Author: ForumIAS

‘Indus script was written from right to left’ Context Two scientists working at The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, (IMSc) have figured out a way to computationally estimate whether a language is written from left to right or otherwise. Most interestingly, they have studied the Indus script and calculated that it must flow from right to… Continue reading ‘Indus script was written from right to left’

Fiscal glide path pushed back to 2021 Context The last full budget of the Narendra Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party government before the general elections due in 2019 missed the fiscal deficit target of 3.2% for 2017-18 Bond yields rise as the government misses deficit target of 3.2%; analysts expect yields to remain elevated Why?: This… Continue reading Fiscal glide path pushed back to 2021

The question of credibility  There were considerable expectations from the Budget. Given that this is the last full-year Budget by this government and the first one after the revenue uncertainties arising from implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) reform, there were apprehensions about the slippages as well. Indeed, there are electoral budget cycles… Continue reading The question of credibility 

Promise and delivery: on Union Budget 2018  Context If the Union Budget is construed as an annual tug-of-war between populism and fiscal prudence, arguably it is the latter that prevailed in the past four budgets tabled by the NDA. Arun Jaitley’s Budget will be judged by whether it can bridge the gap Armed with a… Continue reading Promise and delivery: on Union Budget 2018 

Goodbye to fiscal consolidation  What is meant by fiscal consolidation? Fiscal consolidation is a reduction in the underlying fiscal deficit. It is not aimed at eliminating fiscal debt Fiscal deficit data Year Target Actual 2017-18 3.2% 3.5% 2018-19 3.3% 2020-21 3%   Revenues healthy Capital receipts are expected to exceed the budgetary estimate thanks to record disinvestment revenues of ₹100,000… Continue reading Goodbye to fiscal consolidation 

A shot in the arm for Urban Rejuvenation Mission Context In a boost to infrastructure development in cities, the total outlay for the Urban Rejuvenation Mission, which includes projects under AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission, will be Rs. 12,169 crore, according to the Budget proposals for 2018-2019 Smart Cities Mission The Smart Cities Mission, will… Continue reading A shot in the arm for Urban Rejuvenation Mission

Ayushman Bharat: the big budget scheme Context Two major initiatives in health sector announced as part of Ayushman Bharat programme Aim: Making path breaking interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems, covering both prevention and health promotion National Health Protection Scheme Health and wellness centres National Health Protection Scheme 5… Continue reading Ayushman Bharat: the big budget scheme

Farmer Sutra: Jaitley focuses on the rural sector  Context Agriculture and health concerns of the poor addressed in the budget but the rest of the people have been left out MSP increased The government has decided to offer a minimum support price (MSP) of at least 1.5 times the expenses borne by farmers for all… Continue reading Farmer Sutra: Jaitley focuses on the rural sector 

Should India have simultaneous elections?  Context Simultaneous elections in India Why should India have simultaneous elections? Holding simultaneous elections will ensure consistency, continuity and governance MCC is detrimental to developmental work Five years mean five years of stable governance. A system must be evolved to give a period of five years to the incumbent government… Continue reading Should India have simultaneous elections? 

Nepal gets a high Rs. 650 crore outlay Context India’s annual financial allocation under the Union Budget ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy For India’s development and diplomatic engagement under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the Budget has allocated Rs. 5545 crore. Traditionally Bhutan gets highest Bhutan is traditionally the largest recipient of Ministry’s allocation. It has maintained the… Continue reading Nepal gets a high Rs. 650 crore outlay