Author: ForumIAS

Coal-fired projections:  Context The NITI Aayog’s Draft National Energy Policy (DNEP) has predicted that between now and 2040, there will be a quantum leap in the application of renewable energy together with a drastic reduction in fossil fuel energy intensity. What are the expectations from this move? Considering the economic and population growth, India’s annual… Continue reading Coal-fired projections: 

Waiting for the cut:  Background Even as the economy slows down, the RBI has left its key policy lending rates unchanged while maintaining a “neutral” monetary policy stanc e. Why did RBI take this step? The upside risks to inflation — rising international oil prices, uncertainties in pricing behaviour of firms post-GST and a patchy… Continue reading Waiting for the cut: 

Steadying hand:  Context The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) is bracing itself for a “big challenge” set to emerge in the coming weeks as a ministerial panel Wednesday ruled out any further extension for filing GSTR 1 returns by traders. As it has been extended three to four times. Sushil Kumar Modi, head of… Continue reading Steadying hand: 

RBI holds interest rates, warns against fiscal laxity: Context: By holding policy rates, the RBI shifts focus to the government to give a fillip to growth. Introduction: The Reserve Bank of India kept interest rates unchanged citing concerns about the upward risks to inflation and cautioned the government against steps to relax fiscal discipline to… Continue reading RBI holds interest rates, warns against fiscal laxity:

Face the decline:  Context: According to the critics, demonetization halted the recovery of rural economy. What is demonetization? Demonetization of currency means discontinuity of the particular currency from circulation and replacing it with a new currency. In the context of India, the government banned the 500 and 1000 denomination currency notes as a legal tender… Continue reading Face the decline: 

Is India missing out on global trade recovery?:  Context: The Asian Development Bank states that when the rest of Asia has witnessed an impressive rise in merchandise exports, Indian exports have remained weak. What is Asian Development Bank? Founded in 1966, the Asian Development Bank’s primary mission is to foster growth and cooperation among countries… Continue reading Is India missing out on global trade recovery?: 

Does India need a bullet train?:  Context The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train was launched recently in India and has been a reason of lot of debate with some saying that it is a vanity project which has little or no justification on the grounds of economic viability or public service. Other Countries experience with bullet train(High… Continue reading Does India need a bullet train?: 

Does India need a bullet train?:  Context The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train was launched recently in India and has been a reason of lot of debate with some saying that it is a vanity project which has little or no justification on the grounds of economic viability or public service. Other Countries experience with bullet train(High… Continue reading Does India need a bullet train?: 

Norms to curb fund diversion mooted:  Context: SEBI panel proposes that audit committees must monitor flows to unlisted units. Introduction: Audit committees should monitor the flow of funds to unlisted subsidiaries, including those established overseas. The audit committee should also review the utilization of funds of the listed entity infused into unlisted subsidiaries, including foreign… Continue reading Norms to curb fund diversion mooted: 

Beyond business as usual:  Context: The 14th edition of India-EU Summit will take place in New Delhi today. Introduction: The EU will be represented by Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and by Jean Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission. India will be represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit with India… Continue reading Beyond business as usual: