TERROR AND PUNISHMENT
The Pakistani government, which for years tried to protect Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, finally got a conviction and a jail term for the cleric in two terror financing cases The Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief and his close aide Malik Zafar Iqbal have been sentenced to five-and-a-half years by an anti-terrorism court, vindicating India’s […]
MANAGING PERCEPTIONS
Why in news? Group of envoys on a guided tour of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has triggered the debate over sovereignty of India. Clearly, the government, which has been under considerable international pressure to lift restrictions in the former State, has managed to arrange these three visits without any incident. The delegations have been taken […]
BALANCING THE NEEDS: 15th FC
The interim report of 15th FC has left some uncomfortable issues unanswered, which need to be resolved First Under the current arrangement, states were supposed to be compensated for any shortfall in their GST collections for a five-year period. Lack of clarity about Centre’s obligation to compensate states if collections from the compensation cess fall […]
RIDING ON DATA FOR MOBILITY
The digital revolution has made interactions between humans and machines, and among citizens, governments and businesses, seamless and efficient Data usage in transport sector An efficient transportation system would help ease congestion, reduce travel time and cost, and provide greater convenience. Data from multiple sources such as CCTV cameras, automatic traffic counters, map services, and transportation service […]
SHUNNING FISCAL ADVENTURISM
In the run-up to the budget, there was enormous pressure on the finance minister to launch a fiscal stimulus so as to pump-prime the economy There is already considerable stimulus in the system. The finance minister took a step towards transparency by admitting to off-balance sheet borrowings of 0.8 per cent of GDP for both […]
INDIAN RAILWAYS PRODUCES HIGH HORSE POWER LOCOMOTIVE
Why in news? The First 12000 HP made in India Locomotive, manufactured by Madhepura Electric Loco Factory situated in Bihar, was put into operation by Indian Railways. Significance! It is the first time, high horse power locomotive has been operationalised on broad gauge track in the world. Proud moment for Indian Railways, as it became 6th country […]
LOWER RATE OF EPF SUBSCRIPTION WITH EPFO NOTIFIED
Why in news? The reduction in statutory rate of contributions from 12% to 10% for wage months May, 2020, June, 2020 and July, 2020 for all class of establishments covered under the EPF & MP Act, 1952 was announced on 13th May 2020. Details The above reduction of rate of contribution is not applicable to establishments like Central and State […]
STAR RATING OF GARBAGE FREE CITIES
Why in news? The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and announced the results of Star rating of garbage free cities for the assessment year 2019-2020. A total of six cities have been certified as 5-Star, 65 cities as 3-Star and 70 cities as 1-Star. While announcing the results of the Star Rating of […]
NCMC RECONVENES TO OVERSEE PREPAREDNESS FOR AMPHAN
Why in news? The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) held a meeting to review the preparedness of States and Central Ministries/Agencies to deal with the Cyclonic Storm ‘AMPHAN’. Expected impact of Amphan India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the Super Cyclone is expected to impact the West Bengal coast by the afternoon/evening of 20th […]
SAFEGUARDING THE DELTA
Why in news? Cauvery delta region has been announced by Tamil Nadu as protected special agricultural zone, which includes 8 districts of the state. The delta, which produces 33 lakh tonnes of grains in 28 lakh acres, has seen multiple protests for a decade over methane, hydrocarbon, oil and natural gas projects, which required acquisition […]