Context: SBI has increased the limit for collateral free education loans under its Global Ed-Vantage scheme from 7.5 lakh to 50 lakh. This is for students admitted to select international universities and institutions. SBI’s Global Ed-Vantage Scheme The SBI Global Ed-Vantage scheme is an education loan by the State Bank of India (SBI) for a student who wishes to pursue higher education abroad. It covers the amount for pursuing a full-time course at a foreign university or college. Key Features of the Scheme Key Benefits of the Initiative Student Loans Problems Education Loans
Multi-Asset Allocation Fund
Context: Multi-asset allocation funds, which gained traction following the shift in debt fund taxation in April 2023, continued their upward trajectory in 2024, with assets under management (AUM) nearly doubling during the year. Multi-Asset Allocation Fund A “Multi Asset Allocation Fund” is a mutual fund that invests in a mix of different asset classes like equity, debt, gold, real estate, and commodities, with the objective of diversifying an investor’s portfolio and reducing overall risk by spreading investments across various markets that may react differently to economic changes; essentially, it allows investors to gain exposure to multiple asset types through a single fund, managed by a professional fund manager who adjusts allocations based on market conditions. Key Points Few Examples of the Asset Classes Incorporated
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)
Context: The Threat of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis is rising rapidly among the Assam’s Tea Workers. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is a life threatening fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. It’s a progressive disease that can affect people with healthy immune systems. CPA is often found in people with other lung conditions, such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or cystic fibrosis. It predominantly affects individuals with immunodeficiency such as tuberculosis (TB) survivors. Recommendations and Awareness Campaigns
Nano Urea
Urea is a widely available nitrogen-based fertilizer, while nano urea is the newer nanotechnology-based urea in which the nitrogen particles are much smaller than those in urea. This means the plants can absorb more of them, which may lead to lower environmental effects and possibly better crop yields as compared to regular urea. In short, nano urea is a highly concentrated and exactly delivered form of nitrogen to the plants. Nano Urea Key Findings of the Study Nano Urea Issues Conclusion and Recommendations Nano Coated Fertilisers
India’s Space Program in 2025
Context: 2025 is going to be a year of transition for the India space program shifting from planning to mission mode with many strides towards future missions such as Chandrayaan4 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. International Cooperation and Space Missions Infrastructure and Testing for Future Missions Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Delay in MGNREGS Funding
Delay in MGNREGS Funding and Impact on Rural Workers Governments Budgeting and Allocation Practices Experts Objection Schemes Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act ( MGNREGA )
Universal Health Coverage
The actionable strategies for bringing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to the doorstep of people in India are encapsulated in Mission Possible. This country houses 143 crores of populations of which 38 are children and 11 are geriatric populations-it needs solutions that are not only innovative and governed in synergy but also center around quality delivery for healthcare. Universal Health Coverage Challenges in India Key Recommendation for Strengthening Universal Health Coverage Way Forward UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only Ans: (a) Mains Q“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (2021)
India’s Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program
Context: India’s Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program Indias TB program is a key part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) operating in line with the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Elimination aimed at eradicating TB by 2025. Key Parts of the Program International Programs What is Tuberculosis (TB)? UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 1, 2 and 3 only(c) 1, 2 and 4 only(d) 3 and 4 only Ans: (a) Mains Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (2021)
US Exit the Paris Agreement
History Weaknesses of the Paris Agreement Opportunities Amid Challenges Conclusion What is Paris Agreement?
India-Indonesia Relations
Context: The visiting Indonesia’s President Subianto has been the chief guest at India’s Republic Day since Indonesia’s President Sukarno attended the first Republic Day of India in 1950. Historical Importance of India-Indonesia Relations Geopolitical Cooperation and Common Concern Key Highlights of MoUs Signed Between the Countries Indonesia Joined BRICS Conclusion