Showing questions for August 21, 2025
- Total: 30 questions
Question 16 Aug 21, 2025
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Which Indian pharmaceutical company is attempting a $5 billion acquisition of Prague-based Zentiva, marking the largest sector deal involving an Indian firm?
Aurobindo PharmaAurobindo Pharma is actively pursuing the acquisition of Zentiva, a Prague-based generic drugmaker, in a deal valued at over $5 billion. This would be the largest transaction in the Indian pharma sector, either in terms of acquisition or merger. The move is strategic, aiming to expand Aurobindo’s presence in Europe, especially in emerging eastern European markets where government-funded healthcare is prevalent. Despite previous failed attempts at major acquisitions, including a Sandoz deal blocked by US regulators, Aurobindo remains determined. The acquisition, however, comes with financial risks due to the need for a nearly $5 billion bridge loan in a volatile global economic climate.
Question 17 Aug 21, 2025
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What was the primary reason for deploying military and paramilitary personnel at Octroi centres in Mumbai during the 1980s?
Octroi tax staff went on strikeIn the 1980s, the Octroi tax staff in Mumbai went on strike, disrupting the collection of taxes on inter-state goods. To ensure that commerce did not halt, the government deployed military and paramilitary forces to man the Octroi checkpoints. Surprisingly, daily collections increased more than tenfold during this period, highlighting the inefficiency and corruption in the pre-GST tax regime. This incident underscores the systemic flaws of the Octroi system, which GST later aimed to eliminate. The success of military enforcement ironically proved the extent of revenue leakage under regular operations.
Question 18 Aug 21, 2025
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According to Bibek Debroy, what is a major flaw in the current GST structure that leads to litigation and complexity?
Differentiation in tax rates based on perceived elitism of goodsBibek Debroy, former Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the PM, argued that the mindset of controlling consumption through differentiated GST rates leads to subjectivity and disputes. He believed that labeling certain goods as 'elitist' justifies higher taxes, which in turn invites arbitrary interpretations and legal battles. This differentiation undermines the principle of a uniform tax system and complicates compliance. A single GST rate, he suggested, would reduce litigation and administrative burden. His views highlight the tension between economic equity goals and tax simplicity.
Question 19 Aug 21, 2025
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What key criterion has the Indian Supreme Court used to distinguish legal skill-based games from illegal gambling?
Dominant factor test (skill vs. chance)The Indian Supreme Court has consistently applied the 'dominant factor test' to determine whether a game is legal. In cases like rummy and horse racing, the Court ruled that if skill predominates over chance, the game is not gambling and is therefore legal. This principle was extended to online fantasy gaming, where users must analyze player stats, conditions, and strategies—activities requiring skill. The test ensures that games of mere chance, which are addictive and exploitative, are regulated differently from those involving expertise. This legal distinction supports the argument for regulating rather than banning online gaming.
Question 20 Aug 21, 2025
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Where did an unidentified flying object reportedly crash and explode in early Wednesday, according to Poland’s news agency PAP?
Near the village of Osiny in eastern PolandAccording to Poland’s state news agency PAP, an unidentified flying object crashed and exploded in a cornfield near the village of Osiny in eastern Poland around 2 a.m. Local police confirmed receiving reports of the incident and found debris consisting of burned metal and plastic at the site. The explosion was powerful enough to break windows in nearby houses, though no injuries were reported. The nature of the object remains unclear, and authorities have not confirmed whether it was a meteorite, drone, or other aerial object. The incident has sparked public curiosity and speculation across Poland.