India Infrastructure Report 2023

Facts for Prelims (FFP)    Source: PIB  Context: The India Infrastructure Report 2023 on Urban Planning and Development was recently released virtually. The report is a collaborative effort by the IDFC Foundation, Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd. (iDeCK), and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). The report, part of the India Infrastructure Report series, …

Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context:  The Working Party on Data Collection and Statistics (WPDCS19) of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) has commenced in Mumbai, organized by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India.   Tunas and other large pelagic species, such as billfishes, sharks, …

Sovereign green bond

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Business Line  Context: In the first issuance of sovereign green bonds (SGrB) for the Financial Year 2024, the auction of five-year maturity bonds was successful, attracting decent investor interest. About Sovereign Green Bond: A sovereign green bond is a financial instrument that is issued by a sovereign entity, inter-governmental group, …

Insurance Surety Bond

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has embraced an innovative approach, accepting an Insurance Surety Bond in place of a Bank Guarantee for the Toll Operate Transfer (TOT), marking the first such use in the road infrastructure sector. This move aims to boost liquidity, encourage private …

‘Reference’ fuel

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Economic Times  Context: India has begun producing “reference” petrol and diesel, which are specialized fuels used for testing automobiles, making it part of a select group of nations that produce these high-quality fuels. The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has developed these fuels with higher specifications to replace imports, ensuring …

Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Business Line  Context: The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) cannot be enforced unless it is notified under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act. This decision may have significant implications for multinational corporations (MNCs) from Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, and other …

Telcos’ licence fee tax

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE  Context: The Supreme Court set aside the Delhi High Court’s order that categorized license fees before and after July 31, 1999, differently, as capital expenditure (Capex) and revenue expenditure.   What does the judgement say? The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the payment of entry fees …

Angel tax for start-ups

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE  Context: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a directive to its officers, instructing them not to carry out scrutiny of angel tax provisions for start-ups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The directive comes in response to concerns raised …

Navratna status

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB   Context: Two Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the Ministry of Railways, Ircon International Limited (IRCON), and RITES Ltd, have been granted ‘Navratna’ status. RITES Ltd, in its 50th year of operation, is a prominent transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm in India, offering services in various …

Anti-money laundering: Sebi releases fresh set of guidelines

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Live Mint   Context: The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a set of amendments to strengthen anti-money laundering(AML) standards and combat finance terrorism (CFT). These guidelines are based on rules established under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act of 2002.   The key amendments include: Additional …

Mera Yuva Bharat

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Economic Times    Context: The Union Cabinet has granted approval for the establishment of “Mera Yuva Bharat” (MY Bharat). MY Bharat, an autonomous body will benefit youth in the age group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of ‘Youth’ in National Youth Policy. The primary objective of …

Bima Vahak

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Business Line  Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has announced that the guidelines for the women-centric insurance distribution channel called “Bima Vahak” will become effective upon the launch of “Bima Vistaar,” an all-in-one standard insurance product currently under development. The primary objective of Bima Vahak is …

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2022-2023

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report for 2022-2023 has been released, focusing on key employment and unemployment indicators. The survey’s key findings are as follows:    Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): The labour force participation rate (LPR) is a measure of the proportion of a …

Card-on-file tokenisation for debit and credit cards

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TOI  Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor, has proposed the introduction of card-on-file tokenisation (CoFT) at the issuer-bank level. This move aims to enhance data security and provide customers with more control over managing their card tokens.   Need: Under the current system, cardholders have to create …

Circular migration

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH  Context: Circular migration involves people moving to and from a destination country based on employment availability, rather than migrating permanently or temporarily. Circular migration gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s due to globalization, improved transportation, and social networks. To be considered a circular migrant, certain criteria must be …