For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction Corporate Governance involves a set of comprehensive rules to deal with the affairs of a corporation. A lapse in corporate governance is detrimental to the interests of all stakeholders including the investors, the shareholders, the general public and the Government. A lapse in Corporate Governance was observed recently in the… Continue reading Corporate Governance in India – Explained, pointwise
Author: Kunal Khureja
India-UAE Bilateral Relationship – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoy strong bonds of friendship based on age-old cultural, religious and economic ties between the two nations. India-UAE together have built a considerable degree of mutual trust that has enabled them to take their relationship to greater heights. They have added another feather… Continue reading India-UAE Bilateral Relationship – Explained, pointwise
Culture of Freebies in India: Issues and Recommendations – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction The elections for the Legislative Assemblies are underway in 5 States and every party is promising a plethora of freebies to lure the voters. Political parties consider it a convenient way to take an edge over competitors and try to gain emotional control over the minds of the electorate. The… Continue reading Culture of Freebies in India: Issues and Recommendations – Explained, pointwise
[Kurukshetra February Summary] Rural Healthcare Infrastructure – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction Rural India is the backbone of our nation as more than 60% of India’s population resides in rural regions. The high proportion places a greater responsibility on the Government towards the health and wellbeing of the rural population. Considering this, the Government has started several schemes and is promoting numerous… Continue reading [Kurukshetra February Summary] Rural Healthcare Infrastructure – Explained, pointwise
Research and Development in India: Status, Challenges and Recommendations – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction According to UNESCO’s data, the global expenditure on Research and Development (R&D) has crossed US $1.7 trillion. This signifies the importance of R&D in modern economies. Countries are now placing extensive focus on their R&D programs in order to gain a competitive edge in the fast changing technology driven world.… Continue reading Research and Development in India: Status, Challenges and Recommendations – Explained, pointwise
Geospatial Sector in India – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction Geospatial Technology is a term used to describe a range of modern tools like the Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). Geospatial technology enables us to acquire data that is referenced to the earth and use the data for analysis, modeling, simulations and visualization.… Continue reading Geospatial Sector in India – Explained, pointwise
Prime Minister declares 14th August as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
Source: The Hindu, PIB, PIB Synopsis: In a fitting tribute to all those who lost their lives due to the partition of the nation and were displaced from their roots, the Government has decided to observe 14th August as the day to commemorate their sacrifice. Background: The country celebrated 75th Independence Day on 15th August… Continue reading Prime Minister declares 14th August as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
On August 15, 1947, where was Bapu?
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: Mahatma Gandhi was working for the welfare and unity of the nation on 15th August 1947. He enlightened the new leaders about their humongous responsibility towards the nation and appealed to the masses for sustaining the trust between Hindus and Muslims. Background: On the midnight of Independence Day, the nation was… Continue reading On August 15, 1947, where was Bapu?
An Indian sail to navigate the maritime environment
Source: The Hindu Relevance: On maritime security Synopsis: India’s leadership in the debate on maritime security has boosted its standing as a key player in the shared commons. Background A high level open debate was conducted by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on 9th August 2021. Its theme was “Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For… Continue reading An Indian sail to navigate the maritime environment
The State of Urban Wetlands in India – Explained, pointwise
Introduction Four more wetlands have been recognized as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, taking the number to 46. The inclusion will provide better protection and conservation of the wetlands, especially the urban wetlands. However, the estimates of Wetlands International South Asia shows that nearly 30% of the natural wetlands in India have… Continue reading The State of Urban Wetlands in India – Explained, pointwise
Landslides in India: impacts and management – Explained, pointwise
Introduction A landslide has struck the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, the 2nd time within 15 days, killing at least 14 people and burying several others. The catastrophe has been severe, with mud, rocks, and debris raining down on vehicles, including a state transport corporation bus on National Highway 5. 15% of the Indian landmass… Continue reading Landslides in India: impacts and management – Explained, pointwise
Maritime Security Challenges – Explained, Pointwise
Introduction The issue of Maritime Security is being discussed at the global level. India recently hosted the UNSC summit on maritime security. The meeting was chaired by India, as it holds the council’s membership for the month of August. A cautious discussion and deliberation took place in the meeting over concerning issues like piracy, terrorism,… Continue reading Maritime Security Challenges – Explained, Pointwise
Revisit the idea of ‘aging out’ India’s coal plants
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: It is right to let old coal capacity fade away in due course, but age shouldn’t be used as the sole criteria for it. The focus should be on doing detailed analysis and weeding out the needless capacity in the pipeline, to derive long-term economic and environmental benefits. Background: The government… Continue reading Revisit the idea of ‘aging out’ India’s coal plants
Expiry of safeguard duty: Boon for solar developers, bane for manufacturers
Source: Business Standard Synopsis: The decision of the center to impose a basic customs duty from April 2022 and the expiration of the existing safeguard guard duty will result in higher solar imports. This move will benefit solar plant developers, but create more problems for domestic manufactures. Background: Indian solar cell and module makers may… Continue reading Expiry of safeguard duty: Boon for solar developers, bane for manufacturers
ISRO-SAC instrument finds presence of hydroxyl and water molecules on Moon
Source: Indian express Synopsis: The discovery of hydroxyl and water molecules on the moon would help in studying its mineralogy. Background: Chandrayaan-2 has detected the unambiguous presence of hydroxyl and water molecules on the Moon. The findings were confirmed by a paper published in the latest issue of the fortnightly journal Current Science. The paper was… Continue reading ISRO-SAC instrument finds presence of hydroxyl and water molecules on Moon
The foreign stimulus
Source: Business Standard Synopsis: Foreign money pouring into the start-up universe may finally provide the stimulus to the economy that the government was unable to provide. This money would help the country to achieve a sustained growth rate of 7% for the coming years. Background: The Indian start-up scene is on fire. In the first six… Continue reading The foreign stimulus
Migration from factories to farms, a sign of distress
Source: Business Standard Synopsis: The government’s Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report shows a sharp increase in employment in agriculture. It has increased to 45.6% in 2019-20, compared to 42.5% of the total employment in 2018-19. This is a sign of distress as migration to agriculture has been due to compulsion and not in wake… Continue reading Migration from factories to farms, a sign of distress
Here’s a sure-fire way to boost your count of Olympic medals
Source: live mint Synopsis: Empirical data shows that the host country gets benefitted from hosting the Olympics. It raises their medal count. Background: Hosting Olympic Games is an economic disaster, even in non-pandemic times. A recent estimate suggests that the cost doubled from initial expectations to $15.4 billion. This includes an additional $3 billion due to… Continue reading Here’s a sure-fire way to boost your count of Olympic medals
Jal Jeevan Mission: Flowing in the right direction
Source: Business Standard Synopsis: Jal Jeevan Mission promises to go down in history as an iconic development initiative. Its objectives can be duly achieved by encouraging greater participation of corporations and charitable trusts towards it. Background: Rural India has 18.93 crore households, of whom only 17 percent had some version of a tap water connection.… Continue reading Jal Jeevan Mission: Flowing in the right direction
Sports sector in India: Issues and challenges – Explained, Pointwise
Introduction The conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 brought immense joy to the nation. India won its first gold medal in track and field events of the Olympics. A total of 7 medals were won, which marks India’s best score at the Olympics. However, despite this, India finished 48th in the event. Whereas Japan, with… Continue reading Sports sector in India: Issues and challenges – Explained, Pointwise
Essential Defence Services Bill, 2021 and Right to Strike – Explained, pointwise
Introduction Recently, the Minister of Defence introduced the Essential Defence Services Bill, 2021, in the Lok Sabha. It seeks to empower the government to declare services mentioned in it as “essential defence services” and prohibit strikes and lockouts in any industrial establishment or unit engaged in such services. The objective behind its introduction is to… Continue reading Essential Defence Services Bill, 2021 and Right to Strike – Explained, pointwise
India’s indigenous aircraft carrier setting sail for sea trials is a historic moment
Source: Indian Express, Time of India Synopsis: The onset of sea trials of INS Vikrant marks a historic moment for the Indian Navy, which till now had aircraft carriers, but none built at home. The brand-new INS Vikrant is 75% indigenous and is the first big-ticket example of Atmanirbhar India. Background: August 4, 2021, marked… Continue reading India’s indigenous aircraft carrier setting sail for sea trials is a historic moment
Re-negotiate Indus Treaty with Pakistan in light of climate change: Standing Committee on Water Resources
Source: Down to Earth Synopsis: The 1960 Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan did not take present-day issues like climate change into account. This calls for a renegotiation of the treaty through discussion and deliberation among the two countries. Background: The standing committee of Water resources has submitted its 12th Report to the… Continue reading Re-negotiate Indus Treaty with Pakistan in light of climate change: Standing Committee on Water Resources
Why liberalism is withering on the vine
Source: Business Standard Synopsis: Liberal ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity cannot be optimised, except in small communities. Background: Liberalism is associated with mainly two popular theories. The first one is given by Adam Smith and focuses on economic liberalism. While the other one is drawn from the liberals of the French Revolution and focuses… Continue reading Why liberalism is withering on the vine
Building sites could be fined, shut under new dust rules
Source: Times of India Relevance: Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in India. Controlling pollution in Delhi will result in less pollution in surrounding regions as well. Synopsis: All new large construction sites in Delhi may soon have to install at least three real-time air quality monitoring stations and adhere to strict dust… Continue reading Building sites could be fined, shut under new dust rules
Global food systems are not thinking about women. A UN report calls for action
Source: Down to earth Synopsis: A recent ‘Action Track’ report of the United Nations has highlighted the vulnerability of women in obtaining equitable access to food. It calls for altering the unequal power structures for more inclusive decision-making in the society that would ensure better accessibility of food by women. Introduction Apart from this UN… Continue reading Global food systems are not thinking about women. A UN report calls for action
Setting new house rules
Source: Indian Express Synopsis: The legislative body’s role must be strengthened and deepened so that disruption of proceedings ceases to be an option. Background: Disruption is replacing discussion as the foundation of our legislative functioning. In this regard, the government is considering curtailing the monsoon session of Parliament. All sessions since last year have been… Continue reading Setting new house rules
Climate emergency: Tipping points are already here, scientists warn
Source: Down to earth Synopsis: The tipping points of a Climate Emergency are already visible on Earth. The countries should acknowledge them and take urgent action towards decarbonization of the global economy and restoration of nature. Background: In 2019, more than 11,000 scientist signatories talked about the need for declaring a climate emergency. They emphasized… Continue reading Climate emergency: Tipping points are already here, scientists warn
Disregarding Parliament
Source: Business Standard, Indian Express Synopsis: Parliamentary Standing committees must not be hijacked by politics. They are an integral part of the Indian Parliamentary system and perform an enormous amount of good work. Background: The head of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has written a letter to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. … Continue reading Disregarding Parliament
Rethink aviation policy
Source: business-standard.com Synopsis: The government’s approach to the aviation sector in India has grown messy, confusing, and possibly counter-productive. Background: Recently the director-general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) pointed out that government regulation was slowing the aviation sector’s recovery from the second wave. Both capacity and pricing restrictions are creating a problem for… Continue reading Rethink aviation policy
The draw of space and nuclear technologies
Source: thehindu.com Synopsis: It remains to be seen whether the new ventures of Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates will strike a chord and benefit mankind. The projects are aimed to address the issues of climate change and high reliance on fossil fuels, however they are subjected to various criticisms. Background: Jeff Bezoes blasted into space… Continue reading The draw of space and nuclear technologies
Onus on states to implement Supreme Court order quashing Section 66A
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com | thehindu.com Synopsis: The centre has given its reply to a petition filed by PUCL pertaining to misuse of Section 66A by the state police. The Centre said that the onus lies with the states to implement the apex court’s 2015 judgment. Background: The Union government informed the Supreme Court (SC) that the… Continue reading Onus on states to implement Supreme Court order quashing Section 66A
Who is a Bhumiputra in Goa, and why is the Opposition objecting to the new law?
Source: https://indianexpress.com Synopsis: The legislative assembly of Goa passed the Goa Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill, 2021 for giving ownership rights to Bhumiputra (son of the soil)’. However, the bill has been criticised by the opposition as it was passed in haste and reckless manner. Background: The legislative assembly of Goa passed the Goa Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill,… Continue reading Who is a Bhumiputra in Goa, and why is the Opposition objecting to the new law?
How does a democracy die?
Source: Indian Express Relevance: This article highlights few examples that can turn a country in a failed democracy. Synopsis: Democracies die when democratically elected governments cease to be held accountable by a society weakened by poor health, low morale, and joblessness. In such a scenario, political leaders are prone to blindness and incompetence, they pay… Continue reading How does a democracy die?
Law and lawmakers
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: The Supreme Court held that a legislative privilege cannot be extended to provide legal immunity to criminal acts committed by lawmakers. Background: On March 13, 2015, six members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) from LDF party in Kerala tried to interrupt the presentation of the Budget. Their action resulted in destruction… Continue reading Law and lawmakers
Small state, big brother
Source: Business Standard Synopsis: Assam-Mizoram violence is an outcome of the central government trying too hard to ‘integrate’ distinct northeastern states, which has unleashed latent regionalism. Background: Recent border clashes on the Assam-Mizoram Border and Assam-Meghalaya border point to the failure of central and state governments to solve the boundary issue. On 26 July, a… Continue reading Small state, big brother
In the interest of the public
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: Compulsory vaccination is legal and does not violate anyone’s fundamental rights. Background: In Registrar General v. State of Meghalaya, the Meghalaya High Court ruled that compulsory vaccination can’t be coerced by the state government. The government had ordered shopkeepers, local taxi drivers, and others to get the COVID-19 vaccines before they resume… Continue reading In the interest of the public
Integrated approach for EVs
Source: Business Standard Relevance: Electric Vehicles are the future of the automotive industry. A better policy for their promotion is required. Synopsis: A reduction in Customs duty wouldn’t solely boost the Electric Vehicles (EV) sector, the government needs to adopt an integrated approach towards it. Background: Indian cities are among the most polluted in the… Continue reading Integrated approach for EVs
One nation, one police is a reform that is long overdue
Source: Indian express Relevance: Police reforms are necessary to ensure a just criminal justice system. Synopsis: Several state governments have passed Police Acts that are against the Supreme Court verdict on police reforms, and Centre too, has failed to legislate a model Act. Thus, there is a need to focus on the idea of… Continue reading One nation, one police is a reform that is long overdue
Corporate Management isn’t What Civil Service Needs
Source: Times of India Relevance: The article is related to civil service reforms in India. Synopsis: Administrative reforms can only be delivered by a change in executive goals, not by a change in personnel. Background: There is a new attempt at administrative reform on the anvil. SD Shibulal has reportedly been appointed chairman of a… Continue reading Corporate Management isn’t What Civil Service Needs
A judgment that must be taken in the right spirit
Source: The Hindu Relevance: Judgment is related to the procedures and steps required to enact a particular bill. Synopsis: The striking down of the 97th Amendment is a reminder that the power to regulate cooperatives must stay with States. Background: The 97th Constitutional Amendment came into effect on February 15, 2012, and brought about many… Continue reading A judgment that must be taken in the right spirit
Mending the British-made Assam-Mizoram dispute
Source: Times of India, Indian express Synopsis: Northeast needs creative solutions like building economic and technology hubs in contested zones. Further, the contested areas should be administered by a central agency to prevent future claims and counter-claims. Background: Recent border clashes on Assam-Mizoram Border and Assam-Meghalaya border points to the failure of central and state… Continue reading Mending the British-made Assam-Mizoram dispute
Oxygen for fiscal federalism
Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article focuses upon the aspects of Fiscal federalism in India. Synopsis: A special GST rate could be levied by using the power under Article 279A. This would enable the States to raise more resources during the pandemic. Background: India has a federation with a strong centralizing policy. Nonetheless, India maintained… Continue reading Oxygen for fiscal federalism
Assam Mizoram Border Dispute – Explained, Pointwise
Introduction The violent clashes on the Assam-Mizoram border in Lailapur on July 26th are a result of the continuing confrontation between the two states. The clash came days after a meeting of the Union Home Minister with chief ministers of the Northeastern states, held in Shillong. In this meeting, it was reiterated that inter-state border… Continue reading Assam Mizoram Border Dispute – Explained, Pointwise
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana water-share war seems far from over
Source: Business Standard Relevance: Interstate water disputes are a threat to national unity. Therefore, their resolution is of utmost importance. Synopsis: The Krishna-Godavari rivers may have their respective management boards now, but the tussle between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over water-sharing seems far from over. Background: The Jal Shakti Ministry on July 15 issued a… Continue reading Andhra Pradesh and Telangana water-share war seems far from over
Evaluating India’s options in Afghanistan
Source: The Hindu Relevance: Future course of action for India vis-a-vis situation in Afghanistan Synopsis: With the West done with Afghanistan, New Delhi needs to adopt a layered approach in finding a political solution. It has to work with Eurasian powers to protect its interests and stabilise Afghanistan. Background The U.S. is retreating from Afghanistan… Continue reading Evaluating India’s options in Afghanistan
Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: Scientists for the first time have spotted a Moon-forming region around a planet beyond our solar system. The research offers a deeper understanding of the formation of planets and moons. Background: A study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters has for the first time spotted a Moon-forming region around a planet… Continue reading Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time
Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics
Source: Times of India Synopsis: With Section 66A and Article 35A ended, the government should do the same for Section 124A. It would prevent harassment of dissent and uphold the right to free speech under Article 19 of the constitution. Background: The Supreme Court (SC) had recently asked the Centre the rationale behind not scrapping… Continue reading Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics
The great convergence and a lag
Source: Indian Express Synopsis: India and the US have an expansive new agenda for discussion. This includes not only democracy and human rights, but also Afghanistan, the Indo-Pacific region, reform of global economic institutions, climate change and vaccine diplomacy. Background: The Indian leadership will review US ties this week with the visiting Secretary of State,… Continue reading The great convergence and a lag
Cloning overcomes prejudices
Source: Business Standard Relevance: Use of technology for the betterment of agriculture Synopsis: The development and popularisation of cloning technology can be a boon for the Indian livestock sector, which relies heavily on buffalo milk. Background: Dolly (a sheep) was the first cloned mammal created at the Roslin Institute in Scotland on July 5, 1996.… Continue reading Cloning overcomes prejudices
