E-commerce rules 2020

The article analyses the various restrictions under The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 to regulate all commercial transactions and issues with such restrictions. Context The recent rules relating to e-commerce, issued by the ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 needs some changes. What the recent rules specify… Continue reading

Economics of education

The article delineates the challenges academic institutions in India faces in the wake of Covid disruption and suggests some measures to deal with the challenges. Context Disruption in the wake of pandemic raised the spectre of educational institutions shuttering their doors completely or taking unprecedented steps that have invariably affected jobs and livelihoods. Economics of… Continue reading

Special Frontier Force: The Vikas Battalion

There have been reports that a Special Frontier Force (SFF) unit, referred to as Vikas Battalion, has been instrumental in occupying some key heights on the LAC. Try this question for mains: Q.“It cannot be business as usual with China after the border clash.” Critically comment. What is the Special Frontier Force (SFF)? SFF was… Continue reading

Pinaka Missile System

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts with three Indian companies for supply of six regiments of the Pinaka Rocket System to be deployed along borders with Pakistan and China. Following things are crucial to know about the Pinaka Missile System: 1) It’s development and manufacture 2) Fire Range and other capabilities 3) Latest… Continue reading

Exercise Indra 2020

Amid high operational alert by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) India and Russia are scheduled to hold the bilateral naval exercise, Indra 2020, in the Andaman Sea, close to the strategic Strait of Malacca. [Prelims Spotlight]: Various Defence Exercises in News https://www.civilsdaily.com/prelims-spotlight-various-defence-exercises-in-news/ Exercise Indra It is a joint, tri-services exercise between… Continue reading

GST reforms and compensation issue

The GST compensation issue raises the need for reform in the system. The article discusses this issue and suggests reform. Background Three years ago, the Centre and the States of the Union of India struck a grand bargain resulting in GST. The States gave up their right to collect sales tax and sundry taxes, and… Continue reading

[Burning Issue] Fiscal Council in India: Certain solution in uncertain times

The impact of COVID-19 on the economy is devastating and the government is forced to opt to borrow for spending more in order to support vulnerable households and engineer economic recovery due to the after-effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy. The BI highlights the need for bipartisan, independent Fiscal Council to report and analyse… Continue reading

Renati Chola Era Inscription

A rare inscription dating back to the Renati Chola era has been unearthed in a remote village of Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Try this PYQ: Q.In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: Term: Description Eripatti: Land revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank… Continue reading

Exercise Kavkaz 2020

India has turned down Russia’s invitation to participate in the multilateral defence exercise Kavkaz 2020. Go through the list for once. UPSC may ask a match the pair type question asking exercise name and countries involved. https://www.civilsdaily.com/prelims-spotlight-defence-exercises/ Exercise Kavkaz 2020 The Kavkaz 2020 is also referred to as Caucasus-2020. The exercise is aimed at assessing… Continue reading

Despite the messaging, it is still advantage China

The article examines whether India has been proving a favourable alternative to China or not. Is India becoming alternate supply source and investment destination? Despite media reports and strong messaging from Washington, fewer U.S. companies than predicted might quit China. Companies focused on the Chinese domestic market rather than as a base for exports will… Continue reading

Implications of World Bank halting ‘Doing Business’ report for India

India’s ranking in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ index has improved spectacularly. However, the World Bank recently halted its publication and announced decision to review and assess data changes for last five years. Background Citing irregularities of data for a few countries, the World Bank halted its annual publication ‘Doing Business’ report. It… Continue reading

UN’s guidelines on Access to Social Justice for People with Disabilities

The United Nations has released it’s first-ever guidelines on access to social justice for people with disabilities to make it easier for them to access justice systems around the world. Note: These guidelines can be used in mains answer while substantiating their rights. Defining a person with a disability The UN Convention on the Rights… Continue reading

Person in news: Noor Inayat Khan

World War II spy Noor Inayat Khan is now the first woman of Indian origin to be commemorated by the distinct blue London plaque. Try this PYQ: Q.A recent movie titled “The Man Who Knew Infinity” is based on the biography of- (a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandrasekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V.… Continue reading

Changing India’s health delivery landscape through NDHM

The National Digital Health Mission promises to transform the Indian healthcare system with the aid of technology. The article highlights the key aspects of the mission. Building integrated digital health infrastructure through NDHM NDHM is based on the principles of health for all, inclusivity, accessibility, affordability, education, empowerment, wellness, portability, privacy and security by design.… Continue reading

Issue of GST compensation to states

The article analyses the issue of GST compensation to states under GST regime for five years and how this has turned to be contentious issues after the economic disruption caused by Covid-19. The basis for compensation Under Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime the Centre would make good the loss in the first five years… Continue reading

[Burning Issue] Free Speech Vs. Contempt of Court

Power of judiciary lies neither in deciding cases, nor in imposing sentences, nor in giving punishment for its contempt, but in the trust, confidence and faith of the general public. Criticism is important for it helps to give us a new perspective and opens our eyes to things we may have overlooked or never considered.… Continue reading

What is Compensation of GST?

With Centre-State friction over pending compensation payments under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) taking a new turn in the 41st GST Council to meet, the strain on the finances of states is likely to continue in the near term. Try this question from CSP 2018: Q.Consider the following items: Cereal grains hulled Chicken eggs… Continue reading

GIS-enabled Land Bank System

A prototype of the National GIS-enabled Land Bank System was e-launched by Commerce and Industry Ministry for six States based on which land can be identified for setting up industries. Try to answer this question in short: Q.Discuss the benefits of digitizing land records in India. Land Bank System The system has been developed by… Continue reading

Who was Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis?

A bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis is set to be unveiled in China. Try this PYQ: Q.A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of (a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandrasekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis He is revered in China… Continue reading

Species in news: Barn Owl

With a thriving rat population playing havoc with its coconut yield, the UT of Lakshadweep hires barn owls for help. Try this PYQ: Q.The Red Data Books published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contains lists of: Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. Threatened plant… Continue reading

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