Source: Business Standard Relevance: Harnessing the potential of Bilateral Investment Treaties to promote economic growth Synopsis: Many of us in India are irritated when the country’s state agencies lose cases (example Cairn energy case), and large penalties have to be paid on account of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs). But from India’s viewpoint, it is efficient… Continue reading What good are BITs?
Category: PUBLIC
Making trade work for climate
Source: Business standard Relevance: On Carbon border tax and its impact Synopsis: An analysis of the complexities involved in dealing with climate change via measures like carbon border tax. Context The European Union’s (EU’s) plan for a carbon border tax (CBT) —that is, duty on imported goods like aluminium, steel, cement, and electricity from countries… Continue reading Making trade work for climate
New licensing regime for UCBs in the pipeline
Source: Business Standard What is the news? A brand-new licensing regime for urban co-operative banks (UCBs) is on the cards for financially sound and well-managed co-operative credit societies. This comes 17 years after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stopped issuing them. Expected Reforms in UCBs Constituting a board of management (BoM) for UCBs with… Continue reading New licensing regime for UCBs in the pipeline
Everything you want to know about CBDC
Source: Business Standard Relevance: CBDC, its potential impact, relevant suggestions Synopsis: The central bank digital currency will neither substitute nor compete with cryptocurrency; it’s just a wallet. An analysis of its inherent problems and a way forward. Contents1 Background2 About CBDC3 CBDC in India4 Impact of CBDC5 Concerns/Issues 6 Suggestions Background The RBI has been working… Continue reading Everything you want to know about CBDC
[UPSC Interview 2020] – Transcript #01 : Sujata Mehta Board, Anthropology optional, Research and writing hobbies
Board:- Sujata Mehta Ma’am Education:- Architecture and Urban planning Optional:- Anthropology Work exp:- Smart Cities Fellowship Interests:- editor in college magazine, research and writing about road safety Chairperson 1. Introduce yourself 2. What was your smart cities project about? What is your criticism of the project? 3. Why is India not ready to take on… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2020] – Transcript #01 : Sujata Mehta Board, Anthropology optional, Research and writing hobbies
Centre ropes in NCAER to help expand vocational education in CBSE schools
Source: Livemint What is the News: Even as the national skill mission failed to expand vocational education in schools, the Union education ministry has recently tied up with the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER). National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) will help CBSE schools to expand vocational education & to make skilling… Continue reading Centre ropes in NCAER to help expand vocational education in CBSE schools
For top military posts, MoD weighs merit over seniority
Source: Times of India Contents1 What is the news?2 Existing rule3 Rationale4 Arguments What is the news? The Defence ministry is “examining” a proposal that the commanders-in-chief (Cs-in-C) in the Army, Navy and IAF should primarily be selected on merit rather than seniority. A tri-service committee of the vice chiefs of the Army, Navy and… Continue reading For top military posts, MoD weighs merit over seniority
The sovereign right to tax is not absolute
Source: The Hindu and Livemint Relevance: This article explains India’s sovereign right to tax and its limitations Contents1 Synopsis:2 Introduction:3 Does the state have a sovereign right to tax?4 Then how a state’s taxation can be questioned? Synopsis: India has a sovereign right to tax, but that right is subject to certain limitations. Introduction: The government… Continue reading The sovereign right to tax is not absolute
The SC’s Amazon ruling upholds the doctrine of party autonomy
Source: Livemint Relevance: To understand the recent SC ruling and extension of the Indian Arbitration Act 1996. Synopsis: The SC order in Amazon’s case has answered two important judicial questions. What is the background of the event? Read here: Emergency arbitration award is applicable: Amazon wins in Supreme Court What is the story so far?… Continue reading The SC’s Amazon ruling upholds the doctrine of party autonomy
Cyclone-ravaged Sunderbans is now drowning in plastic
Source: The Hindu Contents1 Synopsis2 Background:3 What are the concerns raised by the NGOs?4 Steps to be taken: Synopsis The unregulated inflow of relief materials in the Sunderbans region has resulted in a new crisis in the cyclone battered region: Plastic Waste. Background: Sunderbans has been battered by many cyclones over the years, with Cyclone… Continue reading Cyclone-ravaged Sunderbans is now drowning in plastic
