Category Public Finances and Macroeconomics

gst

GST Exemptions and NIL Rates: Policy Gains Versus Consumer Realities

Health insurance for individuals has been made exempt from Goods and Services Tax. GST has been removed from life insurance premium payments for individuals, as well. Both used to be charged GST at 18%. So, this represents major relief for individuals, this lowering of the cost of buying insurance by nearly a fifth, right?  That magnitude of reduction in the cost of either life or health insurance is merely an illusion. The cost of insurance might come down somewhat, but definitely not by 18%.

embracing the ties

Embracing Opportunity with Caution: India’s Strategic Engagement with America

India embraces its need for American intelligence and weapons to keep China at bay. At the same time, India does not want to be obliged to the US so much that it comes under its thumb. India is better off with a multipolar world, with multiple power centres.

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Strengthening Social Security: Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), 2015

The Indian population is growing, and the country is demonstrating strong growth potential. In this scenario, a lack of financial inclusion can be one of the major challenges faced by the government.

India’s Startup Engine: A Policy Review of the Fund of Funds Initiative (2016)

India’s Startup Engine: A Policy Review of the Fund of Funds Initiative (2016)

The Fund of Funds for Start-ups (FFS), managed by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), was launched on January 16, 2016, under the Start-up India Action Plan to address critical gaps in India’s early-stage finance landscape. With an initial corpus of ₹10,000 crore, the scheme aims to foster innovation-driven enterprises by contributing to SEBI‑registered Category I and II Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

Shell

Global Policy Blindspot in Money Laundering – Shell Companies, Tax Havens

Money Laundering has its meaning in the term ‘launder’ which originates from the term ‘laundromats'—these were used as a front by crime syndicates for illegal activities. As laundromats clean our dirty clothes, money acquired through illegal activities is laundered and pushed into the economy as coming from a legitimate source.


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