News: The absence of an increase in tax on tobacco products post-GST has impacted revenue and could worsen public health Contents1 What is the status of tobacco consumption in India?2 How is the government dealing with tobacco and associated products?3 How does the lack of tax increase impact health targets and government revenue?4 What should the… Continue reading Low tobacco tax, poor health
Tag: the hindu
High LPG prices are scorching the air pollution fight
News– How Removal of LPG subsidy and subsequent Price rise is affecting the air pollution and its wider acceptance in low income and rural households. As Per the India residential energy survey (IRES), LPG has now replaced biomass as the most common cooking fuel. Nearly 85 percent of Indian households have an LPG connection Compared to only 30 percent a decade… Continue reading High LPG prices are scorching the air pollution fight
The need for a robust civil registration system
News: With Omicron, South Africa implemented a rapid surveillance mechanism that provided early alerts. India has also responded by setting up screening centres, ICU beds, etc. Despite no alarms, the threat remains so, all cautions should be observed. How the mortality data can help in accessing pandemic situations? Mortality data is important to guide patient care… Continue reading The need for a robust civil registration system
Mediation Bill: Not getting the Act together
News: The Ministry of Law and Justice has placed the Draft Mediation Bill, 2021 in public domain seeking feedback and suggestions from all stakeholders. What is the significance of the bill? Firstly, it recognises that mediation has to be treated as a profession. This is a significant development compared to the previous mediated schemes. Secondly,… Continue reading Mediation Bill: Not getting the Act together
Surveillance as governance
News: Recently, Amnesty International raised concerns that extensive surveillance of Hyderabad is putting human rights at risk. How surveillance is carried out in Hyderabad? It largely follows a three-pronged approach. – Wide web of CCTV cameras: For example, CCTV coverage in two cities (Kala Pathar and Kishan Bagh) is 53.7% and 62.7% respectively according to… Continue reading Surveillance as governance
India-Russia summit recognised that each needs the other, and that the drift in bilateral ties needs to be arrested
News: Recently, 21st India – Russia Annual summit took place. The summit highlighted the “all-weather” partnership between India and Russia. Must read: Recent developments in India-Russia Relations – Explained, pointwise Contents1 What are the challenges in India-Russia relations?2 Why does Russia need India?3 Why does India need Russia?4 What should be done? What are the… Continue reading India-Russia summit recognised that each needs the other, and that the drift in bilateral ties needs to be arrested
About Swacch Bharat Mission 2.0: Being free of old waste
News: Main focus of Swacch Bharat Mission 2.0 is to work on solid waste management. About Swacch Bharat Mission 2.0 The mission aims to provide financial assistance to set up fresh waste processing facilities and bioremediation projects across all the ULBs. Financial assistance is limited to chosen large cities that have a population of over 5… Continue reading About Swacch Bharat Mission 2.0: Being free of old waste
Health account numbers that require closer scrutiny
News: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the National Health Accounts Report for 2017-18. How does NHA capture data? NHA captures health data like out-of-pocket expenditure, insurance premiums from various sources like the “Household social consumption in India: Health” survey of the National Sample Survey Organization. Read here: Per capita out-of-pocket health expenditure sees… Continue reading Health account numbers that require closer scrutiny
Afforestation funds released to States
Contents1 What is the News?2 What is Compensatory Afforestation?3 About Compensatory Afforestation Fund4 Key Provisions of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act,2016 What is the News? The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) has so far disbursed ₹48,606 crores to 32 States. Chhattisgarh and Odisha have had the maximum amount transferred to them, followed by… Continue reading Afforestation funds released to States
Nagaland killings should prompt a broad rethink
News: The army operation resulted in the tragic death of 14 civilians in Nagaland. Contents1 What can be the impact of the killings? 2 What is AFSPA? Why controversies surrounding it?3 Why there is a stalemate despite the Framework Agreement (FA)?4 What is the way forward? What can be the impact of the killings? It can stall… Continue reading Nagaland killings should prompt a broad rethink

