THE TAIWAN QUESTION
Introduction As the World Health Assembly (WHA) convenes in the 4th week of May, virtually, there is a political battle over the question of inviting Taiwan to join the discussion as an observer. The Assembly brings together the ministers from all the member-states of the World Health Organisation. The Arguments for Taiwan Proponents point to Taiwan’s […]
THE NEW INDIAN ROAD TO LIPU LEKH, EXPLAINED
Why in news? India, on May 8th, inaugurated an 80 km road goes right up to the Lipu Lekh pass on the LAC, through which Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims exit India into China to reach the mountain and lake revered as the abode of Siva. Nepal protested and has also pointed out that it has brought up its […]
GETTING INDIA BACK TO THE AFGHAN HIGH TABLE
Introduction An Election result that was rejected by Mr. Ghani’s main rival, Abdullah Abdullah led to two simultaneous swearing-ins; both Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah taking oath as President. It is true that the international community ultimately supported Mr. Ghani but qualified it with an insistence that he enters into a real power-sharing agreement with […]
18th May – Editorials/Opinions Analyses
Contents Getting India back to the Afghan high table The new Indian road to Lipu Lekh, Explained The Taiwan question GETTING INDIA BACK TO THE AFGHAN HIGH TABLE Focus: GS-II International Relations Introduction An Election result that was rejected by Mr. Ghani’s main rival, Abdullah Abdullah led to two simultaneous swearing-ins; both Mr. Ghani and […]
PAK. PRESIDENT ISSUES ORDER TO HOLD POLLS IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN
Why in news? The Pakistan President has promulgated an order to form a caretaker government as well as to conduct elections in Gilgit-Baltistan province, a move strongly opposed by India. Background The presidential promulgation came days after the Pakistan Supreme Court on April 30 allowed the federal government to amend a 2018 administrative order to […]
AFGHAN PRESIDENT AND RIVAL SIGN POWER SHARING DEAL
Why in news? The Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and political rival Abdullah Abdullah have signed a power-sharing agreement two months after both declared themselves the winner of last September’s presidential election. The deal calls for Abdullah to lead the country’s National Reconciliation High Council and some members of Abdullah’s team would be included in Ghani’s […]
GOVT. PLAN TO SELL AIRPORTS MAY FIND FEW TAKERS
Why in news? The government’s move to raise capital by privatizing half a dozen airports through 50-year concessions might find few takers when the aviation industry is facing acute financial stress, industry experts said. Very few serious bidders = No Fair value It is expected that if the government proceeds with the privatization plan, it […]
U.P. WITHDRAWS NOTIFICATION ON INCREASED WORK HOURS
Why in news? The Uttar Pradesh government has withdrawn its recent order increasing daily work hour shifts in manufacturing units from the existing 8 hours to 12 hours. Background The U.P. government had on May 8 passed a notification diluting provisions of the Factories Act of 1948 and increased work timings by providing certain exemptions […]
FIFTH TRANCHE OF THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
Why in news? The fifth and final tranche of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package, announced by Finance Minister on 17th May 2020. The total package amounts to almost ₹21 lakh crore by the Centre’s accounting, but is heavy on credit-related measures, including ₹8 lakh crore worth of liquidity enhancing measures by the RBI. Highlights of […]
17th May – Editorials/Opinions Analyses
Contents How will the COVID-19 relief for MSMEs help? Measures to deal with the farm crisis? HOW WILL THE COVID-19 RELIEF FOR MSMES HELP? Focus: GS-III Indian Economy Why in news? The first tranche of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan that was aimed at micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) was announced […]