Synopsis: Co-firing policy floated by the government for the thermal plants is a win-win solution for farmers and environment. Contents1 Introduction2 What is the contribution of the coal-based power to CO2 emissions in India?3 Why India needs to move on from Coal-based power?4 What are the benefits of Biomass co-firing? Introduction India’s economy is on… Continue reading Can biomass co-firing offer a viable solution to coal shortage and stubble burning?
Tag: gs paper 3
Uttarakhand Floods: Respect Himalayan landscape if you want to preserve it, say experts
Synopsis: To save biodiversity-rich places the governments of Uttarakhand and the entire Himalayan region must preserve their forests and reflect on their infrastructure model. Contents1 Introduction2 Why Himalayas need to be preserved?3 What steps can be taken to preserve Himalayan biodiversity of India?4 What is the way forward? Introduction The latest floods in Uttarakhand caused terrible… Continue reading Uttarakhand Floods: Respect Himalayan landscape if you want to preserve it, say experts
Will privatisation take off after the Air India sale?
Synopsis: Implications of the sale of Air India for the future of India’s public sector. Introduction Recently, the Tata Group emerged as the winning bidder for Air India, the debt-laden national carrier. Further, in this year’s Budget, the government unveiled a bold new disinvestment policy for even the strategic sectors. The government is also pursuing… Continue reading Will privatisation take off after the Air India sale?
The outlines of a national security policy
Synopsis: Once cyber-technology becomes a key variable in the defence policies of a nation, land size or GDP size are irrelevant. Introduction In the 21st century, the world is moving to cyber weapons-based warfare. Therefore, after cyber-technology enters as an important variable in nations’ defence policies, the size of a country will cease to matter.… Continue reading The outlines of a national security policy
Cat to the rescue: Govts, insurers must issue catastrophe bonds for citizens’ financial protection from weather events
Synopsis: With India prone to disaster activities, there is a need to launch the cat bonds or catastrophe bonds. Contents1 Introduction2 What are catastrophe bonds or cat bonds? 3 What are the benefits of cat bonds?4 What should India do? Introduction Climate change has an adverse impact on the nature and environment. It led to a lot… Continue reading Cat to the rescue: Govts, insurers must issue catastrophe bonds for citizens’ financial protection from weather events
Reform fuel pricing
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
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
