Great Indian Power Crisis: Poor Planning, Slow Transition, Financial Mess, Climate Change
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Great Indian Power Crisis: Poor Planning, Slow Transition, Financial Mess, Climate Change

Almost the whole of India was caught in a serious power crisis from early May 2022. The Indian government even started pushing cash-strapped State government utilities for importing expensive coal. What are the factors that led to this country-wide mess?

Sri Lankan Crisis Caused by Majoritarianism, Authoritarianism and Minority Bashing Offers Lessons for India
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Sri Lankan Crisis Caused by Majoritarianism, Authoritarianism and Minority Bashing Offers Lessons for India

The deeper reasons behind the Sri Lankan crisis are Sinhalese Buddhist majoritarianism, authoritarianism of the Gotabaya regime, violent targeting of minorities, brutal methods adopted to curb press freedom and deliberate curbing of the culture of scrutiny of public policies.

Pandemic Drove Global Hunger up by 112mn, 71% Indians Unable to Afford Nutritious Food: FAO
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Pandemic Drove Global Hunger up by 112mn, 71% Indians Unable to Afford Nutritious Food: FAO

While 70.5% of Indians were unable to afford a healthy diet, the corresponding numbers were lower for China (12%), Brazil (19%), and Sri Lanka (49%). However, Nepal (84%) and Pakistan (83.5%) fared poorer than India.

Millions Of Children Will Soon Need Aadhaar IDs To Access Their Right To A Nutritious Meal
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Millions Of Children Will Soon Need Aadhaar IDs To Access Their Right To A Nutritious Meal

A union government decision to cut funding to states that do not ensure children and mothers getting free food have Aadhaar IDs could cause millions of poor families to lose key sources of nutrition. The move violates a Supreme Court order that no subsidy or service may be denied for want of an Aadhaar number.

Electricity Bill: Centre’s Reform Measures Contain ‘Carrot and Stick Package’ for States
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Electricity Bill: Centre’s Reform Measures Contain ‘Carrot and Stick Package’ for States

The proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill-2022 would weaken the finances of states’ power distribution companies, cripple the states’ finances, impose heavy costs on small consumers (especially farmers), and benefit only corporate houses, says the Peoples’ Commission on Public Sector and Public Services.

Bharat Gaurav Train ‘Loots’ Passengers, Step Closer to ‘Privatisation’ of Railways
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Bharat Gaurav Train ‘Loots’ Passengers, Step Closer to ‘Privatisation’ of Railways

The Dakshin Railway Employees Union (DREU) has said that the launch of Bharat Gaurav Trains is an ominous sign of total privatisation of the Railways in the years to come – as it will lead to a complete dry up of railway revenues.