Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Security

Topic: Defence.

Issue: Anti-Drone Tech.

Context: DRDO’s anti-drone tech, ready for production, handed to private firms. Focus on high-endurance UAVs; emphasis on Lithium Ion batteries.

Synopsis:

• DRDO’s anti-drone system ready for production; demonstrated to armed services.
• Focus on high-endurance UAVs; smaller drone capabilities left to the industry.
• Integrated anti-drone system covers detection, identification, and neutralization.
• 23 orders placed by three services on BEL for DRDO-developed technology.
• Transfer of Technology (ToT) to private industries including BEL, Adani, L&T, and Icom.
• Technology capable of countering all types of drones, including micro drones.
• DRDO working closely with the industry for anti-drone technology.
• R&D efforts focus on high-end drones; Tapas UAV in advanced developmental trials.
• Emphasis on Lithium Ion-based batteries; DRDO and ISRO working on indigenous development.
• House panel recommends DRDO to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, integrate AI and Robotics.

Conclusion: DRDO’s anti-drone tech, emphasizing private collaborations and Lithium Ion batteries, positions India for advanced UAV capabilities and self-reliance.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Economic Development

Topic: Infrastructure development.

Issue: GIFT CITY.

Context: The 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit, scheduled for January 10-12 in Gandhinagar, will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi.

Synopsis:

• Over 100 countries and 30 partners will participate. The summit focuses on futuristic technologies at GIFT City, including semiconductors, green hydrogen, and FinTech.
• A roadshow with the UAE President precedes the event.
• PM Modi will open the Global Trade Show, hold bilateral meetings, and discuss sustainability and innovation.
• The Global FinTech Leadership Forum at GIFT City will feature interactions with global business leaders. Security measures are in place, and the Netherlands may sign 3.6 billion Euros in investment agreements.

Conclusion: The 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit promises to be a significant platform for international collaboration, showcasing opportunities, and discussing global trends

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates the success of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, reaching 11 crore people, transforming it into a people’s journey.

Issue: Government Schemes Awareness.

Synopsis:

Key achievements highlighted include:

1. VBSY made contact with 11 crore people, bridging the gap between the government and society.
2. VBSY evolved into a journey of dreams and trust for the people, promoting Modi Ki Guarantee for positive change.
3. The Yatra positively impacted the lives of those waiting for government scheme benefits, reaching doorsteps and proactively providing assistance.
4. Modi Ki Guarantee gains global recognition, reflecting a shift in the lives of a large section of the population.
5. The government prioritizes empowering the poor, farmers, women, and youth, considering them the four biggest castes of the country.
6. VBSY receives 12 lakh new applications for Ujjwala gas connections and numerous applications for other schemes like Suraksha Bima Yojana, Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, and PM SVANidhi.
7. Over two crore health check-ups conducted, including TB and sickle cell check-ups. Ayushman Yojana brings healthcare to the doorsteps of the poor.
8. Mudra Yojana empowers women, with ten crore joining self-help groups, becoming Lakhpati Didis.
9. PM emphasizes efforts to address farmers’ daily challenges, with initiatives like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and support for agricultural cooperation, storage, and processing.
10. Toor or Arhar dal farmers can now sell produce directly to the government online, ensuring MSP and better market prices.
11. Campaign to increase Lakhpati Didis by two crores under NaMo Drone Didi Scheme, demonstrating one lakh drones during VBSY.

Background

Conclusion: The VBSY has emerged as a transformative initiative, positively impacting millions and addressing diverse aspects of socio-economic development in India.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Economic Development

Topic: Growth, development, and employment.

Issue: K shaped recovery.

Context: SBI report disputes K-shaped recovery, shows income inequality decline in India, citing rising tax filings, consumption trends, and gender inclusivity.

Synopsis:

• SBI report disputes K-shaped recovery, asserts declining income inequality in India.
• ITRs show a 291% increase for earners between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.
• Total ITR filings rose to 7.4 crore in AY23 from 7 crore in AY22; 8.2 crore filed by Dec 2023.
• Female tax filers increased; suggests analysis for broader base.
• Consumption trends, Zomato data refute distress claims, show rising experience-centric income groups.
• Gini coefficient declines from 0.472 to 0.402 during FY14-FY22, indicating reduced income inequality.
• Migration to higher income brackets results in 21.3% additional income for 36.3% of taxpayers.
• Small firms transitioning, bottom 90% consumption post-pandemic rise by Rs 8.2 lakh crore.
• Decline in two-wheeler sales attributed to a shift towards four-wheelers and physical assets.
• Report challenges narratives, provides a comprehensive analysis of income trends, tax filings, and consumption patterns.
• Top of Form

Background:

K-shaped recovery

• A diverging economic scenario where certain sectors of the economy will be thriving while other sectors will continue to decline or struggle to recover.

The thriving sector is represented in the upper part of K while the declining part of the economy is represented in the lower part of the K shape.

Conclusion: SBI report challenges distress narratives, revealing positive income trends, tax filings, and consumption patterns, affirming economic resilience.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Issue: India-Maldives Row.

Context:
Diplomatic feud after Maldivian ministers insult Modi post-Lakshadweep visit. India tops Maldives tourism; potential repercussions on travel industry emerge.Top of FormTop of Form

Synopsis:

• In 2023, Indian tourists surged to 11.2% of Maldives’ total arrivals, doubling since 2018.
• Post-Modi’s Lakshadweep visit, a diplomatic crisis unfolded with three Maldivian ministers making derogatory remarks. The Maldives government responded by suspending the ministers.
• Despite India consistently leading tourism shares in 2020, 2021, and 2022 (11.3%, 22.1%, and 14.4%, respectively), the current controversy may impact the tourism industry.
• Ease My Trip suspended Maldives ticket sales, sparking concerns, but no Indian carriers have altered schedules.
• This incident underscores the complex intersection of travel, tourism, and geopolitics, especially for destinations heavily reliant on key source markets.
• CAPA India highlights India’s outbound travel growth at 15% per annum, citing past instances of travel boycott calls.
• India holds a significant position as the top source market for neighboring destinations and ranks in the top five for others, signaling potential influence on global travel patterns in the future.

Background:

Conclusion: Diplomatic tensions risk short-term impact on Maldives tourism; underscores the growing role of geopolitics in travel as Indian outbound rises.

Source: Indian Express