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: […]
Counting the Poor Having Nutritional Deficiency
Context; The National Sample Survey Office recently published a comprehensive report from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES): 2022-23. Alongside the report, the unit-level data on household consumption expenditure (HCE) is accessible to the public. Relevance: GS3- Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it. Mains Question: Implementing nutritional schemes targeted at the poorest of the poor significantly […]
India’s Population and Sustainability
Context: There is much discussion and debate surrounding India’s immense population. Many are expressing concerns that this growing population could become a significant challenge for the nation’s future. As of January 2024, India’s population stood at 1.44 billion and has likely increased slightly since then. Over the past decade, the population has been expanding at a […]
Report on Currency and Finance
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for the year 2023-24 with the theme – India’s Digital Revolution. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: India’s Digital Revolution – Key Highlights Significance of Digitalisation in India’s Financial Sector Challenges Posed by Digitalisation in Finance Remittances in […]
Surge in Tax Concessions for Political Donations
Context: Recent financial data shows a notable increase in tax concessions for donations to political parties, with nearly Rs 4,000 crore granted in the fiscal year 2022-23. This rise underscores the growing trend of using tax deductions to support electoral funding and highlights broader shifts in political finance and its impact on fiscal policy. Relevance: […]