economy

Universal Basic Income (UBI), Need, Advantages and Disadvantages

Context: Bill Gates' overall vision is that AI could generate enough wealth and efficiency to make UBI feasible, but realizing this vision will require effective policy, taxation, and wealth redistribution strategies. What is Meant by Universal Basic Income (UBI)? Universal...

Gold Monetisation Scheme, Objectives, Features, Benefits

Context: The Government of India has decided to discontinue the Medium-Term and Long-Term Deposits (MLTGD) under the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS). About Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) The Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) was launched in November 2015 as a revamped version...

Equalisation Levy: Indian has decided to abolish Google Tax

Context: The central government has proposed to abolish the Equalisation Levy on online advertisements. What is the Equalisation Levy (EL)? Equalisation Levy (EL) is a direct tax aimed at ‘equalising’ the tax component of resident and non-resident e-commerce companies. Introduced...

Private Capex Share in India’s Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)

Context: Private capital expenditure’s (capex) share in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) dropped to 33% in FY24, marking a significant decline. What is Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)? Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) refers to the net investment in fixed...

India’s Marginalised in Parliamentary Budgetary Affairs

Context: In India, the executive-driven budget process limits parliamentary influence, leaving legislators with minimal opportunity to shape or scrutinize financial policies. Parliamentary Budgetary Affairs: Process of Budget Preparation Pre-Budget Consultations Formulation of Budget Estimates Approval by the Cabinet Presentation in...

Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP)

Context: The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) has recorded over 100 crore API transactions, marking a key milestone in India’s logistics sector. About Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) is a digital initiative launched under the National...

What is Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)?

Context: Recently the Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to promote low-value BHIM-UPI transactions. What is Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)? Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is a fee charged to merchants for processing digital transactions. It is deducted from...

Electronics Components Incentive Policy

Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has finalized an incentive policy for electronic components manufacturing with a total outlay of ₹22,919 crore over six years. Key Features of the Electronics Components Incentive Policy Scheme Targeted Electronic Components:...

Tackling the Problem of Nutrition in India

Context: Although health was not a priority in Budget 2025, the increased allocations for Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 suggest a stronger focus on nutrition in the coming financial year. However, it remains uncertain whether this will effectively address India’s...

Public Healthcare in India, Issues and Global Practices

Context: India has long been committed to ‘Health for All’ under the World Health Organization’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, which prioritises primary health care (PHC) and reduces out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Significant Strides Made in Public Healthcare in India in...