Context: Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS): As per the Standing Committee Report on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), top five emerged companies being the leading providers of internship opportunities Breakdown of Interns by Gender and Age State wise Participation Challenges Identified in MCA Funding and Allocation Recommendations by the Parliamentary Panel
India’s Inward Remittances in FY24
Context: India’s inward remittances more than doubled from $55.6 billion in FY11 to $118.7 billion in FY24. Advanced Economies (AEs) US, UK, Singapore, Canada, and Australia accounted for 51.2% of total remittances in FY24, up from 34.2% in FY21. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain contributed 38% of India’s total inward remittances in FY24. Shift from GCC to Advanced Economies Country-Wise Remittance Breakdown (FY24 vs FY21) Country/Region Share in FY21 (%) Share in FY24 (%) United States 23.4 27.7 United Arab Emirates 18.0 19.2 United Kingdom 6.8 10.8 Singapore Not available 6.6 Canada Not available 3.8 Australia Not included in FY21 data 2.3 US: The Largest Remittance Source UAE: The Second-Largest Source Other Key Contributors Insights from RBI’s Survey Source: BS
India’s Monsoon Forecast
Context: India looks forward to the 2025 monsoon forecast for implications on agriculture, water resources, and economic stability. Will El Niño or La Niña rule the 2025 2026 season?Not to forget, El Niño and La Niña explained the high incidence of monsoon failing or surplus years to only 60 percent, but still remaining as great indications. Current ENSO Confusion: La Nina or Something Else? What Is the Dateline El Niño? The role that ENSO Transition Mode (ETM) Forecast for Summer and Autumn of 2025 Climate Change, Jet Streams, and Monsoon Complexity Hope, Uncertainty, and Preparation Yet, with the complexity of climate interactions and unprecedented heatwaves in early 2025, managing both expectations and risks remains a formidable challenge. India’s farmers and policymakers are left on edge, balancing hope with preparation amid climate uncertainty. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and global climate scientists continue working toward improving model accuracy.
Union Cabinet Approved â‚ą4,500 Crore Greenfield Highway Project
Context: The Union Cabinet, under the aegis of Prime Minister Modi, has cleared this project for construction of six lane access controlled greenfield high speed National Highway that would connect JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk over Maharashtra for a total investment worth â‚ą4,500 crore into a total length of approximately 29.219 km. The execution of this project will be as per Build Operate Transfer mode. Significance of the Highway Project
What Is the APAAR ID?
APAAR: Is It Mandatory? Concerns over Data Security How Is an APAAR ID Generated? How to Opt out? Key Concerns Moving Forward Source: TH
Why the Euro is Rising Against the Dollar
Source: The Indian Express Background of Recent Exchange Rate Movements Even small decimal shifts matter as trillions of dollars are exchanged daily. Why Did the Euro Fall Initially? Why is the Euro Now Reversing and Rising? Worsening US Economic Prospects Improving EU Economic Outlook Will the Trend Sustain? Impact on India In Short
Donald Trump Could Reshape the Fed, IMF, and World Bank
Background: Trump’s First Term Approach Shift in Strategy for Trump 2.0 World Bank and IMF Under Threat World Bank IMF Potential Consequences for the US Risks to the Federal Reserve Trump’s second term could mark a historic break from US leadership in international financial institutions. The Fed’s independence may face unprecedented threats. Global markets and US soft power would be significantly impacted if these scenarios unfold. Mint
The Federal Reserve System
The Federal Reserve System is the central banking system of the United States. It was created on December 23, 1913, with the enactment of the Federal Reserve Act.
Israel Conducts Ground Operation in Northern Gaza and Intensifies Air Strikes
Context: Israel announced that it had commenced limited ground operations in northern Gaza to regain the Netzarim corridor, a major strategic area that splits Gaza into two. The Israeli Defense Forces had previously withdrawn from this corridor as part of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in January. Escalating Concerns and Regional Dangers The intensified Israeli ground and air operations in Gaza present a sharp escalation in hostilities geared at strategic control and pressuring Hamas for hostage release. The rising civilian toll and the killing of UN personnel in Gaza reflect heavy casualties against a growing humanitarian disaster as the situation spirals downward.
Chinese UAV Activity Near Okinawa
Context: The recent appearance of Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) near Okinawa had raised alarms among the Japanese. They always tend to be perceived as far less threatening than a full fledged fighter aircraft. It is important for India to keep this operational dynamics in mind while developing its UAV defense strategy and border security policies. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard, controlled remotely or autonomously. They are used for various purposes, including military, civilian, and commercial applications. What are UAVs? Why Are UAVs Perceived as Less Threatening? International Instances of Engagement by Drones Increased UAV Employment Conjointly Risks Messages for India Future Steps for India in Managing UAV Threats Okinawa Island Okinawa is a Japanese island in the East China Sea. In Naha city, Shuri Castle is the rebuilt palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. One of several remaining Ryukyuan fortresses on Okinawa from the Gusuku period, it features the ornate gate of Shureimon.
