News: How many people died in India as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? This question has become the subject of a heated argument after the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated India’s pandemic excess deaths at around 4.7 million. The Government of India issued a strongly worded response, while media houses and editors also jumped… Continue reading The bitter dispute over India’s pandemic mortality
Tag: the hindu
From Bharat to India
Context: Article describes the views of Prof Oommen and Dr BR Ambedkar in constructing a Bharat. Prof Oommen is a eminent sociologist and former president of the International Sociological Association. What are the views of Prof Oommen? Principal challenges to the evolution of a nation lie in minimising disparity, eradicating discrimination, and avoiding alienation. He… Continue reading From Bharat to India
SC seeks Centre, State governments’ reply on making ‘physical literacy’ a fundamental right
What is the News? The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and States to respond to a report recommending sports to be expressly made a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Note: The report was submitted by the court’s amicus curiae (friend of the court). What was the case about? A Public Interest… Continue reading SC seeks Centre, State governments’ reply on making ‘physical literacy’ a fundamental right
Puja event at ASI-protected Martand Temple in Kashmir stokes controversy
What is the News? The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor participated in a religious ceremony held in the ruins of the 8th century Martand Sun temple, a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. This temple has been recognised as a “Site of national importance”. What is Martand Sun Temple? The Martand Sun Temple… Continue reading Puja event at ASI-protected Martand Temple in Kashmir stokes controversy
The grim forewarnings of a global study on birds
Source: This post is based on the article “The grim forewarnings of a global study on birds” published in The Hindu on 11th May 22. Syllabus: GS3 – Environment and Ecology Relevance: State of the World’s Birds report Context: The State of the World’s Birds, an annual review of environmental resources, has revealed that the… Continue reading The grim forewarnings of a global study on birds
Control inflation by acting on liquidity
News: Inflation has assumed a menacing proportion in almost all countries. Consumer price index (CPI) inflation in India stood (in March 2022) at 6.95%. It is expected to rise further in April. On the other hand, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation had remained in double digits since April 2021. It is not the case… Continue reading Control inflation by acting on liquidity
This food regulator needs to step up to the plate
Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is expected to issue a draft regulation for labels on front of food packets that will inform consumers if a product is high in salt, sugar and fat. It is expected to propose a system under which stars will be assigned to a product. The… Continue reading This food regulator needs to step up to the plate
Measuring the change: On socio-economic surveys
Context: Findings of the 5th edition of the National Family Health Survey were made public last year, providing some key insights into changes underway in Indian society. India should invest more to enhance the reliability of various socio-economic surveys. What are some key findings of the NFHS 5? Findings of the survey throw light on… Continue reading Measuring the change: On socio-economic surveys
State of India’s Birds(SoIB) report: Future looms dark for 48% of bird species
What is the News? The State of India’s Birds(SoIB) report has been released. What is the State of India’s Birds(SoIB) report? State of the World’s Birds is an annual review of environmental resources. Released by: Partnership of 10 Government and non-Governmental organizations. What are the key findings of the report? Findings related to the Global… Continue reading State of India’s Birds(SoIB) report: Future looms dark for 48% of bird species
The standard model of particle physics gets a jolt
What is the News? Researchers from the Collider Detector at Fermilab(CDF) Collaboration in the U.S announced that they have made a precise measurement of the mass of the so-called W boson. They stated that the W boson is slightly heavier than that predicted by the so-called Standard Model of particle physics. This result is highly significant… Continue reading The standard model of particle physics gets a jolt
