July 11, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
India's Demographic Dividend | Explained
Explore the challenges and opportunities associated with India's demographic dividend in this insightful blog. Discover how India's large and youthful population plays a substantial role in shaping global demographics and holds immense potential for economic growth and development. Dive into the concept of the demographic dividend and understand its implications for accelerated economic progress.
Highlights of the Day
1. India's Direct Tax Collections Surge
The direct tax collections in India have increased significantly in the past month, with net inflows rising by 15.9% to ₹4.75 lakh crore by July 9. This surge in collections has helped the government meet more than 26% of its target for the current fiscal year. Gross direct taxes have also grown by 14.65% to ₹5.17 lakh crore during the same period. Refunds totaling ₹42,000 crore have been issued from April 1 to July 9, which is 2.55% higher than the previous year. The budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 aims to collect a little over ₹18.23 lakh crore in direct taxes, representing a 9.75% increase compared to the previous fiscal year's collection of ₹16.61 lakh crore [1].
2. Ministry of Education Releases Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) Report
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education, has released the Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) combined report for 2020-21 & 2021-22. This index assesses the performance of the school education system at the district level and provides a comprehensive analysis. The PGI-D is designed to grade the performance of all districts in school education based on 83 indicators across six categories. It aims to help state education departments identify gaps at the district level and improve performance in a decentralized manner. The PGI-D grades districts into ten categories, with the highest achievable grade being Daksh and the lowest grade being Akanshi-3. The objective of the PGI-D is to prioritize areas for intervention and improve the overall performance of districts in school education [2].
3. G20 Culture Working Group Meeting Sets Guinness World Record with Spectacular Lambani Embroidery Showcase
The G20 culture working group (CWG) meeting in Hampi witnessed the creation of a Guinness world record for the 'largest display of Lambani items'. Over 450 Lambani women artisans created embroidered patches with Sandur Lambani embroidery, showcasing 1,755 patchwork pieces. The exhibition, titled 'Threads of Unity,' celebrates the aesthetic expressions of Lambani embroidery and promotes traditional sustainable practices in India. The craft preserves living heritage and supports women's economic independence. The Lambani embroidery is known for its colorful threads, mirror-work, and stitch patterns. The initiative aligns with the promotion of cultural and creative industries and the creative economy. The G20 CWG meeting aims to foster consensus on action-oriented recommendations and integrate culture into policymaking [3].
4. North India Battling Devastating Rains: Army and NDRF Ramp Up Relief Operations
Heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in North India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, prompting the Army and NDRF teams to intensify relief and rescue operations. Multiple NDRF teams have been deployed across the affected states. The Army successfully rescued students and others from a flooded private university in Punjab. Rivers, including the Yamuna in Delhi, are overflowing, leading to widespread flooding of roads and residential areas. The excessive rainfall has put a strain on the region's civic infrastructure [4].
5. L&T Collaborates with Navantia for India's Navy P75 Submarine Project
Engineering conglomerate L&T has signed a Teaming Agreement with Spain's Navantia to participate in India's Navy P75 (India) submarine project. The project aims to procure six advanced diesel-electric submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion. L&T will submit a techno-commercial bid and collaborate with Navantia for the submarines' design based on its S80 class. The submarine program is valued at over Euro 4.8 billion and falls under India's Strategic Partnership model for defense acquisition. The partnership also extends to other military programs and green energy opportunities, including offshore wind projects [5].
Source: The Hindu | PIB | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The objectives mentioned in the Preamble include:
A) Establishing a socialist economy.
B) Ensuring religious uniformity.
C) Promoting scientific advancements.
D) Securing social, economic, and political justice.
Q2: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is headed by:
A) Prime Minister of India
B) President of India
C) Home Minister of India
D) Chief Minister of Delhi
Q3: Which of the following is true regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)?
A) MGNREGA aims to provide universal basic income to all rural households in India.
B) It is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented across all states and union territories of India.
C) The program exclusively focuses on creating employment opportunities for skilled workers in rural areas.
D) MGNREGA guarantees a fixed monthly salary to rural households regardless of the number of days worked.
Q4: Which of the following national parks in India is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A) Jim Corbett National Park
B) Hemis National Park
C) Nagarhole National Park
D) Great Himalayan National Park
Q5: Which of the following accurately describes the concept of "Monetary Policy" in the Indian economy?
A) It refers to the actions taken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to regulate the money supply and interest rates.
B) It focuses on government policies related to taxation and public spending.
C) It involves the regulation of foreign exchange rates and international trade.
D) It pertains to policies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and industrial development.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the impact of changing weather patterns and excessive rainfall on the environment and society. How can these challenges be addressed effectively? Illustrate your answer with relevant examples. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
With reference to Indian Polity, the Preamble to the Constitution of India has been a major area of question in prelims examinations. Students are advised to have an in-depth understanding of the preamble.
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