Author: ForumIAS

Why you shouldn’t expect a cut in fuel prices soon News:   Centre decided not to cut the fuel tax on petrol and diesel due to risk of revenue reduction upto 30,000 crore. Important facts: Recently petrol in India has been most expensive in South Asia. Reducing oil price by Rs 2 per litre would… Continue reading Why you shouldn’t expect a cut in fuel prices soon

Solutions beyond farm loan waivers Article: Nilanjan and Manorma, a Professor of Economics has discussed about the in-effectiveness of loan waiver schemes. Important Analysis: Research conducted by Tata Trust in Rajasthan has revealed that loan waiver schemes are extremely expensive with limited impact. Issues associated with loan waiver scheme: Scheme is available only to 15… Continue reading Solutions beyond farm loan waivers

Opinion | India’s impossible trinity problem News: Analysis of India’s Trinity problem and comparison with past experience in context of currency depreciation Impossible Trinity – It states that country cannot have a Fixed Exchange Rate, An Independent Monetary Policy (Independence of External Factors) and Free Capital flows at the same time. It implies, an open… Continue reading Opinion | India’s impossible trinity problem

Casting capers: Maneka sees animals in wrong role News The Women and child development Minister Maneka Gandhi accuses the Animal welfare Board of India for not enforcing rules that specify how animals can be depicted in films and television shows Important Facts Concerned raised by Minister The Board did not seek details of the species… Continue reading Casting capers: Maneka sees animals in wrong role

Cause for caution News: India’s GDP growth rate stands at 8.2% for the first quarter (April-June) of this year. Important facts: The growth rate estimates need to be interpreted in the backdrop of: Depreciating rupee. Rising NPAs. Widening trade deficit. Shooting fuel prices. Despite all these concerning economic trends, the GDP rate presents a robust… Continue reading Cause for caution

Much must change in Kerala Article Pulapre Balakrishnan Professor of Economics of Ashoka University, talks about the manmade causes of Kerala floods, and suggest measures to bring resilience. Important Analysis Man Made Causes of floods Kerala witnessed widespread deforestation, rampant construction and indiscriminate quarrying which has triggered landslides and also obstructed water channels. Large scale… Continue reading Much must change in Kerala

Law to protect HIV/AIDS patients take effect News Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 has been notified by government, to be brought in force. Important facts In India, 0.26% of the people, between the age group of 15 and 49 years, are HIV positive. 21 lakh people in… Continue reading Law to protect HIV/AIDS patients take effect

Number of people suffering from hunger increasing, UN report News: UN  has released report, “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” to highlight undernutrition and hunger in the world. Important Facts: 2. The report has been jointly prepared by UN International Fund for Agricultural Development, World Food Programme, World Health Organisation and… Continue reading Number of people suffering from hunger increasing, UN report

How localization of data will affect firms, consumers News: RBI directed payment firms to submit fortnightly updates on the progress made on storing data in India. Payment Firms: Enterprises which handle transactions from digital payment systems to promote cashless mode of money transfer, e.g. by credit and debit cards. Important Facts: 2. Recently released  draft… Continue reading How localization of data will affect firms, consumers

Avoidable suspense News SEBI board will meet to give final shape to FPI regulations. Important Facts 2. Total portfolio investment in Indian Market is estimated at $450 billion. 3. Asset Managers Roundtable of India  (AMRI) warned that SEBI circular disqualifies $75 billion of portfolio investment. Background 4. On April 10th, SEBI in a circular issued… Continue reading Avoidable suspense