Editorial Discussion_ 24 May 2017 THE HINDU Editorial Discussion_ 24 May 2017

Continental ties: INDO AFRICA RELATION In news: African Development Bank’s decision to hold its annual general meeting in India this month

Glance at history Colonial Times Relations uptill 1960: 2nd phase (1970s – 1990s): 3rd phase (1990s onwards):

Glance over some facts

Strategies by India Pan African level engagement Partnership with regional organization Development partnership through IBSA and BRICS Bilateral engagement with countries Involving Indian communities and Indian Diaspora

 Building a place for India as a partner in low-cost technology transfers A supplier of much-needed, affordable generic pharmaceuticals A dependable donor of aid that did not come with strings attached India-Africa summit held in Delhi in 2015, the Centre announced a further $10 billion export credit and a $600 million grant

NEW AREAS Maritime outreach to extend its Sagarmala  International Solar Alliance Trilateral Big opportunity is access to electricity High 5s” priorities—energy, agriculture, industrialisation, e-governance and healthcare and pharma

CHALLENGE TO TIES COMPETITION RACIAL ATTACKS PIRACY Local concern of projects in Africa

QUESTION INDIA AFRICA engagement have big potential Identify the area of convergence and at the same time elaborate challenge that India must overcome to engage with this continent

GST: Analysis from production to consumption covers the gross domestic product (GDP) more comprehensively Interlocking incentives for compliance BENEFIT TO MSME Also done away with the unclear distinction between goods and services thus reduce litigation

DIAGRAMAIC REPRESENTATION

GST DRAW BACK Chance of classification disputes, discretion and litigation increased Multiple taxes lead to mis-declaration of goods Cost of auditing go up A large part of the economy is still not covered by the GST

Successful implementation of GST will reduce the complexity resulting from multiple state and central indirect taxes However, the following steps still need to be completed: –The rates for six contentious goods (gold, textile, agricultural implements, bidis, footwear and biodiesel) and one service (lotteries) still needs to be decided. The IT systems need to be up and running for processing input tax credit, which lies at the heart of GST being more efficient than the previous regime. The dispute resolution mechanism also needs to lay down the terms for dispute settlements. – Businesses need to align their software systems with the GST network.

Employees of Lower courts Backbone of the justice delivery system: Work condition deplorable Successive Law Commissions have made suggestions for employee reforms Q. Judiciary first set its own house in order to become champion of constitutional ethos.