MANAGING PERCEPTIONS
Why in news? Group of envoys on a guided tour of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has triggered the debate over sovereignty of India. Clearly, the government, which has been under considerable international pressure to lift restrictions in the former State, has managed to arrange these three visits without any incident. The delegations have been taken […]
BALANCING THE NEEDS: 15th FC
The interim report of 15th FC has left some uncomfortable issues unanswered, which need to be resolved First Under the current arrangement, states were supposed to be compensated for any shortfall in their GST collections for a five-year period. Lack of clarity about Centre’s obligation to compensate states if collections from the compensation cess fall […]
RIDING ON DATA FOR MOBILITY
The digital revolution has made interactions between humans and machines, and among citizens, governments and businesses, seamless and efficient Data usage in transport sector An efficient transportation system would help ease congestion, reduce travel time and cost, and provide greater convenience. Data from multiple sources such as CCTV cameras, automatic traffic counters, map services, and transportation service […]
NUTRITION AND THE BUDGET
Global Hunger Index, reported that India suffers from “serious” hunger, ranked 102 out of 117 countries, and that just a tenth of children between six to 23 months are fed a minimum acceptable diet The Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh which was launched in 2019 by Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani, and Microsoft […]
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
When he visits India for the first time later in February 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump can expect thronging crowds in Gujarat and perhaps a substantive discussion on trade policy in New Delhi There will always be areas of untapped potential in bilateral cooperation, things could hardly be better between the two nations at this time of global turbulence, in trade […]
SHUNNING FISCAL ADVENTURISM
In the run-up to the budget, there was enormous pressure on the finance minister to launch a fiscal stimulus so as to pump-prime the economy There is already considerable stimulus in the system. The finance minister took a step towards transparency by admitting to off-balance sheet borrowings of 0.8 per cent of GDP for both […]
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT BILLS IN PARLIAMENT
While a government Bill can be introduced and discussed on any day, a private member’s bill can only be introduced and discussed on Fridays. A private member’s Bill is different from a government Bill and is piloted by an MP who is not a minister Individual MPs may introduce private member’s Bill to draw the […]
SIX YEARS ON LOKPAL IS A NONSTARTER
The massive public campaign in 2011 demanding an independent anti-corruption ombudsman resulted in the passage of the Lokpal law. The preambular statement of The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 notes that the law has been enacted to ensure prompt and fair investigation and prosecution in cases of corruption against public servants. The Lokpal was envisioned […]
FIRST CALL
Sri Lanka’s new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, visited India in November, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, after a five-day tour, visited India. Joint India-Japan proposal for the East Container Terminal at Colombo. Mahinda Rajapaksa has also discussed extending the $400-million Line of Credit and India’s further assistance for nationwide housing.
INDIAN RAILWAYS PRODUCES HIGH HORSE POWER LOCOMOTIVE
Why in news? The First 12000 HP made in India Locomotive, manufactured by Madhepura Electric Loco Factory situated in Bihar, was put into operation by Indian Railways. Significance! It is the first time, high horse power locomotive has been operationalised on broad gauge track in the world. Proud moment for Indian Railways, as it became 6th country […]