Oil importer India’s options as price surges
Context: As the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, India is running out of options as the relentless surge in international oil prices make it imperative to pass them on to consumers. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (International Trade, Mobilization of Resources, Growth and Development of Indian Economy) Dimensions of the Article: Why are crude oil […]
Government notifies new rules to clear retro tax mess
Context: Setting the stage for a closure of the retrospective tax disputes over indirect transfer of assets situated in India, the government notified new rules under the Income Tax Act for specifying the process to be followed by affected taxpayers to settle long-brewing disputes. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, Fiscal […]
A lesson from China on gig workers’ rights
Context: In September 2021, the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers, on behalf of gig workers, filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court demanding that the Union government provide succour to workers affected by the pandemic. In September 2021, China strode ahead in this regard, as owing to public pressure, two of its […]
On Census: What counts is seldom counted?
Context: This is the first time that India has not conducted its decadal Census since the exercise began and yet India is busy debating the caste census. Relevance: GS-I: Indian Society (Population and its associated issues, Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India), GS-II: Governance (Government Initiatives and Policies) Dimensions of the Article: About […]
The end of the doing business rankings
Context: The World Bank Group has decided to discontinue publication of its ‘Doing Business’ rankings of country business climates under its ‘Doing Business’ report after findings of data irregularities and ethical concerns in the 2018 and 2020 reports. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, Inclusive Growth, International Institutions and their reports) […]
The economic reforms — looking back to look ahead
Context: The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a debate about fresh thinking and new approaches to managing the economy and the future of humanity. History matters in the complex economic system. Therefore, it is important to briefly look at the economic reforms of the last 30 years. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy […]
Orders issued for Ordnance Factory Board dissolution
Context: The Defence Ministry has issued an order for the dissolution of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) with effect from October 1 2021. This would mean the end of the OFB, the establishment of which was accepted by the British in 1775. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Privatization and Commercialization, Fiscal Policy, Budgeting), GS-III: Industry and […]
Jobs increased by 29% since 2013, says survey
Context: The All-India Quarterly Establishment-based Employment Survey (AQEES), in a report released recently, said that the overall employment numbers had increased by 29% from the base year of 2013-14. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Human Resource, Employment and related issues) Dimensions of the Article: About the QES report Highlights of the Labour and Employment Minister’s QES […]
FDI inflows grew 62% in first 4 months of F.Y. 2021-22
Context: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows grew 62% during the first four months (April-July period) of current FY 2021-22 over corresponding period last year (2020). Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, External Sector) Dimensions of the Article: About Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) FDI in India FDI Routes in India Recent updates […]
India – United Arab CEPA negotiations launched
Context: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formally launched negotiations on the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (International trade), GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policies and Agreements Affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About India’s CEPA agreements India-UAE Relations Recent Developments in India-UAE relations About India’s CEPA agreements India […]