Dear Express Explained reader, Nirupama Subramanian wrote two important big-picture explainers this week on subjects of continuing interest, the details and backgrounds of which we sometimes lose track of. What is the history of the 70-year-old tensions between China and Taiwan, why is everyone talking about them again, and what should we expect to see in the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific as a result of those tensions? And who was Abdul Qadeer (A Q) Khan, the alleged stealer and international trafficker of sophisticated arms technologies, who is nonetheless revered by many in Pakistan as the “father” of the “Islamic” nuclear bomb? (Dr Khan died this week at age 85.) One hundred and thirty-six countries including India have signed a historic pact that could force multinational companies to pay their fair share of tax in markets where they operate and earn profits. The decision to enforce a minimum corporate tax rate of 15 per cent is seen as an equitable system of taxing the profits of the world’s biggest and richest firms, including Big Tech that has over the years chosen to headquarter operations in low-tax jurisdictions. Aanchal Magazine and Anil Sasi explained why the need for such international action was felt, and how the process of implementation could likely proceed. Udit Misra, who wrote the last of our explainers on this year’s Nobels, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, awarded to three US-based labour economists, also explained the ongoing crisis at the International Monetary Fund, where managing director Kristalina Georgieva is facing scrutiny for allegedly helping to rig the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings during her time as chief executive there. Among the beneficiaries of the alleged fudge was China. There was controversy this week after Opposition-ruled Punjab and West Bengal objected to the central government’s decision to expand the operational jurisdiction of the Border Security Force upto 50 km inside the international border. What powers does the BSF enjoy vis-a-vis state police forces, and what federal constitutional implications, if any, does this move have? Deeptiman Tiwary wrote a very valuable and informative explainer answering these and several related questions. Stay safe and stay informed. Keep reading The Indian Express Explained. Sincerely, Monojit (monojit.majumdar@expressindia.com) If you received this newsletter as a forward, you can subscribe to it here | Do read our Explained articles here | .png)
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