Defence exports have grown by 334% in 5 years
Context: The Defence Minister said that with collaborative efforts of entities from all over the world, the defence exports have grown by 334% in the last five years and India now is exporting to more than 75 countries. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Foreign Trade), GS-III: Science and Technology (Indigenization of technology & development of new […]
India seeks vaccine loans from ADB, AIIB
Context: The Government of India has applied for loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to procure as many as 667 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. The ADB is expected to lend $1.5 billion and the AIIB around $500 million for the vaccine purchase by the Government of […]
Rupee, bonds gain on global oil price decline
Context: The rupee and bonds strengthened as a drop in global crude oil prices helped calm investor worries over sustained imported inflationary pressures in the economy. Traders said bond yields too dropped – the 10-year bond yield was trading at 6.33%, down 1 basis point on the day after having touched 6.31% earlier in the […]
RBI microfinance proposals that are anti-poor
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed to lift the interest rate cap on Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), and said all micro loans should be regulated by a common set of guidelines irrespective of who gives them. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, Banking, Inclusive Growth) Dimensions of the Article: Concerns […]
Crackdown in China, hope in India
Context: In 2020, China stopped Ant Group’s blockbuster initial public offering and since then high-profile crackdowns on Chinese tech companies are increasingly common. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbours and Foreign policies affecting India’s Interests), GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy) Dimensions of the Article: China’s crackdown on tech industry Why China […]
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) […]