UPSC Daily Current Affairs

WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT IN UNION BUDGET 2024

Jul 31, 2024

### Key Announcements: 1. Substantial Allocation for Women and Girls: - More than ₹3 lakh crore allocated for schemes benefiting women and girls. - Consideration for further lowering duties for properties purchased by women. 2. New Pension Scheme - ‘Vatsalya’: - A contributory pension scheme with contributions from parents and guardians. - Converts seamlessly into a regular National Pension System (NPS) accou... Read More...

EMISSION TARGETS FOR POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

Jul 30, 2024

### Key Announcements: 1. Emission Targets for Polluting Industries: - For the first time, the Budget speech has signaled that industries such as iron, steel, and aluminium will have to conform to emission targets rather than just energy efficiency targets. - A roadmap will be formulated to transition these industries from energy efficiency targets to emission targets. 2. Regulatory Changes: - The Budget proposes appropriate regulations for transitio... Read More...

Customs Duty Cut on Mobiles, Chargers & Components

Jul 30, 2024

### What: The Union government has announced a reduction in basic customs duties on mobile phones, chargers, and various electronic components as part of the Union Budget. ### Key Changes: 1. Reduction in Duties: - Mobile Phones and Chargers: Duties reduced from 20% to 15%. - Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs): Duties reduced from 20% to 15%. - Oxygen Free Copp... Read More...

CLEAN ENERGY SCHEMES IN UNION BUDGET 2024-25

Jul 30, 2024

### Key Highlights: 1. Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna: - Objective: Provide subsidized rooftop solar installations to one crore households. - Allocation: Nearly ₹10,000 crore, more than double the ₹4,970 crore spent last year. - Benefits: Offers 300 units of free electricity per household. - Cost to Households: Households pay a minimum of ₹20,000 depending on the power capacity, which can be defrayed by a low-interest, collater... Read More...

INTRODUCTION:

Jul 30, 2024

India’s journey as the first country to mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by law has significantly impacted social and economic development over the past decade. This law requires companies meeting certain profitability criteria to allocate 2% of their average net profits over the preceding three years to social responsibility initiatives. SUMMARY: • CSR Evolution: Since its inception in April 2014, CSR in India has evolved from voluntary efforts to a strategic approach alig... Read More...

NATIONAL CRITICAL MINERALS MISSION

Jul 30, 2024

The introduction of the National Critical Minerals Mission is set to address the entire supply chain of critical minerals, from domestic production to recycling, in line with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India). This mission is pivotal in ensuring that India has the necessary resources to drive its clean energy goals and reduce dependency on imports. MISSION OBJECTIVES 1. Supply Chain Management: - The mission aims to streamline the supply chain of critical min... Read More...

UNION BUDGET 2024-25

Jul 30, 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 reaffirms its commitment to empowering citizens, especially the poor and marginalized. Building on the foundation laid since 2014, this budget focuses on strengthening the abilities of all Indians to seize opportunities in the journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). This year’s budget demonstrates a strong resolve to boost employment, enhance skilling initiatives, support MSMEs, and uplift the middle class. Furthermore, it outlines nine key priorities that encompass critical areas from agriculture to next-generation reforms. These priorities refl... Read More...

PRADHAN MANTRI JANJATIYA UNNAT GRAM ABHIYAN

Jul 30, 2024

1. What is the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan? • It is a government initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities in India. 2. What is the goal of this scheme? • The scheme aims to provide comprehensive support to tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts through a saturation approach. 3. How many villages will be covered under this... Read More...

DECLINE IN INDIAN PASSPORT RANKING

Jul 30, 2024

1. What is the current status of the Indian passport on the Henley Passport Index? • As of July 2024, the Indian passport ranks 82nd on the Henley Passport Index, down from 80th earlier this year, offering visa-free access to only 58 destinations. 2. Why are wealthy Indians seeking to move out of India? • Wealthy Indians are seeking global investment migration opportunities to enhance their travel freedom, secure better educational prospects for their children... Read More...

MANGROVES AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Jul 30, 2024

FAQs: 1. What are mangroves? • Mangroves are coastal forests found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones where saltwater and freshwater mix. 2. Why are mangroves referred to as the “green lungs” of the coast? • Mangroves are called the “green lungs” because they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and act as ... Read More...

ISRO’S HYPERSONIC TEST

Jul 30, 2024

1. What is a scramjet engine? • A scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) engine is a type of air-breathing engine that uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, significantly reducing the need to carry oxidizers onboard. It operates efficiently at high speeds (Mach 5 and above). 2. Why is ISRO developing scramjet technology? • ISRO aims to reduce the size and cost of launch vehicles, increase payload capacity, and facilitate cheaper access to space. Scramjets o... Read More...

India's Green Initiatives in Budget 2024-25

Jul 30, 2024

FAQs: 1. What priority does climate change have in the 2024 Budget? Energy security is one of nine Budget priorities, reflecting increased commitment to climate change. 2. How much has the allocation for renewable energy increased? The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy's allocation increased by 60%, from ₹12,850 crore to ₹19,100 crore. 3. What is the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yoja... Read More...

Migration in Europe: Myths and Realities

Jul 30, 2024

FAQs: 1. Is migration a new phenomenon in Europe? No, Europe was historically a region of net out-migration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. 2. Has there been a sudden rise in global migration? No, the percentage of migrants as a share of world population has remained stable at 3% from 1960 to 2017. 3. What's new about current migration patterns? The flow has ch... Read More...

Introduction to Article 361 of the Indian Constitution

Jul 30, 2024

Article 361 provides immunity to the President of India and Governors of states from certain legal proceedings during their term of office. This article aims to protect these high constitutional functionaries from potential harassment and ensure they can perform their duties without fear of legal repercussions. Key provisions of Article 361: 1. Immunity from court proceedings: The President and Governors are not answerable to any court for acts done in the exercise of their official powers and duties. 2. Criminal proceedings: Read More...

Urban Development & Housing in India: Union Budget 2024-25

Jul 30, 2024

DEFINITION AND DIFFERENCES 1. Urbanisation: - Definition: The process by which an increasing percentage of a country's population comes to live in urban areas. - Growth Rate: In India, the urban population is growing at a steady pace of 2% to 2.5% annually. 2. Housing Schemes: - Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): Provides housing for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) a... Read More...