July 12, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Unprecedented Heavy Rainfall in North India | Explained
The recent heavy rainfall in northern India is part of a global trend of increasing extreme weather events linked to climate change. The interaction between the western disturbance and the southwest monsoon, along with rising temperatures and higher moisture content, has resulted in intense downpours over a short period. These extreme rainfall events have caused flash floods, landslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly in cities like Chandigarh, Ambala, and Delhi. Explore the need for proactive measures and collaboration to address the immediate and long-term effects of climate change
Highlights of the Day
1. Government Panel Recommends Higher Wages and Budgets for MGNREGA to Ensure Livelihoods
A government panel formed to review the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has recommended significant increases in wages and budgets. The panel suggests that wages should be competitive with the labor market rates to ensure workers earn a decent livelihood. The current budget allocation allows for only 70-80 days of work per year, falling short of the guaranteed 100 days. The panel proposes increasing the budget allocation for MGNREGA. It suggests an allocation of Rs 67,000 crore for labor alone and another Rs 40,000 crore for other costs in the current fiscal year. The panel also recommends revising wages based on the Consumer Price Index-Rural (CPI-R) and reassessing wages every five years. It suggests increasing the contribution of MGNREGA works in states that have performed poorly and implementing a decentralized approach. The panel emphasizes assessing ground reality, creating the necessary infrastructure, and improving administrative measures for effective implementation. The committee's objective was to analyze expenditure costs and governance issues and recommend changes to improve the scheme's impact on poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement [1].
2. 415 Million People Escaped Poverty in India in Just 15 Years, UN Report Reveals
India witnessed a significant reduction in poverty as 415 million people moved out of poverty within 15 years, according to the United Nations. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reveals that 25 countries, including India, successfully halved their global MPI values in the same timeframe. India's poverty incidence fell from 55.1% to 16.4%, with deprivation in various indicators declining. The report emphasizes the need for comprehensive data during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess the immediate poverty reduction prospects. While progress has been made, data collection and policy efforts are required to mitigate the pandemic's impacts on poverty and to ensure poverty reduction stays on track [2].
3. GST Council Streamlines Tax Rates and Compliance in 50th Meeting
In its 50th meeting, the GST Council made significant recommendations to streamline the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. One of the key recommendations was imposing a uniform tax rate of 28% on Casino, Horse Racing, and Online gaming activities. Additionally, the Council proposed the establishment of the GST Appellate Tribunal, which would come into effect from August 1, 2023. The Council also aimed to relieve patients by exempting cancer-related drugs, medicines for rare diseases, and food products for particular medical purposes from GST tax. Furthermore, the tax rates for certain items were proposed to be reduced from 18% to 5%, including uncooked snacks, fish soluble paste, LD slag, and imitation zari thread [3].
4. India Explores the Possibility of Building LNG Facilities in Iraq to Utilize Flared Natural Gas
India has initiated talks with Iraq to assess the feasibility of constructing liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities to utilize the flared natural gas in Iraq's oil and gas facilities. Iraq, one of the largest gas-flaring countries, lacks the infrastructure to capture and process the gas. The proposal was discussed during the India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting, aiming to convert the flared gas into LNG and transport it to India. As India heavily relies on gas imports and aims to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix, this opportunity could contribute to meeting the growing demand for natural gas in India. However, specific details regarding the Indian companies involved and the project timeline are yet to be disclosed [4].
5. Surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) Cases in Peru Raises Concerns about COVID-19 Link and Vaccines
The surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Peru has raised concerns about its connection to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Peru has declared a national health emergency due to increased GBS cases. GBS is a severe autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, causing weakness and paralysis. Viral infections or vaccinations can trigger the syndrome. While cases of GBS have been reported following COVID-19 infections and vaccinations, studies suggest that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the potential risks. Peru has reported many COVID-19 cases and deaths, with millions of vaccine doses administered [5].
Source: The Hindu | DownToEarth | PIB | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: In the context of multidimensional poverty, which of the following statements is correct about the Alkire-Foster Multidimensional Poverty Index (AF-MPI)?
A) AF-MPI measures poverty based on income levels alone.
B) AF-MPI incorporates indicators related to health, education, and living standards.
C) AF-MPI is primarily used to assess economic inequality within a country.
D) AF-MPI is exclusively used for global poverty measurement.
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):
It is an irregular oscillation of sea-surface temperatures.
It can affect the monsoon rainfall in the Indian subcontinent.
Positive IOD events are associated with below-average rainfall in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Q3: Which national park in India is known for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros?
A) Bandipur National Park
B) Kaziranga National Park
C) Periyar National Park
D) Ranthambore National Park
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding the Quit India Movement:
It was launched in response to the failure of the Cripps Mission.
Mahatma Gandhi gave the call for "Do or Die" during this movement.
The movement resulted in the arrest of several prominent leaders.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Q5: The concept of "Doctrine of Lapse" was introduced by:
A) Lord Dalhousie
B) Lord Canning
C) Lord Ripon
D) Lord Curzon
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the role of digital technology in transforming governance in India. Analyze the benefits, challenges, and impact of e-governance initiatives on citizen participation and accountability. (Word limit: 200 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
With reference to Indian Economy, Monetary Policy has been an important topic asked almost every year in UPSC prelims examination. Students are advised to have a proper understanding of monetary policy and associated terms.
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