Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: Bilateral Relations

Issue: India-U. K Relations.

Context:   This is the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the U.K after over two decades, the last visit was by George Fernandes in 2002. Historic collaboration.

Synopsis:

• India and the U.K. signed MoU for international cadet exchange and LoA on defence collaboration in R&D.
• Talks emphasized defence relations, security issues, and enhancing defence industrial cooperation.
• Also stressing a non-transactional, natural partnership between the two countries.
• The LoA on R&D involves India’s DRDO and the U.K.’s DSTL, fostering people-to-people exchanges and defence research collaboration.
• Rajnath Singh paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in London and received a Guard of Honour before bilateral meetings.

Conclusion: Rajnath Singh’s historic U.K. visit emphasizes defense collaboration and partnership.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Economic Development;

Topic: Issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development, and employment.

Issue: World Bank’s Growth Forecast.

Context: The World Bank maintains India’s economic growth forecast at 6.3% for FY2023/24, citing a slow post-pandemic recovery and weak external demand.

Synopsis:

• The post-pandemic recovery in India is expected to slow, with private investment and consumption weakening in 2022-23.
• The World Bank projects a recovery in FY2024/25 and FY2025/26, with growth gradually increasing to 6.4% and 6.5%, respectively.
• The global growth outlook is less optimistic, with the World Bank forecasting a third consecutive year of slowing growth in 2024.
• Merchandise exports in India slowed due to weak external demand, while public investment and vibrant services activity supported growth in 2023.
• The report notes a marginal deceleration in investment, robust public investment, improved corporate balance sheets, and slowing private consumption growth.
• Government consumption is expected to grow slowly as part of efforts to lower current spending, and government revenues may benefit from solid corporate profits.

World Bank:

Conclusion: Despite national estimates projecting higher growth, the World Bank retains India’s economic forecast, anticipating a gradual recovery amid post-pandemic challenges.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Ecology

Topic: Environmental pollution and degradation.

Issue: Air Quality.

Context: A study by Respirer Living Sciences and Climate Trends analyzed air quality data in 49 Indian cities over five years.

Synopsis:

Highlights of the Study:

• 27 cities declined PM 2.5, while only four met or exceeded the targeted reduction under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• The NCAP aimed to reduce average particulate matter concentrations by 40% by 2026 in 131 cities, but progress seems insufficient.
• Delhi, among other major cities, reports marginal declines or even an increase in pollution levels.
• Varanasi, Agra, and Jodhpur are notable for achieving more than 40% reduction in PM 2.5 levels, exceeding the 2026 targets.
• The study emphasizes the influence of factors like geography, emissions, and meteorology on pollution levels.
• Only four out of 92 cities analyzed have more than 10 continuous ambient air quality monitors, affecting accurate tracking of pollution.
• The report suggests that the impact of cities’ actions on improving air quality is yet unclear, despite some positive strides under the NCAP.
• Strengthened monitoring with additional air quality stations is recommended for better understanding and mitigation of air pollution challenges.

Top of Form

Background:

National Clean Air Program:

Conclusion: Indian cities face air quality challenges, showing insufficient progress towards National Clean Air Programme goals, necessitating strengthened monitoring and action.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III;

Subject: Economic Development 

Topic: effects on industrial growth

Issue: Trade Barriers.

Context: India’s commerce ministry forms a task force to address trade barriers faced by exporters abroad, aiming for greater market access.

Synopsis:

• Aim to enhance market access by tackling issues like lengthy registration requirements and unreasonable standards/rules.
• Focus on improving mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with different countries to align product standards with importing nations’ requirements.
• Emphasis on ensuring that global standards promote trade and don’t act as non-tariff barriers.
• Global Trade Research Initiative recommends India’s swift action on the removal of non-trade barriers for achieving the one trillion dollar outbound shipment target by 2030.
• Key Indian exports facing high barriers include chilies, tea, rice, meat, fish, and chemicals in various countries.
• Non-tariff measures (NTMs) like regulations, standards, and testing are identified as barriers when arbitrary and beyond scientific justification.

Background:

Conclusion: The Commerce ministry’s task force targets swift resolution of trade barriers for Indian exporters, promoting global trade and market access.

Source: Indian Express

Likely hike of 50% in FY25 Budget outlay for MGNREG (Indian Express).

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: Governance

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population.

Context: India plans a 50% increase in the 2024-25 budget for MGNREGS.

Issue: MGNREGA.

Synopsis:

• The Indian government is expected to allocate around Rs 90,000 crore for MGNREGS in the 2024-25 Budget, a 50% increase.
• The higher allocation aims to signal support for the rural employment scheme ahead of general elections.
• FY24 saw a lower provision of Rs 60,000 crore due to misappropriation concerns, leading to a supplementary grant.
• Initiatives to curb leakages include the mandatory Aadhaar-Based Payment System for wage payments and DBT, saving 10% on wages.
• The government is addressing corruption allegations, halting funds to West Bengal, and focusing on plugging leakages.
• Despite challenges, MGNREGS generated 2.45 billion person-days of work in FY24, with the potential to reach 2.94 billion by March.

Background

About MGNREGA.

• MGNREGA, launched in 2005, ensures 100 days of employment annually for rural households through unskilled manual work.
• As of 2022-23, it has 15.4 crore active workers.
• A legal right to work, addressing chronic poverty, mandates at least one-third of beneficiaries to be women.
• Wages align with state-specific minimum wages for agricultural laborers.
• A demand-driven scheme guarantees work within 15 days of request or provides an unemployment allowance.

Conclusion: India’s budget signals a robust 50% increase for MGNREGS, addressing past misappropriation concerns, and bolstering rural employment ahead of elections.

Source: Indian Express