Author: ForumIAS

E-way bills redux: next step for GST Council Context: The group of ministers assessing technology issues related to the Goods and Services Tax regime has proposed rolling out on April 1 the e-way bill system. What is the purpose of the e-way bill system? To track inter-State movement of goods above the value of ₹50,000… Continue reading E-way bills redux: next step for GST Council

United by a common purpose Context: The Constitution Bench in the land acquisition case must show us that the court still respects rules of precedent Provision in Land Act: A provision in the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act) is being replaced the Land Acquisition… Continue reading United by a common purpose

Pharma promotions tax exempt: tribunal Context: A recent decision of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal’s Pune bench allowing pharmaceutical companies to account for their spending on doctors as a deductible expenditure has sparked off a fresh debate on ethics. More in news: Since the companies are out of the purview of the Medical Council of… Continue reading Pharma promotions tax exempt: tribunal

Anti-Muslim violence in Ampara sparks concern Context: Sri Lanka’s Leader of Opposition R. Sampanthan, condemned the recent anti-Muslim attacks in the Ampara district of Eastern Province and sought “stern action” against the culprits. Why is it in news? His comments come in the wake of an attack on a mosque and several Muslim-run shops late… Continue reading Anti-Muslim violence in Ampara sparks concern

Pakistan ‘not’ on black list, confirms it will be on FATF grey list in June Context: Pakistan confirmed that it will be on the grey list of Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) in June but disputed claims of being put on a black list. More in news: The lead Ministry for dealing… Continue reading Pakistan ‘not’ on black list, confirms it will be on FATF grey list in June

Ghani ready for talks with Taliban Context: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban What has happened? Afghan president has disclosed the framework at the Kabul Process, a regional conference focussed on bringing peace to the country He has called for a truce, after which the Taliban… Continue reading Ghani ready for talks with Taliban

India denies Canada view on Atwal Context: India has denied Canada’s view on Atwal What has happened? The External Affairs Ministry has dismissed a “conspiracy theory” that the Canada-based Khalistan activist Jaspal Atwal’s visit to India was facilitated by “rogue Indian officials”. Background: The Ministry’s statement has come after Mr. Trudeau had expressed in public… Continue reading India denies Canada view on Atwal

Halving the syllabus, squaring knowledge Context: Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar claimed that the school syllabus needed trimming; he’d also bring back the system of “detention and examinations” in lower classes that the previous United Progressive Alliance government had done away with. Background: Delhi’s Education Minister, Manish Sisodia said in 2015 that schools’ syllabus… Continue reading Halving the syllabus, squaring knowledge

Staying ahead of the double helix Context: The Delhi High Court recently ruled against discrimination in health insurance by United India Insurance Company involving a person with a heart condition which was perceived to be a genetic disorder. Court ruling:  The court held, “Discrimination in health insurance against individuals based on their genetic disposition or… Continue reading Staying ahead of the double helix

‘Effective regulation need of the hour in banking sector’ Context: Today, the banking sector needs effective regulation and supervision and not increased privatisation, as per the  group of prominent economists Bank scams: The Punjab National Bank scam involved the second largest public sector bank. The reason was inadequate and faulty regulation and monitoring of the… Continue reading ‘Effective regulation need of the hour in banking sector’