On Census: What counts is seldom counted?
Context: This is the first time that India has not conducted its decadal Census since the exercise began and yet India is busy debating the caste census. Relevance: GS-I: Indian Society (Population and its associated issues, Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India), GS-II: Governance (Government Initiatives and Policies) Dimensions of the Article: About […]
The end of the doing business rankings
Context: The World Bank Group has decided to discontinue publication of its ‘Doing Business’ rankings of country business climates under its ‘Doing Business’ report after findings of data irregularities and ethical concerns in the 2018 and 2020 reports. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, Inclusive Growth, International Institutions and their reports) […]
Holding transnational corporations accountable
Context: Given the enormous power that transnational corporations (TNCs) wield, questions about their accountability have arisen often. There have been many instances where the misconduct of TNCs has come to light such as the corruption scandal involving Siemens in Germany. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Issue regarding TNCs Background on holding TNCs […]
Auto Industry and Drone Industry PLI Scheme explained
Context: The Union government has approved a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Auto Industry and Drone Industry with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 26,058 crore. Relevance: GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure (Industrial Growth, Industrial Revolution), GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy) Dimensions of the Article: PLI Scheme for Auto Industry PLI Scheme […]
GST Council’s latest decision explained
Context: The GST Council met in Lucknow on 17th September 2021, the first physical meeting in nearly two years, to take key decisions. Relevance: GS-II: Social Justice (Government Interventions and Policies, Issues arising out of the design and implementation of Government Policies) Dimensions of the Article: What are the key decisions made by GST Council? […]
E-Shram needs some hard work to get going
Context: The Union Labour and Employment Ministry launched a portal aiming to register 38 crore unorganised workers in the country, eventually to help in the implementation of social security schemes. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy), GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure (Industrial Growth, Industrial Revolution) Mains Questions: The nuances of the unorganised […]
NEP schools: the future
Context: The pandemic has helped India realise the need for foundational literacy, preventing dropouts, to overcome the digital divide. The article talks about the shift in the physical mode of education to the online mode, facilitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevance: GS-II: Social Justice and Governance (Issues related to Education, Government Interventions and Policies, Issues […]
Behind the great Indian Internet shutdown
Context: In the Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India case (2010), the Supreme Court of India held that access to information via the Internet is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution. In 2021, the year following the decision in 2020, India saw more instances of Internet shutdown that in 2020. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and […]
In Manipur, a case for asymmetric federalism
Context: The article talks about asymmetric federalism and how institutionally accommodating tribal distinctiveness will promote the State’s (Manipur) integrity. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Basic structure of the Constitution, Federal Structure) Dimensions of the Article: What is Asymmetric Federalism? Asymmetric Federalism in practice in India Reasons of asymmetric federalism in India Issue with […]
A selective nuclear policy
Context: The resumption of North Korea’s largest fissile material production reactor, after operations were ceased in December 2018, has sparked speculation about its real and symbolic significance. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has underlined that the restart of activity in Yongbyon constitutes a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Relevance: GS-II: International relations (Important […]