12-January-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

DIRECT TAX KITTY CROSSES 80% OF 2023-24 TARGET

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

India’s net direct tax collections have surpassed 80% of the target for the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching ₹14.7 lakh crore by January 10. This growth of 19.4% over the same period last year demonstrates a steady uptrend in provisional direct tax collection                                          

Key Points:

• Gross Collections: Gross direct tax collections have risen by 16.77% to ₹17.18 lakh crore, primarily driven by a substantial 26.11% increase in Personal Income Tax (PIT) inflows.
• Corporate Income Tax (CIT): CIT collections grew at a more subdued pace of 8.32%, leading to a net growth in CIT collections of 12.37% after the adjustment of refunds.
• Net Direct Tax Collection Growth: The net direct tax collection has increased by ₹1 lakh crore since December 17, surpassing ₹13.7 lakh crore.
• Budget Estimates: The current collection of ₹14.7 lakh crore constitutes 80.61% of the total budget estimates of direct taxes for the financial year 2023-24.

Conclusion:

India’s robust direct tax collections, with expectations of exceeding budget estimates, signify a positive economic outlook. The government’s focus on improving compliance and the anticipated growth in corporate profitability contribute to optimistic projections, supporting personal income tax inflows and widening the tax base. This trend aligns with a positive economic trajectory and fiscal health.

 

 

MINORITIES’ RIGHT TO ESTABLISH, ADMINISTER INSTITUTIONS WAS NOT TO MAKE THEM INSULAR: SC

GS 3 (SOCIETY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Supreme Court clarified that the right granted to religious and linguistic minorities under Article 30(1) of the Constitution to establish and manage educational institutions was not intended to isolate them. The observations came during a hearing related to the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Key Points:

Ghettoisation Not Intended:

• Article 30(1) doesn’t aim to “ghettoise” minorities; instead, it upholds their right to establish educational institutions without isolating them.
• The minority character remains intact even if administrators from other communities, including the majority group, are chosen.

Discretion in Administration:

• Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that Article 30 allows minorities the discretion to select administrators for their educational institutions.
• There’s no mandate that only members of the particular minority community should administer the institution.

Genesis Determines Minority Character:

• The AMU’s minority character should be understood based on its origin, funding, and efforts by the minority community, as per submissions by Kapil Sibal, representing AMU Old Boys’ Association.

Historical Context – 1967 Case:

• Referring to the 1967 S. Azeez Basha versus Union of India case, which declared AMU as a central university, the context of AMU’s national character was highlighted.

Centre’s Stand:

• The Centre argued that AMU, due to its “national character,” cannot be categorized as a minority institution.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s stance emphasizes that the establishment of minority educational institutions does not imply creating isolated enclaves. The discretion granted under Article 30 allows minorities to choose administrators freely, maintaining the institution’s minority character.

AGNIPATH SCHEME WAS BROUGHT AFTER CONSULTATIONS: ARMY CHIEF

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

In a recent press conference, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande addressed various issues concerning the Indian Army, including the Agnipath scheme and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The General emphasized the importance of local support in conflict zones and reiterated the Army’s commitment to zero tolerance for human rights violations. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Local Engagement and Human Rights:

Rajouri-Poonch Sector Concerns:

• Acknowledged concerns in the Rajouri-Poonch sector and highlighted the high attrition rate among Army personnel.
• Emphasized the crucial role of local support and engagement with the community in conflict zones.

Zero Tolerance for Human Rights Violations:

• General Pande reiterated the Army’s commitment to zero tolerance for human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Addressed recent allegations of civilian deaths in Army custody and assured adherence to guidelines to maintain professionalism.

Measures for Improving Situation:

Strengthening Human Intelligence:

• Noted measures to strengthen the Army’s human intelligence network and outreach to the local population.
• Increased deployment and reorientation of units in conflict areas.

Enhancing Technical Intelligence:

• Highlighted efforts to enhance technical intelligence, including communication capabilities and better synergy with other agencies and police forces.

Agnipath Scheme:

Acceptability and Challenges:

• Declined to comment on predecessor’s surprise about the Agnipath scheme.
• Indicated positive acceptance and integration of Agniveers (recruits under Agnipath), acknowledging challenges in training and policy alignment.

Operational Status:

• Stated that the Agniveers’ integration is progressing well, with challenges at the tactical level requiring policy adjustments.
• Highlighted the high operational preparedness along the northern border with China.

Conclusion:

General Manoj Pande’s statements underscore the Army’s commitment to addressing challenges in conflict zones, ensuring respect for human rights, and the ongoing implementation and evolution of strategic initiatives like the Agnipath scheme. The Army Chief also provided insights into the operational readiness along the northern border and the impact of activities in Myanmar on the Indian border.

TEA ASSOCIATION OF INDIA WARNS OF RETURN TO ‘DARK PHASE’ FOR INDUSTRY

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Indian tea industry, a significant player globally, is facing challenges reminiscent of a challenging period two decades ago. The sector is grappling with various issues impacting its market dynamics and overall sustainability.

Challenges Faced by Tea Industry:

• Cost Escalation: Vital input costs surged by 9-15% over the last decade, outpacing the modest 4% rise in tea prices. This cost-price dissonance poses a financial challenge for tea producers.
• Demand-Supply Gap: A widening gap between tea demand and supply, posing a threat to market stability. The sector faces the challenge of aligning production with market needs.
• Quality vs. Affordability: The compromise in tea quality to make it more affordable for consumers. Balancing quality standards while meeting affordability demands.
• Export Uncertainty: Stagnation and uncertainty in tea exports impact the global market presence. Addressing challenges related to global trade dynamics.

Steps Taken to Address Challenges:

Community Initiatives:

• Formation of Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) facilitated by the Tea Board.
• Encouraging entrepreneurship through the establishment of mini tea factories.

Price Regulation Measures:

• Implementation of Price Sharing Formula through tendering for green leaves, ensuring fair returns for manufacturers and growers.
• Enhancement of Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoTDEP) to support tea exports.

Technological Intervention:

• Introduction of the “Chai Sahyog” mobile app aimed at improving price realization and market connectivity.

Tea Industry in India:

• Global Standing: India ranks as the second-largest tea producer, the largest black tea producer, and the fourth-largest tea exporter globally.
• Employment and Production: The industry employs 1.16 million workers directly, with Small Tea Growers contributing around 52% of the total production.
• Regional Significance: Assam, contributing about 55% to the total tea production, plays a pivotal role in the industry.

Conclusion:

While the Indian tea industry faces challenges reminiscent of a historical downturn, strategic measures initiated by the Tea Board and industry stakeholders aim to revive and sustain this vital sector. The focus remains on addressing cost dynamics, ensuring quality, and enhancing global competitiveness to secure a robust future for the tea industry in India.

DENMARK ANNOUNCES ALLIANCE ON GREEN FUELS IN INDIA

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Denmark has unveiled the Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) initiative, a pivotal component of the Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) established in 2020 between India and Denmark. This initiative is geared towards fostering sustainable energy growth in India, emphasizing collaboration among various stakeholders from both nations.

Goals and Significance:

• Collaborative Sustainability: The primary objective is to strengthen collaboration in sustainable energy solutions, bringing together businesses, government entities, and research institutions from India and Denmark.
• Carbon Neutrality: The GFAI aims to advance joint goals towards achieving carbon neutrality, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
• Renewable Energy Production: By enabling renewable energy production in India, the initiative contributes to India’s ambition to become a global leader in the green energy value chain.
• Net Zero Emissions: The GFAI plays a crucial role in accelerating the timeline for achieving net zero emissions by 2070, a critical milestone in environmental sustainability.
• Innovation and Collaboration: The initiative seeks to foster innovation, collaboration, and partnerships among firms, businesses, and government bodies in both India and Denmark.

Other Similar Initiatives by India:

• S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership: A collaborative effort with the United States to advance clean energy solutions.
• Green/Clean Hydrogen India and Saudi Arabia: Partnership focusing on green hydrogen production for sustainable energy.
• India-Australia Green Hydrogen Taskforce: Joint efforts with Australia to explore and promote green hydrogen technology.
• Global Biofuels Alliance: A coalition formed by Brazil, India, and the United States to promote biofuels globally.
• Quad’s Climate Working Group: A collaboration within the Quad framework addressing clean energy challenges.

Conclusion:

Denmark’s Green Fuels Alliance India initiative aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable and green energy solutions. These collaborations play a crucial role in addressing global climate concerns and fostering a collective effort towards a greener and more sustainable future. The GFAI stands as a testament to international partnerships working towards shared environmental goals.

WORLD EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL OUTLOOK TRENDS 2024

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), the sole tripartite UN agency founded in 1919, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

• ILO released a report highlighting the substantial deterioration of the macroeconomic environment in 2023.
• Despite a global economic slowdown, the growth was slightly higher than expected. A notable trend was the decline in real wages in the majority of G20 nations, primarily attributed to inflation.
• ILO, known for major reports like the Global Wage Report and World of Work Report, continues to play a crucial role in addressing labor-related challenges on a global scale.

DRISHTI 10 STARLINER

GS 2 (SECURITY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Indian Navy has introduced Drishti 10 Starliner, the country’s first indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

• Functioning as an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, this Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV boasts a 450 kg payload capacity.
• It stands out as the sole all-weather military platform with NATO’s STANAG 4671 certifications for UAV system airworthiness, incorporating over 60% indigenous content.
• Drishti 10 Starliner is a significant addition to the Navy’s capabilities, enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and bolstering efforts in anti-piracy and seaborne missions.