Mains Articles of December 25, 2024

Supreme Court Declares Coconut Oil as Edible Oil: Taxation Simplified

December 25, 2024

For over 15 years, the classification of coconut oil as an edible oil or a haircare product under India’s tax regime remained unresolved.

The Supreme Court, on December 18, 2024, ruled that coconut oil should be classified as an edible oil and taxed at a lower GST rate of 5% instead of 18% for haircare products. The court based its decision on the predominant use of coconut oil as a cooking medium, particularly when packaged in small quantities.

This ruling resolves a long-standing ambiguity and aligns taxation with the product’s primary usage.

Rationalising Subsidies and Strengthening Fiscal Management

December 25, 2024

What’s in today’s article? Introduction Key Concerns Raised by the RBI Recommendations Significance of the Recommendations Conclusion Key Terms Used in the Article Introduction The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised concerns over the rising expenditure of states on subsidies and highlighted the need for rationalization to ensure fiscal sustainability. These observations were made … Read more

Market Turmoil Amid US Fed Guidance and Rupee Depreciation

December 25, 2024

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (or Fed, which is the central bank of US) remarks suggesting two rate cuts in 2025 instead of the four originally announced caused frontline stock market indices to fall more than 1%.
Additionally, the Indian rupee (INR) fell to its lowest point ever, 85.1300 (spot) to the US dollar, due to a sell-off that was allegedly spearheaded by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)

Protected Area Permit Reimposed in Manipur, Nagaland & Mizoram

December 25, 2024

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram due to security concerns stemming from the influx of individuals from neighboring countries.

The move ensures that foreigners visiting these states must secure the necessary PAP under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.

Regulating Opinion Trading Platforms in India

December 25, 2024

With an estimated 5 crore users and an exponential growth in investment, the opinion trading sector appears to have mostly gone unnoticed and unreviewed in India.

Significance of Siliguri Corridor

December 25, 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the significance of the Siliguri corridor as a crucial link to Northeast India and said that the presence of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in the area comes as an assurance to the entire country.

Key Highlights of the IPBES Nexus Report: Addressing Global Challenges

December 25, 2024

The Assessment Report on the Interlinkages Among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health – known as the Nexus Report – has been released by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

The report provides decision-makers with the most comprehensive scientific assessment of the interconnections across five ‘nexus elements’: biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change. It explores over 60 response options to maximize co-benefits across these five nexus elements.

Regulating Opinion Trading Platforms in India

December 25, 2024

With an estimated 5 crore users and an exponential growth in investment, the opinion trading sector appears to have mostly gone unnoticed and unreviewed in India.

Centre Amends Rule to Restrict Access to Poll Documents

December 25, 2024

What’s in today’s article? Overview Key Features of the Amendment Context & Rationale Criticism & Concerns Significance Legal Framework and Implications Conclusion Overview The Central Government recently amended Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 to restrict public access to certain election-related documents. This amendment, initiated by the Ministry of Law and Justice … Read more