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 […]
Global Innovation Index 2021
Context: India has climbed two spots and has been ranked 46th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2021 rankings. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, Issues related to Development, Important International Organizations and their reports) Dimensions of the Article: What is Global Innovation Index (GII)? About World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) […]
Hindi gains ground via a demographic shift
Context: According to the 2011 Census, Hindi and its variants are the only major languages to have gained mother tongue adherents over the last 40 years, growing from 36.99% of the population in 1971 to 43.63% by 2011. A large factor in this growth comes from demographic changes. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development […]
Govt. sets up ‘bad bank’ to clear the NPA mess
Context: The Cabinet has cleared a Rs. 30,600 crore guarantee programme for securities to be issued by the National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL). Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, NPAs, Banking) Dimensions of the Article: NPA stress in the Indian financial system What is an Asset Reconstruction Company? What are […]
Government offers moratorium on AGR dues for telcos
Context: The Cabinet approved several measures to extend a lifeline to the cash-strapped telecom sector, including a redefinition of the much-litigated concept of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to exclude non-telecom revenue and a four-year moratorium on players’ dues to the government. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, Taxation), GS-II: Governance […]
Agriculture Ministry inks MoU with 5 firms
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signed 5 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with private companies for taking forward Digital Agriculture. These pilot projects are part of the Digital Agriculture Mission and will draw on the National Farmers Database which already includes 5.5 crore farmers identified using existing national schemes. Relevance: GS-III: Indian […]