Synopsis: Govt must follow a transparent fuel pricing mechanism. Introduction The government’s approval of the full privatisation of Air India has raised expectations that the disinvestment of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) may be carried out effectively and as planned before the end of this financial year Yet there are broader questions about the management… Continue reading Reform fuel pricing
Tag: gs paper 3
India’s difficult transition from fossil fuels to net-zero emissions
Synopsis: India faces many challenges in reducing dependence on coal and oil but the greater use of gas in our energy mix could ease the way. Introduction The coal crisis has forced the Indian government to ramp up domestic production and imports of coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, while the world focuses on net-zero carbon… Continue reading India’s difficult transition from fossil fuels to net-zero emissions
Water governance reform
Synopsis: Given the level of the water crisis in India, there is an urgent need to take a deeper look at water management and water governance in India. Introduction Ever since Independence, the governance of water has suffered from at least three major issues or artificial divisions: between irrigation and drinking water, Surface and groundwater… Continue reading Water governance reform
The need of systems that’ll help tackle a crisis rather than deny it
Synopsis: There is a frequent economic crisis in India like coal, onion, petrol, etc. This needs immediate attention for preventing it. Contents1 Introduction2 Why the coal crisis is unique?3 How the inflation targets are met without any major economic impact?4 Why did RBI and government fail to spot the economic crisis?5 What has to be… Continue reading The need of systems that’ll help tackle a crisis rather than deny it
Extending BSF’s powers won’t resolve policing problems, security threats
Synopsis: Flaws in the security architecture and measures needed to fill the void. Introduction Union home ministry extended the jurisdiction of the Border Security Forces (BSF) from 15 to 50 kms, citing uniformity as the reason. The decision appears to have been taken without consulting the states whose police forces are directly affected by it,… Continue reading Extending BSF’s powers won’t resolve policing problems, security threats
The global tax revolution
Synopsis: The OECD agreement on global tax on MNCs, its impact and benefits. Contents1 Introduction2 How would the new global tax regime work?3 How were MNCs taxed till now and the associated issues with it?4 What are the resultant impacts seen on countries?5 What are the challenges for India? Introduction International tax jurisprudence received a… Continue reading The global tax revolution
Health id needn’t cause any anxiety over data policy
Synopsis: While there is a need to adopt the digital solution, at the same time it is also important to protect the data of people. Introduction Recently the government announced setting up a new digital health scheme with a digital Id. This again raises the issue of privacy, as was done by the Aadhaar issue… Continue reading Health id needn’t cause any anxiety over data policy
Changing economic order
Synopsis: In the absence of a focused approach to exports in the changing global environment, longer-term growth prospects are bound to suffer. Introduction India is on track to attain the $400-billion export target this fiscal year. Exports jumped to $33.44 billion in September, registering 21.35% year-on-year growth. India is clearly benefiting from a stronger-than- expected… Continue reading Changing economic order
India must keep the momentum of Air India’s privatization going
Synopsis: Adopting policies that boost the market valuations of state-run companies will help government to keep the disinvestment momentum. Introduction After the successful disinvestment in Air India, many want the government to build on this and carry out more strategic disinvestment, i.e., sell more government companies, to the private sector. But that is a very… Continue reading India must keep the momentum of Air India’s privatization going
Devastation in coasts and hills underlines ecological fragility, calls for revisiting development paradigms
Synopsis: Whether in the Western Ghats or the Himalayas, there are pressing reasons for states to rethink development paradigms. Contents1 Introduction2 Why hilly states are more vulnerable to climate changes?3 What was the response by the state governments?4 What needs to be done? Introduction This monsoon season has given ample evidence of extreme weather events.… Continue reading Devastation in coasts and hills underlines ecological fragility, calls for revisiting development paradigms

