December rang in a mild recovery in industrial output
Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: Economy
Topic: Indexes and reports.
Issue: Index of Industrial Production
Context: India’s industrial output showed a mild recovery in December 2023, increasing from 2.4% in November to 3.8%.
Prelims Connect:
| Index of Industrial Production (IIP):
1. Key indicator of industrial output trends over time. 2. Reflects relative change in production compared to a chosen base year. 3. Published monthly by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO). 4. Base year for India’s IIP series: 2011-12. 5. The current base year value is always set at 100. The National Statistical Office (NSO) prepares the index. Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI): 1. Measures performance of crucial sectors like Coal, Crude Oil, etc. 2. Provides early indication of production performance. 3. Compiled and released by the Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA), DIPP. 4. Influences both overall economic and industrial activities. |
Source: The Hindu
R.N. Ravi refuses to read the Governor’s address in T.N. Assembly
Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Polity
Topic: Legislature
Issue: State vs Governor
Context: The TN Governor refused to read govt’s address in the Assembly, which amounted to a Constitutional travesty’.
Articles in the News:
|
- Discussion Procedure:
- On the first day of discussion, a copy of the Governor’s Address is placed on the House table.
- The Speaker, in consultation with the Business Advisory Committee, allocates time for discussing the address’s content.
- A motion is moved by a member, seconded by another, expressing gratitude to the Governor for the Address.
- Members engage in a general discussion on administration and matters highlighted in the Address.
- Members have the option to propose amendments to the Motion of Thanks in a format approved by the Speaker
Source: The Hindu
SC finds States do not violate the Constitution in the appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers
Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Polity
Topic: Executive
Issue: Deputy Chief Minister.
Context: The Supreme Court stated that Deputy Chief Ministers are essentially state government ministers and their appointments are constitutional.
| Deputy Chief Minister:
· The position of Deputy Chief Minister is a not a constitutional one. · The appointment and removal of a Deputy CM are solely at the discretion of the Chief Minister. · The Chief Minister holds the authority to appoint multiple Deputy CMs if deemed necessary. · There is no fixed tenure for the Deputy Chief Minister as the Chief Minister holds the power to reshuffle portfolios or remove a Deputy CM at any point in time. |
Source: The Hindu
The Law Commission Report suggests creating an Epidemic Plan and Standard Operation Procedure to deal with future epidemics
Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Current Affairs
Topic: Indices & Reports .
Issue: Law Commission Report.
Context: The Law Commission stresses urgent legal reforms for future epidemics post-COVID-19. Critising Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, as outdated and insufficient for modern challenges.
- The immediate response to COVID-19 such as the imposition of a lockdown was invoked under the Disaster Management Act, 2005,
Key Recommendations:
- Advocates creating a coordinated Epidemic Plan and regular review, revision, and creation of Standard Operation Procedure (SOP).
- Epidemic Plan to include provisions for quarantine, surveillance, etc.
- Prioritizes citizen rights and privacy.
Prelims Connect:
| The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897:
It does not define “dangerous epidemic diseases.” It is a colonial-era law used to address outbreaks of diseases like swine flu, dengue, and cholera. It grants special provisions necessary for implementing containment measures during such outbreaks. Epidemic Diseases Act(Amendment) 2020 has made violence toward healthcare workers punishable by 7 years of imprisonment. |
Source: Indian Express
Qatar frees eight former Indian Navy men, PM will go to Doha Tomorrow
Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: International Relations
Topic: India’s relations with other nations.
Issue: India-Qatar.
Tags: #India-Qatar #Indianexpats#navy
Context: Eight former Indian Navy personnel who were sentenced to death in Qatar have been released. The Prime Minister’s visit to Qatar, participation in the World Government Summit, and the inauguration of a Hindu temple.
Prelims Connect:
| World Government Summit:
It is an annual event held in Dubai, UAE. The summit serves as a platform for world leaders, policymakers, and the private sector to exchange knowledge and discuss governmental processes. Objectives: · To explore technological innovations, share best government practices, and discuss sustainable development. · Interactive sessions focused on topics like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.Top of Form |
Source: Indian Express
As UPI launches in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, PM Modi calls it ‘uniting partners with India’
Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: International Relations
Topic: India and its neighbourhood.
Issue: UPI
Context: India launched UPI and RuPay card services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius on February 12, 2024.
Significance (+1 advantage for Mains)
| ü Digital connectivity among the three nations in the Indian Ocean region.
ü RuPay card services extension facilitates seamless transactions between the two countries. ü Promoting collaboration and connectivity. ü India’s “neighborhood first” policy, fostering peace, security, and development in the Indian Ocean region. ü India’s leadership in Fintech innovation and digital infrastructure. ü India’s efforts to export UPI and the RuPay network to other countries, promoting international partnerships. ü Enhances digital connectivity, fosters economic integration, and facilitates smoother transactions in the region. |
Source: Indian Express
Urban unemployment rate drops in Oct-Dec
Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: Economy
Topic: Unemployment & Issues.
Issue: Unemployment
Context: The trend of decreasing unemployment rates in urban areas has been consistent throughout 2023.
Terms in News:
| Worker-to-population ratio (WPR):
It measures the proportion of employed individuals within the working-age population (15-59), expressed as a percentage. It serves as a key indicator of labour market dynamics and unemployment levels. 1.Top of Form Labour force participation rate (LFPR): Aims to estimate key employment and unemployment indicators, including Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, and Unemployment Rate, in urban areas every three months using the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS). Additionally, it annually estimates these indicators in both rural and urban areas, considering both ‘Usual Status’ (principal status + subsidiary status) and CWS. |
Source: Mint
Daily Editorials
A global alliance to bridge the gender equity gap
Syllabus: GS -I
Subject: Society and Social Justice
Topic: Issues of women
Issue: The Alliance for Global Good
- India launched the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality.
India’s Progress with respect to Women:
- Female labor force participation has increased to 37%.
- 28% rise in higher education enrollment for women.
- The Women’s Reservation Bill ensures a third of parliamentary seats for women.
The Alliance for Global Good:
- Led by the CII Center for Women Leadership and supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- The alliance aims to drive collective action for women’s empowerment globally.
Opportunities for Collaboration:
- Industry worldwide can share and invest in programs, making inclusion a business conversation.
- This aligns with India’s ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas, Sabka Vikaas’.
A The real travesty: On the Governor of Tamil Nadu and the Governor’s address
Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Polity
Topic: Legislature
Issue: Governor vs State Government
Context: Tamil Nadu Governor refused to read out the customary address to the legislative assembly.
- The politicization of the Governor’s customary address to the legislature, undermines the importance of the process.
Governors role in legislature processes:
- Governors should refrain from obstructing elected governments’ statements.
- Instead they must give the opportunity to criticize the government to opposition and public scrutiny.
- Their duty isn’t to undermine but to uphold the dignity of their office impartially.
Source: The Hindu