Strengthening Cyber Resilience in India : A National Security Imperative - By Ranjeet Shah - (June 2025)
As cyber threats become more sophisticated and persistent, strengthening cyber resilience has emerged as a critical national security imperative. A resilient cyber ecosystem ensures that the nation can anticipate, withstand and recover from cyberattacks while safeguarding its digital infrastructure, data sovereignty and citizens’ trust. Strengthening India’s cyber resilience is not merely a technical necessity—it is the foundation for a secure, self-reliant and digitally empowered nation. On 7th April 2025, the Ministry
Digitalization: A Catalyst for Social Change - By Noopur Joshi - (June 2025)
Digitalization is emerging as a powerful catalyst for social change in India, transforming sectors like education, healthcare, civic engagement, and women’s empowerment. Government-led digital initiatives have expanded access and efficiency, but challenges such as digital illiteracy, infrastructure gaps, and social disparities persist. Bridging these divides through inclusive design, targeted reforms, and grassroots innovations is essential to ensure that digital progress translates into meaningful and equitable social transformation. India’s digital transformation is
BIMSTEC on a Revival Path : Strategic and Economic Opportunities for India - By Alok Singh - (June 2025)
As SAARC remains hamstrung by regional politics, particularly Indo-Pak tensions, BIMSTEC is emerging as a viable alternative regional platform. Comprising seven members — India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand — the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) connects South and Southeast Asia through the Bay of Bengal. This unique composition makes it a strategic and economic opportunity for India to fulfil its
Unlocking the Potential of MSMEs Strategies to Tackle Key Barriers - By Noopur Joshi - (May 2025)
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of India’s economy, driving employment, innovation, and economic growth. However, they face significant challenges, including financial constraints, limited access to technology and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these barriers through strategic reforms, skill development, and improved market access can unlock their full potential, fostering sustainable growth and global competitiveness. The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced a series of measures aimed at strengthening the Micro, Small
IOR: India’s Economic and Strategic Imperatives in the Age of Geopolitical Flux - (May 2025)
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is pivotal to India's economic and strategic interests, serving as a vital trade corridor and a key focus area from geopolitical perspective. With rising challenges such as China's expanding presence, maritime security threats, and environmental concerns, India must adopt a comprehensive strategy. Strengthening naval capabilities, fostering regional partnerships, and promoting sustainable economic initiatives are crucial. A proactive and collaborative approach will ensure India's leadership in
Preserving Peatlands : A Sustainable Approach to Combat Global Warming - By Ranjeet Shah - (May 2025)
Preserving peatlands is a crucial yet often overlooked strategy in the fight against global warming. This unique wetland ecosystems act as massive carbon sinks, storing more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. However, failing to address the escalating risks they face could jeopardize critical climate targets and hasten the decline of biodiversity.A groundbreaking study published in the Journal Conservation Letters on February 12, 2025 exposes a critical conservation gap:
India’s Skill Gap - By Ranjeet Shah - (April 2025)
India's Skill Gap refers to the mismatch between the skills of the workforce and industry demands, limiting productivity and economic growth. Despite a large, young population, India faces challenges in equipping its labour force with the necessary technical, vocational, and soft skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.On 7th February 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the extension and restructuring of the Central Sector Scheme ‘Skill India
Reforming Higher Education in India Improving Employability and Research Standards - By Noopur Joshi - (April 2025)
The transformation of India’s higher education system is crucial to addressing challenges in employability, research quality, and funding. By strengthening State Public Universities and aligning education with industry needs, India can bridge the education-employment gap while enhancing global competitiveness. This shift underscores the pressing need for strategic investments and policy reforms that prioritise long-term academic excellence over short-term fixes. India’s higher education sector is undergoing a critical transformation, with State Public
Freedom of Expression vs. Regulatory Oversight Digital Media Regulation in India - By Alok Singh - (April 2025)
The rise of digital media in India has sparked a complex debate between free expression and regulatory control. As governments seek to curb misinformation and ensure accountability, concerns over censorship and state overreach grow. Navigating this delicate balance is crucial to preserving democratic ideals while fostering a responsible digital ecosystem. The debate over freedom of expression vs. regulatory oversight in India's digital media landscape has intensified amid growing concerns over violent
India’s Rise as a Global Startup Hub Growth Drivers and Challenges - By Ranjeet Shah - (March 2025)
India's emergence as a global startup hub is driven by a large talent pool, increasing digital adoption, and supportive government policies. However, challenges like funding gaps, regulatory hurdles, and scalability issues persist. Despite these, India's startup ecosystem continues to thrive, attracting global investments and fostering innovation. On 16th January 2025, India celebrated nine years of Startup India, a transformative initiative launched in 2016 to boost innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation.
The Invisible Workforce in India’s Informal Sector - By Alok Singh - (March 2025)
India’s informal sector employs nearly 90% of the workforce, with women forming a major segment in agriculture, domestic work, and small-scale enterprises. Despite contributing significantly to economic growth, they remain excluded from labour laws, social security, and workplace protections. With over 80% of working women engaged in unorganized jobs, their struggles remain largely unrecognized. As more women join India’s workforce, the country stands on the brink of a transformative economic shift
Climate Change and the Global South Need for an Equitable & Just Global Response - By Noopur Joshi - (March 2025)
The rejection of the COP29 climate finance pledge by the Global South highlights a pivotal moment in the fight for climate justice. With a stark gap between the funds allocated and the urgent needs of developing nations, the South’s call for substantial, equitable finance is now more pressing than ever. India has emerged as a strong advocate, demanding a fair share of global responsibility for the developed countries to ensure
Preventive Healthcare A National Priority of India to Ensure Health & Wellbeing - By Noopur Joshi - (February 2025)
The rise of preventive healthcare in India marks a transformative shift in addressing the country’s escalating health challenges. By focusing on wellness, early intervention, and lifestyle changes, India is paving the way for a healthier future while alleviating the strain on its healthcare infrastructure. This approach underscores the need for proactive investments and policies that prioritise long-term well-being over curative care.India faces a growing spectrum of health challenges, including an
Urban Wastewater Management India’s Approach, Challenges and the Way Ahead - By Ranjeet Shah - (February 2025)
As India's population grows and urban areas expand, the amount of wastewater being generated is increasing rapidly. At the same time, the country's freshwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce and polluted. To address this challenge, it is essential for India to collaborate with developed nations that have successfully implemented wastewater treatment and reuse technologies. By learning from their experiences, India can adopt sustainable solutions to manage wastewater more effectively. In December
India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership A New Milestone in India’s Gulf Outreach - By Alok Singh - (February 2025)
The India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s expanding engagement with the Gulf region. Strengthening ties across political, economic and cultural spheres, this partnership reflects mutual interests in energy security, trade, investment and regional stability. With both nations aiming for enhanced collaboration in areas like defence, technology and human resource development, the partnership is poised to foster deeper bilateral ties and contribute to a more resilient India-Gulf cooperation
Women Entrepreneurship in India Fostering Economic Growth, Innovation and Social Progress - (January 2025)
The rise of women entrepreneurship in India reflects a transformative shift, driving innovation and economic growth. Despite progress, challenges such as funding gaps and societal norms persist. Government initiatives and supportive ecosystems are fostering change, but sustained efforts are needed to unlock their full potential and accelerate equitable entrepreneurial growth.Recent years have seen a remarkable surge in women entrepreneurship across India, signalling a transformative shift in societal norms and economic
Transforming Global Governance Key Issues & the Need for Reformed Multilateralism - By Alok Singh - (January 2025)
From continued volatility and inequality in the global financial and economic system and fears of renewed health risks to the present triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution), divergent views animate current debates on reform of the United Nations, international financial institutions, World Trade Organization, G20 and others towards forging a more coherent and effective way for managing global financial, economic, social, and environmental governance. Unified and inclusive
Climate Finance COP29 and the Road Ahead - By Noopur Joshi - (January 2025)
The $300 billion climate finance pledge at COP29 signals progress but underscores the persistent divide between the developed and the developing nations. At the Summit, India highlighted critical gaps in funding, fairness in emission reductions, and the need for equitable global action.On 24th November 2024, the 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded with a pledge of $300
Adopting Climate Resilient Agriculture India’s Challenges and Solutions - By Ranjeet Shah - (December 2024)
India, with its vast agricultural sector, is exceptionally vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing challenges such as erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and depleting groundwater levels. Through integrating climate-resilient practices, farming communities can adapt to uncertainties and secure their productivity and livelihoods. Adopting climate-resilient agriculture is not just a choice; it’s a necessity for sustaining global food supplies.In August 2024, the Prime Minister released 109 high yielding, climate resilient
Social Entrepreneurship in India Rise, Impact & Prospects - By Noopur Joshi - (December 2024)
As India continues to evolve as a global economic player, the rise of social entrepreneurship presents new avenues for collaboration between businesses, government, and civil society, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future.Social entrepreneurship in India has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by the urgent need to address pressing social and environmental challenges. It represents a transformative approach towards addressing social challenges, marking a significant evolution in the
BRICS & the Changing Global Landscape Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for India By - Alok Singh - (December 2024)
As BRICS evolves beyond its traditional framework, India stands at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge. The expansion of BRICS offers India a platform to enhance economic collaboration, foster trade ties, and leverage its growing influence among emerging economies. However, challenges such as geopolitical tensions and divergent national interests necessitate a strategic approach. India must navigate these dynamics to effectively position itself within this evolving multilateral landscape for sustainable growth
BioE3 Policy : Boosting Innovation and Sustainability in Biomanufacturing - By Noopur Joshi - (November 2024)
The BioE3 Policy signifies a pivotal shift in India’s approach to biomanufacturing, balancing the need for sustainable practices with economic growth. While the policy aims to enhance innovation and job creation, questions remain about its implementation and impact on existing industries. The future of India’s bioeconomy will depend on effectively integrating advanced biotechnological processes while addressing societal challenges like climate change and food security. In August 2024, the Union Cabinet approved
India and the Quad : Fostering Partnership for a Secure and Prosperous World - By Alok Singh - (November 2024)
India’s approach to the Quad prioritizes a multi-dimensional agenda that extends beyond security, fostering enduring cooperation among members. While maritime security remains crucial, particularly given China’s naval assertiveness, India advocates for a broader framework. This includes collaboration in critical technologies, climate change, cybersecurity, health, education, and counter-terrorism. By addressing issues like disaster relief, illegal fishing, and human trafficking, India ensures that the Quad aligns with its long-term strategic goals, enhancing
Strengthening Food Safety Regulations in India - By Ranjeet Shah - (November 2024)
“Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.”— Winston Churchill. Food is the most basic necessity for human survival; however, majority of the foods we eat are adulterated or fraudulently produced. Food adulteration has a long history and is still a problem. In a significant effort to enhance global collaboration on food safety and regulatory standards, India hosted the 2nd edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS) 2024
India-Poland Relations :The Leap towards Strategic Partnership - By Ranjeet Shah - (October 2024)
India-Poland relations have evolved significantly in recent years. Strengthened by shared democratic values and growing economic interests, both nations have expanded cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defence, science, and education. Poland, as India's key partner in Central Europe, plays a vital role in India's "Look West" policy, while India's rise as a global economic power offers new opportunities for mutual growth and collaboration. At the invitation of the Prime Minister
Addressing Global Challenges :The Global South's Perspective - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (October 2024)
Countries of the Global South are no longer the 'silent majority' in international political forums; their active participation not only promotes inclusiveness, harmony and unity of the global society but also infuses new energy into the progress of the global governance system. On 17th August 2024, India hosted the third Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS). The overarching theme of the summit was "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”.
Debate over Lateral Entry into Civil Services - By Alok Singh - (October 2024)
The debate over lateral entry highlights the tension between tradition and innovation in India’s bureaucracy. While the political pushback has slowed its adoption, the potential benefits of introducing external expertise into governance cannot be overlooked. The future of lateral entry will likely hinge on finding a balance that satisfies the need for specialized skills and the principles of social equity.On 20th August 2024, the Central government directed the Union Public
Harnessing Marine Biodiversity : BBNJ Agreement and Concerns of Sustainability - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (September 2024)
The BBNJ Agreement allows countries to increase their strategic presence in areas beyond their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The agreement will help strengthen marine conservation efforts and cooperation along with sharing of marine monetary benefits. It will open new avenues for scientific research and development, access to information, capacity building and technology transfer etc. for the benefit of the entire mankind.On July 2, 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by the
Services Sector : Propelling India’s Economic Growth - By Ranjeet Shah - (September 2024)
Services play a pivotal role in connecting countries to the global economy, including by enhancing trade in goods. The services sector is an important contributor to economic growth, employment and financial inclusion.The Economic Survey 2023-2024, tabled in Parliament on 22nd July, 2024, highlighted that the services sector continues to be a significant contributor to India’s growth, accounting for about 55 per cent of the total size of the economy in
India’s Engagement with Russia : Expanding Partnership amid Changing Global Order - By Alok Singh - (September 2024)
India and Russia have sustained a strong strategic partnership since the Cold War, characterised by significant cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, and space exploration. As India aligns more closely with Western powers and Russia deepens its ties with China, their relationship faces new complexities. Understanding the historical context, current challenges, and geopolitical impact of India-Russia relations reveals how their evolving dynamics shape global strategic alignments and influence the international order.Prime
India’s Unsustainable Urbanization :Challenges and Imperatives - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (August 2024)
Urban centres are engines of economic growth. Policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation must be effective to address the challenges of unsustainable urbanization. Sustainability must be incorporated as a key concept in all aspects of urban planning and governance. According to the World Bank, by the year 2036, about 40% of India's total population will live in urban areas and they will contribute about 70% to the country’s GDP. It can
Securing India’s Cyberspace - By Ranjeet Shah - (August 2024)
Today, cyberspace has become an integral and essential part of human life and organisations. It plays a key role in all critical infrastructures like power generation and distribution, transportation, strategic industry, finance, telecom and many others. It is the major medium of information creation, analysis, storage and retrieval. In short, cyberspace has become the oxygen on which the global community thrives. On 18th June, 2024, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) released
India-Bangladesh Cooperation : Ensuring Progress and Development - By Alok Singh - (August 2024)
Despite significant strides in trade, security, and connectivity, issues such as border management, water sharing, illegal migration, and regional geopolitics pose obstacles to India-Bangladesh relations. Thus understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a stable and mutually beneficial relationship that can withstand external pressures and internal complexities. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina paid a State Visit to India on 21-22 June, 2024. As part of wide-ranging discussions,
India’s Poor Solid Waste Management Posing Critical Threat to Public Health & Environment - (July 2024)
Lack of clarity and awareness among key stakeholders and irregular regulatory enforcement are major obstacles to efficient management of solid waste. Waste management practices can be streamlined by using appropriate technology. Also, an effective combination of technical and economic components can make solid waste management methods sustainable and viable. Recently, the Supreme Court of India criticized the poor system of solid waste management in New Delhi. More than 3,800 tonnes per
DPI: A Fundamental Driver of India's Social Transformation - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (July 2024)
The emergence of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has ushered in a new era of e-governance in India. This has enabled citizens to access a wide range of government services online. DPI is working to connect all individuals and businesses to the digital economy, regardless of socio-economic background. India's DPI initiative, known as 'India Stack', has been helpful in increasing productivity, improving efficiency and creating additional employment opportunities. Recently, the first UN
Climate Change: Impact on Women and Children Urgent Need to Address the Vulnerabilities - By Alok Singh - (July 2024)
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die in a disaster. Climate change exacerbates the existing vulnerabilities and inequalities, necessitating urgent and targeted interventions to promote gender equality, enhance resilience, and ensure sustainable development for women and children. A recent study by the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation highlights that women and children in Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Formalizing the Informal Economy Need for Comprehensive Reforms - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (June 2024)
General Studies Paper 3/UPSC Mains/Issue Analysis Articles/Formalizing the Informal Economy Need for Comprehensive ReformsTo encourage formalization of the Indian economy, the government needs to simplify regulatory processes, reduce compliance burden, provide incentives, promote skill development programs and create an enabling business environment. Additionally, making stakeholders aware of the benefits of the formal economy and regulation of institutional factors to transform the economic activities are also important. According to the 'India Employment
Climate-Smart Agriculture Ensuring Sustainability and Food Security - By Ranjeet Shah - (June 2024)
General Studies Paper 3/UPSC Mains/Spotlight Article/Climate-Smart Agriculture Ensuring Sustainability and Food Security In a world where climate change poses unprecedented challenges to agriculture and food security, climate-smart agriculture presents a holistic approach to addressing the challenges while ensuring sustainability and food security through more resilient, productive and sustainable agricultural systems. According to the recently published Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024, nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute
West Asia Crisis Implications for India & the World - By Alok Singh - (June 2024)
GS Paper 3/International Relation/UPSC Mains/Big Issue Article/West Asia Crisis Implications for India & the WorldThe people of the Middle East are facing a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict, warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in response to airstrikes on Iran's embassy complex. This incident is a glimpse into the broader West Asia or Middle East turmoil, rife with instability, proxy wars, and neo-colonial ambitions. The region's strategic complexity spawns
Sustainable Land Management : Crucial for Mitigating Land Degradation & Preserving Ecosystem Services - By Ranjeet Shah - (May 2024)
Worldwide, land degradation and desertification due to deforestation, over-grazing, soil erosion, urbanization and unsustainable agricultural practices has accelerated. These conditions reduce productivity and increase food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, and conflict. Therefore, to meet human and ecological needs, competing demands for land and resources must be reconciled. The sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) was held from 26th February to 1st March, 2024, at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
India’s Patent Regime : Fostering Innovation and Economic Development - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (May 2024)
The patent system of any country plays an important role in its intellectual property framework, promoting innovation and technological progress. The primary objective of the patent laws implemented in India is to encourage innovation and technological progress by granting inventors exclusive rights over their inventions for a specific period. India should focus on strengthening its 'Intellectual Property Rights Regime' to align the patent system with the innovation and development process.
India-Bhutan Relations : Together for Progress and Development - By Alok Singh - (May 2024)
India and Bhutan share a deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship characterized by close historical, cultural, and economic ties. This partnership encompasses cooperation in developmental projects, particularly in hydropower, education, and healthcare. Both countries collaborate closely on issues of mutual interest, including regional security, trade, and border management. India's assistance for Bhutan's socio-economic development and Bhutan's support for India's strategic interests in the region underscore the strength of this enduring friendship. Overall,
Digital Transformation of Rural India : Leveraging Technology for Development of Rural Communities - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (April 2024)
Digitalization has great potential to improve livelihoods and transform rural areas. Continuous efforts are being made by the Government to provide an enabling environment for digitalization and digital innovation. In this context, rural connectivity is important to provide access to data and information at low cost. It will empower the rural population to realize their full potential. On 13th February, 2024, a historic initiative 'Smart Gram Panchayat: Revolution towards Digitization of
Green Energy in India : Vision, Prospects & Challenges - By Ranjeet Shah - (April 2024)
The world today is facing multifaceted challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and disruptions in the pursuit of sustainable development. In this context, India stands at the crossroads of an energy transition critical for its future and the planet's well-being. Keeping in mind the sustainable development goals, India's power generation mix is rapidly shifting towards a more significant share of renewable energy. According to recent estimates by rating agency ICRA (Investment
India-UAE Relations : Exploring New Horizons of Mutual Collaboration - By Alok Singh - (April 2024)
India and the UAE are poised to strengthen their bilateral relationship across various dimensions, marking a new chapter of collaboration and mutual growth. The signing of crucial agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE underscores a shared commitment to fostering closer ties and addressing common challenges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 13th to 14th February, 2024, has cemented bilateral
Indian Women in STEM : Need to Foster Diversity and Inclusion - (March 2024)
Girls and women are systematically excluded from science and mathematics throughout their education. This restricts their access to, preparation for, and opportunities to engage in these subjects as adults. Holistic and integrated efforts are needed to get more girls and women into STEM education and careers. The society has to understand that women are an important human resource and can play an important role in economic development. On 18th January, 2024,
Empowering Persons with Disabilities : Towards a Rights based Approach and an Inclusive Society - By Ranjeet Shah - (March 2024)
Inclusion is a shared value inherent to every individual, and it is our responsibility as a society to ensure equal opportunities for all, including persons with disabilities. By implementing inclusive policies, we can empower persons with disabilities, ensure equitable access to education and employment, and foster a society that celebrates diversity The International Purple Fest 2024 was held in Goa from 8th to 13th January, 2024, with an objective to encourage
India-France Relations Areas of Cooperation, Challenges and Way Forward - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (March 2024)
India and France attach importance to maintaining independent foreign policies and strategic autonomy. France's support during India's nuclear tests and the establishment of a strategic partnership in 1998 underline this mutual understanding. There is a need for an enhanced India-France partnership framework encompassing security, environmental sustainability, technological advancement and cultural exchange to take bilateral relations between the two countries to new heights and promote global stability and prosperity. On 25th and
International Financial Architecture : Need for Comprehensive Reforms - By Ranjeet Shah - (February 2024)
The emerging polycrisis is challenging governments and institutions around the world. Especially countries in the Global South lack the financial capacity to address the current challenges and simultaneously prepare their nations for the impacts of climate change. The existing international financial architecture has so far been unable to provide the necessary financial resources. At the same time, recent reports from the IPCC and other expert groups highlight the need for
COP28: Key Outcomes and the Way Ahead - By Alok Singh - (February 2024)
Climate change is impacting societies globally but warming beyond 1.5°C will prove disastrous to the over 3 billion people who live in places highly vulnerable to climate change. It’s becoming increasingly clear how, in a world with warming beyond 1.5°C, the effects of climate change can quickly cascade from an environmental risk to an economic threat. The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Reforming India’s Criminal Justice System - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (February 2024)
In the context of India’s criminal justice system, the need to move towards reform-oriented measures has long been felt. It is expected that the new laws will boost contemporary relevance at the policy level and help bring the much needed positive changes. On 25th December, 2023, President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to three new criminal justice bills recently passed by the Parliament. These three new laws include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023;
Promoting Food Processing Sector in India Time to Leverage the Industry’s Vast Potential - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (January 2024)
The food processing sector is one of the critical drivers of growth and has been acknowledged as a high priority industry by the Government of India as it has shown enormous potential for creating employment opportunities and boosting the agriculture sector in the country. India's food processing sector is one of the largest in the world and its output is expected to reach $535 billion by 2025-26. Thus, the country
The Threatened Ecosystem of Western Ghats : Conservation Imperatives for the Global Biodiversity Hotspot - By Ranjeet Shah - (January 2024)
The Western Ghats Region (WGR) is a unique landscape found in India along the western part of the Indian subcontinent, right from the south of Gujarat in the north to Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the south. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents one of the Earth’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. However, given the pressures of unsustainable and unplanned activities, the region is facing numerous challenges. A
India’s Emerging National Security Challenges : Need for a Comprehensive National Security Strategy - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (January 2024)
New security challenges have arisen with the expansion of modern technologies. These challenges are not limited to military and nuclear attacks, but also include cyber attacks, the changing nature of terrorism and warfare, and issues related to demographic change. The emerging security challenges facing India demand comprehensive preparedness and proactive responses. Continuous progresses in the field of science and technology and the increasingly complex global geopolitical scenario have given rise to
Digital Inclusion : Moving Towards an Empowered Society - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (December 2023)
The concept of Digital Inclusion has gained prevalence in the 21st Century, with technology creating millions of jobs and being used in all spheres, all the way from banking to farming to defence. With the Indian government’s proactive measures, the country is experiencing a digital revolution that is triggering transformative developments in areas like e-payments, digital literacy, financial inclusion, geographic mapping, rural development, and many more.On 14th September 2023, the
Challenges in India-Maldives Relations : Addressing Strategic, Geopolitical and Economic Concerns - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (December 2023)
India-Maldives relations are based on a strong foundation. The cooperation between the two countries is marked by India's historical support to Maldives during various crises and people-to-people ties. Maldives' proximity to India's west coast and its position at the centre of important sea routes passing through the Indian Ocean add to its strategic importance for India. India should strive to continuously strengthen its relations with Maldives while remaining sensitive to
Vulnerability of the Himalayan Ecosystem : Need for a Region-specific EIA Regime - By Ranjeet Shah - (December 2023)
Developmental paths of the states in the Indian Himalayan Region should be consistent with concerns of sustainability of the ecosystem. The region is also characterized by its geological phenomena and natural disasters like landslides and earthquakes. These episodic events pose a challenge to the planners and to the development objectives of the states in the region.The recent Teesta dam breach in Sikkim, and floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh are
Drug Abuse among Young Persons : Problems and Solutions - By Ranjeet Shah - (November 2023)
Today, there is no part of the world is free from the curse of drug trafficking and drug addiction. Millions of drug addicts, all over the world, are leading miserable lives, between life and death. India too is caught in this vicious circle of drug abuse, and the number of drug addicts is increasing day by day. On 3rd August, 2023, a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on "Drug Abuse
Maritime Security Challenges in IOR : Need for Greater Collaboration among Nations - By Chandrakant Singh - (November 2023)
The Indian Ocean Region's maritime safety and security challenges are complex and multifaceted. International cooperation and the exchange of critical information are imperative to address these issues effectively. Embracing cutting-edge technologies and building resilient maritime security architecture are essential to ensure a safe and sustainable future for all nations in the Indian Ocean Region. Recently, the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW) was organized by Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region
India’s G20 Leadership : Towards Realizing the Vision of an Inclusive World Order - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (November 2023)
The unanimous acceptance of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration by all the countries shows that India has been able to end the differences among the big powers in this Summit. It is noteworthy that after last year's G20 Summit, differences between the big powers had increased significantly. India's presidency of G20 and its success proves that 'India is ready for the world and the world is ready for India'. The 18th
Circular Economy in India : Critical Imperative to Ensure a Sustainable Future - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (October 2023)
A circular economy involves reusing products, rather than scrapping them and then extracting new resources. In a circular economic model, all forms of waste are returned to the economy or used more efficiently. Such an approach offers a way to not only protect the environment, but use natural resources more wisely, develop new sectors, create jobs and develop new capabilities. Further, the shift to a circular economy goes beyond recycling and
15th BRICS Summit : Leveraging Collective Power - By Chandrakant Singh - (October 2023)
Collaboration among the BRICS nations, since the inception of the grouping, has led to a significant impact on global governance, efforts to democratise international relations, and economic development. BRICS continues to take impressive steps in developing and broadening cooperation, as has been witnessed in the grouping’s recent decision to add six new members. On 22-24 August, 2023, Indian Prime Minister visited Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia,
Chandrayaan-3 Mission : Significant Milestone in India's Space Odyssey - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (October 2023)
India has a huge untapped potential in the space sector. Through adequate policy measures, this potential can be harnessed to make the country stand at par with the other space superpowers of the world. Space activities are very expensive and this investment gap can be bridged by promoting the private sector. This will not only yield the best results but will also help India achieve top position in the global
Sustainable Forest Management : Key to Preserving the Future of Forests - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (September 2023)
Globalization is changing the context for sustainable forest management (SFM) profoundly. Regions that are better integrated in a globalized economy face increased pressure to adjust the forest sector to become more responsive and innovative in order to stay competitive. The 18th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) took place in New York in May 2023. During the session, delegates discussed the contributions of sustainable forest management (SFM) to
Green Financing Ecosystem in India : Role in Ensuring a Sustainable Future - By Chandrakant Singh - (September 2023)
Green financing has emerged as a crucial mechanism to drive sustainable development and combat climate change. With a focus on funding environmentally friendly projects such as renewable energy initiatives and sustainable infrastructure, India is leveraging green financing to build a greener and more resilient future. This financial approach aligns with the country's commitment towards a clean environment and contributes to the global efforts in creating a low-carbon economy. Recently, the World
FPOs in India : Leveraging Collective Strength to Empower Farmers - By Ranjeet Shah - (September 2023)
The agriculture sector in India has achieved significant momentum in the past decade. Mobilizing farmers into collectives in the form of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) has emerged as the most preferred institutional mechanism for farmers’ prosperity by policy makers and development agencies. From modest beginnings, the FPO numbers have acquired impressive strength in many States. These initiatives have served as an example for FPO transition to become sustainable and achieve
India-France Relations : Heralding a New Era in Strategic Partnership - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (September 2023)
India and France have agreed to work within the framework of a partnership between equals, consistent with their respective sovereign and strategic interests. To further deepen their strategic partnership, and keeping in mind the universal values of liberty, equality, democracy and the rule of law, both countries have decided to enhance cooperation in areas that will enhance their commitment to strengthen sovereignty and decision-making autonomy. On 13-14 July, 2023, India’s Prime
India’s Groundwater Challenge : Imperatives for Conservation and Management for Future Water Security - By Chandrakant Singh - (August 2023)
India's groundwater resource plays a crucial role in sustaining the nation's water needs, but its current state calls for urgent conservation and effective management. With increasing water scarcity and the looming threat of future water security, it is imperative to address the challenges and adopt sustainable measures to protect and optimize this valuable resource. A recent study published on 15th June, 2023, in Geophysical Research Letters revels that the net water
Judicious Use of Mineral Resources : Ensuring Growth, Sustainability and Balanced Regional Development - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (August 2023)
The exploitation of mineral resources is irreversible, and minerals themselves are non-renewable. However, unlike natural hydrocarbons, many metals and industrial minerals can be recycled. This ability of recycling is now contributing to the growing sector of secondary raw materials and is a major evolution towards mineral sustainability. Mineral resources illustrate the difficulty of satisfying the conflicting objectives of the three pillars of sustainability: economy, environment, and social equity. On 28th June,
India's Logistics Sector : Role of Effective Management in Boosting Economic Development - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (August 2023)
India aims to become a US$ 5 trillion economy in the near future and a developed economy by 2047. In this direction, connectivity and development of strong logistics infrastructure is of utmost importance. The logistics sector will boost the development of commercial real estate and industrial parks, along with the development of transport and warehousing facilities. This will help better integration of Indian industry with global value chains and make
Solar Waste Management in India - By Ranjeet Shah - (August 2023)
Solar energy has become a leading solution to meet the increasing energy demands of the world’s growing population. Solar photovoltaic technology is an efficient option to generate electricity from solar energy and mitigate climate change. Although the development and growth of solar photovoltaics (PV) has had a positive impact on energy system de-carbonization, end-of-life solar panels might become toxic waste if not properly disposed of. Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest
Land Restoration : Key to Human Well-Being and a Sustainable Future - By Chandrakant Singh - (July 2023)
The international community has pledged to restore one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030. The aim is to preserve nature’s life-support services and safeguard the productivity of land resources for generations to come, reduce the risks and impacts of disasters and pandemics, and boost ecosystem and community resilience in the face of impending environmental stresses and climate shocks. On 20th May, 2023, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate
India as a Holistic Health Destination : Opportunities and Challenges - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (July 2023)
India happens to have an extremely rich history of medicine going back to the Vedic times. The Golden Age of Indian medicine can be traced back to 800 BCE and went on till 1000 CE, which witnessed the writing of Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Today, many modern methods of treatment and surgeries find their roots in these literatures. At present, there is already a major demand for wellness and
Women-led Development : A Paradigm Shift towards Equity & Inclusion - By Ranjeet Shah - (July 2023)
Women have been central to the grand vision of New India. India needs not just women’s development but women-led development that makes women the leading force of our development trajectory. Women are realising their worth in all walks of life. They are demanding gender equality & justice in every sphere and helping themselves to become empowered. Recently, the Prime Minister of India asserted that the country has entered a phase of
Climate Resilient Agriculture : Essential to tackle Food Insecurity - By Chandrakant Singh - (June 2023)
Climate resilient agriculture (CRA) is an approach to agriculture that aims to increase productivity and sustainability while building resilience to climate change. With agriculture being a vital sector for India's economy, accounting for around 15% of the country's GDP and employing nearly half of the workforce, the impacts of climate change on agriculture have significant implications for food security and livelihoods in India. India is particularly vulnerable to the impacts
Preventive Healthcare in India : Infrastructure & Technologies - By Ranjeet Shah - (June 2023)
Over the past 3 decades, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading cause of death and suffering, contributing to 65 per cent of deaths in India. NCDs affect not just health but also productivity and economic growth. As the youngest and fastest growing major economy in the world, the health of our nation is a critical indicator of our future, and the health of our people will determine how effectively
India’s New Space Policy : Boosting Space Economy through Private Sector Participation - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (June 2023)
The Indian Space Sector is one of the rapidly growing industries in the world with more investment opportunities. Now, it has opened its economy to the private sector with the vision of becoming a major player in the global space market. The Indian space economy is expected to reach US$12.8466 billion by 2025, according to a joint report by Ernst & Young (EY) and the Indian Space Association (ISpA), the
India and the Global South : Towards an Equitable World Order - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (June 2023)
The challenges of the COVID pandemic, rising prices of fuel, fertilizer, food grains and rising geopolitical tensions have affected development efforts for the Global South. India has always shared its development experience with the countries of the Global South, which makes India an important linchpin for articulating the concerns of the Global South. Considering India's important role in the international system and diplomatic dialogues, it can be said that, it
Internationalization of Indian Rupee A Step towards Enhancing India’s Global Stature - By Deepika Singla - (May 2023)
Internationalization of the Indian Rupee refers to the increasing use of the local currency in cross-border transactions. It involves promoting the Rupee for import and export trade and numerous other current account and capital account transactions. In the present times, internationalization of the Rupee is essential due to growing confidence in the Indian economy internationally. With the Rupee becoming more significant internationally, the bargaining power of Indian businesses will improve.
India’s Performance in SDGs: Challenges & the Road Ahead - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (May 2023)
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a framework for a better and more sustainable future for everyone. The SDGs tend to make the world a better place to live by fulfilling its targets within the stipulated time of 15 years and remove poverty, improve health, provide employment, empower women, reduce inequalities and follow all the seventeen targets that have been set by the UN. According to the Lancet report (February
Boosting India's Semiconductor Ecosystem: Harnessing Economic Gains & Moving towards Self-reliance - By Ranjeet Shah - (May 2023)
Semiconductors—the tiny chips powering modern electronics—have enabled breathtaking innovation in virtually all areas of society, fundamentally shifting the boundary between the possible and the impossible. They have fostered breakthrough technologies in recent years, like artificial intelligence and machine learning completely changing the way we live and work. A recent Deloitte report estimates the Indian semiconductor market to reach US$55 billion by 2026, with over 60 per cent of the market driven
Changing Geopolitics in West Asia: Implications for India and World - By Chandrakant Singh - (May 2023)
The Saudi-Iran deal brokered by China has a huge significance within the Arab world as well as outside the region. The major beneficiaries of the deal are the bilateral partners. The deal is significant for the regional countries and will have long-term implications for the instability in Yemen and Syria. It symbolizes China’s quiet diplomacy in the region and its evolution from a preferred economic partner to an emerging political
Antimicrobial Resistance: An Emerging Global Health Threat that Needs Concerted Efforts - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (April 2023)
When microorganisms become resistant to antimicrobials, standard treatments are often ineffective, and in some cases, no drugs provide effective therapy. Consequently, treatments fail. This increases illness and mortality in humans, animals and plants. According to UN Ad hoc Interagency Coordinating Group on Antimicrobial Resistance report – drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050 and damage to the economy as catastrophic as the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. By
Protecting Marine Biodiversity: A Step towards Ocean Sustainability - By Chandrakant Singh - (April 2023)
Protecting marine biodiversity is crucial for the health and sustainability of our oceans and the many species that depend on them. Ultimately, the protection of marine biodiversity is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration and cooperation of individuals, communities, governments, and organizations around the world. On 4th March, 2023, for the first time, United Nations members agreed on a unified treaty to protect biodiversity in the high seas. The agreement
Digital Connectivity Infrastructure: Role in India's Socio-economic Development - By Ranjeet Shah - (April 2023)
Digital communication has become an integral and indispensable part of modern society. India along with other nations is moving towards an economic system which is based on continuous and ubiquitous availability of digital information. Financial services (like banking, capital markets, and insurance) and crucial services like e-governance, tele-medicine, entertainment, online e-commerce sit atop the underlying architecture of telecom networks and services. A robust Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) contributes significantly to
Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Issues of Concern Related to Use of AI - By Deepika Singla - (April 2023)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is often deployed with intentions of improving access and quality and higher efficiency and solving pressing problems. However, risks and challenges of leveraging AI have also emerged across a number of different areas. New products and platforms are being designed by employing artificial intelligence. This creates the need for responsible and ethical use of AI and prevent its misuse for fraudulent activities. This is because ethical violations
Showcasing India’s Rich Cultural Heritage & Diversity : Imperative to Boost the Country’s Tourism Sector - By Chandrakant Singh - (March 2023)
Given the fact that India has numerous attractions for both domestic and foreign tourists, the tourism sector holds huge opportunities for creation of jobs and entrepreneurship for the youth of the country. The government is determined to promote tourism on a mission mode, with active participation of states, convergence of government programmes and public-private partnerships.The Union Budget 2023-24 highlighted tourism as one of the major sectors contributing to overall economic
Indian Diaspora : Reliable Partner for Country’s Progress - By Deepika Singla - (March 2023)
Today the Indian Diaspora numbers over 30 million, reflecting the full multiplicity and variety of the rich social, ethnic, religious and cultural tapestry of the land of its origin. Indian diaspora is not only recognized for contributing to innovation and entrepreneurship, competition, economic growth and job creation in countries of destination but also in promoting economic, political, social and technological development of India. Considering their commendable contribution, the need of
Rising Inequality in India : An Obstacle to Inclusive Growth - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (March 2023)
India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world; it is also one of the most unequal countries. Inequality has been rising sharply for the last three decades. The richest have cornered a huge part of the wealth created through crony capitalism and inheritance. They are getting richer at a much faster pace while the poor are still struggling to earn a minimum wage and access quality education
Mainstreaming Millets : Role in Mitigating Malnutrition and Climate Change - By Ranjeet Shah - (March 2023)
“There is a need for diversity on the land and on our tables. If agriculture becomes monoculture, it impacts our health and the health of our lands. Millets are a good way to increase agricultural and dietary diversity. Raising awareness to create ‘Millet Mindfulness’ is an important part of this article. Both institutions and individuals can make a tremendous impact. While institutional mechanisms can encourage production of millets and make
Transformation of Global Food Systems - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (February 2023)
Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Over the past 100 years, more than 90 per cent of crop varieties have disappeared and today, just nine plant species account for 66 per cent of total crop production – contributing to ubiquitous health risks
Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) : An Imperative to Reach Net Zero - By Chandrakant Singh - (February 2023)
India is signatory to the Paris Agreement under which it has committed to restrict global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, and preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, over pre-industrial levels. Guided by this commitment, Indian government over the past few years has introduced multiple policies and actions to support and facilitate CCUS technologies across power and industries to reduce carbon emission and thereby reach net zero emission targets. Under the 2015 Paris
Turning Waste into Wealth : Role of Efficient Waste Management in Fostering India’s Energy Security and Industrial Development - By Satish Kumar Karna - (February 2023)
An inevitable consequence of development and industrial progress is generation of waste. Therefore, efficient waste management is a matter of international concern and countries have set up robust regulatory waste management regimes for balancing the objectives of development and environment sustainability. In India, the National Environment Policy, 2006 while suggesting measures for controlling various forms of environmental pollution lays emphasis on the need for collection and treatment systems for recycling
COP 15’: Global Biodiversity Framework - By Ranjeet Shah - (February 2023)
Healthy, bio-diverse ecosystems sustain life on Earth. Despite the value nature provides, it is deteriorating worldwide – a decline projected to worsen under business-as-usual scenarios. From December 7-19, 2022 the world was gathered for the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) in Montreal to strike a landmark agreement to guide global actions on biodiversity through 2030. The framework has laid out an ambitious plan to implement broad-based action across sectors addressing
Technology and Social Change in India Fostering Development through Transformation - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (January 2023)
Our modes of life and thoughts and all our social institutions are influenced profoundly by mechanization. Modern civilization could not have developed in the absence of its technological base. We witness innovation in everything, starting from the simplest task of our daily lives like brushing our teeth to the most complex problems like fighting a pandemic! Today we are innovating in ways we never would have imagined before. However, the
Conservation of Indigenous Seeds - By Satish Kumar Karna - (January 2023)
One of the most adverse impacts of the commercialisation of agriculture is the total dependence by the farmer on external sources for all his farming inputs, including seeds. Unlike earlier times, when farmers used to save and share their seeds, today they depend wholly upon seed companies for their requirements. Indigenous seeds are more suitable to a particular region or situation than any hybrid variety.Seed is the basic and most
Land Degradation & Desertification An Insight on Sustainable Land Management - By Chandrakant Singh - (January 2023)
Government of India has recognized land degradation as an critical issue today, threateningnot only the productivity of land but also water quality, human health and the fundamentals of ecosystems on which all life depend.According to the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas published by the Environment Ministry in 2021, at least 30% of India’s total geographical area is under the category of “degraded land”.Land degradation is instrumental in major global issues,
COP27: Earth’s Future is at Stake - By Deepika Singla - (January 2023)
The hosting of COP27 in the green city of Sharm El-Sheikh marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In the thirty years, the world has come a long way in the fight against climate change and its negative impacts on our planet making it easier to better understand the science behind climate change, better assess its impacts, and better develop tools
Self Help Groups: Role in Socio-Economic Development of India & Challenges - By Chandrakant Singh - (December 2022)
Women are the vital infrastructure and their empowerment would hasten the pace of social development. Investing in women’s capabilities and empowering them to achieve their choices and opportunities is the definite way to contribute to the economic growth and the overall development.Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development in a bid to increase the coverage of self-help groups announced a nationwide campaign to expedite the inclusion of women who are left
India’s Natural Resource Challenges - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (December 2022)
The natural capital are those elements of the nature that provide valuable goods and services to humans, such as the stock of forests, food,clean air, water, land, minerals, etc. Monitoring the natural capital is important and should be one of the determiners for sustainable development. Recently, India faced power crisis in several states as the stock of coal held by the country’s thermal power plants had hit critically low levels. According to
Unemployment in India: A hindrance to Inclusive Growth - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (December 2022)
High level of unemployment adversely affects livelihood security of workers and their families as they have no means of subsistence other than salary/wage earned through employment. India’s complicated population and changing work-market have made unemployment among its citizens a major worry for both politicians and the general public. Knowing more about India’s unemployment rate can help policymakers put the right measures in place to guarantee that everyone looking for work
India's Presidency of G20 & SCO: Strengthening India's Role in addressing Global and Regional Issues - By Deepika Singla - (December 2022)
In the changing geo-political and geo-economic order of the world, institutions like G20 and SCO are vital. In such a scenario, India’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), UN Security Council (UNSC) in 2022 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2023 when major powers of the world are at deadlock and India alone, now the fifth largest economy, is interacting with each of them, presents a historic opportunity. The
Cooperatives: Crucial for Making India Self-reliant - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (November 2022)
India will become the third-largest economy in the world by the end of the decade, with the cooperative sector playing a pivotal role. The government will help to set up two lakh new dairy cooperatives at the village level before the 2024. On 6th September, 2022 the Central Government announced the constitution of a 47-member committee, headed by former Union Cabinet Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, for drafting the National Cooperation
India’s Bioeconomy: An Untapped Treasure - By Deepika Singh - (November 2022)
As the world witnesses climate change, the drive towards sustainable development is no longer an alternative, it is a necessity. Bioeconomy can help to achieve development in an environment-friendly manner and be a solution for societal challenges. India’s bioeconomy, valued at over USD 80 billion in 2021, is expected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030. Thus, India can reap the benefits of bioeconomy provided it overcomes the constraints and
Energy Security in India Ensuring Access to Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy for All - By Chandrakant Singh - (November 2022)
There is huge potential for further growth in energy demand in India due to an expanding economy and the forces of urbanisation and industrialisation. There are, however, critical questions about how demand growth will be met and energy security will be ensured. As per India Energy Outlook 2021, published by International Energy Agency (IEA), India has been ranked third largest primary energy consumer in the world. Also, World Energy Outlook 2021 states
Conservation of Coastal Ecosystems in India: Imperatives & Implications - By Satish Kumar Karna - (November 2022)
Marine resources from Indian Ocean can serve as the backbone of India’s economic growth. Blue economy, through sustainable use of oceans, has great potential for boosting the economic growth of India.Recently the first National Conference on Sustainable Coastal Management in India was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It was focused on enhancing climate resilience of India’s coastal communities and discussion on steps that shall be taken towards coastal management. It brought
Financial Inclusion in India Access to Formal Finance and Vulnerable Sections: A Perspective - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (October 2022)
Being able to have access to a transaction account is a first step toward broader financial inclusion since a transaction account allows people to store money, and send and receive payments. A transaction account serves as a gateway to other financial services. Financial access facilitates day-to-day living, and helps families and businesses plan for everything from long-term goals to unexpected emergencies. As accountholders, people are more likely to use other
Decarbonizing Indian Economy: Imperatives for a Just Transition - By Satish Kumar Karna - (October 2022)
The latest IPCC Sixth Assessment Report makes it abundantly evident that the planet's last chance to limit global warming to 1.5°C by the end of the 21st century is in the upcoming decades. It emphasized the need for economies to decarbonize, in order to protect the earth from the numerous effects of climate change. Two significant problems plague the just transition conversation at the moment: The focus is mostly on
India in the Indo-Pacific Region: Strategic and Economic Initiatives - By Chandrakant Singh - (October 2022)
With the growing strategic and economic importance in Indo-Pacific region, it can be said that the Indo-Pacific is now a theater of opportunity and disputes. The geographical location of India has put it as an important player in Indo-Pacific decision making. Therefore, it is important that India should collectively participate and cooperate with other littoral nations in the region to address contemporary challenges and tap opportunities.Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister
Mental Health in India: A Perspective - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (September 2022)
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a sharp increase in mental health disorders around the world. A report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) has said the worst hit were the low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). India, incidentally, belongs to the category of LMICs. The report finds that people with severe mental health conditions die on average 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population, mostly due to preventable physical
‘One Health’ Approach - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (September 2022)
‘One Health’ is a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and trans-disciplinary approach working at the local, regional, national, and global levels with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.The COVID-19 crisis has emphasized the need to be better prepared for future pandemics to reduce the risk to global health security. Preventing a future pandemic or ensuring a more effective response depends on
Role of Private Sector in India’s Space Program - By Satish Kumar Karna - (September 2022)
The space industry in India has expanded significantly over the past ten years, as have its needs, to encompass applications for television and broadband services, space science and exploration, space-based navigation and, of course, defence and security. As part of changes to boost commercial participation in the space sector, the government introduced a new entity, IN-SPACe, in June 2020. The Department of Space (DOS) is promoting private sector involvement in space
WTO & India: Changing Dynamics - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (August 2022)
Trade delegates made strategic moves during the WTO’s six-day ministerial conference to deprioritize their national interests in order to benefit the common good. There was also quiet but critical compromise between the US and China that settled the question of Beijing’s ability to sidestep patent rights under the WTO’s new intellectual-property waiver.The WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) took place from 12th to 17th June 2022 at WTO headquarters in Geneva.
Indigenization of Technology in India - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (August 2022)
Technology is a key component in accelerating progress in the modern world, as nations compete fiercely for the best resources in the military, economics, and infrastructure. The ability of the person who operates the machines to understand technology, though, is much more crucial. As a result, governments around the world who want to see their country succeed place a high priority on indigenizing technology and switching to new technologies.In a
Global Climate Governance: An Evolutionary Perspective - By Chandrakant Singh - (August 2022)
A very active campaign has been going on for the last two years to get every country to sign on to a net-zero goal for 2050. It is being argued that global carbon neutrality by 2050 is the only way to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the planet’s temperature from rising beyond 2°C compared to pre-industrial times. Current policies and actions being taken to reduce emissions would not
ASEAN & India’s Indo-Pacific Vision - By Satish Kumar Karna - (August 2022)
The Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions have long been hubs of economic expansion and are among the most active in the entire world. Thus, these areas continue to see changes in geopolitics and geostrategic alignment. These changes bring both opportunity and difficulties. While, on the one hand, the region's economic expansion creates opportunities for collaboration to reduce poverty and raise millions of people's living standards, on the other hand, the
FinTech in India: Potential and Issues - By Chandrakant Singh - (July 2022)
Recently, the Prime Minister of India asked to “convert India’s fast fintech adoption, reflected in high volumes of UPI and other digital transactions, into a FinTech revolution that would help to achieve financial empowerment of every single citizen of this country”. However, at the same time he asked for robust fintech security innovation to secure the interest of people engaged in digital transactions.Over the last two years, India has seen
Strengthening India’s Informal Sector: Implications for Economic Development - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (July 2022)
Reforming the informal sector is the need of the hour. With increasing levels of unemployment in the sector, it is essential to re-employ workers. The government needs to take action to formalise the sector and to provide ample employment opportunities with proper job security and other social security benefits.According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), about 2 billion workers, or 60 per cent of the world’s employed population aged 15
Global Supply Chain Resilience: Need for Synchronization - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (July 2022)
There is a visible churning in geopolitics and geoeconomics; the trade war between the United States and China, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the breakdown of the multilateral system are all driving global supply chains to be evaluated and reconfigured. The epidemic accelerated the migration of global supply chains that began with the trade dispute between the United States and China, exposing major vulnerabilities in
Climate Finance: An Insight - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (July 2022)
Climate finance is needed both to mitigate the emissions causing climate change and to help communities and economies adapt to the changes that are now inevitable. If greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced immediately and at scale, it won’t be possible to limit warming to 1.5° C, or even 2° C, putting the world on a catastrophic path. Climate finance helps countries meet their NDCs and implement their NAPs. Making
India-Nepal Relations: Repairing Bilateral Ties - By Satish Kumar Karna - (July 2022)
The recent visit of Nepal’s PM to India cleared the stage for resolving a border dispute through discussion and increasing hydropower production in Nepal, primarily through Indian investment. Nepal was able to profit from India's economic progress by focusing on cross-border connectivity through infrastructure development and financial connectivity through the RuPay payment card system. The visit is strategically significant for India since it wants to discourage Chinese investment in Nepal
Extreme Weather Events: India’s Preparedness - By Chandrakant Singh - (June 2022)
Recently, the United Nations in its Global Assessment Report (GAR 2022), released in March 2022, predicted that world will face approx. 560 extreme weather events every year by 2030. As per the Report, over the last two decades, the Earth has witnessed 350-500 medium- to large-scale extreme weather events every year. In comparison, this is five times higher than the previous three decades.This rapid rise in extreme weather events over
Nutritional Security in India Shifting from Food Security to Nutritional Security by 2030 - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar - (June 2022)
Nutrition is increasingly being recognised as a critical part of the development landscape. Undernutrition has health implications that are passed down through generations and erodes socio-economic justice, adding to the burden on developing and impoverished countries. Hunger and nutrition must be tackled together to effectively address the challenges of diet-related health issues, disparities in clinical care, Government food assistance programmes and policies, public health investments.In the month of February 2022,
Sustainable Urbanization in India: Challenges & Opportunities - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (June 2022)
Sustainable development has been characterized as development that meets current needs without jeopardizing future generations' ability to meet their own. Sustainable urbanization, on the other hand, necessitates a balance between urban development and environmental conservation, with a focus on equity in employment, housing, basic services, social infrastructure, and transportation in metropolitan regions. Cities are economic growth engines. India must ensure that as it urbanizes, its cities provide a good standard
India-Australia: Natural Partners in a Multipolar Indo-Pacific Region - By Satish Kumar Karna - (June 2022)
The strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region has shifted dramatically. In its key emphasis area of the Indo-Pacific, Australia seeks a more comprehensive security strategy and powerful military weapons. To oppose aggressive China, Canberra has increased and broadened its engagement with friends and partners, including greater cooperation with the QUAD countries and a trilateral security treaty with AUKUS (Australia–United Kingdom–United States). In this context, India and Australia may work together
Intellectual Property Rights: Issues & Challenges in Covid Times - By Chandrakant Singh - (May 2022)
Today in global pandemic, poor nations are struggling to develop vaccines and medicines for treatment of this fatal disease. Keeping this in mind WTO should simplify procedural wrangles on all fronts whether with respect to vaccines or medicines and on all essential IPRs associated in making vaccine. Recently, the European Union has proposed that Intellectual Property Rights held by international pharmaceutical companies on COVID-19 vaccines may be relaxed for up to
India's Geo-Economic Position in changing Global Order - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (May 2022)
The global economic and political landscapes have always been intertwined. Since the colonial period, it has been seen on a global scale that economic and political conditions have greatly influenced the relations between different countries. After independence, India has gone through a long process of development. For a time, India's political and economic policies were implemented separately in the global context. But in order to keep pace with the changing
India's Traditional Knowledge Systems: A National Treasure - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (May 2022)
"Traditional knowledge (TK) refers to indigenous and local communities' knowledge, innovations, and traditions from around the world. It is passed down orally from generation to generation, based on centuries of experience and adaptations to the local culture and environment. Stories, music, folklore, proverbs, cultural values, beliefs, rituals, community rules, local language, and agricultural techniques, including the development of plant species and animal breeds, are examples of collectively owned knowledge. It
Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability - By Satish Kumar Karna - (May 2022)
Climate change impacts, risks and vulnerabilities, and adaptation measures are all addressed in the second section of the IPCC's sixth assessment report. For the first time, the panel has included regional assessments in its report, including focused on megacities. India is one of the most susceptible countries on the planet which will be affected by sea-level rise. In August of last year, the first section of the study was released
Geospatial Technology: Application, Significance, and Challenges - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (April 2022)
The importance of geospatial technology has increased tremendously in the 21st century due to the increase in the applications of satellite and internet technologies. In view of the increasing trend in the use of geospatial data in the country, there is a need to increase the accuracy of survey and mapping of geographical regions. This technology will play an important role in achieving the goals of schemes like 'Atmanirbhar Bharat',
Wastes as a Resource: Towards Environmental Sustainability - By Chandrakant Singh - (April 2022)
A circular economy path adopted by India has potential to bring in substantial annual benefits, like significant reduction of carbon emission and pollution. Our ability to maximize our resource efficiency, minimize the consumption of finite resources can not only solve the environmental and health issues but also generate new business models and entrepreneurial ventures that spur our transition towards self-reliance. Recently, waste has moved to the centre of the discourse on
Industry 4.0: India’s Preparedness, Adoption and Challenges - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (April 2022)
Industry 4.0 is still in its early stages in India, with the words digitalization and Industry 4.0 being more widely accepted than the fourth industrial revolution. In India, research on Industry 4.0 is relatively sparse. The Indian government, on the other hand, has begun to implement policies and programs connected to Industry 4.0 and associated technology. Industry 4.0 uses smart technologies to transform supply chain automation, monitoring, and analysis. It is
India-UAE Relations: Economic Cooperation and Beyond - By Satish Kumar Karna - (April 2022)
The recent boost in India-UAE relations will ensure that the two countries work together even more closely to address the shared global challenges, achieve shared objectives and build a robust and resilient relationship that is future ready. It will promote the development of new trade, investment, and innovation dynamics, and intensify bilateral engagement in diverse areas.During a virtual conference on 18th February, 2022, India and the United Arab Emirates finalised
The Future of Hydrogen in India - By Chandrakant Singh - (March 2022)
Renewables have been torchbearers of the green initiative since the beginning of the 21st century. Hydrogen can play the same role by the mid-century as the goalpost of going green shifts from merely reducing GHG emissions to achieving net-zero emissions. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Power (MoP) are going to notify India’s first National Green Hydrogen Policy in February 2022 with an aim to
Emerging Technologies and National Security: Imperatives and Challenges - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (March 2022)
Technological advancement has always had an impact on national security. Looking into the past, we come to see that the process of technological innovation that resulted from the Industrial Revolution influenced the direction of colonization. At present, various types of innovation based technologies developed or in the process of development are affecting national security in a big way along with industrial and social work system of human life. As such,
Reaping India’s Demographic Dividend: Opportunities and Challenges - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (March 2022)
In the long run, rather than relying solely on GDP growth – a metric that ignores societal schisms, environmental degradation, and citizen well-being – the growth philosophy should emphasize fair progress that promotes social cohesion and trust. Recently, India attained a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.0, which is lower than the replacement level of 2.1, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). The TFR in urban areas is 1.6,
India-Sri Lanka Relations: Issues and Challenges - By Satish Kumar Karna - (March 2022)
Sri Lanka is India's security neighbour to the south. From a geostrategic standpoint, Sri Lanka's location in the Indian Ocean is critical; major commerce sea routes pass through the country. Both countries are strategically located in South Asia and have aspired to establish a joint security umbrella in the Indian Ocean. India and Sri Lanka have a long history of intellectual, religious and linguistic interaction. The commercial relations have grown and
Startup Ecosystem in India: Opportunities, Challenges and Growth Drivers - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (February 2022)
Current time is a golden period for the growth of entrepreneurship in the startup sector in India. However, there are still some areas where improvements need to be made to promote startup entrepreneurship. The role of the Government of India can be helpful in this direction; government can act as a catalyst and connect India with the innovation process of the world. Capital investment by the government as well as
Climate Change Adaptation - By Chandrakant Singh - (February 2022)
Climate change related adaptation is needed in complementarity with mitigation since mitigation alone is not enough to stave off the adverse effects of climate change. Greater rates and magnitudes of climate change as observed in last ten years, increase the likelihood of exceeding the temperature form 1.5 degree limit or even cross 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial level. Therefore it is important now to find out various adaptation methods to
India-Russia Relations in a Changing World Order - By Satish Kumar Karna - (February 2022)
Relations with Russia are an important part of India's foreign policy, and Russia has long been a dependable partner for India. The annual summit meetings between the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President have ensured that these ties are kept at their best. The importance of Indo-Russian ties in a world of shifting geopolitical equations, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, must be examined. The growing rivalry between the US
Legalizing MSP: Issues and Challenges - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (February 2022)
Legalizing MSP will require exorbitant fiscal cost. At the same time, the absence of policy space in the WTO on Agriculture to implement a food security program is a major source of concern for India and other developing countries. The protest against the three controversial farm laws - Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance, Farm Services Act, 2020; and
Measuring Human Development: Dimensions and Limitations - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (January 2022)
The measurement of the progress of human development has a long history and has passed through several stages over time. In the context of changing social, economic and political conditions, the available methods of measurement of human development do not seem to be more practical at present. From time to time Social scholars have been highlighting the shortcomings of these methods through their research work. In order to link the
G20 & India: Reshaping the World Economic and Financial Order - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (January 2022)
As globalization advances and various issues become more intricately intertwined, recent G20 summits have focused not only on macroeconomics and trade, but also on a wide range of global issues that have a significant impact on the global economy, such as development, climate change and energy, health, counter-terrorism, and migration and refugees. Leaders realized that the rapid recovery following the pandemic could be an excellent opportunity for a worldwide green
COP26: Glasgow Declaration and India - By Satish Kumar Karna - (January 2022)
The 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded in Glasgow. The primary goal of COP26 was to establish the rules and processes for putting the Paris Agreement into effect. The majority of these rules had been finalized by 2018, but a few elements remained unsettled, such as the one relating to the development of new carbon markets. The
Bioplastic as a Sustainabale Solution to our Plastic Waste Problems - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (December 2021)
At present, bioplastics are being produced in very limited quantities as compared to synthetic plastics, but in view of the benefits, its applications are increasing rapidly. Due to bio-degradation and negligible carbon footprints, the acceptance of Bioplastic is limited but increasing very fast. As so far explored, Bioplastics seem to be the most suitable alternatives to plastics, which can help globally to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste. Bioplastics
India's Extended Neighborhood Policy: The Central Asian Context - By Satish Kumar Karna - (December 2021)
The growing importance of the Central Asia region’s oil and gas resources has sparked new rivalries amongst foreign powers. A resource rush has erupted in Central Asia between Russia and other countries like the United States and China, resulting in a Great Game rivalry. India is seeking a footing in the region in order to guarantee a stable extended neighborhood in Afghanistan, and to tap into its energy reserves. Also,
AUKUS and the QUAD: Power Shift in the Indo-Pacific - By Satish Kumar Karna - (December 2021)
AUKUS is a trilateral security alliance that could signal a shift in US policy toward finding a new partner to lead in the Indo-Pacific area, namely Australia. In view of recent events in Afghanistan, America's rebalancing toward a new pivot is concerning. It is a source of concern not only for India, but also for several other countries in the area and beyond—even European countries has reason to be worried.
Environmental Accounting in India: Progress & Challenges - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (November 2021)
Accounting and disclosure of environmental matters have been increasingly manifesting as an important dimension of corporate accounting and reporting practices. As the entire world continues its rapid move towards industrialization, it has seriously threatened human ability to maintain the ecological balance. Industrialization is the foundation stone of the development of any economy, while the unplanned industrialization and discharge of waste by industries is one of the major causes of environmental
Empowering the Nation with ‘Women-led Development’ - By Chandrakant Singh - (November 2021)
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that India is transitioning from ‘women’s development’ to ‘women-led development’. In this grand vision, women have been reimagined as architects of India’s progress and development, rather than being passive recipients of the fruits of development. What is Women-led Development? Women-led development refers to realising the potential of women in every sector’s growth by improving social, economic and political capacities of women. The aim of women-led
Iran & SCO: Obstacles to Full Membership & Impacts - By Satish Kumar Karna - (November 2021)
With two main trading partners, China and India in SCO, Iran may be pushed in opposing directions. More crucially, Russia and China are the two most powerful stakeholders in the SCO, and they are using the organization to pursue their own geopolitical goals, with an emphasis on security threats rather than economic deals. In these circumstances, the Islamic Republic should not expect the bloc to meet all of its demands
Border Dispute in NE States: Implications for India’s Internal Security - By Satish Kumar Karna - (October 2021)
The Northeastern States remains one of the country's most vulnerable regions. Insurgency, drug trafficking, terrorism, and other issues of national security can all be found in the northeastern state. Land boundary disputes between states are the least of one's worries in such a region. The status and ground realities of the region have changed dramatically as a result of different measures taken by both the state and union governments over
India and Land Degradation Neutrality - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (October 2021)
Natural and man-made both factors are responsible for the problem of land degradation in India. It is imperative to formulate a long-term strategy to tackle the problem of land degradation by adopting an approach based on environmental protection. India occupies a large geographical size. Therefore, the land management strategies to be operated in the country have to be divided on the basis of geographical features. Land management strategies can be
Counting the Invisible Working Hands in India - By Dr. M. Balaji, IAS - (October 2021)
This write-up enquires into the problem faced by migrant labourers in the informal sector in India. It argues for the registration and tracking of migrants, particularly interstate migrants, as they constitute a significant proportion of the labour force. The mobility of labourers is the natural mechanism for infusing inclusive and faster growth across the globe, and tracking the poor migrants would lead to investment in human and social capital, paving
Pardoning Powers of President & Governor in view of latest SC Judgment - By Satish Kumar Karna - (October 2021)
The philosophy behind the right to forgiveness is that every civilized country recognizes and therefore stipulates that the right to forgiveness is exercised as an act of grace and humanity. Recently, the Supreme Court of India stated that state governments do not have the authority under criminal procedure laws to release a person sentenced to life imprisonment before serving a minimum of 14 years in prison. However, the court concluded
Surge in Fuel Prices in India: Reasons, Options & Challenges - By Satish Kumar Karna - (September 2021)
High pricing of petrol and diesel at the pump are due to two major factors: rising worldwide oil prices and a very high domestic tax structure. Fuel costs in India vary by state due to the impact of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. For example, Rajasthan has the highest value-added tax (VAT) on petrol in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh. Reduced fuel production and oil-rich nations
Unorganized Sector Workers & their Social Security in India - By Dr. Amarjeet Bhargava - (September 2021)
“The concept of ‘Social Security’ emphasizes on protecting the individual from social uncertainties.In spite of many efforts, the issue of social security of workers in the unorganized sector in India continues to be a matter of concern. Issues such as child labour, housing, drinking water, sanitation, minimum wages, livelihood security, child care and maternity security among the workers of this sector are yet to be included in any comprehensive plan”
India's Strategy in Afghanistan Post US Withdrawal - By Satish Kumar Karna - (September 2021)
The terrorist attacks of 9/11 on the US in 2001 made Afghanistan a major US foreign policy concern. A western military operation led by the US was launched against Al-Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban regime that harbored and supported it. Since then the US has suffered 2400 soldiers in Afghanistan and approx, $144 billion has been spent for reconstruction and security forces there. An elected Afghan government has taken the
The Race to Zero Emissions - By Chandrakant Singh - (August 2021)
A host of countries have recently announced major commitments to significantly cut their carbon emissions, promising to reach "net zero" in the coming years. The term is becoming a global rallying cry, frequently cited as a necessary step to successfully beat back climate change, and the devastation it is causing. The global climate has always shown fluctuations. Since the beginning of industrialisation, however, the composition of the atmosphere has changed due
Political and Constitutional Crisis in Nepal - By Satish Kumar Karna - (August 2021)
Nepal has seen chaotic political changes in the last three decades. A decade-long armed struggle from 1996 to 2006 pushed the country to the backyard on all aspects of life. During the last 70 years, Nepal has witnessed seven Constitutions. Nepal’s Constitution of 2015 envisaged a ray of hope for its people, for transforming the country into a Federal Democratic Republic with the provision of government at three levels- Central,
G7 Summit & India: Key Takeaways & an Opportunityto expand Ties with West - By Satish Kumar Karna - (August 2021)
The G7 is an artifact of a bygone era. In the 1970s, when the G5 was expanded to include Canada and Italy, the new grouping really did dominate the world economy. Japan was booming, and many expected it to catch up to the US; Italy was growing, and nobody was thinking about China. Generally, it is perceived that without China and India, G7 has lost its relevance. Analysts also believe
Governor vs Speaker: Tussle of Power and Constitutional Morality - By Satish Kumar Karna - (July 2021)
The credibility of democracy depends on how its institutions work in practice. At the same time, the sustainability of democracy depends not only on the constitutional principles but also on constitutional morality and constitutional propriety. As defined by Ambedkar, constitutional morality refers to the conventions and protocols that govern decision-making where the constitution vests discretionary power or is silent. In the last six years, the legal-political tussle for power between
Climate Change Vulnerability - By Chandrakant Singh - (July 2021)
The third IPCC report defines climate change vulnerability as "the degree to which a region is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes". Climate change is already occurring and impacting natural ecosystems and human societies. Climate change and climate variability are adversely impacting both biophysical systems (mountains, rivers, forests, wetlands, etc.) and socio-economic systems (hill communities, coastal communities, agriculture, animal
India’s Balancing Act Policy - By Satish Kumar Karna - (July 2021)
“There are no permanent friends or foes in diplomacy; there are only permanent interests”. However, India should be careful while backing Israel and should take a more balanced and pragmatic approach while dealing with Israel-Palestine conflict. The Israel Palestine conflict in West Asia (Middle East) is about land and identity. The conflict is rooted not only in contending claims to the Holy Land but disputes over Jerusalem, borders, security, and
Public Health & Federalism - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (May 2021)
In India’s fight against the pandemic, the Centre-States relations have witnessed/witnessing frictions regarding vital decisions.Political scuffle over key issues like declaration of the nationwide lockdown without the consultation of the States, the irregular supply of essential medical equipment, the plight of the migrant workers and the tackling of the crisis by few opposition ruled States, came to the forefront. This raises the question – should ‘Public Health’ be moved to
Marine Ecosystems Challenges and Opportunities - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (May 2021)
Marine Ecosystems are aquatic environments with high levels of dissolved salt in contrast to freshwater ecosystem. Marine ecosystems are found near the shores and not on land. Marine ecosystems are defined by their unique biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors. Biotic factors include plants, animals, and microbes while important abiotic factors include the amount of sunlight in the ecosystem, the amount of oxygen and nutrients dissolved in the water, proximity
Quad 2.0: Non-Alignment, Asian-NATO or Trade Alliance? - By Satish Kumar Karna - (May 2021)
The security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region has experienced significant changes in the last few decades. The increasing assertiveness of China in the South and East China Sea, border standoff with India in the Eastern Ladakh along with the nuclear missile experiments conducted by North Korea, has generated great concern among the neighbouring countries as well as the international community at large. However, for ensuring regional security, new forms of
Social Justice in the Digital Economy - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (April 2021)
Are technological advances and equitable development at odds? That’s one question in focus as we mark World Day of Social Justice, which this year looks closer at how to ensure the digital economy does not deepen inequality. Visions of a global knowledge-based economy and universal electronic commerce, characterized by the ‘death of distance’ must be tempered by the reality that half the world’s population has never made a telephone call,
India's foreign trade- prospects and challenges - By Chandrakant Singh - (April 2021)
Foreign Trade has been one of the most significant determinants of economic development in a country. The foreign trade of a country consists of inward and outward movement of goods and services, which result into outflow and inflow of foreign exchange from one country to another country. International trade is a vital part of development strategy and an effective instrument of economic growth, employment generation and poverty alleviation in an economy.
India’s Aspirations for UNSC Permanent Membership - By Satish Kumar Karna - (April 2021)
Permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council is an important and legitimate aspiration for India in order to discharge its rightful role in the maintenance of international peace and security. Being the largest democratic country, India is trying to get the coveted permanent seat at the UNSC for years. Currently, the Security Council consists of 5 permanent members- the US, UK, France, Russia and China. Four among the P5
Environmental Impact Assessment - By Chandrakant Singh - (March 2021)
Introduction Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an environmental decision support tool, which provides information on the potential impacts of development projects on environment, society, economy and human health, both beneficial and adverse. The objective of EIA is to ensure sustainable development through informed and transparent decision-making while planning a development project. UNEP defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior
Economic Democracy - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (March 2021)
An explosion of material aspirations is posing new challenges to Indian democracy. Beneath all the outrage about crony capitalism, inept governance and absent jobs is an unrest that arises from a fundamental mismatch between the economic and political sphere. We may be equal inside the polling booth – with one-person one-vote and every vote carrying equal weight. But out in the market place there is no such thing as equality.
Monetary Crisis and Foundation for RBI (1890-1935) - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (March 2021)
The monetary policy of British India was highly controversial during the interwar period as it aimed to protect the budgetary obligations and private commerce. The currency stabilization policy was seen as a tool to protect the British economic interest while they ruled India. The currency came under serious pressure during the World War I and Great depression, the facets of Indian currency’s dependence was exposed through the modified council bill
Indo-US Ties under New US Government: Continuity and Contrast - By Satish Kumar Karna - (February 2021)
Indo-US relations over the past two decades have been well ordered with the only wrinkle being in trade and immigration issues. Trade related market access has traditionally been an irritant in the bilateral relationship, immigration issues flared up mainly during the Trump administration. With the change in guard in Washington, it’s imperative to understand the possible implications for core areas such as strategic/military, economic and political cooperation like India’s entry
Blue Dot Network, ‘Quad Plus’ Arrangement and India’s Options - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (February 2021)
Recently, a group of the US Senators, in a letter, has asked India to join the Blue Dot Network (BDN). They also backed India’s decision to invite Australia to the annual Malabar naval exercise, which India did. Given the rising anti-China narrative across the globe, the scope for promoting the BDN as an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has risen tremendously. So will India, an Indo-Pacific partner of
Ethical Challenges of Allocating Vaccines in a Pandemic - By Manisha Kukreti - (February 2021)
The year 2021 brings a sense of hope to Indians with India's drugs regulator, Drugs Controller General of India, approving emergency use authorization of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, locally manufactured by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech's indigenously manufactured Covaxin. However, a streak of uncertainty is also looming large with the explosion of a new mutation of the corona virus in UK, now spreading fast across the world. Health Ministry
Geoengineering – A Controversial Solution: Concept and Issues - By Rishabh Srivastava - (February 2021)
Climate change, or more aptly, climate chaos, is arguably one of the major challenges of the 21st century, and is often considered an existential threat to humanity. However, recent research suggests that no matter how ambitious our efforts are, current emission trends indicate that it is unlikely we will be able to limit the temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In the various solutions proposed to improve the negative
Significance of BRICS for India in the Global Order - By Satish Kumar Karna - (February 2021)
Significance of BRICS for India in the Global Order for UPSCBRICS is an acronym for 5 emerging economies of the world namely – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The term BRIC was coined by Jim O’ Neil, an economist and the then chairman of Goldman Sachs in 2001.The first BRIC summit took place in the year 2009 in Yekaterinburg (Russia). In 2010, South Africa formally joined the association
REDD+: Evolution, Opportunities and India’s Preparedness - (December 2018)
Deforestation and forest degradation have been globally acknowledged to contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The most prominent global mechanism to tackle deforestation and forest degradation is called Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, or REDD+. Since its formalisation in 2007 at the United Nations Conference of Parties (CoP) on climate change held in Bali, Indonesia, more than 300 REDD+ initiatives have taken off across the world,
What a Waste 2.0 - (December 2018)
Solid waste management affects everyone; however, those most affected by the negative impacts of poorly managed waste are largely society’s most vulnerable — losing their lives and homes from landslides of waste dumps, working in unsafe waste-picking conditions, and suffering profound health repercussions. Too often, the environment also pays a high price. In 2016, the world generated 242 million tonnes of plastic waste — 12 per cent of all municipal solid
Global Wetland Outlook - (December 2018)
Ramsar Convention, adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar nearly a half-century ago, recently issued its first-ever global report on the state of the world's wetlands.The report found that around 35 percent of wetlands -- which include lakes, rivers, marshes and peatlands, as well as coastal and marine areas like lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs -- were lost between 1970 and 2015. Today, wetlands cover more than 12 million square
Bonn Challenge and India - (November 2018)
The protection and revival of degraded and deforested land is the need of the hour. In order to tackle the issues that arise as a consequence of degradation and deforestation, principles of forest landscape restoration are being globally promoted. The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to bring 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded land into restoration by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030. The government of India
Constitutional Morality - (November 2018)
When the Constitution was enacted, there was a self-conscious sense that India was finding a way to resolve major considerable debates and discords over norms and values. The task of Constitutionalism was a Morality that surpasses positions and disagreements on particular issues; its strength was that it gave a framework for having a common institutional life despite disagreements. The second aspect of Constitutionalism was the ambition that while the Constitution
Economically Viable, Environmentally Sustainable Development - (November 2018)
By Saloni Nandkeolyar “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”. This quote given by Chief Seattle is a reminder for all of us that the resources available today should not be treated as our sole property and must be used judiciously.The term sustainable development in all its crudity refers to a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
Digital Payments: Trends, Issues & Opportunities - (October 2018)
The digital payments market in India is set to become a trillion-dollar industry in the next five years, led by growth in mobile payments which are slated to rise to $190 billion by 2023 from $10 billion in 2017-18, according to the NITI Aayog. This would present huge business opportunities for players in the digital space, according to the NITI Aayog’s“Digital Payment: Trends, Issues and Opportunities” report released recently. This
Sustainable Development in the Indian Himalayan Region - (October 2018)
The Indian Himalayan Region, with its physical grandeur, natural splendor and spiritual aura, have shaped India’s civilization and cultural legacy that pervades through the lives of 1.3 billion people.The region and its communities experiences a range of demographic, environmental and social stresses.Given the uniqueness of the Himalayas, utmost care has to be taken to achieve the growth that addresses environmental and social equity issues. NITI Aayog has picked up 5
Towards the Rule of Law: 25 Legal Reforms for India - (October 2018)
The Constitution of India commits India to the path of the rule of law. However, the journey towards a society based on the rule of law is a long and arduous one. For 70 years after the coming into force of the Constitution of the United States, the practice of slavery was common, brought to a brutal end by a Civil War which ripped the nation asunder. 67 years after
ABCD India’s Nutrition Challenge - (October 2018)
The rationale for investing in Nutrition is globally well recognized – both as a critical development imperative, as well as crucial for the fulfillment of human rights- especially of the most vulnerable children, girls and women. It constitutes the foundation for human development, by reducing susceptibility to infections, related morbidity, disability and mortality burden, enhancing cumulative lifelong learning capacities and adult productivity. Nutrition is acknowledged as one of the most
25 Years of CBD - (September 2018)
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has made a profound impact on curtailing the loss of species and biodiversity on earth since its inception in 1992. The landmark convention has completed 25 years conserving biodiversity on May 22, 2018, the day which is celebrated as the International Day for Biological Diversity. The spotlight on CBD traces the journey the convention has made so far. Background Earth is with plenty of biological
Urban Risks and Resilience in India - (September 2018)
The increasing frequency of natural & human activity induced disasters and climate related extreme events like cloud bursts, heavy precipitation and associated floods and large scale destruction resulting into hazards in recent time has led to huge damage in life and property. Climate sensitive nation like India, with large number of vulnerable population, unplanned and haphazard physical development and poor institutional capacity and governance, are worst affected by the disaster
ABCD The Internet of Things - (September 2018)
Conversations about the IoT are and have been for several years, taking place all over the world as everybody seeks to understand how this will impact their lives. Behind the buzzword, experts see an arriving industrial revolution. From homes to industries, and everything in between, IoT is changing the world. Everything in your life, connected to the internet- that is what IoT is about. There are door locks, home security
National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence - (August 2018)
With intelligent machines enabling high-level cognitive processes like thinking, perceiving, learning, problem solving and decision making, coupled with advances in data collection and aggregation, analytics and computer processing power, Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents opportunities to complement and supplement human intelligence and enrich the way people live and work. India, being the fastest growing economy with the second largest population in the world, has a significant stake in the AI revolution. Recognizing
Environmental Conflicts & Human Rights - (August 2018)
Human rights and environment are inter-related, inter-connected, mutually responsive and crucial issues. Both are concerned with development and promotion of human welfare. Everyone likes to live in a healthy environment, which is a basic human right. Environment pollution is a worldwide problem and India, too, is facing the menace. While human rights are necessary to promote the personality development of human beings, material comfort and healthy environment are necessary to
Governance of Water Resources - (August 2018)
India is undergoing the worst water crisis in its history. Already, more than 600 million people are facing acute water shortages. Critical groundwater resources – which account for 40% of our water supply – are being depleted at unsustainable rates. Droughts are becoming more frequent, creating severe problems for India’s rain-dependent farmers (53% of agriculture in India is rainfed). When water is available, it is likely to be contaminated (up to
ABCD Blockchain Technology - (August 2018)
Blockchain’s grand promise is to do for transparency what the Internet did for communication. It increases trust between two parties- a particularly big deal in economies with low counterparty trust. It is important to note that the Government had showed willingness to explore the use of Blockchain in their effort to digitise India when the budget was announced. Also, the need for rapid adaptation of the technology has been emphasized and
India and Non-Proliferation Export Control Regimes - (July 2018)
Over the years, there has been an evolution in India’s policy towards nonproliferation-related export controls and the associated regimes. During the Cold War, India considered itself a target; beginning in the 1990s, its policy began to shift in keeping with economic liberalization at home and changing global perceptions about the threat of proliferation. India’s nuclear weapon tests in 1998 gave it political space to claim credit for its impeccable non-proliferation
Biopiracy, Traditional Knowledge & Indigenous People’s Rights - (July 2018)
India has set in motion plans to revive talks on linking the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) pact of the World Trade Organisation to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) to check instances of biopiracy and misappropriation of traditional knowledge by global corporates. In June 2018, India and a group of like-minded members of the WTO, including Brazil, South Africa and China, have planned a conference in Geneva on TRIPS, CBD
ABCD The Oil Crisis - (July 2018)
Oil is one of the most important commodity in terms of its usage in the global economy and it feeds into everything and impacts a country’s economic growth. The effect of change in oil prices ripples across all nations and all sectors of the economy, directly or indirectly. Oil prices are influenced by three major factors: Supply, Demand and Geopolitics. The political scenario in the oil rich regions, particularly, the
Bioterrorism and Related Concerns for India - By Rishabh Srivastava - (January 2021)
Covid-19 pandemic has impacted several people across the globe.Some intelligence agencies initially proclaimed that coronavirus occurred naturally from bats but later on, they claimed that the pandemic might have begun from the Wuhan lab in China after the researchers were probably able to figure out how bat coronaviruses could mutate to attack humans. However, there is no proof that the pandemic virus was engineered or manipulated or an act of
Manual Scavengers-India’s Not So Hidden Workers - By Manisha Kukreti - (January 2021)
Sometimes, certain things are so common that people do not flinch a bit even if the law of the land says the act is illegal. People go about their daily routine all too oblivious of the harsh reality of our country, that still thousands of people go to work as manual scavengers, that they work in inhospitable environment without proper safety kits and that if some of them die of
Gilgit-Baltistan Dispute and Impact on India - By Satish Kumar Karna - (January 2021)
Introduction On November 1, observed as Independence Day in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister announced his government’s plan to grant provisional provincial status to the region, in turn making it the fifth province of Pakistan despite India’s contentions and claim over the territory. Gilgit-Baltistan is an autonomous region and part of the greater Kashmir. Formerly known as Northern Areas, this region is administered by Pakistan as an administrative territory. This illegally
Carbon Tax and India - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (December 2020)
Recently, China, the largest carbon dioxide emitter in the world has announced to balance out its carbon emissions with specific measures to offset them before 2060. With this, the spotlight is on the U.S. and India, ranking second and third in emissions. Also, India ranks fifth in the Global Climate Risk Index 2020. What is Carbon Pricing? The phrase ‘put a price on carbon’ has now become well known with momentum growing
Right to Protest in India - By Rishabh Srivastava - (December 2020)
Recently, parliament of India passed,three farm bills amid massive protests by farmers across many states. Similar upsurge of protests had followed the passage of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Such incidents raise the question about the status of public protests in India. Also, the Supreme Court has delivered its verdict on the Shaheen bagh protests that there is not an indefinite right to protest anywhere for indefinite time. On the other hand,
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: A threat to Regional Security & Energy Markets - By Satish Kumar Karna - (December 2020)
Introduction Nagorno-Karabakh is a territorial and ethnic conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Central Asia over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts, which are controlled by Armenia in reality. However, it is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan ignored the norms established by the OSCE and the UN and took decision to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh issue on its own. The mobilization of forces to capture the breakaway
India’s Water Woes - By Manisha Kukreti - (December 2020)
Introduction From taps running dry to flooding, 30 cities in India could face dramatically increased “water risks" by 2050 unless urgent actions are taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change, according to the scenarios in the WWF Water Risk Filter report. Cities across India have been facing acute shortage of water due to rapid urbanization, climate change and lack of appropriate infrastructure, which continues to put stress on the existing
Air Pollution: Sources, Impact, Pollution-controlling Measures - (June 2018)
Since the past two decades, air pollution has become a global public health issue and is identified as a major environmental health hazard. Since the introduction of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, various pollution control programs have been focusing on controlling air pollution in India; however, the current measures do not seem to be adequate to tackle the rising levels of air pollution, effectively. Air pollution occurs when
Intellectual Property Rights in India - (June 2018)
Protecting and managing intellectual property rights (IPR) is the first step for any business seeking to establish its presence in India, and must be incorporated as an integral part of the business asset growth strategy. In India, there are different types of intellectual property, which are protected under separate laws. Intellectual property (IP) is a category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect, and primarily encompasses copyrights, patents,
Artificial Intelligence - (May 2018)
Since the invention of computers or machines, the capability to perform various tasks went on growing exponentially. Humans have developed the power of computer systems in terms of their diverse working domains, their increasing speed, and reducing size with respect to time.A branch of Computer Science named Artificial Intelligence pursues creating the computers or machines as intelligent as human beings. What is Artificial Intelligence?According to the father of Artificial Intelligence
Raising Agricultural Productivity and Making Farming Remunerative for Farmers - (April 2018)
OverviewThe agriculture sector employs nearly half of the workforce in the country. However, it contributes to 17.5% of the GDP (at current prices in 2015-16). Over the past few decades, the manufacturing and services sectors have increasingly contributed to the growth of the economy, while the agriculture sector’s contribution has decreased from more than 50% of GDP in the 1950s to 15.4% in 2015-16 (at constant prices). Agricultural YieldIndia’s production
ABCD (India In Space) - (April 2018)
In 1960’s, a common man like us thought of something brilliant across the wavelets of that time that involved the culture of space in it. In the midst of the initial take off into the World of Space, it was Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (the visionary leader), who encouraged the masses to think of a visionary future for themselves, and for India’s Future Generation, and envisioned that this powerful technology could
Foreign Direct Investment In India - (March 2018)
The Union Cabinet recently allowed foreign airlines to invest up to 49 per cent under approval route in Air India. The other amendments in FDI Policy include 100 per cent FDI under automatic route for single brand retail trading. Also, 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in construction development has been allowed. FDI has become the new buzzword for growth and investments. Let’s see what’s the hoopla surrounding FDI? What is
Forest Governance - (March 2018)
Issues & Challenges Forests play a vital role in social, cultural, historical, economic and industrial development of any country and in maintaining its ecological balance. Forests satisfy multiple needs of multitude of users. The premium on forests can be understood by recognizing them as the primary producers and protectors of several natural resources. They share attributes with many other resource systems, such as agriculture, animal husbandry, watershed, biodiversity energy, such that
Cyber Security - (March 2018)
Emerging Issues & India’s Response A fourth dimension has been added to threats national security faced till now. And this fourth dimension is cyber space. Recently, a report titled Cyber Resilience: Playbook for Public-Private Collaboration, prepared by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has warned that cybersecurity threats are outpacing the abilities of the governments and companies to overpower them unless all stakeholders cooperate. This article discusses emerging issues in cybersecurity, necessary actions
Population Control - (March 2018)
Building on India’s Family Planning Success India was the first country in the world to adopt an official population policy and launch an official family planning programme way back in 1952. Since then, planned efforts have been the mainstay of population stabilisation programme in the country under various names. Initially, these efforts were organised under the National Family Planning Programme which was renamed in 1977 as the National Family Welfare Programme. Social
Social Exclusion and Poverty - (March 2018)
Analysing Conceptual Links Between them Why does the poverty of excluded groups continue to be high? Literature on Indian poverty, extensive as it is, has indeed enriched our understanding on the magnitude and causes of poverty. While it is quite rich in some respects, in some other respects, it offers a limited insight. The causes for slow rate of improvement in the poverty of social groups of scheduled castes and tribes
South Asian Politics - (March 2018)
Security Implications for India India’s growth and development is closely linked with that of its South Asian neighbours. Its South Asian neighbours, although distinct political entities, are part of the broad based Indian civilization and have many common characteristics. However, developments of the last few decades have shown that despite numerous commonalities, there is certain mistrust between India and its South Asian neighbours. Characteristics of South Asia Diversity South Asia is a highly diverse
India’s Trade Policy Agenda - (March 2018)
Time of Anti-Globalization Wave In recent years, anti-globalization tendencies have surfaced with the recent developments in the US during and after the elections and the Brexit referendum with people viewing trade, immigration, and multilateral engagements with some amount of skepticism and becoming wary of the benefits of globalization. In addition to this, studies suggest that despite the reduction in global inequality since 1990s, inequality within countries has increased, especially among
Elections in India - (March 2018)
All in One President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both pitched strongly for simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies. Commentators have noted in recent weeks that the escalating clamour for “One Nation, One Poll” has coincided with speculation about a snap Lok Sabha election. In the following, we try to explore the birth and evolution of this idea. We also try to investigate whether the
Legality Vs. Criminality - (March 2018)
Understanding Two Different Verdicts on the 2G Scam Nearly six years after 122-2G licenses were cancelled by the Supreme Court, a special CBI court on 21 December, 2017 acquitted former telecom minister A Raja, DMK supremo Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi and other accused of all charges in the 2G spectrum allocation cases. This article explains two different verdicts on the same scam, loopholes of the CBI verdict as well as it discusses
Environmental Performance Index - (March 2018)
India Lags Behind Reports, late last year, on India’s improved ranking in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ Index (from 130 to 100) have been a cause for much celebration. As a follow-up to this, the government announced additional reform measures to further improve the ranking. However, coinciding with this is the news that out of the 180 countries assessed, India ranks low in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2018, slipping
WEF Meet at Davos - (March 2018)
Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World Since a low-key debut in the international relations discourse in the 1990s, “globalisation” as a term grew rapidly in usage till about 2004. Since then, if the omniscient eye of Google is to be believed, it has not gained great additional traction. Google’s frequency counts though, afford no estimate of the contexts in which the term has been used: positive, negative or neutral. The
Managing Healthcare - (March 2018)
Looking Beyond NMC Bill The National Medical Commission (or NMC) Bill 2017, introduced in Lok Sabha on December 29, 2017, provides for the replacement of the MCI. MCI is elected by medical practitioners across the country, while the proposed 25-member National Medical Commission will be selected by a search committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary. In its 92nd report (submitted in March 2016), the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Health and Family Welfare
State Funding Vs. Electoral Bonds - (March 2018)
Ought to be a Tricky Choice Indian elections are the world’s biggest exercise in democracy but also among the most expensive. India’s campaign spend is only rivalled by the American presidential race, the world’s most expensive election. Parties and candidates need large sums of money for voter mobilisation, advertising, consulting, transport, propaganda and printing of campaign materials to reach voters in constituencies. Corporate donations constitute the main source of election funding
Intra-cultural identities - (March 2018)
Bhima Koregaon: Clash of History Bhima-Koregaon, a small village in Maharashtra located on the Pune-Ahmadnagar Highway, was in the news. Thousands of people from the Dalit caste had gathered in the village to celebrate the 200th anniversary of a battle won by the British army, mainly comprising the untouchable Mahars, against upper caste Peshwas, an event that became a symbol of Dalit pride. But the celebration soon turned into violent clashes
State of Education in India - (March 2018)
ASER: India’s Learning Deficit Non-government organization Pratham has published its Annual Status of Education Report (2017). The survey has adopted Beyond Basics concept, exploring a wider set of domains beyond foundational reading and arithmetic in an attempt to throw light on the status and abilities of youth in this age group. The ASER 2017 is targeted to look ‘beyond basics’: the age group between 14-18, primarily those outside the Right to
Four Judges Vs. CJI - (March 2018)
Issue of Judicial Accountability The Supreme Court was thrown into its biggest-ever crisis recently when its four senior-most judges revolted against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and launched an unprecedented public attack against his allegedly arbitrary way of assigning important cases to benches headed by junior SC judges, ignoring senior ones. Four senior most judges were restive over cases of far reaching consequences for the nation being assigned selectively
Rising Inequality in India - (March 2018)
An Oxfam report was recently released which underscores the dramatic increase in wealth inequality in India in recent years. In 2017 alone, the top 1 per cent of the population owned 73 per cent of the addition to wealth that occurred. A year ago, the top 1 per cent owned 58 per cent of the stock of wealth. Thus, its share, already phenomenal, is still increasing. Of course, estimates of wealth,
Office of Profit - (March 2018)
Misuse of Executive Power Recently, 20 legislators of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi were disqualified by the President upon the Election Commission's advice. Adjudicating the post of parliamentary secretaries as an Office of Profit, the Election Commission cited the three criteria used by the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Office of Profit in the current Lok Sabha. The Joint Parlimentary Committee (JPC) criteria included: whether the holder drew any remuneration;
ASEAN & India - (March 2018)
Shared Values Common Destiny The remarkable gesture of inviting leaders of 10 ASEAN nation as guests of honour at the Republic Day is a manifestation of our engagement with South East Asia. The theme of the meet was “Shared Values Common Destiny”, a theme slightly at variance with the “Shared Values in a Fractured World”, which was the leitmotif at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The fact that ASEAN leaders
One Nation, One Poll - (January 2018)
Can Parliamentary & Assembly Elections Be Held Simultaneously?With the Election Commission of India (ECI) having indicated that it is ready to execute simultaneous elections, the issue has gathered momentum. While it would actually take a lot of time, the “preparations” by the ECI suggest that the powers-that-be might not be willing to consider the larger implications, nor wait for a consensus to evolve, nor bother with constitutional proprieties. The issue
Air Pollution in North Central India - (January 2018)
Recently witnessed air pollution problem in North- central India and NCR region was more than a repeat of 2016 when most of the pollution was accredited to intense bursting of crackers during Diwali. Although in 2017, The Supreme Court took proactive step and banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi, yet the pollution level did not come down and, instead, rose to alarming level. The gravity of the pollution pattern can
Social Media - a potent force which needs caution - (January 2018)
Nowadays social media and internet have been the important part of one’s life from shopping to electronic mails, education and business tool. Social media plays a vital role in transforming people’s life style. Social media includes social networking sites and blogs where people can easily connect with each other. Since the emergence of these social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook as key tools for news, journalists and their organizations
Indian Agriculture & Food Security: Problems and Solutions - (January 2018)
One of the fears that has been raised in the aftermath of the government promulgating an ordinance to amend the land acquisition act is that land will be taken away for other purposes and this may cause the amount of land used for farming to come down dramatically. A recent survey, named, US Geological Survey, shows that there are 1.87 billion hectares of croplands in the world, which is 15-20 percent
Affordable Housing - (January 2018)
Is it a Costly Affair? With an estimated slum population of about 65 million and another 0.9 million homeless people in urban India, the Housing for All / Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-HFA), which aims to provide a home to all urban poor by 2022, is an important urban policy thrust. But, seeing the overall status of housing in India and the huge number of homeless families which is rising by day
Transformations in West Asia amidst Growing US-Israel Engagement - By Satish Kumar Karna - (November 2020)
It was a historical moment for the US President Donald Trump when he announced that the Persian Gulf kingdom of Bahrain would establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. Bahrain is the 4th Arab country to recognize Israel (Egypt did so in 1979, Jordon in 1994 and UAE recently). Bahrain’s move, a month after the United Arab Emirates normalized relations, furthers a strategic realignment of the Middle East/West Asia. The so-called
COVID-19 and its Effect on Tribes & Indigenous People - By Kartic Godavarthy - (November 2020)
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc across the human species, in the context of the economy, psychological mindset, social relationships, and most importantly physical health. If you look at each of these aspects from a holistic view, as is done by anthropologists, there are plenty of factors that are especially relevant to the tribes of India and the indigenous peoples of the world. Indigenous people are those who are the original inhabitants
Electronics Manufacturing in India - By K C Shekhar - (November 2020)
Recently, India has announced three new schemes for electronics manufacturing industries- production-linked incentive scheme, component and semiconductor manufacturing promotion scheme and creation of new manufacturing clusters. It is in sync with the new national policy on electronics, unveiled in February 2020, and seeks to promote electronics manufacturing in India. In this light, let us examine the present status of electronics manufacturing in India and problems and prospects afflicting the electronic
Gender Equality: Equal is Better - By Manisha Kukreti - (November 2020)
Gender Equality: Equal is Better for UPSCAs Kofi Annan once rightly said, “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.” India has made considerable progress in advancing gender equality and empowerment of women. But it is still a long way from creating a space where women are equal to men. From health
Indian Judiciary at crossroads - (January 2018)
Astrong and independent judiciary makes a nation stable, progressive and well-developed. Judicial independence requires a well-trained and educated judiciary which commands respect in society and ensures public trust in the institutional strength. An independent and impartial judiciary and a speedy and efficient system of governance are the very essence of civilization. Constitutional Arrangements Constitutional Arrangements for Judiciary: The Supreme Court of India was constituted under Article 124 of the Constitution. Article 214
India’s Credit Rating - (January 2018)
Prospects & Challenges Moody’s which is one among the top global credit rating agencies, recently upgraded India sovereign issue rating to Baa2 from Baa3 with a stable outlook. What is Sovereign Rating? Credit rating agencies provide ratings to individuals and companies on their ability to repay debt and rank them accordingly. Global credit rating agencies assign these ratings to countries, which are termed as their sovereign bond ratings. Governments of countries earn income by
Global Burden of Disease Study - (January 2018)
Indian States on Different Epidemiological Transition Levels 18% of the world's population lives in India, and many states of India have populations similar to those of large countries. Action to effectively improve population health in India requires availability of reliable and comprehensive state-level estimates of disease burden and risk factors over time. Such comprehensive estimates have not been available so far for all major diseases and risk factors. Thus, it was
GCCS - (January 2018)
Talking Cyber Security & Preventing Information WarCyber security took the centre stage at one of the most influential platforms for discussing developments in the digital ecosystem — Global Conference on Cyberspace (GCCS) — which was hosted in India in 2016. This is a conference held biennially since 2011 where governments, private sector and civil society gather to discuss and promote practical cooperation in cyberspace, to enhance cyber capacity building, and
Caste Chauvinism - (January 2018)
Caste is an institution uniquely associated with the Indian sub-continent. While social arrangements producing similar effects have existed in other parts of the world, the exact form has not been found anywhere. Meaning of caste: It’s a borrowing from Portuguese word ‘casta’ meaning pure breed. In Indian sub continent context, it is associated with Four fold division of society and its further sub division into many steps termed by VARNA and JATI
Bank Recapitalization - (January 2018)
Can it be considered a Silver Bullet?Finance Minister Arun Jaitley recently said that the government has decided to inject more capital into state-owned banks to strengthen the banking system and spur economic growth. In the month of Oct ’17 the government had unveiled a Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year road map to bolster public sector banks hit by non-performing assets (NPAs), which includes recapitalization bonds, budgetary support and equity dilution. In the
Psychosocial and Behavioural Impacts of COVID-19 - By K C Shekhar - (September 2020)
The outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, which began in December 2019, evolved eventually to become a global pandemic. The pandemic, along with the obvious health-related impact, also poses a serious threat to the psychological well-being of individuals and has resulted in significant behavioural changes.The enormity of living in isolation, changes in our daily lives, job loss, financial hardship and grief over the death of loved ones has the
India's energy future - (February 2018)
Achieving RE Targets Look Doubtful The world now hangs precariously on a hinge where it is of utmost importance to tackle climate change and harness renewable energy. Renewable Energy (RE)is a prospect which could replace fossil fuel dependent energy and allow countries to achieve the target ascribed during Paris Agreement. The government has set a target of achieving 175GW of energy from renewable sources by 2022. But the Indian government faces
India’s Sick Health Care - (February 2018)
Does Private Sector Need Regulation? India’s economy is soaring but healthcare remains an Achilles’ heel. For millions of people the high costs of treatment of illnesses continue to undermine economic progress. This is largely on account of the abysmal and chaotic healthcare system owing to the declining budgetary support by the government. India ranks close to the bottom of the pile in international rankings in most health indices. As such, Private Health
Smart Farming - (February 2018)
The Future of Agriculture The agricultural sector is going to face enormous challenges in order to feed the 9.6 billion people that the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) predicts are going to inhabit the planet by 2050. In addition, food production must increase by 70% by 2050, and this has to be achieved in spite of the limited availability of arable lands and the increasing need for fresh water (agriculture consumes
India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit - (February 2018)
Celebrating 25 Years of Togetherness “ASEAN’s remarkable journey is indeed worthy of reflection as much as it is of celebration. On this historic occasion, I am confident that ASEAN will further resolve to work together with one vision, one identity and as one independent community. India’s Act East Policy is shaped around the ASEAN, and its centrality in the regional security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region is evident.” PM Modi
Political Participation - (February 2018)
A Way Forward For Women Empowerment It has been widely experienced that governance structures which do not provide for adequate participation of women, often suffer from State interventions which are neither inclusive nor democratic. Women’s participation across political system including local governments is the most essential prerequisite of creating a just, equitable and gender-sensitive society. Women’s involvement is necessary in policy-making, because women have different needs and perspectives on social and
Resource Efficiency - (February 2018)
Using the resources efficiently to produce more while utilizing less has been one of the tested and trusted ways for a sustainable future. It not only ensures the security of the resources but also minimizes the environment impact. In order to ensure that the two ends meet, NITI Aayog in collaboration with the European Union delegation to India and the Confederation of Indian Industries, CII released the first ever Strategy
Data Protection Framework - (February 2018)
Curbing Cyber Crime The Justice BN Srikrishna Committee, set up by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology on July 31, 2017, tasked with writing a draft data protection law, has published a white paper on data protection framework in India, asking for stakeholders’ feedback by December 31, 2017. Seven Key Principles Here are the seven key principles proposed in the white paper on data protection: Technology agnostic: The data protection law must
“Special Courts” to Fast-Track Justice for Legislature - (February 2018)
Does it Go Against the Fundamental Right? On a petition filed by a BJP Leader, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to constitute special courts to exclusively try criminal cases involving politicians. A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Navin Sinha said: “Insofar as setting up of Special Courts are concerned, setting up of Special Courts and infrastructure would be dependent on the availability of finances with the States… the problem
Low Carbon Transition in India - (February 2018)
Stumbling Blocks and Opportunities to Meet INDCs As the United States vacates its leadership position on climate change, new players are stepping up to take its place. China and India have emerged as the best hope for the world to meet the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) set forth in the Paris Agreement, with both nations currently over performing on their promises to cut carbon emissions. India, in particular, has made a
Internally Displaced Persons in India - (February 2018)
A New Challenge Confronting India While civil liberties lawyers and organizations fought the legal battle in the Supreme Court to stay the deportation of Rohingya Muslims (refugees) from India as per the directive of the Indian Government, it is pertinent to note the lack of recognition for the displaced persons within the country. Who are IDPS? An Internally Displaced Person (IDP) is someone who is forced to flee their home but who
India's Quest for Responsible Nuclear Status - (February 2018)
Can India become a Rising Nuclear Power? India is slowly getting comfortable inside the global non-proliferation regimes. After its entry into the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) in June 2016, India has been admitted as the 42nd member of the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA). In the coming months, India expects to enter the Australia Group as well, leaving the Nuclear Suppliers Group as the last one where India expects to enter. WA is
Nepal Turns Red - (February 2018)
Is it an Alarm Bell for India? A new phase has begun in India-Nepal relations with the decisive victory of the coalition of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist), led by Oli. Federal elections were held in two phased on November 26 and December 7. This was the first national election held since the country's new
Water War Between India & China - (February 2018)
The Curious Case of Brahmputra Turning Black Recently, several North-eastern States complained that that Chinese construction activity on the upper reaches of one of the largest rivers that flows into India are likely turning the waters downstream turbid and unfit for human consumption. Assam said the Brahmaputra river was contaminated with bacteria and iron, with laboratory tests declaring its waters unfit for human consumption. It asked that the Union government take up
India’s Smart Power Geostrategy in South Asia’s Changing Geopolitical Landscape - By Satish Kumar Karna - (October 2020)
Power in International Relations is defined in relational terms, as the ability to influence others to get the desired outcomes. The term “Soft Power” was coined by eminent scholar Joseph Nye in his book “Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power.” Nye identified three dimensions of power- use of military force, offering economic incentives and by spreading the nation’s culture and values. The foreign policy of any country
Harnessing Frontier Technologies for Sustainable Development - By Rishabh Srivastava - (October 2020)
By definition, frontier technologies are consistently at the forefront of innovation and cutting edge of development. These advancements can give pivotal arrangements that might be executed later for an enormous scope and accomplish worldwide mainstream adoption. Frontier technologies can add to expanding overall life expectancy and quality of life as we get more established. They can give enormous scope answers for genuine real world issues. Frontier Technologies The frontier technologies which are
Militarisation of Space - By K C Shekhar - (October 2020)
Militarisation of Space - Indian Constitution for UPSCOuter space has been the arena of some of the most memorable technology demonstrations be it Russia’s Sputnik, the U.S.’s Apollo 11 or India’s Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan- all were symbols of national prideand metaphors of geopolitical competition. But, in recent times the launch of Mars missions by China,UAE and the USA; the first astronaut trip to orbit on a commercial enterprise built by
Menace of Electronic Waste: Global and Indian Scenario - By Rishabh Srivastava - (September 2020)
With rapidly changing technologies and constant consumer demand for the latest devices, the rise in e-waste looks set to continue. Lowering the amount of electronics entering the waste stream and improving end of life handling are essential for building a more circular economy, where waste is reduced, resources are conserved and are fed back into the supply chain for new products. According to a recent United Nations University (UNU) report, global
Decriminalising Politics - By Manisha Kukreti - (September 2020)
With the election season upon us in just few months in some states, it is time to deliberate on the recent February 2020 Supreme Court judgement on criminalization of politics. Additionally, it is also pertinent to analyse the issue comprehensively to create a roadmap for decriminalising politics in India Supreme Court’s Verdicts over the Years In its 2020 judgement, the supreme court took a stern view on the increasing criminalisation of politics
Addressing Drug Abuse in India - By Rishabh Srivastava - (August 2020)
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated on June 26 every year. The theme for this day in 2020 is, Better Knowledge for Better Carethatemphasiseson the need to improve the understanding of the world drug problem and how better knowledge will foster greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance and security. The day is dedicated to eradicating drug abuse and neutralise the systemic challenges
Indo-China Clash in Eastern Ladakh - By Krishna Chandra Shekhar - (August 2020)
The unprecedented high levels of tension at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh on the disputed India-China border, where Chinese soldiers have moved into Indian territory across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), has raised questions about the Chinese motives for this action. A large number of Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation in Galwan Valley and certain other areas of eastern Ladakh for the last
Indispensability of Media Ethics in the Age of Information Explosion - By Manisha Kukreti - (August 2020)
What can better signify the idea of freedom of expression than the Rigvedic thought “Let noble thoughts come to us from every side”. This was one of the guiding posts for Mahatma Gandhi throughout his journey of Freedom Struggle and later became the keystone of the arch of Indian democracy which upholds an individual’s right to freedom of speech and expressionconstitutionally.And Media in its widest definition is one of the
Psychosocial and Behavioural Impacts of COVID-19 - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (August 2020)
The outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, which began in December 2019, evolved eventually to become a global pandemic. The pandemic, along with the obvious health-related impact, also poses a serious threat to the psychological well-being of individuals and has resulted in significant behavioural changes.The enormity of living in isolation, changes in our daily lives, job loss, financial hardship and grief over the death of loved ones has the
India and China: 70th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (June 2020)
On April 1, 1950, India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC). This year marks the 70thanniversary of diplomatic relation between the two countries. Historic Relations Ancient Civilizations: India and China are two ancient civilizations, with a long history of mutually beneficial exchanges over centuries. India and China have shared friendly relations since their first recorded contact dating back to
India and its Neighbours: Analysing Border Disputes - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (July 2020)
India has 15,106.7 km of land border and shares land boundary with 7 countries i.e. Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal. Colonial backdrop (poorly marked borders), bitter past relations, rising geo-political ambitions in South-Asia and difficult terrain have resulted in many border disputes.Rising tensions and recent face-off between India and China in Pangong Tso Lake (Ladakh) and political map rivalry between India and Nepal over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and
India’s Looming Power Crisis - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (July 2020)
The Covid-19 pandemic, along with the ensuing lockdown, is an unprecedented health and economic crisis. This is true for the electricity sector, even though “lights are on” in every household. Recently, Moody’s Investors Service changed its outlook for the Indian power sector to negative from stable on declining power demand, payment delays and an adverse impact from government measures that favour consumers over utility companies. Finance Minister announced a Rs 90,000-crore
Minor Forest Produce : Socio-economic Support for Tribals - By Rishabh Srivastava - (July 2020)
The central government recently announced the inclusion of 23 additional Minor Forest Produce (MFP)items under a centrally-sponsored scheme, Minimum Support Price (MSP) aimed at ensuring fair returnsto tribal MFP gatherers. These 23 new MFP items include van tulsi seeds, van jeera, tamarind seed,bamboo brooms, and seed lac. It is recommended that the MSP for the existing 50 MFPs must beincreased in the range of 16% to 30%. Also, the Ministry
Emergence of Human Security Paradigm in International Relations amidst COVID-19 - By Ashitava Dutta - (July 2020)
The concept of human security is central to the understanding of the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on the global society. This pandemic has ruffled the waves of human insecurity in as much as other global issues like climate change, global financial crashes, rise of international terrorism, ethnic conflicts and strife and mass displacement of people. This pandemic, a veritable manifestation of public health disruption, is an element in the
Prospects of Online Education and SWAYAM in India - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (May 2020)
Ministry of HRD (Human Resources Department) on March 28, 2020 announced that access to the national online education platform SWAYAM and other digital initiatives has tripled (predominantly after the severe impact of Corona Virus spread at the global level). Therefore, now it is the time to revisit the online education support systems in India.Status of Online Education in IndiaAs per a report released by KPMG India and Google, Online Education
Post COVID-19 : Can the World Forgive China? - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (May 2020)
Reports that the death toll in Wuhan may have been many, many times higher than the 2,535 revealed, will feed into the narrative demanding accountability from China on account of the Covid-19 spread.As a Chinese diplomat in India has put it, ‘China neither created the virus nor intentionally transmitted it.’ Also, the Chinese instituted an unprecedented lockdown of an entire province and took what the diplomat said were ‘most comprehensive,
Should India Rethink Death Penalty? - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (May 2020)
The high voltage drama witnessed up till the very last moment when the four convicts of Nirbhaya Case were brought to the noose makes us rethink if it is time for India to do away with Death Penalty (Capital Punishment or Judicial Killing) as a tool of bringing convicts to justice?There have been rumblings from both the sides- pro or anti-death penalty which warrants a thorough examination of the
COVID 19: A Biological Disaster - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (May 2020)
21st century is marred by the outbreak of various zoonotic diseases. Be it the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Ebola haemorrhagic fever, Nipah virus encephalitis, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Swine Flu (H1N1) or Bird Flu (H5N1). They have resulted in millions of fatalities around the globe. The new addition in this line is the new strain of coronavirus i.e. SARS-CoV2 which has resulted into COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic is notified
Police Reforms: An Indispensable Need for India - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (May 2020)
The recent incident of communal riots in capital city and its improper handling has brought the issue of police reforms at centre stage of the governance discourse of the country. Experts are debating about the delay in enforcing standard operating procedure for managing a communal flare-up and curtailing its escalation from becoming a full-fledged riot. Apart from it, there are widespread allegations and criticism of political bias and partisan behaviour
The USA-Taliban Deal: Analysis through Indian Lens - (April 2020)
The USA signed a historic deal with Taliban on 29th February, 2020, which is touted to be a step towards ending 18-years long war. The war which consumed 2000 US armed personnel and 50000 Afghanistan civilians finally seems to have
Arc of Equality Extended to Women Officers with Permanent Commission - (April 2020)
The recent decision of Supreme Court about granting permanent commission to women officers has received wide publicity. In an unprecedented move, the court has brought women officers in 10 streams of the Army at par with their male counterparts in all respects, setting aside longstanding objections of the government. The case was first filed in the Delhi High Court by women officers in 2003, and had received a favourable order
Agro-Based Industries – A Sunrise Sector - (April 2020)
Agro-based industries consist of processing, preservation and preparation of agricultural production for intermediate and final consumption. It is Industrialization of Agriculture eventually leading to a new industrial sector. As per International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC), these include agro-industrial production under manufacture/processing of food, beverages and tobacco, textiles, wearing apparels, leather industries, paper and paper products, wood and wood products andrubber
Section 124A: Time to Amend or Annul? - (April 2020)
“Section 124A, under which I am happily charged, is perhaps the prince among the political sections of the Indian Penal Code designed to suppress the liberty of the citizen.”The above statement by Mahatma Gandhi on being charged under section 124A of IPC in 1922 vehemently summarizes the understanding freedom fighters had pertaining to the defiance law. Sedition, an offence under Section 124 A, being a colonial relic continues to be
Repercussions of Coronavirus Across Global Economy - (April 2020)
An outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that originated in Wuhan (China) has spread throughout China and to 31 other countries and territories (in other parts of Asia, Europe, South America, and the United States). By last week of February 2020, more than 81,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, and the death toll has surpassed 2,700, mostly in China. Because of this, there is clear evidences in recent days of
Changing Dynamics of India’s Act East Policy - (April 2020)
Journey from Look East Policy to Act East Policy Look East Policy emerged as an important foreign policy initiative of India in the post-Cold War period. It was launched in 1991 by the Narasimha Rao government with the aim of developing political contacts, increasing economic integration and forging security cooperation with countries of Southeast Asia. The policy marked a shift in India’s perspective of the world, with the strategic and economic
Present Scenario of Precision Agriculture in India - (March 2020)
Recently, the world-wide’s first ever Precision Application Asia event in Bangkok served as a powerful platform for value chain creation and exchange of ideas around the tools of Agriculture’s Third Revolution (first being mechanization and other being Green revolution).Does the inflection point has come for India, where agriculture technology will dramatically increase
Do We Have the Right to Protest? - (March 2020)
Thousands of Indians have been protesting against a new citizenship law as well as possible plans for a National Register of Citizens (NRC), alleging the measures are an attack on the secular credential of constitution and rights of minority Muslim community.The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) aims to fast-track citizenship for persecuted Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians who arrived in India before Dec. 31, 2014, from Muslim-majority country: Afghanistan,
Changing Dynamics of India’s Relation with Latin America - (March 2020)
BackgroundFollowing the Cuban revolution in 1959, India was one of the few countries to recognize the new regime under Fidel Castro. Both countries were members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and shared a similar world view. In many ways, Cuba became a gateway to Latin America for India.By the 1990s, when India was beginning to attract international notice for its economic growth, and began to open her markets to foreign
Constitutional Aspects of Landmark Ayodhya Verdict - (January 2020)
On 9th November 2019, the five judge Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court (SC) headed by Chief Justice of India RanjanGogoi delivered the landmark verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute
Future of Our Oceans and Cryosphere - (January 2020)
“The open sea, the Arctic, the Antarctic and the high mountains may seem far away to many people but we depend on them and are influenced by them directly and indirectly in many ways – for weather and climate, for food and water, for energy, trade, transport, recreation and tourism, for health and wellbeing, for culture and identity.” IPCCThe latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on
Geopolitics in Central Asia - (January 2020)
Historical Background The collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1991 led to the creation of five Central Asian Republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Each one of them were conquered by Imperial Russia in the nineteenth century and, was tightly controlled by them. It was only in the 1950s that local politicians and economists were able to convince their counterparts in Moscow to invest in industrialization of this region. From the
Can Right to Privacy be Breached? - (February 2020)
In 21st century, almost everyone is online with their significant personal information online as well. Even if this data is in encrypted format, there are many instances of private data breach in the name of security or any other reason. This creates a tussle between the constitutional right to privacy and security threats. Recent Data BreachesRecently a lawsuit was filed by WhatsApp group against an Israeli company NSO Group, which allegedly
Tribunals: Need Freedom from the Executive - (February 2020)
When the Central Government is the largest litigant before the tribunals constituted under various statutes and has an overwhelming say on the appointment process to the tribunals; executive has a controlling authority over diverse facets of the tribunals; it would be destructive of judicial independence which constitutes a basic feature of the Constitution.Under our constitutional framework, separation of powers among the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is a vital
Deciphering the State of Indian Economy - (February 2020)
Present SituationData released by NSO suggests that GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth for July-September 2019 came down to 4.55%, the slowest since 4th Quarter (Q4) of 2013. An economy’s GDP is normally determined by the sum of 4 indicators as shown below.Government Expenditure: The government expenditure grew by 15.64% and pushed up economic growth to 4.55%. Non-Government Expenditure: Non-government part forms 87-92% of the economy. In Q4, it grew at
Employment Mobility: Workforce on the Move - (February 2020)
According to World Trade Organisation (WTO), International Employment mobility is defined under GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) Mode-4. It refers to movement of persons of one WTO member in territory of another WTO member for purpose of providing a service. Also called as Labor Mobility, it refers to ease with which laborers, one of the major factors of production, is able to move for the purpose of employment
Citizenship Amendment Act- Social Integration on a Tipping Point - (February 2020)
The sea of protesters across the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, is a wake-up call for the government. This is one of the rare issues where people have come together irrespective of existing faultlines to show solidarity with their fellow Indians. At the same time, there is a growing clamor of counter arguments in support of CAA. Given this circumstance, it is wise to first highlight the
UN Refugee Conventions and Global Refugee Crisis - (February 2020)
BackgroundAs per the United Nations, world is witnessing the highest levels of displacement with an unprecedented 70.8 million people being forced from their home by conflict and persecution at the end of 2018. Among them are nearly 30 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people, who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education,
BIMSTEC: The Blue Eyed Collective in South Asia - (August 2019)
IntroductionSeveral heads of state, including those from the Bay of Bengal community (BIMSTEC) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) took part in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony held on May 30 on India’s invitation. The move is in line with the government’s focus on its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy as well as boosts the ‘Act East’ policy. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius were
Ethics of Human Gene Editing - (August 2019)
Introduction If you could get access to a tool to make you smarter, happier, stronger and disease free, would you grab it with both hands? How about doubling the life span to almost 150-160 years and reducing the sleep hours to just 3-4 hours without fatigue and delirium? What about permanently weeding out the genetic mutation, which has led to crippling diseases like sickle cell anaemia or stigmatizing HIV/AIDS? These questions certainly
Healthcare Infrastructure in India - (August 2019)
Winston S. Churchill once said “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have”. Countries like India, where every year many children die untimely due to lack of healthcare facilities, should realize that their assets are declining and they need immediate attention. — Rishabh Srivastava More than 150 children, mostly from poor rural families in Muzzafarpur, Bihar died recently from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Bihar had witnessed a similar tragedy in
Draft New Education Policy 2019 - (August 2019)
The draft National Education Policy, 2019 (henceforth NEP) was amongst the first documents to be released by the new government that took over on 30 May 2019. In the public domain from 1 June 2019, with suggestions invited till 30 June, it requires careful scrutiny. Summary of Committee Report The Committee for Draft National Education Policy (Chairman: Dr. K. Kasturirangan) submitted its report on May 31, 2019. The report proposes an education
Women’s Dismal Participation in Democratic India - By Rishabh Srivastava - (July 2019)
After more than seven decades of independence of India and constitutional grant for Universal Adult Suffrage; do women still have low participation in Indian Politics, Judiciary, Military and other Institutions and economic dimensions? The recent 17th Lok Sabha has the highest representation of women at 14.3% with 78 women MPs, higher than 62 in 2014. However, this number is for too short from 33% representation demand in women's Reservation Bill. This
SCO Is the Fulcrum of India–Central Asia Binary - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (July 2019)
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) attended the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic) on 21-22 May 2019. The meeting reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming SCO Heads of the Government Summit in Bishkek on 13-14 June 2019 and also exchanged views on issues of international and regional importance. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): It is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation, created in
India's Internal Migration Causes, Roadblocks & Way Forward - By Chronicle Editorial Team - (July 2019)
In a recent study conducted by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) it was found that domestic migrants in a developing country experience substantial decline in mental and physical health even though they earn better. The findings beckon an analysis of internal migration trends in India and their effect on internal migrants.
Article 370 To Be or Not to Be? - By Noopur Joshi - (July 2019)
Article 370 is a contentious provision in the Constitution which incites many sentiments of the general public and political parties alike. This article has been in the news numerous times due to its combative nature. At a time when India is going through elections, many political parties have come up with their manifestos mentioning Art 370. So, what is this article? Why even since its inception in 1949, it continues
Bilateral Investment Treaty Changing Policy Paradigm in India - (August 2019)
What is a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)?Countries have increasingly engaged in the signing of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) in order to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The basic guiding principle behind such treaties is to ensure protection of investments by the foreign investors in the host country.Foreign investors in general look for a stable political and legal environment, which could ensure the value of their investment in the host country.Thus,
Electric Mobility: A Global Game Changer - By Chandrakant Singh - (July 2019)
Background As per the recent report of International Energy Agency, transport sector contributes almost one-quarter (23 percent) of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Moreover, it is anticipated to rise to nearly 20 percent from present levels by 2030 and close to 50 percent by 2050, unless major corrective actions are undertaken. Thus, there exists dire need to contain this transport emissions trajectory if the world wishes to limit the global temperature
Data Analytics and India - (September 2019)
The Economic Survey 2018-19 mentions about the need of big data analysis in Indian perspective and says the data of societal interest is generated by the people, should be “of the people, by the people, for the people.” In a vast country like India, data collection is a tall order, the article outlines about the data and its processing and application in an Indian environment. —By Rishabh Srivastava Recent Debates on Database
Ministry of Finance - (April 2019)
GDP and the Economy The share of Indian economy in world (measured as a ratio of India’s GDP to world’s GDP at current US$) increased from 2.6 per cent in 2014 to 3.2 per cent in 2017 (as per World Development Indicators database). The average share of Indian economy in world during 1960 to 2013 was 1.8 per cent. The average growth of the Indian economy during 2014-15 to 2017-18 was
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare - (April 2019)
Ayushman Bharat Ayushman Bharat is a centrally sponsored programme anchored in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). It is an umbrella of two major health initiatives, namely Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PMJAY). National Health Policy 2017 The National Health Policy of the country was launched after a gap of 15 years. The Cabinet in its meeting held on 15th March, 2017 approved the National
Ministry of Commerce & Industry - (April 2019)
12 Champion SectorsThe Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Department of Commerce to give focused attention to 12 identified Champion Services Sectors for promoting their development, and realizing their potential.These include Information Technology & Information Technology enabled Services (IT &ITeS), Tourism and Hospitality Services, Medical Value Travel, Transport and Logistics Services, Accounting and Finance Services, Audio Visual Services, Legal Services, Communication Services, Construction and Related Engineering Services, Environmental Services,
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas - (April 2019)
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP)/ Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) This is a paradigm shift from Production Sharing Contract (PSC) regime to Revenue Sharing Contract (RSC) regime based on the principle of ease of doing business. It provides for single License for exploration and production of conventional as well as non-conventional Hydrocarbon resources; Pricing and Marketing Freedom; reduced rate of royalty for offshore blocks, Open Acreage Licensing Policy that means
Ministry of Power - (April 2019)
SAUBHAGYALaunched for universal electrification in September, 2017Camps organised at village level. Minimum documentation requiredSpecial drive for economically weaker sections under Gram Swaraj AbhiyanOver 2.1 crore households electrified since 11th Oct, 20179 States have achieved 100% saturation in household electrification under Saubhagya namely Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Bihar, J&K, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telangana and West Bengal. Thus total 16 States in the country now have 100 % household electrification.National E-Mobility ProgrammeNational E-Mobility
NITI Aayog - (April 2019)
Health Index NITI Aayog has developed the ‘Healthy States, Progressive India’ Report also known as the ‘Health Index’ in February 2018. The Composite Water Management Index was also launched in June 2018. The ‘School Education Quality Index (SEQI)’, ‘SDG India Index’ and the ‘Digital Transformation Index’ (DTI) which will measure states’ progress in respective sectors are in the works. Sustainable Action forTransforming Human Capital (SATH) SATH is aimed at initiating transformation in two
Ministry of Shipping - (April 2019)
Development of New PortsIn addition to projects for capacity expansion of major ports, 6 new port locations, namely – Vadhavan (Maharashtra), Enayam (Tamil Nadu), Tajpur (West Bengal), Paradip Outer Harbour (Odisha), Sirkazhi (Tamil Nadu), Belekeri (Karnataka) have been identified to increase overall cargo handling capacity.Port ModernizationUnder Project Unnati, global benchmarks were adopted to improve the efficiency and productivity Key Performing Indicators (KPIs) for 12 major ports. Around 116 initiatives were
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (Ministry of Science & Technology) - (April 2019)
India’s First Biofuel-powered FlightA historic flight powered by indigenously produced aviation biofuel based on patented technology of CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun completed journey from Dehradun to Delhi on August 27, 2018. With this maiden flight India joined the exclusive club of nations using biofuel in aviation. The use of bio jet fuel, apart from reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 15 per cent and Sulfur Oxides (SOx) emissions
Department of Biotechnology - (April 2019)
DNA Bill Union Cabinet approved “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018”. The Bill has been formulated for the regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology with the aim to establish the identity of certain category of persons including the victims, offenders, suspects, under trials, missing persons and unknown deceased persons and provides provision for establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board (DRB). Secondary Agriculture Entrepreneurial
Ministry of Tribal Affairs - (April 2019)
Initiatives for Particularly Vulnerable Tri bal Groups (PVTGS) Ministry has enhanced the allocation of funds for the development of PVTGs from Rs 240.00 crores in 2017-18 to Rs 260.00 crores in 2018-19. State Government have been given the flexibility of utilizing the funds using the gaps identified through Base Line Surveys. In order to ensure the overall development of PVTGs, emphasis is being given on Micro planning using GIS mapping of tribes. Emphasis in the Comprehensive
Ministry of Culture - (April 2019)
Mumbai’s Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Building Declared as World Heritage by UNESCOIn yet another landmark achievement, India’s nomination of the “Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai” was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This makes Mumbai city the second city in India after Ahmedabad to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. In the past 5 years alone, India has managed to get inscribed seven of its properties/sites
Ministry of Earth Sciences - (April 2019)
High Performance Computing (HPC)The Ministry of Earth Sciences has augmented its HPC facility by 6.8 Peta Flops (PF) which has been installed at two of its constituent units namely, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune with 4.0 Peta Flops capacity and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida with 2.8 Peta Flops capacity. The HPC facility ‘Pratyush’ at IITM and “MIHIR” at NCMRWF were dedicated to the
Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare - (April 2019)
Doubling of Farmers’ Income The Government has set a target of doubling of farmers’ income by the year 2022. The Government has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Executive Officer, National Rainfed Area Authority, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare to examine issues relating to doubling of farmers’ income and recommend a strategy to achieve doubling of farmers’ income in real terms by the year 2022. The
Ministry of Skill Development and Enterpreneurship - (April 2019)
SANKALP Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) project aims to implement the mandate of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM), which was launched on 15th July, 2018 by Ministry of Skill Development through its core sub-missions. The project will be implemented in mission mode through World Bank support. The project was made effective in January 2018 with 28 States and 7 UTs across the country having submitted their
Ministry of Tourism - (April 2019)
‘Adopt a Heritage’ Project Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) launched “Adopt a Heritage Project” to provide world class tourist facilities at the various natural/cultural heritage sites, monuments and other tourist sites. The project plans to entrust heritage sites/monuments and other tourist sites to private sector companies, public sector companies and individuals for the development of various tourist amenities. MoUs have
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - (April 2019)
World Environment DayConsidering India’s global leadership in environmental protection and climate change sectors, the UNEP had chosen India to be the global host for World Environment Day (WED) on 5th June, 2018. The main event was organized in Delhi and included a series of conferences in Vigyan Bhawan.This WED, 2018 focused on “Plastic Pollution” which is one of the most challenging environmental concerns today.“Green Good Deeds”“Green Good Deeds” is an
Department of Space - (April 2019)
Announcement of Manned Mission While addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 72nd Independence Day, the Prime Minster, Shri Narendra Modi announced that India has resolved to send manned spacecraft to the space by 2022 and India will be the fourth country to do this. So far, only the USA, Russia and China have launched human spaceflight missions. ISRO has developed some critical technologies like re-entry mission
Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises - (April 2019)
Global Mobility SummitThe Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, outlined the vision for the future of mobility in India, in the Global Mobility Summit held in New Delhi in September 2018. He spelt out 7 Cs: Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean and Cutting-edge. AMP 2026The Government of India and the Indian automotive industry articulated their objectives for the future of the industry through the Automotive Mission Plan 2016-26 (AMP
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Global Implications - By Chandrakant Singh - (May 2019)
Background In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the launch of both the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It is essentially a state-financed, state-backed, infrastructure initiative to build infrastructure across Central Asia and other parts of the Indo-Pacific. Subsequently, both of these initiatives got subsumed within a project, which was initially termed as One Belt, One Road(OBOR) and eventually termed as the Belt and Road Initiative
International Solar Alliance - By Chandrakant Singh - (June 2019)
A Paradigm Moment for IndiaBackground As on April 2019, 75 countries have signed, whereas 52 countries have ratified the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement. International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a common platform for cooperation among sun-rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn who are seeking to massively ramp up solar energy, thereby helping to bend the global greenhouse emissions curve whilst providing clean and cheap energy. It
Technology - (May 2019)
Huawei Dispute: Huawei has taken a global lead in development and patenting of 5G technology leaving US far behind. Huawei CFO’s arrest is an indirect way of stifling and containing China’s technological rise and global dominance. Digital Surveillance: China is a surveillance state and it has been selling its blueprint, including the software and hardware it uses in its surveillance regime, abroad. Chinese company ZTE, for example, is helping Venezuela to
Trade and Investment - (May 2019)
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) China is challenging the US global economic hegemony through its BRI which seeks to weave the economies of Asia, Europe and Africa into a common network of development and infrastructure projects. Rather, China seeks to take other countries into its sphere of influence supported by its economic strength in a way America did through its Marshall Plan in Post-War World. The BRI seeks to support “Made
Security - (May 2019)
Renewed Arms Race Russia and US have recently pulled out of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a decision which could trigger the nuclearisation of US and the European continent. The new National Security Strategy announced by US in December 2017 declares the “revisionist” China and Russia as a threat to the United States security. Russia and China have been developing new age technological nuclear hypersonic missiles aimed at defeating
Is India 5G Ready? - (June 2019)
Recently on 5th April 2019, South Korea launched the world’s first nationwide 5G mobile networks, giving access to super-fast wireless technology to its users. However, the buzzword around 5G technology is doing the rounds since long and has pitted major superpowers against one another to gain an edge over their rivals. In addition, it has become the Holy Grail for ushering in an era of fast speed data, reliable transmission
New Cold War - (May 2019)
Security, Trade & Investment and Technology Recent developments around the world highlight the faint occurrence of dissensions and splitting up of the world into blocs. Issue: The US and Russia have pulled out of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty recently. Impact: This step could lead to renewed nuclear arms race between US and Russia and on the European continent. Issue: Canada and China are involved in a trade and political dispute
Election Commission of India - (May 2019)
Does it need Transformation? – by Noopur Joshi India is ready to gear up for its biggest festival, the festival of world’s biggest democracy-17th Lok Sabha elections 2019. India’s democracy has its cornerstone on independence, neutrality and integrity of its Statutory and Constitutional bodies. To maintain and preserve this democracy India conducts elections every five year- a period that always turns into a mega festival, bringing people of different castes, color, languages
Faith, Belief and Customs - (April 2019)
Every night when you go to sleep after putting an alarm, is that your faith or belief or your daily custom that makes you sure of waking up fit and fine the next morning? For some it is their faith in religion that makes them go to bed peacefully. At the same time for others, it might be a custom that they are performing subconsciously since perpetuity. However, the point
Corporate Governance in India - (April 2019)
Profound corporate governance is a must for the Indian economy, however, India still has a long road to travel towards greater corporate governance. Poor corporate governance standards in India have been a major grievance of domestic and foreign investors alike for long. Recent instances such Chanda Kochhar Case, IL&FS case, sale of IDBI Bank to LIC yet again highlight the fact that India urgently needs to reform the structure of corporate
Counter Terrorism in India - (April 2019)
Indian Counter Terrorism infrastructure has not been able to evolve itself as per the changing dynamics of terrorism The recent Pulwama attack on CRPF convoy in Kashmir which claimed more than 40 lives highlights the critical security lapses in Indian counter-terrorism (CT) architecture. India did not have any structured CT architecture until Kargil war following which India took serious efforts to give a shape to its CT framework. Indian CT architecture got
Multilateralism and Its Challenges in the Present Time - (April 2019)
Renewed efforts are required to establish that multilateralism is nothing more than countries coming together, respecting one another, and establishing the forms of cooperation that guarantee peace and prosperity. – by Chandrakant Singh In the past few years, globalization seems to be
Data Led Governance and Policy Making - (February 2019)
ObjectivesEvidence based policy making should be made integral to the overall governance structure in New India, 2022-23. To achieve this, timely generation and dissemination of robust data at all levels of governance would be a pre-requisite. This would require:Collecting data for new measurable parameters using latest technologies.Improving efficiencies in processes related to existing data collection by government departments and agencies.Expanding warehousing facilities for storing and integrating data from different sources.Making
Optimizing the Use of Land Resources - (February 2019)
ObjectivesEnsuring that land markets function smoothly, through efficient allocation of land across uses, provision of secure property rights and titles, and clear and consistent regulations around the operations, leasing and sale of land are critical for India to achieve and sustain high economic growth.To this end, the following goals have to be achieved by 2022-23:Legalise and ease land leasing.Consolidate fragmented plots of farmers to enhance efficiency and equity.Create a digitized
Modernizing City Governance For Urban Transformation - (February 2019)
ObjectiveTo transform our cities into economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable habitats that provide equitable access to basic infrastructure, public services and opportunities to all citizens and platforms for democratic participation.Current SituationIndia is urbanizing at a fast pace and it is expected that by 2050, close to 50 per cent of India’s population would be residing in urban areas, requiring the availability of sustainable infrastructure and services for a better quality
Civil Services Reforms - (February 2019)
ObjectiveTo put in place a reformed system of recruitment, training and performance evaluation of the civil service to ensure more effective and efficient delivery of public services to achieve the development goals envisaged in New India 2022.Current SituationThe Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was constituted in 2005 and in 2009, theCommission submitted around 15 reports on various aspects of governance, making 1514 recommendations.Of these, 1183 have been accepted by the
Legal, Judicial and Police Reforms - (February 2019)
ObjectiveTo ensure the safety and security of citizens and ensure access to effective legal systems and speedy delivery of justice.Current SituationLegal and judicial reforms are urgently needed to address the massive pendency and capacity issues in Indian courts, which impede access to justice.Several archaic and defunct laws have already been repealed and many others are in the process of being weeded out. The recently announced umbrella scheme on “Modernisation of
The North-East Regi - (February 2019)
ObjectivesThe North-East Region (NER) should:Have adequate road, rail and air connectivity, waterways, internet connectivity and financial inclusion. This will form the platform upon which suitable interventions for all sectors where the NER has a comparative advantage (for e.g., tourism, hydropower generation, handicrafts, organic agriculture, etc.) can be effectively implemented.By 2022-23, the region should also be developed for enhanced trade, particularly for the export of products made in the NER, to
Balanced Regional Development: Transforming Aspirational Districts - (February 2019)
ObjectiveAchieve balanced development in India by uplifting 115 districts, currently below the national average in the areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development, and basic infrastructure.Current SituationThe Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) was launched on January 5, 2018.A list of 49 target indicators has been developed by NITI Aayog.In April 2018, NITI Aayog issued a ranking of these districts according to baseline data
Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Other Tribal Groups and Minorities - (February 2019)
SCs, STs, OBCs, De-Notified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs) and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs)ObjectiveTo accelerate the socio-economic development of SCs, STs, OBCs, safai karamcharis as well as DNTs, NTs and SNTs through focused affirmative action so as to bring them on par with the rest of the population as far as key human development indicators are concerned.Current SituationHigh incidence of poverty and low educational attainment are the two major challenges faced
Senior Citizens, Persons with Disability and Transgender Persons - (February 2019)
Senior CitizensObjectiveTo ensure a life of dignity, social security and safety for senior citizens, enabling them to actively participate in economic development and the nation building process.Way ForwardRevise the National Policy for Older Persons. The policy should cover housing, income security, pension, and access to healthcare. It should also emphasize the concept of ‘ageing in place’ or ‘ageing in own home’.Bring schemes pertaining to senior citizens under the restructured Department
Gender - (February 2019)
ObjectiveTo create an enabling environment, sans institutional and structural barriers.To enhance the female labour force participation rate to at least 30 per cent by 2022-23. Current SituationHowever, a declining female labour force participation rate (LFPR) despite increasing levels of education and declining fertility rates has emerged as a worrying trend.The current female LFPR is 23.7 per cent (26.7 per cent in rural areas and 16.2 per cent in urban areas). The
Nutrition - (February 2019)
ObjectivesUnder POSHAN Abhiyaan, achieve the following outcomes by 2022-23, compared to the baseline of 2015-16 (National Family Health Survey-4):Reduce the prevalence of stunting among children to 25 per cent or less. Reduce the prevalence of underweight in children (0-6 years) to 25 per cent or less.Reduce the prevalence of anaemia among young children (6-59 months) to 43 per cent or less.Reduce the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls and women
Universal Health Coverage - (February 2019)
ObjectivesOn the strong platform of Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):Attain a coverage of at least 75 per cent of the population with publicly financed health insurance (covering most secondary and tertiary care procedures) by 2022-23.Reduce by 50 per cent the proportion of households facing catastrophic health expenditure from the current levels.Current SituationPublic health infrastructure in the country expanded considerably following the launch of the National Health Mission in
Human Resources for Health - (February 2019)
ObjectivesAchieve a doctor-population ratio of at least 1:1400 (WHO norm 1:1000) and nurse-population ratio of at least 1:500 (WHO norm 1:400) by 2022-23.Ensure availability of paramedics and doctors as per Indian Public Health Standard (IPHS) norms in high priority districts by 2020 (National Health Policy, 2017).Deploy mid-level providers (MLPs) to manage the primary healthcare system.Generate at least 1.5 million jobs in the public health sector by 2022-23, a large number
Comprehensive Primary Health Care - (February 2019)
ObjectivesUnder Ayushman Bharat, scale-up a new vision for comprehensive primary health care across the country, built on the platform of health and wellness centres (HWCs), to:Provide quality ambulatory services for an inclusive package of diagnostic, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care, close to the people.Deliver preventive and promotion services, and action on the ground to tackle determinants of ill health locally.Create a mass movement for Healthy India (Swasth Bharat Jan Andolan).Current
Public Health Management and Action - (February 2019)
ObjectivesTo revamp radically the public and preventive health system in the nation through the following strategic interventions:Mobilize public health action through an integrated, inter-sectoral and pan-stakeholder approach, targeted at communities and individuals as well as grassroots organizations, aimed at creating an unprecedented people-led movement for health and wellness.Operationalize vital enablers - a) public health and management cadre, b) public health agency with capacitated supporting institutions (c) municipalities and panchayati raj
Skill Development - (February 2019)
ObjectivesFor harnessing the demographic advantage that it enjoys, India needs to build the capacity and infrastructure for skilling/reskilling/up-skilling existing and new entrants to the labour force. The goals to be met until 2022-23 are as follows:Increase the proportion of formally skilled labour from the current 5.4 per cent of India’s workforce to at least 15 per cent.Ensure inclusivity and reduce divisions based on gender, location, organized/unorganized, etc.India’s skill development infrastructure
Teacher Education and Training - (February 2019)
ObjectivesThere cannot be a quality education system without quality teachers. Therefore, a thorough revamp of the entire ecosystem of teacher education both at the school and college level is necessary. In this context, the objectives for 2022-23 include:Enforcing minimum teacher standards through rigorous teacher eligibility tests and criteria for the induction of teachers.Improving in-service teacher training system.Increasing teacher accountability for learning outcomes of students.Addressing the problem of teacher vacancies and
Higher Education - (February 2019)
ObjectivesIncrease the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education from 25 per cent in 2016-17 to 35 per cent by 2022-23.Make higher education more inclusive for the most vulnerable groups.Adopt accreditation as a mandatory quality assurance framework and have multiple highly reputed accreditation agencies for facilitating the process.Create an enabling ecosystem to enhance the spirit of research and innovation.lmprove employability of students completing their higher education.Current SituationRecognising the need to
School Education - (February 2019)
ObjectivesUniversal access and retention:Hundred per cent enrolment and retention at elementary education and secondary education levels; achieve zero dropouts until Class X.Equitable participation by all society segments, in terms of attendance, retention and years of schooling to ensure maximum social inclusion.Creating a robust framework for tracking individual students across their schooling years that incorporates data on their learning outcomes.Improvement in learning outcomes for elementary and secondary education, as measured by
Sustainable Environment - (February 2019)
ObjectiveThe objective is to maintain a clean, green and healthy environment with peoples’ participation to support higher and inclusive economic growth through sustainable utilization of available natural resources. The 2022-23 goals include the following.Air pollution:Bringing down PM2.5 levels in Indian cities to less than 50.Creating 175 GW of renewable energy generation capacity.Eliminating crop residue burning. Ensuring the coverage of all households with LPG for cooking.Solid waste managementImplementing effectively the Solid
Water Resources - (February 2019)
ObjectivesBy 2022-23, India’s water resources management strategy should facilitate water security to ensure adequate availability of water for life, agriculture, economic development, ecology and environment. This broader vision can be achieved by attaining the following sectoral goals:Provide adequate (rural: 40 litres per capita per day (lpcd); urban 135 lpcd) and safe drinking water (piped) and water for sanitation for citizens and livestock.Provide irrigation to all farms (Har Khet Ko Pani)
Swachh Bharat Mission - (February 2019)
ObjectivesThe key objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission include:Making India Open Defecation Free (ODF) by October 2, 2019.Carrying out extensive information, education and communication (IEC) and behaviour change campaigns to change the attitude of people regarding healthy sanitation practices.Ensuring scientific solid and liquid waste management.Augmenting the capacity of local bodies.Creating an enabling environment for private sector participation.Eradicating manual scavenging.Current SituationThe Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched on October 2, 2014,
Smart Cities for Urban Transformation - (February 2019)
ObjectivesLeverage the ‘Smart Cities’ concept in select urban clusters to:Drive job creation and economic growth.Significantly improve efficiencies in service delivery.Leverage technology for inclusive, sustainable and participatory development by 2022-23.Current SituationThe Government of India has so far selected 99 cities with an outlay of INR 2.04 lakh crore. These cities have started implementing projects such as smart command and control centres, smart area-based development, smart roads, solar rooftops, intelligent transport systems
Digital Connectivity - (February 2019)
ObjectivesGiven the relevance of digital connectivity to economic growth and the need to eliminate the digital divide by 2022-23, India should aim to achieve:Physical digital connectivity across all states, districts and gram panchayats (GPs).Delivery of government services digitally by 2022-23.Hundred per cent basic digital literacy across the country to be able to leverage the benefits of digitization.Current SituationAccording to the Internet Trends 2017 report, 1 27 percent of India’s population
Logistics - (February 2019)
ObjectivesAchieve multi-modal movement of cargo on par with global logistics standards.Reduce the logistics cost to less than 10 per cent of GDP from the current level of 14 per cent.Expand the logistics market to USD215 billion by 2020 from the current level of USD160 billion.Improve logistics skilling and increase jobs in the sector to 40 million by 2022-23 from about 22 million in 2016.As per the approved National Trade Facilitation
Ports, Shipping and Inland Waterways - (February 2019)
Objectives Double the share of freight transported by coastal shipping and inland waterways from 6 per cent in 2016-171 to 12 per cent by 2025. Increase the port handling capacity to 2,500 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2022-23. Reduce the turnaround time at major ports from about 3.44 days (2016-17) to 1-2 days (global average) by 2022-23. Increase the throughput of inland waterways from 55.20 MMT in 2016-17 to 60-70 MMT by 2022-23. Augment the
Civil Aviation - (February 2019)
ObjectivesEnhance the affordability of flying to enable an increase in domestic ticket sales from 103.75 million in 2016-171 to 300 million by 2022.Double air cargo handled from about 3.3 million tonnes in 2017-18 to about 6.5 million tonnes.Expand the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry from USD 1.8 billion in 2017 to USD 2.3 billion.Expand airport capacity more than five times to handle one billion trips a year.Enhance availability and
Railways - (February 2019)
ObjectivesBy 2022-23, India should have a rail network that is not only efficient, reliable and safe, but is also cost-effective and accessible, both with respect to the movement of people and goods. This requires achieving the following objectives:Augment the capacity of existing railway infrastructure.Increase the speed of infrastructure creation from the present 7 km/day to 19 km/day by 2022-23.Achieve “100 per cent”2 electrification of broad gauge track by 2022-23 from
Surface Transport - (February 2019)
ObjectivesIncreasing the coverage and quality of roads and highways is critical to enhancing connectivity and internal and external trade. By 2022-23, we should achieve the following objectives:Increase connectivity by expanding the road network:Achieve the Bharatmala Phase-I target by completing 24,800 km by 2021-22, including 2,000 km of coastal and port connectivity roads.Complete Phase I of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) with quality monitoring at every stage.Double the length
Energy - (February 2019)
ObjectivesThe government’s on-going energy sector policies aim “to provide access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy”. At the convergence of its domestic goals and the global development agenda, it also intends to hit the following milestones on the way –Make available 24x7 power to all by 2019.Achieve 175 GW of renewable energy generation capacity by 2022.Reduce imports of oil and gas by 10 per cent by 2022-23.Continue to reduce
Minerals - (February 2019)
ObjectivesDouble the area explored from 10 per cent of obvious geological potential (OGP) area to 20 per cent.Accelerate the growth of the mining sector from 3 per cent in 2017-18 to 14 per cent, with an average growth of 8.5 per cent during 2018-23. Increase the job contribution (direct, associated and indirect) from the current 10 million (2 million in coal and major metals and 8 million in minor minerals)
Travel, Tourism and Hospitality - (February 2019)
ObjectivesIncrease India’s share in global international tourist arrivals from 1.18 per cent to 3 per cent.Increase the number of foreign tourist arrivals from 8.8 million to 12 million.Double the number of domestic tourist visits, from 1,614 million in 2016 to 3,200 million visits.Current SituationIndia moved up 12 places from 52nd to 40th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index in 2017.In 2017-18, India’s travel and tourism sector
Housing For All - (February 2019)
ObjectivesProvide every family with a pucca house, with a water connection, toilet facilities, and 24x7 electricity supply and access.Build 2.95 core housing units in rural areas and 1.2 crore housing units in urban areas.Current SituationThe government has made it clear that one of its key priorities is to ensure safe and affordable housing for all. This mandate also includes upgradation of slums. Achieving the goal of ‘Housing for All’ will
Financial Inclusion - (February 2019)
Objectives(i) Banking for the unbankedBank accounts: Ensuring universal access to bank accounts, which are a gateway to all financial services.Digital payment services: Providing access to digital payment services and increasing its penetration.(ii) Securing the unsecuredInsurance and social security: Ensuring universal coverage of insurance for life, accidents, etc., and of pensions and other retirement planning services.Asset diversification: Allowing diversification of asset portfolio of households through increased participation in capital markets(iii) Better
Doubling Farmers’ Income (III): Value Chain & Rural Infrastructure - (February 2019)
ObjectivesTransform the rural economy through the creation of modern rural infrastructure and an integrated value chain system.Leverage the value chain to boost India’s exports of food products.Create occupational diversification and qualityWay ForwardWarehousing, pack-houses, ripening chambers, and cold storages, including those set up at the village level, should be accorded full-fledged infrastructure statusThe budget announcement of developing Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs) will help develop the agricultural marketing infrastructure and bring markets
Doubling Farmers’ Income (II): Policy & Governance - (February 2019)
ObjectivesCreate a policy environment that enables income security for farmers, whilst maintaining India’s food security.Encourage the participation of the private sector in agricultural development to transition from agriculture to robust agri-business systems.Promote through government policies the emergence of ‘agripreneurs’ so that even small and marginal farmers can capture a higher share of value addition from ‘farmgate to fork’.Current SituationThe country took 22 years to double farmers’ income at an annual
Doubling Farmers’ Income (I): Modernizing Agriculture - (February 2019)
ObjectivesModernize agricultural technology, increase productivity, efficiency and crop diversification.Generate income and employment through a paradigm shift that ensures food security while maximizing value addition in agriculture.Current SituationThe existing yield levels of a majority of crops remains much lower than the world average.Close to 53 per cent of cropped area is water stressed. Rainwater management practices and services are resource starved.Inefficient extension delivery systems have led to the presence of large
Industry - (February 2019)
ObjectivesDouble the current growth rate of the manufacturing sector by 2022.Promote in a planned manner the adoption of the latest technology advancements, referred to as ‘Industry 4.0’, that will have a defining role in shaping the manufacturing sector in 2022.Current SituationIndia is the fifth largest manufacturer in the world. The government has taken several initiatives to promote manufacturing. Among these are the Make in India Action Plan aimed at increasing
Technology and Innovation - (February 2019)
ObjectivesIndia should be among the top 50 countries in the Global Innovation Index by 2022-23.Five of our scientific research institutions should be amongst the top 100 in the world.India should aim to spend at least 2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) on R&D with equal contributions from the public and private sector.Current SituationsIndia has become a major destination for outsourced R&D activities. India currently has more than 1,100
Employment and Labour Reforms - (February 2019)
ObjectivesComplete codification of central labour laws into four codes by 2019. Increase female labour force participation to at least 30 per cent by 2022-23.Disseminate publicly available data, collected through rigorous household and enterprise surveys and innovative use of administrative data on a quarterly basis by 2022-23.Encourage increased formalization of the labour force by reforming labour laws, easing of industrial relations and ensuring of fair wages, working conditions and social security
Growth - (February 2019)
ObjectivesSteadily accelerate the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate to achieve a target of about 8 per cent during 2018-23 (note that this target has been set to catalyse policy action and does not represent a forecast). This will raise the economy’s size in real terms from USD 2.7 trillion in 2017-18 to nearly USD 4 trillion by 2022-23. Besides having rapid growth, which reaches 9-10 per cent by 2022-23,
Minerals - (February 2019)
The term ‘Mineral’ means a class of substances occurring in nature, of definite chemical composition and usually, a characteristic crystal structure, but sometimes also includes rocks formed by these substances. A mineral is an element or chemical compound that has been formed as a result of geological processes. Mineral resources are found on or in the earth in reasonable amounts and are mined for their potential uses or their intrinsic
Recommendations - (January 2019)
Goals The overarching goal of health care for the tribal people should be to bridge the current gap in the health status of the tribal people and to bring the health coverage and outcome indicators at par with the state's average latest by the year 2027. The sub-goals should be: To create a functioning, sustainable and universal system of health care for the tribal people, consistent with the above general principles, in the
Water - (February 2019)
Inland Water Resources Inland water resources include both fresh and brackish water bodies. While freshwater is naturally occurring water with low concentration of salt, brackish water has a salt concentration varying between that of freshwater and marine water. Inland Water Resources of the country are categorized as: rivers and canals; reservoirs; tanks, lakes & ponds; lakes and derelict water bodies; and brackish water.River basin is the most important unit of
Forest - (February 2019)
Concept of Forest Accounts in SEEA-CFForests are at the centre of many environmental and economic issues including climate change, biodiversity protection, tourism, soil erosion, stability of water cycles etc. Forest accounts provide a framework in this context to capture the economic contribution of forests and their connection with the economy. Recognizing the fact that timber is a prime economic resource, SEEA-Central Framework prescribes the compilation of physical asset accounts for forest
Diagnosis of Tribal Health - (January 2019)
Tribal health in India suffers from following ten burdens: Communicable diseases, maternal and child health problems and malnutrition continues to prevaili Non-communicable diseases including mental stress and addiction are rapidly increasing; Injuries due to accidents, snake and animal bites and violence in conflict situations; Difficult natural conditions arising due to geographic terrain, distance and harsh environments; Worse social-economic determinants, especially in education, income, housing connectivity, water and sanitation; Poor quality and inappropriate health care services with
Health Care Infrastructure - (January 2019)
As per the present norms, tribal and hilly areas should have one Health Sub-centre (HSC) per 3000 population, one Primary Health Center (PHC) per 20,000 population, and a Community Health Centre (CHC) per 80,000 population. Data on 'required versus shortfall' of Sub-centres, PHCs and CHCs in tribal areas of 18 states and three UTs was studied. Data on 18 states showed: Sub-centres In seven states no shortfall in number of HSCs against the
Nutrition - (January 2019)
Daily Nutrient Intake The third round of the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) survey completed in 2008-09 found that the mean intake of most foodstuffs and nutrients by tribal people continued to be below the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) by the Indian Council of Medical Research and had in fact reduced over the years, across all age groups and for both genders. This is worrisome and maybe indicative of a rising
Land - (February 2019)
CSO has recently published EnviStats-India 2018: Supplement on Environmental Accounts. The data given in this report is based on the information sourced from different Ministries/Departments/Organisations of Central Governments. Environment-Economic AccountingThe notion of man’s dependence on nature is deeply ingrained in the Indian philosophy. But with the global focus on economic development, ‘environment’ shifted down the priority list of policies and programmes. It did not take long, however, for the world to
State of Health and Health Care in Tribal Areas - (January 2019)
The problem of lower health status of tribal people is global. A recent international review revealed that health and social outcomes compared on 9 indicators were poorer for tribal people than for the rest of the population in most of the countries. However, it is not nature's inviolable law. Life expectancy among indigenous people is more than 70 years in the high-income countries. Infant mortality rate for indigenous people is
Tribal Health in India - (January 2019)
over 104 million tribal people live in India. Spread across 705 tribes, they account for 8.6% of the country's population. Cognizant of the distinct socio-cultural structures and way of life in these communities, the Government of India has laid down the three landmark policy expressions -- the Constitution of India, the Panchsheel Principles and the PESA act -- for the protection and development of tribal communities. These policy safeguards notwithstanding, the
Effective Reservation Policy - (March 2019)
In spite of reservations, a vast proportion of reserved category applicants do not find a place via the government recruitments. Hence, we must think about alternative strategies.Individuals should use Their Reserved Category Status Only OnceOne strategy may be to try and spread the benefits of reservations as widely as possible within the existing framework and ensure that individuals use their reserved category status only once in their lifetime. This would
Issue of Employment - (March 2019)
Even as governments want more and more sections of society to benefit from reservations in public sector jobs, the truth is the size of the cake itself is becoming smaller. As a recent report published in the Indian Express, annual Central government recruitment (including in the Railways) has fallen from 1,13,524 to 1,00,933 between 2014-15 and 2016-17. The same period has also seen the outstanding workforce shrink from 16.91 lakh
Sinho Commission - (March 2019)
The three-member commission, headed by Major Gen (retd) S R Sinho, was instituted by the UPA government and had submitted its report in July 2010. The Sinho Commission report of 2010, which the Centre has been citing as the basis for its legislation to grant 10 per cent reservation to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) mainly among upper castes, never explicitly recommended a reservation for EWS but was only emphatic
Quota in Proportion to Population - (March 2019)
It has been their longstanding demand for quotas in proportion to their population. According to the 1931 caste census, OBCs constituted 52 per cent of undivided India’s population. The government has not yet made public the caste census carried out in 2011-12.Number of OBCsAs per Census 2011, the population of SCs and STs stands at about 16.6 and 8.6 per cent, respectively. However, on OBC numbers, there is lesser clarity.
Ninety Third Amendment - (March 2019)
The amendment was challenged on two major issues:i) Whether it violated the “basic structure”ii) Whether Articles 15(4) and 15(5) were mutually contradictory — and hence, Article 15(5) was ultra vires of the ConstitutionThe RulingIn March 2008, a five-judge Constitution Bench upheld the law providing 27 per cent quota for OBCs in IITs, IIMs and other central educational institutions, but said it would not apply to the “creamy layer”. The court
Article 15(5) of the Constitution - (March 2019)
Amendment of Constitution Part XX of the Constitution deals with its amendment Under Article 368(2), Parliament can amend the Constitution by passing a Bill in “each House by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting”. Thereafter, the Bill “shall be presented to the President who shall give his assent… and thereupon the
Rationale for SC, ST, SEdBCs Reservations - (March 2019)
The term “backward class of citizens” has been generally understood, and also defined by the Supreme Court in the Mandal case (Indra Sawhney vs Union of India, 1992) judgment, to include the SCs, STs, and Socially and Educationally Backward Castes (SEdBCs). These are not exceptions, but special provisions to ensure that the principle of Equality enshrined in Articles 14, 15(1) and 16(1) becomes really effective, in the peculiar inherited Indian
Reservation to Economically Weaker Sections: Key Issues Involved - (March 2019)
Fundamental Rights of Educational Institutions: Creating reservation at private-unaided educational institutions would eschew the freedoms under Article 19(1)(g). Curbing fundamental rights for facilitating professional and degree education is an overstretch from Article 21A’s mandate of literacy and primary schooling. Socially Weaker Sections will not be covered by the New Quota: An SC/ST/OBC poor would be restricted from claiming reservation under the EWS quota despite being both economically disadvantaged and socio-educationally backward. The
Special Provisions for Certain Classes - (March 2019)
Constitutional promise is explicitly for social exclusion and discrimination Articles 330-342 under Part 16 of the Constitution outline special provisions for certain classes. The Constitution identifies only four such classes — SCs, STs, Backward Classes and Anglo Indians. The Constitutional promise is explicitly for social exclusion and discrimination. While providing quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in jobs in the nineties (and in higher educational institutions in 2006), the target group was
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 - (March 2019)
The 124th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2019 to award 10 per cent reservation to economically weaker sections was passed by the Parliament in January, 2019. With this, the great reservation debate has once again started. What does India need – more jobs or more quota? Who needs reservation in jobs and education – socially and economically weaker groups or economically weaker persons? What challenges lie ahead in implementing the 10% per
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill - (March 2019)
The Citizenship (Amendment) bill proceeds on the assumption that religious minorities in both Pakistan and Bangladesh are, in effect, unwanted citizens that look to India as the country of refuge. The North-eastern part of India is now seized with one issue. It is seldom that the region rises together on a shared concern over an issue. However the Citizenship Bill has united the North-eastern part of India. Ever since the idea of
Emerging New Global Order and Positioning of India - (March 2019)
Considering India’s growing economy and enhanced military capabilities, Indian leaders are pushing for their country’s due place in global councils. - Chandrakant Singh In international realms, term ‘global order’ broadly refers to the distribution of power and authority among the political actors on the global stage. In the late 19th and early 20th Century, global order was marked with rise of Germany and modern Japan to eminence, whereas the Ottoman Empire and Tsarist
Farmers’ Distress - (March 2019)
If loan waiver was the solution to agrarian distress, why hasn’t it prevented farm incomes from decelerating and farmers from committing suicide? Farmers are always in distress when prices of their produce are subdued. The response of governments has been to sharply hike minimum support prices (MSP) of crops or declare loan waivers. Despite the Centre and various States announcing loan waivers at different times, the conditions of farmers are deplorable even
Is India Winning the Space Race? - (March 2019)
India space mission has altogether a different objective. Rather than focussing on military aspect. India has focussed on space exploration. – Noopur Joshi China recently became the third country to land a probe on the Moon on January 2, 2019. But its operation is more significant issue since the probe landed on the dark side of the moon. An historic feat which no other country has achieved. The probe, Chang’e 4 is
IPR in Agricultural Biotechnology - (March 2019)
Patents are integral to innovation, but in agricultural biotechnology farmers' interest can't be ignored. Biotechnology has revolutionised agriculture by helping farmers produce a greater variety of crops in larger quantities. However, recently, three different courts adjudicated upon matters that greatly impact farmers and indigenous communities. Delhi High Court’s Ruling In April 2018, the High Court of Delhi, in Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd and Ors vs Monsanto Technology LLC and Ors, declared Monsanto’s patent for Bt
Universal Basic Income - (March 2019)
UBI is a fine idea, but can it be at the cost of expenditure on health, education or rural infrastructure? universal basic income (UBI), a welfare benefit that guarantees a certain threshold sum of money for everyone regardless of whether they work or not, is the next big political-economy idea fast catching up in India. Model Presented by The Economic Survey Basic premise of Economic Survey (ES) of 2016-17’s UBI: “A just society needs
Climate Change Rulebook - (February 2019)
Deal Reached in Katowice is Welcome but not Enough The 24th Session of the of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 24) was held in Katowice, Poland on 02nd– 15th December 2018. The conference was a significant one which focused on three key issues including finalization of guidelines/modalities/rules for the implementation of Paris Agreement, the conclusion of 2018 Facilitative Talanoa Dialogue and
Air Pollution - (January 2019)
We Need to Go Beyond Conventional Measures The WHO report, titled ‘Air Pollution and Child Health: Prescribing Clean Air’, released recently, said air pollution was responsible for the deaths of over one lakh children under age 5 in India in 2016, and over 7,000 children between ages 5 and 14. In both age groups, the death rate was much higher among girls than among boys. Under age 5, air pollution accounted
RBI Vs. The Government - (January 2019)
Unelected Bodies like RBI are Vital for DemocracyThe RBI is the central bank for India. Central Bank in any country plays a critical role in the governance, RBI being no exception. The main objective of a central bank is to secure monetary stability. The objectives of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, are “to regulate the issue of bank notes and the keeping of reserves with a view to
Gene Drive - (January 2019)
Great Gains & Great DangersExtinctions are seldom cause for celebration. Humans are wiping out species at a frightening rate, whether hunting them into history or, far more threateningly, damaging the habitats on which they depend. But occasionally, the destruction is warranted. Smallpox was officially eradicated in 1980, and no one laments the fate of the virus that caused it; campaigns to save the virus that causes polio are thin on
Human-Wildlife Conflict - (January 2019)
We need to protect lives of humans but not at the cost of wildlifeIncreasing human and animal population, shrinking forests etc. have made the human animal conflict inevitable. But it’s not as though there are no solutions. Recent killing of six-year old tigress Avni, accused of killing 13 human beings, by a private hunter’s in the Pandharkawada region of Maharashtra, has yet again underlined the fact we can’t afford to
Navigation & River Ecology - (January 2019)
Impact rivers, their waters and the creatures that inhabit themAs Government inaugurated India’s first multi-modal terminal on the Ganga river in Varanasi on November 12, the spotlight is back on how navigation of arguably India’s greatest river would impact it. The development marks the commencement of the government’s Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) that aims to develop the stretch of the Ganga between Varanasi and Haldia for navigation of large
Globalisation & Indian Women - (December 2019)
What is Globalisation? According to American economist Edward S. Herman, “Globalisation is the expansion across international borders of management and process. At the same time, it is a condition of facilities and economic relation which is constantly expanding and its simultaneously changing.” In concept, globalization is a complex, economic, political, cultural and geographical process in which the mobility of capital, organizations, ideas, discourses and people has taken a worldwide or value-based structure.
Should Government Sector be Privatized? - (December 2019)
After a very long time, privatisation has re-entered the policy-making lexicon in India. A flurry of news reports has informed us that several public sector undertakings (PSUs) will be put on the block for privatisation. It certainly is a big departure from the last decade and a half, when successive governments chose to disinvest (a uniquely Indian contribution to the policy-making jargon), which is, sell small chunks of PSU shares
Traditional Medicinal Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights - (December 2019)
What is Traditional Medical Knowledge Traditional medical knowledge has social, cultural and scientific value and is important for many indigenous peoples and local communities. In some Asian and African countries, 80 percent of the population depend on traditional medicine, including for primary healthcare. Traditional knowledge is generally considered as the collective heritage of a particular indigenous people or local community. While individuals, such as a Shaman in Bolivia or a Sangoma in
Biodiversity Conservation in India - (December 2019)
India is one of the few countries where forest cover is on the rise and forests are teeming with wildlife. It has only 2.4% of the geographical area of the world, but harbours nearly 8% of the globally known floral and faunal species. India’s sixth National Report (NR6) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which provides an update of progress in achievement of 12 National Biodiversity Targets (NBT) developed
Telecom Sector Issues and Perspectives - (December 2019)
On 24thOctober, 2019 the Supreme Court upheld the definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) calculation as stipulated by the Department of Telecom (DoT). It has ordered telecom companies to pay up to Rs 92,641 crore dues to the DoT within three months calculated on the basis of the new definition of AGR. Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) Telecom operators are required to pay licence fee and spectrum charges in the form of ‘revenue
Rumblings in the North East: Naga Peace Accord - (December 2019)
It has been 22 years since talks between NSCN-IM and the government officially began in 1997. In August 2015, the Union government signed a framework agreement to seek a final solution with NSCN-IM. The seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) joined the talks later by signing a ‘Deed of Commitment’ with the government in 2017.Recently, the government of India had set 31st October 2019 as the deadline to finalise the
Fire Related Hazards in India - (October 2019)
On 24 May 2019 at least 22 students were killed and several others injured in a fire at a coaching centre in Surat, Gujarat. On 12 February, 2019 massive fire at a hotel in Delhi claimed 17 innocent lives. These are glaring examples of lawlessness and fire safety mismanagement that are prevailing in urban India. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) figures, 17700 Indians died (48 people every day)
Food Processing Sector in India - (October 2019)
Food processing industry is a sunrise sector in India,which is expanding at a rate of 15% annually. Food processing refers to various techniques and operations by which raw foodstuffs are transformed into food that are suitable for consumption (value addition), cooking, or storage (to increase shelf life). Input and production are related to agriculture and allied sector production. Procurement and storage are related to post harvest selling, transport and storage of produce
Distorted Cropping Pattern in India: Effects and Remedies - (October 2019)
During colonial times, India was infested with frequent droughts and famines that resulted in widespread hunger and mortality. It forced post independent India to adopt self-sufficiency in food grain production at high priorityand ushered measures such as Green revolution, which was largely successful asevident by record food grain production of recent times. But this scientific intervention has an undesirable outcome i.e. Distortion in cropping pattern of India largely due to
Climate Change Challenges for India - (October 2019)
As fires rage in the Amazon more than 15,000km away, Indians may feel that they’re unaffected. Nothing could be farther from the truth. India, where millions rely on natural resources and on the monsoon for sustenance, is especially vulnerable. If India is to successfully tackle climate change—both in terms of mitigation and adaptation—it will need to address several complex, intertwined challenges such as the Amazon fires. Four Challenges, in Particular, Loom LargeManaging
India’s Nuclear Doctrine – Should India Review its Pledge? - (October 2019)
Recently, India’s Nuclear doctrine was once again under debate over Defence Minister’s remark in Pokhran that India’s adherence to the principle of ‘no first use’ of nuclear weapons is not sacrosanct and its future course would depend on the exigencies of the time. —By Manisha Kukreti Genesis of the Nuclear Doctrine Post the 1999, Pokhran Nuclear Tests, India faced severe backlash from international community. In the wake of the impending scenario it came
Disaster Resiliency in India - (September 2019)
India has witnessed the occurrence of quite a few natural disasters in a very short period of time- Cyclone Fani in Odisha, floods in Kerala, Bihar and Assam. Rs. 12,000 crore and Rs. 21,000 crore are the losses incurred by Odisha due to the cyclone and Kerala from the 2018 floods respectively; apart from economic losses of $80 billion during the 20-year period of 1998-2017 (UN Report) that India had
Should India Look for a New Foreign Policy? - (September 2019)
There is a palpable sense of anticipation on the front of India’s foreign policy. As the new government have begun its term at the office, there is a current vigour as to where the India’s foreign policy will take its course under the leadership of the Prime Minister and our present foreign minister. The country has already witnessed a remarkable transformation in the short span of years since the previous
Plastic Pollution in India - (September 2019)
On 9 July the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) warned 52 companies of serious action, including Amazon, Flipkart, and Patanjali Ayurved Limited, for not specifying a timeline or a plan to collect the plastic waste that results from their business activities. The theme of the World Environment Day 2018 was ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. India was the host of the event as it is a major victim of plastic pollution. The event
Urbanisation and Urban Policy in India - (October 2019)
Urabanisation is the process of growth of urban centers, due to migration of people from rural areas and inherent rise in the population of cities. According to census 2011, India is urbanising at a fast pace and level of urbanisation in India is around 32%. Moreover, it is expected that by 2050, urabanisation will reach around 50% and put heavy pressure on infrastructure and services, which will be a challenge
National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: AI for All - (September 2019)
Introduction India is the fastest growing economy with the second largest population in the world and has a significant stake in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. Recognising AI’s potential to transform economies and the need for India to strategise its approach, NITI Aayog has formulated a National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence.The policy focuses on how India can leverage the transformative technologies to ensure Social and inclusive growth in India. What is Artificial
Does India have a Comparative Edge? - (September 2019)
Background Some experts see India as a restless nation, with calls for change coming from almost every corner of society. Thus, economic growth accompanied with equally valuable improvements in quality of human life seems to be the most indispensable need of the hour. The present Indian dream of becoming $5 trillion economy by 2024-25, needs a real GDP growth rate of 8 per cent on sustained basis. The dream envisages contribution of
Role of Youth in the Era of Climate Change - (November 2019)
The world watched over with rapt attention when ‘Greta Thunberg’, a sixteen-year-old environmentalist represented her generation at the UN Climate Action Summit, 2019 held in New York. She stressed on the world leaders to face the reality of ‘climate crisis’ at hand and highlighted their apathy towards the same. Back home she came into prominence, when she protested in front of the Swedish Parliament and sought to hold the politicians
India’s Resilience Against an Impending Global Slowdown - (November 2019)
On 12th September, the European Central Bank reduced deposit interest rates and approved bond purchases and a fresh stimulus package to boost euro zone growth. The step taken by the ECB highlights the contingent global slowdown that is staring at the world economies and which is characterized by lower growth rates and subdued demand across the major economies. Apart from the ECB, many other economies have also taken similar steps
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan : Milestones, Pitfalls and Way Forward - (November 2019)
Introduction Mahatma Gandhi while upholding the value of cleanliness once said: “Sanitation is more important than independence” and “Everyone must be his own Scavenger”. To materialise his words, on 2nd October 2014, Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary, Prime Minister of India, launched the nation-wide cleanliness campaign, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM) or Clean India Mission. The underlying principle for such a massive programme is the fact that sanitation and hygiene not only translates
Impending Earthquake in Central Himalaya - (November 2019)
Earthquake is amongst the most terrifying of all natural phenomena. Striking without warning and seemingly coming out of nowhere, it challenges our inherent assumptions about the stability of the very planet we live upon. Any shaking of the earth, whether lasting for minutes or only for seconds, seems eternal to those who experience it. Introduction The Central Himalayas are hit frequently by mild earthquakes which are often dismissed as “usual occurrences”,
One Nation, One Ration Card: Is it a Game Changer? - (November 2019)
On Independence Day this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for national integration through several “one nation” initiatives such as, tax regime, singular mobility card and an electricity grid. One such initiative, “One Nation, One Ration Card”, is meant to enable any resident from any part of the country to get access to the foodgrains. India’s public distribution system (PDS) is the largest food security programme in the world, which covers
India’s External Debt & Associated Challenges - (November 2019)
Introduction Balance of payments refers to economic transactions of a country with the rest of the world within a given period of time i.e. in a year. It has two components as follows: Current Account refers to difference between exports and imports of goods, services and transfers. It also factors in income received from interest and dividend payments, and net transfer payment in the form of loans and grants. Current Account Deficit
