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Indian EconomyEasyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2016, GK

In India, the term 'hot money' is used to refer to

  1. A.Currency + Reserves with the RBI
  2. B.Net GDR
  3. C.Net Foreign Direct Investment
  4. D.Foreign Portfolio Investment

Correct answer

D. Foreign Portfolio Investment

Explanation

The correct answer is D, Foreign Portfolio Investment. Hot money is foreign capital that flows in quickly to earn short-term returns and can leave just as quickly, and in India this describes portfolio investment in shares and bonds.

Foreign portfolio investors buy listed securities without taking a controlling stake, and they can sell and take their money out within days if interest rates, the rupee or market mood change. Large and sudden outflows of such money can weaken the rupee, pull down stock prices and drain foreign exchange reserves, which is why economists call it volatile or hot. SEBI regulates foreign portfolio investors, and a holding below ten percent of a listed company is generally treated as portfolio investment.

A is wrong: currency plus reserves with the RBI is a part of money supply, not a capital flow. B is wrong: net GDR is the amount Indian companies raise abroad through depository receipts, a narrow item, not the general idea of hot money. C is wrong: foreign direct investment brings long-term ownership and is considered stable money.

Exam tip: FDI = stable, long-term, control; FPI = hot money, short-term, quick exit.

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Q2.Indian EconomyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2018, GKHard

Consider the following statements about impact of tax : 1. A tax is shifted forward to consumers if the demand is inelastic relative to supply. 2. A tax is shifted backward to producers if the supply is relatively more inelastic than demand. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

The burden of a tax falls more heavily on whichever side of the market is less elastic, the side that cannot easily walk away.

Q5.Indian EconomyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKHard

Why was constitutional amendment needed for introducing GST?

  1. A.States were not willing to agree with the Union for introduction of GST without amendment in the Constitution.
  2. B.GST was to be implemented on concurrent base and Article 246 was inadequate for such a case.
  3. C.The Empowered Committee of Finance Ministers had recommended for constitutional amendment.
  4. D.The GST Council had recommended for constitutional amendment so that its power enhances.
Show answer
Correct answer: B. GST was to be implemented on concurrent base and Article 246 was inadequate for such a case.

GST is levied by the Union and the States together on the same supply, and Article 246, which splits taxing powers between them through separate lists, did not allow such a concurrent tax.