[op-ed of the day] Amendments to Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act are a mixed bag

Context The Union Cabinet’s approval of the amended Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Bill 2020 was reported on January 29. This amendment was long due and has made some anticipated changes demanded by women’s groups and courts, including the Supreme Court. Why the amendment was necessitated? Abortion (unsafe) accounts for almost 10 per cent of… Continue reading

[op-ed snap] Fashioning the framework of a New India

Context As the Indian economy is going through a severe crisis, a major solution to the present economic crisis is to go in for inclusive growth; it also means shared prosperity. Where India stands on poverty and how the slowdown is impacting the poor. Bottom 30-40% adversely impacted: The slowing economy has had an adverse… Continue reading

Defence Bill in Budget

The Union Budget for 2020-21 has allocated Rs 1,33,825 crore to defence pensions. This is up by 10½ times in a decade and a half, from Rs 12,715 crore in 2005-06. The ‘hype’ of defence pension The allocation of Rs 1,33, 826 crore is 4.4% of the total expenditure of the central government or… Continue reading

Kumbhabishegam at Brahadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Tens of thousands of pilgrims thronged Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta to witness the Kumbhabishegam (consecration) ceremony at the Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple. This enormously significant event was held after 23 years — and after the Madras High Court had settled an old argument over the ritual purification process only five days previously. The… Continue reading

Global Report on Medical Data Leak

Medical details of over 120 million Indian patients have been leaked and made freely available on the Internet, according to a recent report. Global Report on Medical Data Leak It is published by Greenbone Sustainable Resilience, a German cybersecurity firm. The first report was published in October 2019 in which Greenbone revealed a widespread… Continue reading

Ujh Multi-purpose Project

The Union government has approved a nearly ₹6,000-crore multi-purpose project for the Ujh multi-purpose project. Ujh Multi-purpose Project The project will store around 781 million cubic meters of water of river Ujh, a tributary of river Ravi. It aims to provide uninterrupted water for irrigation to farmers in J&K’s Kathua district and to produce power.… Continue reading

[op-ed snap] No rescue in sight

Context The disconnect between Budget and Economic Survey is much greater this year. Background of the economy as the budget is introduced The 2020 Budget was presented against the background of- Slowing economy. Poor investment climate. Declining consumption demand and Stagnant exports. The steady deceleration in growth, which registered at 4.5 per cent in the second… Continue reading

[op-ed snap] Our expectations could mutate in response to the coronavirus

Context In some ways, China is setting the standard for a public health response that may become a way of life in the 21st century. Origin of the outbreak and deadly it could turn out? Outbreak of unknown virus: In December 2019, an outbreak of viral pneumonia of unknown etiology emerged in Wuhan, a city… Continue reading

[op-ed snap] What Brexit means for the EU and its partners

Context On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union, the EU project will be taken forward by the 27 member states. A structured exit Minimum disruption: This is largely thanks to the Withdrawal Agreement that was negotiated with the U.K., which enabled “an orderly Brexit”. One that, at least for now, minimises disruption for… Continue reading

Gram Nyayalayas

The Supreme Court has directed the states, which are yet come out with notifications for establishing Gram Nyayalayas, to do so within four weeks. What are Gram Nyayalayas? Gram Nyayalayas were established for speedy and easy access to the justice system in the rural areas across the country. The Gram Nyayalayas Act came into force… Continue reading

Global Go To Think-Tank Index

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) was placed No. 16 among 2019’s ‘top environment policy think tanks’ of the world in Global Go To Think Tank Index. Think-Tank Index The Index is released by University of Pennsylvania each year since 2008. It evaluates public-policy research analysis and engagement organisations that generate policy-oriented research, analysis, and… Continue reading

[pib] Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes (SATHI) Scheme

The Department of Science & Technology has launched a unique scheme called “Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes(SATHI)”. SATHI SATHI aims to address the need for building shared, professionally managed and strong S&T infrastructure in the country which is readily accessible to academia, start-ups, manufacturing, industry and R&D labs etc. These Centres are expected to… Continue reading

[pib] Functions of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

The Ministry of Defence has outlined various functions and duties for the post of CDS. Duties and Functions of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) To head the Department of Military Affairs in Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary. To act as the Principal Military Advisor to Raksha Mantri on all Tri-Service matters.… Continue reading

[op-ed of the day] A workmanlike account

Context The Budget was a workmanlike exercise, more a statement of account, around which was woven many strands of intent and vision, which, read in its entirety and by connecting interlocking dots, framed a strategy of moving towards a $5 trillion economy over the next five years. Fiscal arithmetic of the Budget A clearer picture… Continue reading

[op-ed snap] Falling short of aspirations

Context The Budget can be judged in terms of its effect on rural demand, investment and private sentiments– all critical elements for recovery. While the Budget offers hope on the last count, it leaves much to be desired on several other parameters. Skill development allocation- 3000 Crore Unmet Demand: There is a huge, unmet demand… Continue reading

[op-ed snap] We should offer to safeguard the world’s telecom networks

Context India should grab cybersecurity opportunities instead of focusing on smaller issues like import tariffs during Trump’s visit. Opportunity for India in the US-China trade war Technology will be an important front in the emerging trade war between the US and China. It will create significant opportunities for India as global supply chains re-adjust to… Continue reading

Finance Commission

The report of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, along with an Action Taken Report, was tabled in Parliament. The Commission, headed by N K Singh, had submitted its Report to the President in December 2019. The government had accepted the recommendations of the Commission “in substantial measure a/c to FM. The Finance Commission and its purpose… Continue reading

[pib] National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications

The Finance Minister in budget 2020 has announced a National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA). What is Quantum Technology? Quantum Technology is based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the nature of energy and matter on the atomic and subatomic level. It concerns the control and manipulation of quantum systems, with… Continue reading

[pib] Draft National Logistics Policy

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry reviewed the draft National Logistics Policy and the proposed action plan for implementation of the policy prepared by the Department of Logistics, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The key feature of the draft policy The draft National Logistics Policy has been prepared in consultation with the Ministries of Railways,… Continue reading

Indian Institute of Heritage and Conservation

The Union Govt. has proposed to set up an Indian Institute of Heritage and Conservation under the Ministry of Culture, and develop five archaeological sites as “iconic sites” with onsite museums in Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh), Sivsagar (Assam), Dholavira (Gujarat) and Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu). Rakhigarhi Rakhigarhi in Haryana’s Hissar district is one of the… Continue reading

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