Tag: the hindu

News: Recently, the Nepal Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba completed his visit to India which was also his first bilateral visit abroad.  What is the convergence of interests between India and Nepal?  Recently, Nepal ratified the agreement with the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). China claimed that it was part of the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific strategy… Continue reading Repairing the complex India-Nepal relationship 

 News: Recently, India and Australia, struck a trade deal known as the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). The deal was brokered after two decades of efforts. It is said to be a “watershed moment” for bilateral relations for both India and Australia.  What has been proposed under the trade deal?  It will enable… Continue reading Sending a strategic message 

News: Recently, an accused in “the Delhi riots cases” who was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 was denied bail by a Sessions Court in Delhi. He was involved in a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019.  What is the concept of bail in criminal law?  The bail is based… Continue reading How the UAPA is wrecking lives  

Context: Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 were launched recently to provide integrated benefits to women and children. The intent behind these schemes is to provide integrated benefits to children and women. What are the components under Mission Vatsalya? Components under Mission Vatsalya include – Statutory bodies – Service delivery structures –… Continue reading On Mission Vatsalya: The child at the centre

Context: The Madras High Court recently quashed the 10.5% special reservation for Vanniyakula Kshatriyas with the overall 20% quota for Most Backward Classes (MBC) and Denotified Communities (DNC). It has again highlighted the importance of quantifiable data as a prerequisite for reservation in education and employment. Is there a need for an exhaustive study? It… Continue reading No quota without quantifiable data

Context: The judgment of Karnataka High Court regarding the hijab issue has further provoked the hijab-wearing college students in Udupi. They have approached the Supreme Court to contest the order. What is the political dimension of the hijab issue? The issue of hijab is political as well as constitutional. The Supreme court can settle the… Continue reading Strengthen secularism, save the republic

News: Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has made it mandatory for the Central Universities to take admission in their undergraduate programmes on the basis and merit of scores in the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) from this year.  What is the situation wrt admission tests in India?  The institutions of national importance (INIs), i.e.,… Continue reading The CUET mandate warrants cautious implementation