Author: ForumIAS

‘Trade-distorting farm subsidies must go’: Context India and China jointly submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) calling for the exclusion of the most trade-distorting form of farm subsidies by the developed countries. Why such proposal? The proposal is a prerequisite for consideration of other reforms in domestic support negotiations. Importance of the… Continue reading ‘Trade-distorting farm subsidies must go’:

India, U.S. eye states to boost trade ties: Context India and the U.S. are working on establishing a state-level engagement mechanism to widen and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties. State Engagement Task force’ (SET) The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), will disclose within a fortnight a ‘State Engagement Task force’ (SET) ensuring American and Indian… Continue reading India, U.S. eye states to boost trade ties:

GDP growth boards slow train at 5.7%: Context India’s GDP grew at 5.7% between April to June this year, considered the slowest pace recorded in 13 quarters or since the NDA government assumed office in May 2014. The slagging of GDP growth. It was led by a sharp decline in industrial activity ascribed largely to… Continue reading GDP growth boards slow train at 5.7%:

Understanding the Chinese mind:  Context Post the stand-off between India and China over the Doklam plateau,the two sides agreed to step back and disengage, thus avoiding a confrontation. What is left unclear? The Indian side has pulled back its personnel and equipment to the Indian side of the boundary, while China has agreed to make… Continue reading Understanding the Chinese mind: 

India thanks Switzerland for support in global fora: Context India on Thursday thanked Switzerland for its support in global multilateral organizations. Talk of greater cooperation Welcoming the visiting Swiss President Doris Leuthard, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought greater cooperation to ensure bilateral financial transparency. Token of Thanks India thanked the Swiss government for its support… Continue reading India thanks Switzerland for support in global fora:

Slowing down:  Context: India’s GDP growth tumbled to 5.7% in the  first quarter, April to June of this fiscal, , is the slowest in 13 quarters. Introduction: Data released by the Ministry of Statistics show that GDP slowed to 5.7% in the quarter ended June 30, from 7.9% in the corresponding period a year ago.… Continue reading Slowing down: 

Unending slowdown: Context India‘s economy continues to decelerate with the government’s estimate for first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) pegging growth at a 13-quarter low of 5.7% in April-June. Reasons behind the protracted slowdown A slide of five straight quarters from 9.1% in March 2016 is many and varied. With little doubt the demonetization exercise combined… Continue reading Unending slowdown:

‘India’s growth will rebound to 7%-7.5%’: Context: The new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog Rajiv Kumar is hopeful that India’s economy will expand at 7%-7.5% in the current quarter after declining for five consecutive quarters. Introduction He also categorically dismissed any link between the slowdown in growth and demonetisation. As per official data released on Thursday,… Continue reading ‘India’s growth will rebound to 7%-7.5%’:

Switzerland for early India-EFTA pact:  Context The early conclusion of the proposed Free Trade Agreement(FTA) between India and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as well as an investment protection framework would boost economic ties between the two sides, said Switzerland President Doris Leuthard on Friday. Who all are members of EFTA? EFTA members include Switzerland,… Continue reading Switzerland for early India-EFTA pact:

To clear the path ahead:  Context The latest ruling on instant talaq completely and unconditionally invalidates talaq-e-bid’and renders it bad in law. The Koranic procedure of talaq is the only way by which a Muslim husband will be able to divorce his wife from now on. Achievement from the judgement The biggest achievement of Justices… Continue reading To clear the path ahead: