9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – July 25, 2017

Bilateral catalyst:  Modi’s recent visit promises Science & Technology development Context Science and technology, a key driver for innovation and job creation in both countries, is taking Centre stage in U.S – India strategic relations. Focus on Science and Technology Knowledge and technology have recently become vital to most of the bilateral agreements and strategic… Continue reading Bilateral catalyst: 

What’s brewing in Darjeeling:  The Darjeeling hills crisis Context A resurgent Gorkhaland movement and subsequent state crackdown have infused life with violent uncertainty. What happened In May, the West Bengal government announced Bengali as a compulsory language in schools across the state. By June, this triggered protests and claims of ‘linguistic imperialism’ in the Darjeeling… Continue reading What’s brewing in Darjeeling: 

SC for more data on GM mustard: SC for more scientific information on GM mustard) Context: The Supreme Court told the Centre on Monday that if Genetically Modified (GM) mustard crop has an adverse impact on the other crops, it would injunct its commercial release till it decides the petition seeking a moratorium on growing… Continue reading SC for more data on GM mustard:

Getting it wrong on GST: The GST on aids and appliances for persons with disabilities Context: GST on aids, appliances for disabled points to government’s misplaced priorities Introduction: ·The government imposed GST on aids and appliances for persons with disabilities. ·Crutches, calipers, hearing aids, walking frames-all replacements, albeit artificial, for body parts along with a… Continue reading Getting it wrong on GST:

Ambiguity on GST irks solar players: Impact of GST on the Indian solar industry Context: The government’s decision to levy 5 per cent GST on solar panels as against the earlier classification of 18 per cent comes as a major reprieve to the industry Introduction: Ambiguity surrounding the Goods and Services Tax rate on various… Continue reading Ambiguity on GST irks solar players:

Taxing times for the States:  GST to herald new era in federalism Context: The withering of the state’s fiscal independence under GST strikes at the core of federalism Introduction: The new Goods and Service Tax (GST) regime, introduced by the way of the 101st Constitutional Amendment, is based on a fundamental notion that uniformity in… Continue reading Taxing times for the States: