Context: An analysis of the earnings data for salaried workers, casual labourers, and self-employed persons from Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reports shows that when adjusted for inflation, wages for salaried workers in India have stagnated since 2019. Tackling Obesity in India Background Food Labelling and Advertisement Dilemmas Flawed Labelling System Problems of INR System Weak Advertising Regulations Recommendations: The Way Forward Source: The Hindu
China’s Deflation Crisis
Why in News? Even though policymakers in Beijing may be putting up a sanguine show, not all is well with China’s economy. Its latest official data reveals that prices in China fell 0.7% from a year earlier in February, marking the first time in more than a year that the economy is in the grip of deflation. Economic Indicators Signaling Deflation What is Deflation? Impact of Deflation Positive Effects Negative Effects Why Deflation is a Concern China’s Policy Response China’s Delicate Balancing Act UPSC Prelims PYQ Q. Which one of the following statements is an appropriate description of deflation? (2010) (a) It is a sudden fall in the value of a currency against other currencies (b) It is persistent recession in both the financial and real sectors of economy (c) It is persistent fall in the general price level of goods and services (d) It is a fall in the rate of inflation over a period of time Ans: (c) Source: Mint
US Economic Outlook & Trump’s Trade Policies (2025)
Policy Indecision & Market Confusion Rising Tension Surrounding the Imminent Recession Market Sentiment Transition Response of Trump to Recession Risks Global & Industry Effects The rising potential for recession in the US economy increases as Trump’s trade policies continue to usher uncertainty. Markets are adjusting completely to new economic expectations, and businesses must prepare themselves for effects that may take place as far as a downturn goes.
India on Tariff Reduction Claims by the US
Context: The Indian government denied making any commitment on a tariff reduction in the face of US President Donald Trump’s assertion. Discussions continue since India wants an extended time frame until September 2025 to negotiate the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Selective Tariff Reductions Possible India’s Trade with the US is Different Than With Canada and Mexico Challenges Against US Claims Inputs Made to the Parliamentary Panel In its negotiations, India stands steadfast to pursue its terms, keeping in mind the protection of strategic sectors like dairy. Despite the pressure from the US, India would insist that tariff reductions would be bilaterally negotiated, and there is no confirmed deadline of April 2.
India U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)
Context: On February 13, 2025, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, the two nations agreed to start negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025.While the details regarding the scope and provisions of the BTA remain vague, it contemplates the BTA to have a multisector perspective rather than to be one primarily oriented toward the liberalization of trade, a feature of the FTA.The agreement would be bilaterally permissible under WTO trade laws, and with respect to India and the U.S., both being members of WTO, especially the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), whatever concerns compliance with WTO trade laws. Key Legal Considerations Under WTO Law Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Principle & Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Interim Agreements Under GATT The Enabling Clause: Preferential treatment for developing countries Challenges & Compliance with WTO Law The India U.S. BTA will have to be drawn up strictly with a view to WTO conformity as an FTA or at least as a genuine interim agreement. Any selective reductions involved without adherence to the standards set out by the WTO may trigger the legal challenges raised against these reductions.
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 9&10 March, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz9&10 March, 2025 International Affairs 1. OIC’s Rejections Against Trump’s Gaza Takeover Plan Context: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has officially accepted an Arab League backed counter proposal to the controversial American proposal for Gaza by President Donald Trump. It signals the regional resistance to external control over Gaza and heralds an alternate view led by Arab states. Key Developments OIC Endorsing the Arab League Plan Rejection of Trump’s Proposal Strategic & Diplomatic Implication Regional Unity against U.S. & Israeli Proposals U.S. and Israeli Opposition to the Arab Plan Financial/Political Challenges in Rebuilding Gaza What is Next? This move by the OIC signifies a very harsh geopolitical stance against U.S. proposals for Gaza. However, gaining broad international support and political intricacies such as the role of Hamas with the plan will be key challenges in actualizing the Arab League plan. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), formerly the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1969.[1] It consists of 57 member states, 48 of which are Muslim-majority. 2. India-Mauritius Relations Context: PM Modi will visit Mauritius (March 11-12, 2025) as the Guest of Honour for its Independence Day celebrations on March 12. Political Context Historical & Cultural Ties Economic & Trade Relations Maritime Security & Strategic Cooperation Outlook India-Mauritius ties must remain a strong and stable anchor in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape. Source: TH 3. India Raises Concerns Over Pakistan’s Investment in NDB Context: IMF is conducting its first review of a $7 billion bailout granted to Pakistan in 2023. India has previously abstained from voting on Pakistan’s IMF loan requests but took a stricter stance in January 2024. India urged the IMF to ensure “stringent monitoring” of funds provided to Pakistan to prevent diversion towards defense spending or external debt repayment. Pakistan’s Plan to Invest in NDB India’s Objection & Concerns India’s Prior Stand on Pakistan’s IMF Loans Implications & Next Steps This development adds another layer to India-Pakistan tensions and raises questions about Pakistan’s financial strategy amid its ongoing economic crisis. New Development Bank (NDB) The New Development Bank (NDB), formerly referred to as the BRICS Development Bank, is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). According to the Agreement on the NDB, “the Bank shall support public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments.” National Affairs 1. Geo Mapping of Plantations in Kerala by the Rubber Board Context: The Rubber Board of India will commence geo mapping rubber plantations in Kerala from next week to enable the growers to have more market access for better price realization and compliance with international sustainability norms. It is at the initiative overview: What is Geo Mapping? This gives clear origin tracking, thus making Indian rubber products more competitive in world markets. Why is This Important? This geo mapping initiative lays an important milestone in determining the sustainable production of rubber in India. Integrating into a status of digital tracking and certification with long term commitment towards global regulatory compliance gives better prices, improved trade access, and long term sustainability to Indian rubber growers and exporters. Source: TH 2. TB Elimination Campaign Context: The 100 day intensified TB elimination campaign, which began on December 7, 2024, covered 33 States and Union Territories, with 455 intervention districts. It tried to find symptomatic and asymptomatic TB cases among high risk groups by way of chest X ray screening and bacteriological confirmation through molecular tests. Key Highlights of the Campaign Objectives TB Notification Data The increase in TB notifications compared to last year is slight(+220 cases). Increased notifications between Dec 7, 2024, and Feb 22, 2025, against same intervals of last year: +44,585 cases. Challenges and Limitations Overclaim of Campaign Efficacy Low Utilization of X Ray Screening Poor Infrastructure Short Duration & Unrealistic Goal While the 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign likely improved case detection to some extent, its overall impact has been overstated. Key limitations, including low X-ray screening coverage, inadequate infrastructure, and a short intervention period, undermine the effectiveness of the initiative. Source: TH India’s Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program 3. River Dolphin Conservation in India Context: The recent population study released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change reports 6,327 river dolphins in India, highlighting the critical status of these freshwater mammals. The study also raises concerns regarding their threats, ecological role, and conservation strategies. A deeper analysis is essential to understand whether existing efforts are sufficient or if stronger intervention is needed. River Dolphins River dolphins are categorized into facultative and obligate species, each with unique habitat preferences and conservation concerns. Facultative River Dolphins (Both Freshwater and Marine) Obligate River Dolphins (Exclusively Freshwater) Key Analytical Insights Adaptations The Ganges and Indus river dolphins have evolved unique adaptations to survive in muddy, freshwater environments with low visibility. Sensory Adaptations Key Analytical Insights Conservation Challenges Despite their legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), river dolphins in India face multiple anthropogenic (human-induced) threats. 1. Habitat Destruction & River Pollution 2. Overfishing & Bycatch Mortality 3. Poaching & Use in Traditional Medicine Key Analytical Insights 4. Conservation Efforts: Are They Sufficient? Current Strategies Limitations & Gaps Analytical Insights Way Forward 1. Expansion of Protected Areas & Dolphin Reserves 2. Stricter Regulation of Fishing Practices 3. Pollution Control & Sustainable Water Management 4. Community Involvement & Eco-Tourism 4. The IndiaAI Mission Context: The IndiaAI Mission, worth â‚ą10,371.92 crore, aims at driving India’s artificial intelligence development and reducing the dependence on foreign AI models through indigenous capacity building. In this sense, the mission has aims in compute infrastructure, datasets, model development, safety, and skill building. It is a mission, too, that stands of great importance in light of rapid advances in AI technology across the globe and a rapidly emerging necessity for developing culturally and linguistically relevant AI tools for India’s diversity. Key Pillars and Their Strategic Impact AI Kosha Democratizing AI Infrastructure AI Safety & Governance Indigenous AI Model Development AI Innovation & Skill Development: Building a Talent Pipeline Assessment of the IndiaAI Mission Initiative Progress Challenges Strategic Impact
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024
The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 were conferred on 23 distinguished writers at a ceremony during the ongoing “Sahityotsav: Festival of Letters”. The annual awards, recognizing excellence in Indian literature across various genres, were announced in December 2023. Key Awardees and Their Works Poetry & Novels Short Stories Other Notable Awardees Each awardee received a plaque, a shawl, and ₹1 lakh.
State Governments’ Farmer Incentives
Overview of Recent State Announcements Several state governments have announced additional incentives for farmers, complementing the Centre’s PM-KISAN disbursement. These incentives include: While these measures aim to support farmers, they also increase the financial burden on state exchequers. Key State-Level Initiatives State Additional Support for Farmers Madhya Pradesh ₹ 4,000 per hectare for paddy growers (₹ 480 crore burden); ₹ 125 per quintal bonus for wheat (₹ 2,600 per quintal total price). Rajasthan PM-KISAN top-up to ₹ 9,000 per annum; ₹ 150 per quintal wheat bonus. Chhattisgarh Krishak Unnati Yojana (₹ 10,000 crore) includes ₹ 19,257 per acre subsidy and paddy purchase bonus. Odisha CM-KISAN scheme (₹ 2,020 crore allocation); ₹ 10,000 per annum (₹ 4,000 under CM-KISAN + ₹ 6,000 under PM-KISAN); ₹ 12,500 livelihood support for landless farmers. Paddy procurement at ₹ 3,100 per quintal (vs. ₹ 2,300 MSP). Challenges and Concerns Alternative Approaches for Supporting Farmers Economists have debated three key policy mechanisms: A study by C.S.C. Sekhar at Delhi University estimated that a combination of MSP procurement and DPP would cost the government ₹ 2.65 lakh crore to ₹ 3.4 lakh crore annually (based on 2019-20 prices). Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) as a Sustainable Alternative Trade-offs & Policy Recommendations While state governments are increasing direct transfers and MSP bonuses, the long-term fiscal sustainability of these incentives is in question. A balanced approach—with a mix of targeted procurement and direct income support—could help secure farmer incomes while minimizing budgetary strain.
Rural Co-operative Credit (RCC)
Context: NABARD’s ₹1,000 Crore Initiative to Modernize Rural Co-operative Credit (RCC) System. Rural Co-operative Credit (RCC) Rural Co-operative Credit (RCC) is a system of credit cooperatives that provide credit and savings accounts to rural areas. RCCs are an institutional mechanism that helps address rural poverty and indebtedness. How RCCs operate Enhancing Technology for RCCs RCC Ecosystem & Its Challenges Purpose & Structure Declining RCC Market Share in Agriculture Credit Expected Outcomes & Way Forward This initiative marks a significant step in d
Women-Led Farming Cooperatives in the Eastern Himalayan Region (EHR)
Women’s Role in EHR Agriculture Women-Led Cooperatives: Empowerment through Collective Action Women’s Leadership in Cooperatives Impact of Women-Led Cooperatives Challenges and the Way Forward Women-Led Cooperatives as a Force for Change
