HARMONISING WITH NATURE
Introduction and examples of learning from crisis Aristotle Onassis counselled, “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” So, even as we, along with millions of our fellow citizens, observe the curfew while under a lockdown, this hiatus offers a rare opportunity to reflect and take the long view. […]
EXPLAINED: AIR POLLUTION’S LINK TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Introduction to Connection between COVID-19 and Air Pollution Coronavirus (COVID-19): Even before the pandemic struck, outdoor air pollution was linked to the deaths of as many as nine million people each year. Now two new studies show that Covid-19 patients are more likely to die if they live in regions with high levels of air […]
THE NIHANGS: ONCE VALIANT WARRIORS
Why in news? The Patiala incident in which a group of Nihangs attacked a Punjab police party and chopped off the hand of an assistant sub-inspector when stopped for a curfew pass, and the subsequent seizure of weapons and narcotics, has put the spotlight on the Nihangs. Who is a Nihang? Nihang is an order […]
INVASIVE, ALIEN, MOST FEARSOME
Introduction to the scenario Given the little knowledge we have about its origin, and given its rapid spread and massive impact on our lives, novel coronavirus is the most fearsome invasive alien species mankind has ever had to confront. Invasive alien species are species of plants, animals and microbes which move out of their native […]
ECONOMIC LIBERALISATION AND ITS FAULTS
Privatisation and Liberalisation The 1991-92 Budget speech marked the beginning of the end of the ‘Licence Raj’ in India. The 1991-92 Budget also announced the reduction of import duties and paved the way for foreign-manufactured goods to flow into India. Following this, most of the manufacturing sector was opened up to foreign direct investment. India’s […]
THE PANDEMIC AND THE CONTOURS OF A HEALTH RESPONSE
India’s worries India is facing the worst public health crisis in its independent history which pales the earlier ones such as AIDS, SARS and H1N1 into insignificance. The speed at which the virus entered the country and the multiple challenges it has posed before the people and the government are unprecedented. While the initial response […]
EXPLAINED: A LOOK AT WTO’S RULES
How does WTO classify developed and developing countries? The WTO doesn’t define countries as ‘developing’ or ‘developed’. Member nations themselves are required to declare which category they fall under. However, these declarations can be challenged by other member nations. Over two-thirds of WTO’s 164 member countries are developing countries. Advantages of a ‘developing country’ status […]
EXPLAINED: HOW A DOLLAR SWAP LINE WITH US FED CAN HELP
Why in news? India is working with the United States to secure a dollar swap line that would help in better management of its external account and provide extra cushion in the event of an abrupt outflow of funds, according to banking industry and government sources. India already has a $75 billion bilateral currency swap […]
AMBEDKAR AND THE POONA PACT
Introduction to Poona Pact In late September 1932, B.R. Ambedkar negotiated the Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi. The background to the Poona Pact was the Communal Award of August 1932, which, among other things, reserved 71 seats in the central legislature for the depressed classes. Gandhi, who was opposed to the Communal Award, saw it […]
ACCESSING JUSTICE ONLINE
Why in news? With Indian courts too under a lockdown for three weeks (and probably more), citizens have severely restricted access to justice for this period. However, the deeper malaise is the complete inability of the conventional court system to deliver timely justice. This shakes the very foundation of the polity on which we rest […]