Blog

Is India reverting to the Hindu rate of growth? Why in the news? India’s gross domestic product (GDP) data for the third quarter received a word of caution from the former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan. What is the issue? India’s GDP for Q3 slowed to 4.4%, and for Q1, it grewRead more

What are ‘bio-computers’ and what can they tell us about the human brain?   Why in News? Recently, Scientists have outlined a plan for a potentially revolutionary new area of research called “organoid intelligence”, which aims to create “biocomputers”, where 3D brain cultures grown in the lab are coupled to real-world sensors and input/output devices. Technology is expected to harnessRead more

How to become a green hydrogen superpower Why in News? The 2023 Union Budget has allocated ₹19,700 crore for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This could help India establish itself as a green H2 superpower. What is green hydrogen? It is a type of hydrogen produced by splitting water through electrolysis, using an electrolyser powered entirely byRead more

The Problems with Compensatory Afforestation in India Why in the news? India’s target of increasing its forest and tree cover to absorb an additional amount of 2.5 billion to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 is a relatively difficult one to achieve. What is the issue? Threat to forests – Forests are underRead more

Cotton: Crying out for change Why in the news? Cotton farmers in Northern India suffered heavy losses in the last kharif season. Cotton Production in India Cotton output is estimated at 322 lakh bales (of 170 kg each), down by 48 lakh bales from the target of 370 lakh bales in 2022-23. Cotton productivity: It peaked at 566Read more

Combining social welfare and capital markets through SSE Why in News? The securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given approval to the National Stock Exchange of India to set up a Social Stock Exchange (SSE). SSE was presented in the Union Budget 2019. What is a Social Stock Exchange? The SSE would functionRead more

International courts and climate change Why in the news? A group of 16 countries has launched a gallant effort to fight the problem of climate change at the United Nations (UN). What is the issue? Led by Vanuatu, an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the group seeks an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ)Read more

India and Italy: Friends in a turbulent world Why in News? On the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and India, the summit between the Italian Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister was held on March 2. What were the major developments during the summit? The Joint Declaration approved at the Summit affirms theRead more

New reality: On Saudi Arabia-Iran reconciliation and China’s role Why in News? Saudi Arabia and Iran, two of West Asia’s major powers that have been at odds with each other for decades, agreed to restore diplomatic relations in an agreement brokered by China. What is the history of the ties? Islamic sectarianism – The rivalry betweenRead more

Safe harbour at risk: On the impact of the proposed Digital India Act, 2023 Why in News? The Government is reconsidering a key aspect of cyberspace — ‘safe harbour’, which is the principle that allows social media platforms to avoid liability for posts made by users. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will soon comeRead more