Context: The Supreme Court ruled on May 19th that the recommendations of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council only have persuasive value, and cannot be binding on the Centre and states. It should be noted that the case – Union of India vs Mohit Minerals Pvt Ltd – was dealing with the levy of… Continue reading Let’s keep GST good and simple
Tag: gs paper 3
Talking peace, negotiating with the Maoists
News: Recently, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh announced that the State government was ready for peace talks with the Maoists provided they laid down arms and expressed their faith in the Constitution of India. Contents1 Earlier attempts2 What are the major conditions of the Maoists?3 Should the Govt withdraw security forces from Maoist areas?4 Way… Continue reading Talking peace, negotiating with the Maoists
Governments must understand that resources are held in trust. They’re not to be frittered away
News: Recently, the Rajasthan government has announced that it will restart the old civil servant pension scheme. Further, the Punjab government has announced its measures on providing electricity in Punjab. These decisions are based on the foundation of a welfare state to make a more egalitarian society. Contents1 Types of State as per Nobel Laureate… Continue reading Governments must understand that resources are held in trust. They’re not to be frittered away
Simulating gravity
News: Recently, the Orbital Assembly Corporation announced a plan to develop a space business park (hotel) which will be made operational by 2025. The hotel will be equipped with artificial gravity. Benefits of artificial gravity It would keep astronauts healthy on long trips, prevent loss of bone density and muscle atrophy. For example, in microgravity,… Continue reading Simulating gravity
Three development models that can guide Indian state economies
News: At present, India’s economic policymakers are trying to look after potential stagflation. Possible long-term strategies for high, employment-intensive growth Three broad groups of states are identifiable, each with a distinct development model. Bihar model Coverage: The model is generally found in a group of the least developed states which includes Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam… Continue reading Three development models that can guide Indian state economies
Pockets of hope, linking nature and humanity
News: Recently, the International Day for Biological Diversity was observed on May 22 across the world. Significance of Biodiversity It is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human well-being in the present and in the future. Its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike. What are the drivers of biodiversity loss? According to… Continue reading Pockets of hope, linking nature and humanity
Objection milords: SC’s GST Council ruling is an overreach and can be hugely disruptive. GoI should file review petition
News: A Supreme Court Bench in a judgment has said that the recommendations of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council were not binding on the Central and state governments. In the five years since GST has been rolled out, the GST Council has been the decision-making body on all key matters such as tax… Continue reading Objection milords: SC’s GST Council ruling is an overreach and can be hugely disruptive. GoI should file review petition
Frequent policy flip-flops are bad for farmers as well as consumers
Context: In a sudden move, the central government banned the export of wheat on 13th May, a day after retail inflation numbers for April were released. It was wheat inflation at 9.6% that triggered this panic reaction. None of it was unexpected, given the trend so far. The Food and Agriculture Organisation food index has… Continue reading Frequent policy flip-flops are bad for farmers as well as consumers
Crushing lives: On the need to enforce rules in quarries
Context: Death of three workers in an accident at a private stone quarry in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu has raised concerns regarding worker safety at hazardous sites. In the present case, a falling boulder trapped six workers and their heavy vehicles under debris in a 300-feet deep stone quarry. Contents1 Were the norms… Continue reading Crushing lives: On the need to enforce rules in quarries
Lessons for today from India’s 2006 wheat crisis
News: India faced a wheat crisis in 2006. The present article lists out the reasons that caused it and lessons that can be learnt. The author is this article was appointed as the Secretary of Food and Public Distribution during that time. What was the situation in 2006 and the reasons behind it? – Centre… Continue reading Lessons for today from India’s 2006 wheat crisis
