Synopsis: India’s air quality standards were way short of WHO norms even before. The new thresholds will sharpen these differences. Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). These guidelines are not legally binding but advise to policymakers to shape their policies by prioritizing the health of the people. Read… Continue reading WHO’s new air quality standards underline the health-pollution link. It’s time policies take a holistic approach
Tag: gs paper 3
Regaining fiscal balance
Synopsis: The advance tax numbers suggest growth in revenue collection continues to remain strong. However, Central government finances would need careful management. Introduction In the current financial year, the fiscal position has improved significantly and the recovery in revenue collection has surprised many. By July-end, the government collected revenue worth over 37% of its Budget… Continue reading Regaining fiscal balance
A flawed calculation of inflation
Synopsis: The current official inflation rate does not correctly measure price rise and it needs modification. Contents1 Introduction2 Does the official data capture the real picture?3 Why inflation is a cause of worry?4 What are the factors contributing to inflation? Introduction Inflation for the last four months has been worryingly high. Wholesale price index (WPI)… Continue reading A flawed calculation of inflation
How new global tax rules may reshape India?
Synopsis: The conventional global tax system is changing, with several countries, including India, imposing a digital service tax and participating in a new global initiative to modernize tax rules. Why there’s a need for new global tax framework? The new tax framework seeks to tackle digital economy firms in particular since they do not easily… Continue reading How new global tax rules may reshape India?
Swooping down on algorithms
Synopsis: China’s draft rules on regulating recommendation algorithms address pressing issues. Lessons for India. Contents1 Introduction2 What are China’s management provisions?3 What are recommendation algorithms?4 How do recommendation algorithms work?5 What are some negative implications of such algorithms?6 What lessons can India take from this?7 What is the way forward? Introduction China has pursued aggressive… Continue reading Swooping down on algorithms
More companies pledge ‘net-zero’ emissions to fight climate change, but what does that really mean?
Synopsis: “Net-zero emissions” is in the news, and government leaders and CEOs are under pressure to discuss as to how they’ll reduce their countries’ or businesses’ impact on climate change. Contents1 Introduction2 What does net-zero emissions actually mean?3 How companies claim net-zero emissions?4 Then, why carbon credits draw criticism?5 Why do net-zero emissions matter?6 How… Continue reading More companies pledge ‘net-zero’ emissions to fight climate change, but what does that really mean?
Changing the agri exports basket
Synopsis: India has the potential to become a global leader in the food processing sector, by making changes to Agri export basket. Contents1 Introduction2 What is the current scenario of agriculture?3 How export from agricultural sector has evolved over the years?4 What are the challenges still existing?5 What is the way forward? Introduction The Indian… Continue reading Changing the agri exports basket
Jack Ma’s point on collateral-free lending holds relevance in India
Synopsis: The opportunities that cash-flow-based lending offer can have a profound influence on easing some of the constraints on smaller enterprises Contents1 Introduction2 What criticism did Jack Ma levy on traditional credit disbursal?3 What alternative did he suggest?4 Why Jack Ma’s vision holds significance for India?5 How the shift towards cash-flow-based lending can revolutionise Indian… Continue reading Jack Ma’s point on collateral-free lending holds relevance in India
Focus on agri-exports
Synopsis: Reforms that needs to be undertaken to achieve full potential of Agri exports in India Introduction The pandemic-driven supply shortage of farm goods and the resultant inc in price in the global market had given India an opportunity to strengthen its Agri-exports. Consequently, rice exports almost doubled to an all-time high of 9.5 million… Continue reading Focus on agri-exports
How sustainable is India’s exports boom?
Synopsis: The rise in exports has sparked hopes of a swift post-pandemic recovery, but there are reasons to be cautious. Introduction August was the fifth straight month when India’s goods exports exceeded $30 billion. In the last five years, other than this ongoing run, it crossed $30 billion in just one other month i.e. March 2019… Continue reading How sustainable is India’s exports boom?
