February 26, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
GeM | Explained
Government e-Marketplace or GeM is an online platform for federal and state government agencies in India to acquire products and services. The portal was created based on the recommendations of Group of Secretaries made to Hon’ble Prime Minister. The Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals along with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has created and piloted the Government E-Marketplace. The major goal of the GeM site is to improve openness and efficiency in governmental procurement and employment. The seller and buyer can buy and sell their products to the government by registering on this portal, It was launched in 2016 It is under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Highlights of the Day
1.India Claims Significant Reduction in Poverty to Below 5%: NITI Aayog Survey
NITI Aayog CEO, BVR Subrahmanyam, claims that poverty in India has dropped to below 5%, based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey conducted between August 2022 and July 2023. The survey indicates a 2.5 times increase in consumption in both rural and urban areas. Urban households' monthly per capita consumption expenditure rose by 33.5% to ₹3,510, and rural India saw a significant 40.42% increase to ₹2,008. The survey suggests a change in spending patterns, with rural households allocating less than 50% of their expenditure to food. The urban-rural consumption divide has reportedly narrowed from 91% in 2004-05 to 71% in 2022-23[1].
2.Uttarakhand to Introduce Property Damage Recovery Bill Following Haldwani Violence
Uttarakhand plans to introduce the Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill in its upcoming Budget session, following similar moves by Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The proposed legislation aims to recover losses from individuals involved in damaging public and government properties during protests and strikes. A tribunal, led by a retired judge, will investigate charges against identified accused parties, issuing orders for damage recovery after discussions with affected parties. The decision follows recent violence in Haldwani, where a mosque and madrasa demolition led to fatalities and injuries. The Chief Minister pledges to recover damages caused during the violence from those involved[2].
3. Thiruvananthapuram's Attukal Pongala Festival Illuminates City in Celebration
The Attukal Pongala festival in Thiruvananthapuram sees a vibrant celebration as Chief Priest Goshala Vishnu Vasudevan Namboodiri lights the hearth. Known as the "Sabarimala of women," it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest congregation of women. Thousands participate in preparing offerings, including the Pongala payasam, marking the festival's conclusion after a 10-day ritual at the Attukal Devi Temple. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor and other political figures attend the event. Despite morning drizzles causing concern, the festival proceeds joyfully, showcasing the city's festive spirit[3].
4. Ancient Badami Chalukya Temples and Inscription Unearthed in Telangana
Archaeologists in Nalgonda, Telangana, discovered two ancient temples dating back to the Badami Chalukyan period, estimated to be at least 1,300 years old. The temples exhibit a blend of Badami Chalukyan and Kadamba Nagara architectural influences. Despite their age, the structures have remarkably endured, with findings including a panavattam in one temple's sanctum and a Vishnu idol in another. The discovery also features an inscription, labeled as 'Gandaloranru,' dating back to the 8th or 9th century, providing insights into the historical context of the region. Dr. Srinivasan, from Telugu University, deems the finding significant for understanding religious practices during the Badami Chalukyan period[4].
5. India to Advocate Permanent Solution on Food Stockholding at WTO Meeting
India aims to address the issue of public stockholding for food security at the World Trade Organization (WTO) meet in Geneva starting June 12. Led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the 12th ministerial conference will also discuss agricultural subsidies and the World Food Programme. India seeks a permanent solution, proposing amendments to calculate the food subsidy cap and the inclusion of post-2013 programs under the 'Peace Clause.' The Peace Clause, established in 2013, prevents challenges to a developing nation's breach of the prescribed subsidy ceiling until a permanent solution is reached for the food stockpiling issue[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: With reference to the Indian economy, what are the advantages of “Inflation-Indexed Bonds (IIBs)”?
1. The government can reduce the coupon rates on its borrowing by way of IIBs.
2. IIBs provide protection to investors from uncertainty regarding inflation.
3. The interest received as well as capital gains on IIBs are not taxable.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding population trends:
1. The decennial Census in India has been continuously postponed by the Union government since the year 1881.
2. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropping below 2 in 2020 signifies a halt in the 20th century's population growth.
a) Both statements are true.
b) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
c) Statement 1 is false, but statement 2 is true.
d) Both statements are false.
Q3: The 'Walker Circulation' is associated with the atmospheric circulation over which ocean?
a) Indian Ocean
b) Atlantic Ocean
c) Pacific Ocean
d) Southern Ocean
Q4: The Köppen climate classification system uses which of the following criteria to classify climates?
a) Temperature and humidity
b) Precipitation and temperature
c) Wind patterns and altitude
d) Latitude and longitude
Q5: The 'Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW)' in India is calculated by:
a) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
b) Ministry of Labour and Employment
c) Reserve Bank of India
d) Planning Commission of India (NITI Aayog)
.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the role and impact of Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in transforming public procurement processes in India. Evaluate its effectiveness in promoting transparency, supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and contributing to the 'Make in India' initiative. Highlight the challenges faced by GeM and suggest measures for its further enhancement in becoming a comprehensive solution for government procurement.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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