Author: ForumIAS

Payments bank: for the informal sector: India has four Payment Banks now Context: There are two kinds of banking licences that are granted by Reserve Bank of India –Universal bank licence and differentiated bank licence. Payment Banks comes under a differentiated bank lincence since it cannot offer all the services that a commercial bank offers.… Continue reading Payments bank: for the informal sector:

A Litmus Test:  Context Loss of Right to Privacy will take away the minute rights citizens hold today. The right to privacy is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. The cons of not having Right to Privacy Citizens will lose guards against surveillance and even reporting by the state, the state could target those who… Continue reading A Litmus Test: 

CAG flags delay in work on corvettes: CAG condemns delay in construction of anti-submarine warfare corvettes Context The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) has condemned the Navy and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. for delay in construction of anti-submarine warfare corvettes and hampering their capabilities because of delayed decisions. The report The report claims that… Continue reading CAG flags delay in work on corvettes:

The boycott ban: Maharashtra’s law makes a bench mark Context: Maharashtra’s new law prohibiting the social boycott of individuals, families or any community by informal village councils is a step in the right direction. The Maharashtra Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2016 Objectives: The state’s legislation targets the pernicious… Continue reading The boycott ban:

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: 

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: