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
Tag: gs paper 3
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. Introduction India has a history of economic crisis. For instance, In 2006-07, India had a wheat crisis, onion and tomato crisis appeared almost every year. The prices increase in horticulture directly impacts the Consumer… 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. Introduction International tax jurisprudence received a boost when 130 countries, on the proposal of OECD, agreed to introduce a new global tax regime for taxing multinational corporations (MNC’s) operating globally. The Global Financial Crisis of 2008 forced all countries to change the… 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. Introduction This monsoon season has given ample evidence of extreme weather events. For instance, In July, a fortnight of torrential rain left a trail of destruction in the mountains of north India and the coastal parts… Continue reading Devastation in coasts and hills underlines ecological fragility, calls for revisiting development paradigms
Expanding forest cover: On proposed amendments to Forest Act
Synopsis: Proposed legal amendments to the Indian Forest Act are in the right direction. Introduction The environment ministry recently initiated the process to amend the existing forest legislation. It has been now put up in the public domain recently to invite stakeholders’ and state governments’ response. Why was there a need to amend the Indian… Continue reading Expanding forest cover: On proposed amendments to Forest Act
