What is the News? Union Minister of Minority Affairs inaugurated the 40th edition of the ‘Hunar Haat’ in Mumbai. What is Hunar Haat? Organized by: Ministry of Minority Affairs under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme. Purpose: It is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans… Continue reading Union Minister inaugurates 40th ‘Hunar Haat’ in Mumbai
South Asia Economic Focus: World bank cuts India growth forecast on Ukraine crisis
What is the News? The World Bank has released its bi-annual report titled “South Asia Economic Focus”. The report analyzes the economic impact on South Asia of the war in Ukraine, presents growth forecasts and concludes that reshaping economies goes hand in hand with reshaping norms. What are the key findings of the South Asia… Continue reading South Asia Economic Focus: World bank cuts India growth forecast on Ukraine crisis
The functioning of the Enforcement Directorate
What is the News? The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has been in the news for summoning people for possible money laundering cases. What is the Enforcement Directorate(ED)? Read here about ED How did the ED get powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)? The PMLA Act was brought in to prevent the parking of money… Continue reading The functioning of the Enforcement Directorate
Centre extends tenure of green permits
What is the News? The Union Environment Ministry has extended the tenure of Environmental Clearances(EC) granted for existing or new projects in several sectors. What is Environmental Clearance(EC)? Environmental Clearance(EC) is a process that is mandatory for projects that are beyond a certain size. Purpose: To assess the impact of the planned project on the… Continue reading Centre extends tenure of green permits
A six-point agenda for India to raise its trade competitiveness
Context: India recently signed trade deals with Australia and UAE. Many more are in pipeline. Such deals are important as exports lead to higher growth. In a white paper on ‘Building Competitiveness for Inclusive Growth’, CUTS International, Institute for Competitiveness and Institute for Studies in Industrial Development have outlined an action agenda for improving Indian… Continue reading A six-point agenda for India to raise its trade competitiveness
Focus on CPI inflation
News: In 2021 and 2022, the present inflation rate in developed markets is much higher (8.5% in the US). Therefore, the central banks of developed markets (DM) like the US Fed, or the European Central Bank, or the Bank of England — all of them have chosen inflation targeting. It has generated debate on the… Continue reading Focus on CPI inflation
Medicinal plants await good marketing
Context: Recently, the Ministry of AYUSH launched e-CHARAK, an electronic platform for interaction between various stakeholders in the medicinal plants sector. It will allow sale, purchase and sharing of material as well as know-how between different stakeholders. In this relation, medicinal plants sector has come under focus. The curative plants of significant commercial value are… Continue reading Medicinal plants await good marketing
A north pole for science and technology
News: This is the birth centenary year of Dr. Y. Nayudamma, Padma Shri recipient, noted scientist, former Director of the Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai and former Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Humans have been propelled in the fields of science and technology since ancient civilisations. This has been due… Continue reading A north pole for science and technology
Confidentiality ring amendment could make antitrust disputes more opaque
News: Recently, the Director General of Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued orders on the Amazon dispute. In this dispute, Amazon (the defendant) has decided to take the confidentiality route towards its submissions. The CCI has realised that disputes arising out of antitrust matters, also known as competition or cartelisation, require confidentiality. The… Continue reading Confidentiality ring amendment could make antitrust disputes more opaque
‘Dual-use’ learning
News: The University Grants Commission (UGC) proposal to allow undergraduate and postgraduate students to pursue two degrees simultaneously is a progressive step forward in the higher education sector. What are the potential benefits of this move? First, this policy will help high-school students who are often unsure of whether to pursue the sciences or humanities… Continue reading ‘Dual-use’ learning
