2014-15 to 2018-19. CAG’s audit portrays an unsatisfactory picture of the systems and processes in UIDAI. How does the UIDAI function? UIDAI operates Aadhar through a layer of subcontractors. So, when an applicant’s… Continue reading Safeguard Aadhar: CAG’s audit of UIDAI reveals worrisome laxity. It needs to improve fast
On fire hazard from e-vehicles: Read the smoke signals
News: Safety concerns have emerged after several recent incidents in which e-scooters have caught fire, causing panic and loss of life. While the government has ordered an enquiry, the authorities must review and reorder the road-safety ecosystem. What are the reasons behind fire incidents? Harsh summer driving conditions: The scooter fires could have been caused… Continue reading On fire hazard from e-vehicles: Read the smoke signals
Biogas: A sustainable solution for curbing pollution, improving livelihoods & enhancing quality of life
News: Pollutants emitted due to the burning of fossil fuels and biomass not only affect the health of people, but are also responsible for climate change. The organic portion of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) produces Methane, when dumped improperly, like in landfills. Disposing of organic wastes in landfills or burning trash is an environmental… Continue reading Biogas: A sustainable solution for curbing pollution, improving livelihoods & enhancing quality of life
Export Opportunity
News: Union Commerce and Food Minister Piyush Goyal’s stated optimism about India’s wheat exports scaling a new high in FY23, though his projection of the volume of likely shipments being around 10 million tonnes seems rather modest. What are the new opportunities for Indian exports? Russia-Ukraine war: Russia and Ukraine together normally account for 25-30%… Continue reading Export Opportunity
