BackNews in numbers | 14 states reduced rural spending in 2015-16
The cutback in rural spendingfor example, in agriculture, rural infrastructure and irrigationcomes during the second consecutive year of drought
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14
What is it? The number of states that have reduced their rural spending in absolute terms in 2015-16 compared to the previous year.
Why is it important? The cutback in rural spending—for example, in agriculture, rural infrastructure and irrigation—comes during the second consecutive year of drought. One reason is the reduction in state revenues from their share in central taxes and grants in aid, which declined by 0.3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015-16.
Tell me more: Of the 14 states that reduced rural spending, five cut down on their overall spending in 2015-16. This also raises the question if states have shifted their expenditure from rural spending by using the spending freedom they got due to the implementation of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations.
₹ 15,000 crore
What is it? The value of freebies provided by the Tamil Nadu government between 2006 and 2016, first five under M. Karunanidhi’s DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and the rest under J. Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam).
Why is it important? This raises questions about the economics of freebies, especially when the state’s revenue deficit (net amount received is less than the projected net amount to be received) is estimated to nearly double to ₹ 9,155 crore in 2016-17 from the previous year. The freebies offered by DMK and AIADMK included rice at single-digit prices per kg, fans, mixers, gold, laptops, bicycles and television sets.
Tell me more: In response to a 2013 Supreme Court order, the Election Commission updated its model code of conduct rules and said parties should not make promises that impair the quality of the election process or exert undue influence on the voters. The rules also require the parties to explain the rationale behind the poll promises and broadly state the financial means by which they would implement them.
$38.06 and 40.86 per barrel
What is it? The prices at which the global benchmarks of crude oil (US and Brent crude futures, respectively) were trading at around 6am (Indian Standard Time) on Monday.
Why is it important? Crude oil prices were down by 5.7% and 5.2%, respectively, from their last closing. This was due to the failed attempt by major oil producers to curb their output at January levels to arrest falling oil prices, at their Doha meet on Sunday. This gives rise to concerns about continued global oversupply of crude and low oil prices in the near future.
Tell me more: Barclays estimates Brent to average at around $36 a barrel in the second quarter of this year.
$37,584 ( ₹ 25 lakh)
What is it? The value of Tesla Motors chief executive officer Elon Musk’s total compensation in 2015.
Why is it important? Musk does not take salary from Tesla, and this amount is as per California’s minimum wage requirements. Musk has a 26.5% stake (as of 31 December) in the company, worth around $9.47 billion. He received stock options worth $5.27 million in 2012 to compensate him for 10 years.
Tell me more: Other CEOs who got low compensation are Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg who received $1 as salary in 2014 (along with additional compensation of $610,455) and Twitter’s Jack Dorsey whose compensation was valued at $68,506 last year.
$37 million
What is it? The amount Yahoo president and CEO Marissa Mayer would receive if she leaves after Yahoo is sold off.
Why is it important? Telecom firm Verizon and Daily Mail General Trust (owner of MailOnline website) are expected to submit their bids to take over Yahoo’s core business on Monday.
Tell me more: Yahoo’s revenue has fallen by 8.5% since 2012 (Mayer was appointed CEO in July 2012) to $4.09 billion in 2015, while its adjusted profit has nearly halved to $0.95 billion during the same period. If Marissa Mayer is fired before the company is sold off, she would still receive $13 million, as per reports.
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