RBI, Narendra Modi and the Subtle Art of Ignoring Concerns
In 2016, the RBI had accurately predicted both the damage and the lack of benefit of the demonetisation. Was it heard? No.
Air Pollution: It Is Not Just the Farmers Who are Responsible – 2 Articles
Historically, stubble burning contributes only 6% to the pollution, yet the public is quick to make the farmers the scapegoats, and not the policymakers. Also: Urgent action is needed to tackle multiple sources of pollution, from vehicles to construction to stubble burning.
Fossil Fuel Air Pollution Causes 20% of All Deaths
Fossil fuel pollution kills more people each year than HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.
Environmental Injustice in India: Jaduguda Uranium Mining Cluster
Adivasis have been and are being sacrificed in the union government’s uranium mining and processing projects in the State of Jharkhand.
India, US are on Pathway to Contain China
The big picture is that after audaciously claiming the mantle of leadership of the Global South as recently as in September, in a span of over two months, India is gliding over to the American camp as the US’ indispensable ally, even aspiring to be a “global defence hub” with Pentagon’s help.
Estimates of Offshore Wealth Held by Indians – 2 Articles
‘New Estimates of Offshore Wealth Held by Indians’; Also: ‘How Much Indian Black Money Is Stashed Away in Swiss Banks? Nearly $1 Trillion, Says This Book’.
The NEP Goes Against the Existing Constitutional Mandate of the RTE
Its centralised focus on state examinations even in grades 3, 5 and 8 in addition to the board examinations in grades 10 and 12 runs contrary to the RTE. Also: extract from: ‘Reads Like an Impressive Wish List But Barters Right to Education’.
MSMEs in India: Nation’s Progress Depends on Them
Unorganized sector of which agriculture is an important part employs 94% of the work force but contributes 45% to the GDP. Thus, incomes here are very low compared to the organized sector where 6% of the workers work and produce 55% of the output.
India’s Renewed Biofuels Push to Disrupt Agriculture, Worsen Inequality
Can a country ranked 101 out of 116 on the World Hunger Index talk about a surplus it can use to make biofuels?
Actual U.S. Military Spending Reached $1.537 Trillion in 2022—More than Twice Acknowledged Level
For decades, it has been recognized by independent researchers that actual U.S. military spending is approximately twice the officially acknowledged level. In 2022, actual U.S. military spending reached $1.537 trillion—more than twice the officially acknowledged level of $765.8 billion.