Daily Current Affairs

END OF PETRODOLLAR? WE WOULDN’T HOLD OUR BREATH  TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU  In the past decade, both Western and Eastern countries have shifted towards self-sufficient economic and political policies, moving away from a previously global approach. This shift has sparked debates about the future of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve

NHRC ISSUES NOTICES TO CENTRE, T.N. GOVT. OVER RECRUITMENT PRACTICES AT FOXCONN  TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns over alleged discrimination against married women by Foxconn, a major Apple device manufacturer, at its Sriperumbudur iPhone assembly plant.  NHRC issued a notice to:  Secretary,

MIXED SIGNALS  TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS  The industrial output data for May from India's eight core infrastructure sectors indicate a slowdown, primarily due to a severe heatwave. This has impacted various sectors differently, highlighting the need for focused policy interventions.  Core Sectors Performance:  Growth: Coal and electricity generation saw significant growth, expanding

KERALA VILLAGE COMPILES IN-DEPTH BIODIVERSITY REGISTER  TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The People's Biodiversity Register (PBR) is a comprehensive documentation of the biodiversity present within a specific local body such as a grama panchayat, municipality, or corporation. It involves the identification of resources, discoveries, traditional knowledge, ongoing changes, and the impact

RED FLAGS RAISED OVER SILVER IMPORTS FROM UAE THROUGH GIFT CITY  TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The bullion market in India is experiencing significant disruptions due to the consolidation of silver imports by a few private players. This shift is causing concern about potential revenue losses for the government and the integrity of

INDIGENOUS HPV VACCINE, THE RHETORIC AND THE REALITY  TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU  India's public health has recently focused on HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. Concerns arise over the lack of competing vaccines, high costs, and overall affordability.  Lack of Competing Vaccines  The absence of other domestic HPV vaccines affects

INDIA TO RATIFY HIGH SEAS TREATY: WHAT IS THE AGREEMENT — AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Indian government has announced its intention to sign and ratify the High Seas Treaty, a significant international agreement aimed at maintaining the ecological health of oceans. The treaty focuses on reducing

WHAT IS A DIVORCED MUSLIM WOMAN’S RIGHT TO MAINTENANCE UNDER THE CRPC? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Supreme Court of India recently reaffirmed that Muslim women are entitled to seek maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), a secular legislation, even after divorce under religious personal

FUTURE INVESTMENTS IN INDIA’S EV SPACE  TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The Indian government is considering extending its electric vehicle (EV) policy to include retrospective benefits.   This move aims to enhance local manufacturing, technology adoption, and competitiveness in the Indian EV industry, stimulating investment and reducing costs.  Revised Policy Overview  Extension of Benefits:

DEREGULATING NON-SUBSIDISED FERTILISERS  TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS  The Indian fertiliser industry is advocating for the deregulation of non-subsidised fertilisers as an initial step towards the deregulation of politically sensitive urea and nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) schemes. This move is supported by the successful model of water-soluble fertilisers.  Current Scenario  Price Control:

RESTORING A VERDICT  TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The recent by-polls held on July 10, with results announced on July 13, showcased a significant political shift across seven states in India. The outcomes reflect public sentiment towards opportunistic defections and the performance of major political parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR PETITIONS AGAINST PASSING LAWS AS MONEY BILLS  TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has decided to list petitions challenging the classification of certain contentious amendments as Money Bills. This decision responds to criticisms of the central government’s use

KARNATAKA BILL MANDATING 50% QUOTA FOR LOCALS IN MANAGEMENT POSITIONS  TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a significant legislative measure to ensure local representation in industrial employment.   This bill aims to prioritize local candidates in management and non-management positions within various establishments across the state.  Key Provisions

INTERGENERATIONAL EQUITY AS TAX DEVOLUTION CRITERION  TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The distribution of Union tax revenue among States is a crucial and debated topic. The Finance Commission (FC) revisits this distribution formula every five years, prioritizing equity to ensure fair resource allocation among States.  Intergenerational Fiscal Equity  Definition: Ensures equal opportunities and

OVER 800 ELEPHANTS DIED IN KERALA IN 8 YEARS  TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU  Between 2015 and 2023, Kerala's forests saw 845 elephant deaths, showing an increasing trend over time. This alarming data is from an elephant population estimation in the state's four elephant reserves.  Key Findings  Increase in Mortality Rates: Younger elephants,

LIVING IN DENIAL ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT  TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The discussion on unemployment in India highlights conflicting reports and methodologies used by various institutions, creating confusion about the true extent of unemployment. The governments narrative and data from rbi, citigroup, and cmie present diverse perspectives.  Conflicting Data Sources  KLEMS data: Recently cited

GUIDELINES ON AMOEBIC BRAIN INFECTION ISSUED BY KERALA TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU In response to the recent cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala, the State's Health Department has issued technical guidelines to address the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare but fatal infection. Recent Cases and Causative Organisms Reported

A GREEN WEALTH TAX IN BUDGET 2024  TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU  The Indian government is set to introduce a green wealth tax in the Budget 2024, aimed at addressing critical issues such as unemployment and inequality.   This initiative, part of the Indian Green Deal (IGD), seeks to leverage wealth tax revenues to

UNION BUDGET 2024-2025 Concept of Budget A budget is an annual financial plan detailing expected income and expenditures over a specific period, typically one year. It serves as a strategic tool for managing financial resources, guiding economic decisions, and setting financial goals. Objectives of a Budget Resource Allocation: Ensures efficient use of available resources to

BUDGET 2024: LONG ON INTENT, SHORT ON DETAILS TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The 2024 Budget presented by the Union Finance Minister focuses on three main aspects: intentions and vision for "Vikist Bharat@2047", addressing unemployment, and specific initiatives for generating employment. However, it lacks specific details on how these goals will be achieved.

STATES HAVE UNLIMITED RIGHT TO TAX MINERAL-RICH LANDS: SC TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment, has upheld the states' unlimited right to tax mineral-rich lands. This ruling reinforces the principle of fiscal federalism, emphasizing the autonomy of state legislatures to levy taxes on