Author: ForumIAS

Procedural concerns in focus as GST enters third year

The Goods and Services Tax(GST) has completed two years on July 1,2019. The introduction of GST was a game changer for the Indian economy as it has replaced multi-layered,complex indirect tax structure with a simple ,transparent and technology-driven tax regime. During the last two years,the government has brought in various changes both on the quantum… Continue reading Procedural concerns in focus as GST enters third year

Budget may unveil a national warehousing grid to plug key gaps, Maharashtra model

The Centre is likely to announce a scheme for an integrated warehousing network in the Budget,2019. The aim of the scheme will be to operationalise a national warehousing grid’ to effectively integrate the highly fragmented warehousing market in India. The scheme is likely to be similar to Maharashtra where the government has kicked off a… Continue reading Budget may unveil a national warehousing grid to plug key gaps, Maharashtra model

India protects drug, agri biz at RCEP

India and other developing countries have succeeded in withdrawing the three harmful provisions concerning pharmaceuticals and agriculture which were part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement. The provisions were taken off the negotiating table after India argued against the provisions of patent term extensions and data exclusivity. These provisions would have… Continue reading India protects drug, agri biz at RCEP

K. Natarajan takes over as Director-General of Coast Guard

The government has appointed K. Natarajan as the Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard(ICG). The Indian Coast Guard is a multi-mission organization entrusted with superintendence and policing of India’s maritime areas including the Exclusive Economic Zone. ICG was formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act,1978 as an independent Armed force of India.It operates… Continue reading K. Natarajan takes over as Director-General of Coast Guard

Need to reduce centrally sponsored schemes to improve spending: N K Singh

The Fifteenth Finance Commission Chairman N K Singh has said the number of centrally sponsored schemes currently exceeds 150 that needs to be reduced for better spending as revenue buoyancy in indirect taxes remains weak. Centrally Sponsored Schemes(CSS) are schemes that are implemented by state governments of India but are largely funded by the Central… Continue reading Need to reduce centrally sponsored schemes to improve spending: N K Singh

U.S. President Donald Trump steps into North Korea, in a historic first

The US President has met the North Korean leader at the Demilitarized Zone(DMZ) between North and South Korea.US President became the first sitting President to cross over into North Korea. The two leaders have agreed to set up teams to resume stalled nuclear talks.Their last summit had broken down with no progress on denuclearisation in… Continue reading U.S. President Donald Trump steps into North Korea, in a historic first

Why diphtheria is a concern: long-time vaccine, yet rising recent numbers

This season’s first death due to diphtheria in Delhi has caused an alarm with doctors assessing their preparedness. This death took place in spite of the diphtheria vaccine is among the oldest vaccines in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme. Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria,a bacterium.The primary infection is in the throat and… Continue reading Why diphtheria is a concern: long-time vaccine, yet rising recent numbers

First Resilient Kerala Program

The Government of India,the Government of Kerala and the World Bank has signed a Loan Agreement of $250 million for the First Resilient Kerala Program. The new programme is part of the Government of India’s support to Kerala’s ‘Rebuild Kerala Development Programme’ aimed at building a green and resilient Kerala. This partnership will identify key… Continue reading First Resilient Kerala Program

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