News: India’s foreign exchange reserves have gone up by over $160 billion since the beginning of the last fiscal year and are currently at about $640 billion. Since, India has one of the largest foreign exchange reserves, the debate has shifted to what it should do with the pool. Many options are being debated. But… Continue reading What $650 billion can buy – On India’s currency reserves
Category: PUBLIC
A food crisis of the government’s own making
News: Recently, the Sri Lanka government banned agrochemical fertilizers, to switch to 100% organic agriculture. The example of Sri Lanka is an eye-opener for the other countries as well. It proves that any unplanned attempt to move to organic farming may prove to be disastrous for the agriculture sector. What were the issues associated with… Continue reading A food crisis of the government’s own making
Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2021: How resistance to antibiotics develops
News: The development of resistance to antimicrobial is a major public health problem all over the world. Though the world is trying to develop new drugs, there are difficulties in treatment as a result of the rapid development of resistance to these drugs. Contents1 What is antimicrobial resistance(AMR)?2 What are the reasons for AMR?3 What… Continue reading Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2021: How resistance to antibiotics develops
What strategic oil release means for Indian consumers
What is the News? India has announced that it will release five million barrels of crude oil from its strategic petroleum reserves in consultation with other big global oil consumers such as the US, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Click Here to read the reasons and impact of strategic oil release How does… Continue reading What strategic oil release means for Indian consumers
Cabinet approves continuation of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme for next five years
What is the News? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) from 2021-22 to 2025-26. What is the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme(NATS)? The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Education for Skilling Indian Youth. Purpose: It is a one… Continue reading Cabinet approves continuation of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme for next five years
Digital tax for US companies to stay until OECD pact comes into force
What is the News? India and US have agreed on a “transitional approach” to digital service tax imposed by the Indian Government. Background In 2016, India had introduced a 6% equalisation levy for digital advertising services. Later, in April 2020, it widened the scope to impose a 2% tax on non-resident e-commerce players. However, the… Continue reading Digital tax for US companies to stay until OECD pact comes into force
Raksha Mantri virtually inaugurates 5th World Congress on Disaster Management
What is the News? The Defence Minister has inaugurated the Fifth World Congress on Disaster Management. About Fifth World Congress on Disaster Management Organized by: Disaster Management Initiatives and Convergence Society (DMICS) Aim: To promote interaction of science, policy, and practices to enhance understanding of risks and advance actions for reducing risks and building resilience… Continue reading Raksha Mantri virtually inaugurates 5th World Congress on Disaster Management
NITI Aayog Releases Discussion Paper on Digital Banks Seeking Comments
What is the news? NITI Aayog has released a Discussion Paper titled “Digital Banks:A Proposal for Licensing & Regulatory Regime for India”. About the Discussion paper The Discussion Paper makes a case, and offers a template and roadmap, for a Digital Bank licensing and regulatory regime for India. The paper has been prepared by NITI… Continue reading NITI Aayog Releases Discussion Paper on Digital Banks Seeking Comments
Data protection panel against hefty penalties on tech giants
What is the news? Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) headed by P P Chaudhary has finalized its recommendations on the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019. Read here: Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 What are the JPC recommendations regarding technology giants? The committee is against imposing hefty penalties on global technology giants such as Facebook, Instagram, Google etc.… Continue reading Data protection panel against hefty penalties on tech giants
Cabinet approves continuation of the umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)”
What is the News? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of the umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)” for the period from 2021-26. About O-SMART Scheme The O-SMART Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Objectives of the scheme: a) To provide forecasts and services… Continue reading Cabinet approves continuation of the umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)”
