News: Recently, the National Statistical Office (NSO) announced that the fourth quarter GDP growth rate of the FY 2021-22 stands at 4.1% compared to fourth quarter figures for the previous year, 2020-21. What are the important considerations in terms of the Indian Economy? Some Indian economists believe that the Indian economy has been consistently declining… Continue reading Modinomics and the long distance to the finish line
Tag: gs paper 3
Say no to cookies from strangers
Context: How did the web cookie become the bone of contention in the battle for privacy? What is a web cookie? A cookie is a little piece of text stored on one’s web browser. It can identify what sites one has visited, to which sites one goes too often, or even, under some circumstances, the… Continue reading Say no to cookies from strangers
External vulnerabilities: Time for a rupee review
News: India’s exports in May were up 15.5% on last year’s figure. On this upbeat momentum, India could see another year of robust exports, beating the $418 billion record set in 2021-22. High oil prices are also a major reason for a rise in exports this year, since petroleum products made up a big share… Continue reading External vulnerabilities: Time for a rupee review
‘Plants adapt by their fragrances — these enrich the environment and our lives
Context: Plants express their needs through the release of aromatic chemicals. They emit fragrances for both attraction and protection. What is the significance of various fragrances emitted by the plants? For protection, a certain fragrance is released when a leaf is crushed or when someone walks on grass. This is sharp and green, called ‘green… Continue reading ‘Plants adapt by their fragrances — these enrich the environment and our lives
Veiled threats to privacy
Context: Cert-In recently issued a new directive making it mandatory for VPN service providers to keep user data for at least five years and share records with authorities when required. This new regulation threatens free speech and privacy. Contents1 What is a VPN?2 What are the different use cases of VPNs?3 How does a VPN… Continue reading Veiled threats to privacy
Evaluating the arsenal
News: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Indian Army are assessing procurement of another 100-200 mobile SP howitzers. The additional 200 guns would equip 10 medium artillery regiments. Historical trends (1) Medieval Times In 1526, Babur defeated the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodhi and won the First Battle of Panipat. Babur was able to… Continue reading Evaluating the arsenal
States should focus on the quality of public expenditure
News: States were guaranteed bi-monthly compensation for any loss of revenue in the first 5 years of GST implementation from 1 July 2017. The 5-year period will end on 30 June and there is a growing demand from many states to extend the GST compensation mechanism beyond that. Given this uncertainty over the extension of… Continue reading States should focus on the quality of public expenditure
Asset monetisation
News: The Union government’s asset monetisation plan seems to be facing resistance from government departments and public sector enterprises (PSEs). The government’s target of mobilising Rs 1.62 trillion in the current fiscal year would thus become difficult to achieve. Contents1 What is the progress of Asset monetisation plan?2 Why are PSEs reluctant to monetise their… Continue reading Asset monetisation
A ban on wheat exports was the country’s least damaging option
Context: The Indian export ban on wheat in mid-May drew much negative attention. The ban was on private sector wheat exports, leaving open government-to-government contracts. The widespread criticism of the ban was misplaced. Contents1 Details about the wheat export ban and related issues2 Why the criticism of the wheat export ban is unwarranted?3 How have… Continue reading A ban on wheat exports was the country’s least damaging option
Price Of Wrong Price Strategy
News: India is now facing a dual problem of low growth and high inflation at the time when India is facing a historic opportunity to use exports to boost India’s GDP growth. Historic Opportunities Two large countries China and Russia are reducing their presence on the international trade landscape, providing opportunities to India: – China,… Continue reading Price Of Wrong Price Strategy
