Navigating E-Commerce Expansion in India
Context: The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has expressed concerns regarding the swift growth of the e-commerce sector in India, particularly highlighting the impact of global giants like Amazon. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: E-commerce Advantages of E-commerce Disadvantages of E-commerce Catalysts for E-Commerce Growth in India Payment Innovations Government […]
Creating Employment in the Long Run
Context: One significant flaw in the annual Budget process is that it provides the Finance Minister with a platform to make grand announcements that generate headline news. The following year, more announcements are made, leading to new headlines, but no one checks whether the previous year’s high-profile schemes were actually implemented successfully. Relevance: GS3- Mains Question: What […]
About Purandar figs
Context: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recently facilitated the export of India’s first ready-to-drink fig juice, made from geographical indication (GI)-tagged Purandar figs, to Poland. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Purandar Figs: Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (APEDA) Nodal: Ministry of Commerce and Industry Functions: […]
The Tyranny of Inequality
Context: Honoré de Balzac, the French novelist, once wrote, “Behind every great fortune there is a crime.” However, this statement is only partially true, as it fails to acknowledge that the accumulation of income and wealth also fosters serious offenses and crimes. Relevance: GS3- Inclusive Growth Mains Question: Higher income inequality causes more widespread corruption, […]
Central Government To Boosts Land Reform
Context: The central government of India has announced significant financial incentives under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative allocates Rs 10,000 crore to assist states in implementing land-related reforms that affect both rural and urban areas. Additionally, a sum of Rs 5,000 crore is […]
Allegations of Conflict of Interest at SEBI Amid Adani Investigation
Context: Hindenburg Research has raised allegations suggesting that the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Madhabi Puri Buch, held stakes in offshore companies allegedly involved in the Adani money syphoning scandal. This revelation comes at a time when Buch is tasked with investigating claims of malfeasance and stock price manipulation within […]
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
Context: According to the Ministry of Rural Development, work demand under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) fell sharply in July 2024. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Implications of Reduced Demand for MGNREGS Work Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) How MGNREGA came to be? Features of MGNREGA Objectives of […]
GST on Insurance Premiums in India
Context: This year has seen a rise in the cost of health and life insurance premiums in India, further exacerbated by the addition of an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST). This increase has made insurance less affordable for many, sparking protests by opposition leaders in Parliament who demand the removal of GST on these […]
World Development Report 2024
Context: A recent World Bank report titled “World Development Report 2024: The Middle Income Trap” has highlighted significant challenges faced by over 100 countries, including India, in achieving high-income status in the coming decades. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Key Insights from World Development Report 2024 Economic Status and Transition Challenges Transition to High-Income Status […]
India’s Abolition of Angel Tax
Context: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her seventh Budget, has proposed the abolition of the Angel Tax, marking a significant step towards strengthening the Indian startup ecosystem. This tax had been a longstanding contentious issue between startups and the Income Tax Department, serving as a major obstacle to growth and investment. Relevance: GS3- Mains Question: […]