Gs3 – Indian Economy – Taxes Context: The Indian government has decided to end the windfall gains tax on crude oil production within the country and exports of diesel, petrol, and aviation fuel (ATF). This tax was introduced 30 months ago in response to a surge in global fuel prices …

GS3 – Indian Economy – Industry Context: India’s manufacturing sector has shown robust growth, largely driven by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, positioning the country as a global manufacturing hub. Significance of the Manufacturing Sector Economic Contribution: Contributes 17% of Gross Value Added (GVA), with the potential to rise …

GS3 – Agriculture – Pds  Context: The ‘Anna Chakra’ portal, developed in collaboration with the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the World Food Programme (WFP), and IIT-Delhi’s Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, aims to modernize India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). Key Features of Anna Chakra Supply Chain Optimisation: …

GS2 – Polity – constitutional bodies Context: The Sixteenth Finance Commission is tasked with addressing fiscal challenges and shaping India’s economic trajectory amidst evolving global trends like friendshoring (relocating supply chains to friendly nations) and reshoring (bringing manufacturing back to the home country). Mandate of the Sixteenth Finance Commission Historical …

GS2 – IR Context: The Indian Prime Minister recently visited Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana to bolster India’s relations with Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Key Outcomes of the Visit Outcomes from the G-20 Summit in Brazil Advancing Global South Priorities Initiated the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, emphasizing …

GS1 – Modern India Context: Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed annually on December 6 to pay tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his death anniversary. Significance of “Mahaparinirvan”: The term originates from Buddhist scriptures, referring to Lord Buddha’s passing, symbolizing liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. About Dr. B.R. …

Context The Ministry of Forest, Environment & Climate Change introduced Nano Bubble Technology at the National Zoological Park, Delhi, to enhance water quality through innovative purification methods. What are Nanobubbles? Definition: Extremely small gas-filled bubbles, measuring 70 to 120 nanometers, about 2500 times smaller than a grain of salt. Charge: …

Context India’s recent GDP growth estimates have fallen, exposing challenges in economic policymaking and highlighting the need for reforms to achieve the vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Need for Growth-Oriented Policies High-Income Status: Achieving this requires sustained reforms and strategies targeting growth. Policy Consistency: Long-term economic performance …

Context The South Korean president recently declared martial law citing threats from anti-state activities by the opposition, but the decision was later overturned by Parliament. What is Martial Law? Martial law is a temporary state of emergency declared by a government to address unforeseen crises or threats. Under this law, …

  Context The recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria highlights the strengthening of India-Africa relations, focusing on developmental partnerships and leveraging mutual advantages. Africa’s Development Landscape Abundant Resources: Africa holds vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, alongside 60% of the world’s arable land, making it …

Current Issue A legal dispute has emerged in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, where petitioners are seeking permission for Hindus to pray at the 800-year-old Jama Masjid Shamsi. They claim the mosque was built after demolishing the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The opposing side cites the Places of Worship Act, 1991, to refute …

  Recent Context The Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, recently imposed religious sanctions on Punjab’s former Deputy Chief Minister and President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The penalties were linked to alleged governance failures during the SAD’s tenure from 2007 to 2017. Establishment and Symbolism Foundation: …

Context The outcomes of COP29 in Baku concerning the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance have drawn criticism for falling short of addressing principles of climate justice and equitable burden-sharing. Key Takeaways from COP29 Origin of NCQG: Conceptualized at COP21, the NCQG builds on the $100 billion annual …

Context Indian-origin Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur has been awarded the prestigious Turner Prize 2024 for her thought-provoking exhibition, “Alter Altar”, which delves into themes of plurality, identity, and socio-political issues. About the Turner Prize Name Origin: Named after J.M.W. Turner, a celebrated British Romantic painter known for his innovative and …

Context Recent research has highlighted the presence and role of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in approximately 50% of cancer types, emphasizing its significance in tumour evolution, genetic heterogeneity, and cancer progression. What is ecDNA? Definition: Circular DNA fragments located outside the chromosomes but within the nucleus of cancer cells. Function: Contains …

Context India is exploring a transformative approach to agriculture by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with the indigenous knowledge of farmers. This Hybrid Agricultural Intelligence (HAI) model aims to achieve sustainable, efficient, and locally adaptive solutions to address pressing challenges like soil degradation, climate change, and market uncertainties. Importance of Agriculture …

Context Recently, schemes like Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and Jharkhand’s Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana have garnered attention for their focus on direct benefit transfers (DBTs) aimed at women empowerment. Rationale for Women-Centric Schemes Increased Female Voter Turnout: Women’s participation in elections has grown significantly, from 47% in 1962 …

Context China has imposed restrictions on exporting gallium, germanium, and antimony, citing national security concerns. This move follows the United States’ recent ban on specific chips, machinery, and the inclusion of over 100 Chinese companies on a restricted trade list. Significance of the Banned Minerals Gallium: A soft, silvery-white metal …

Context Nepal and China have formalized an agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN), under the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Overview of THMDCN Purpose: Establish an economic corridor to enhance connectivity between Nepal and China. Scope: Encompasses …

Context The Rajya Sabha recently approved the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, aiming to enhance efficiency in oil and gas exploration across India. Rationale for the Bill Addressing Energy Needs: Aims to bridge the gap between domestic oil and gas production and consumption. Improving Business Environment: Modernizes outdated …