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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Sustaining our Earth and Nourishing our Bodies

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Why in the news? 

    The women from a Self-Help Group in Kanker district (Chhattisgarh), have spared 10 decimals of land for multi-layer farming to mitigate land degradation and under-nutrition, and to secure round-the-year incomes.

    How does the relationship between Climate Change and Nutrition result in Food insecurity?

    • Impact on Food Chain: Climate change affects food value chains, agricultural yields, nutritional quality, food access, and energy-intensive processes, exacerbating existing challenges in food security and nutrition.
    • Lack of Access: The Rome Declaration on Nutrition highlights the global challenges in providing sufficient, safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich food for everyone, with approximately 800 million people lacking reliable access to food and two billion suffering from iron and zinc deficiencies.
    • Disparities in Diets: Disparities in production systems and individual dietary choices lead to populations being unable to maintain balanced diets, contributing to malnutrition and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
    • Results into Gender Disparities: Women are disproportionately affected by climate change and poor nutrition, but gender-just food systems, where women have equal rights and access to resources, contribute to resilience against shocks like drought.

    Suggestive measures for reducing Emissions

    • Plant-Based Diet: A diet higher in plant-based foods is more environmentally sustainable than one with more animal foods. Substituting animal products with plant-based meats and dairy alternatives can lower emissions.
    • Mitigating CO2 Concentration: Higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations can lead to lower concentrations of protein, iron, and zinc in crops, highlighting the need to mitigate climate change impacts on food nutrition.
    • Value-Chain Approach: Adopting a value-chain approach can optimize dietary choices while lowering emissions, benefiting communities at the household level.
      • For Example, Initiatives like the Millet Mission in Chhattisgarh aim to promote millet cultivation, showcasing its nutritional value, low water footprint, climate resilience, and potential to address both nutritional and environmental concerns.
    • Scaling up diversified Food Production: Scaling up and decentralizing diversified food production systems can reduce emissions by promoting underutilized indigenous foods and improving resilience to climate change.
    • Monitoring Emissions: Continuous and extensive monitoring of emissions linked to food production and distribution is necessary, with accessible assessment tools for local communities to actively participate in emission reduction efforts.

    Conclusion: Crops grown in regenerative and sustainable systems tend to have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial phytochemicals compared to conventionally grown counterparts. By prioritizing soil health and biodiversity, regenerative and sustainable agriculture systems government and farmers can collaboratively promote nutrient-dense foods that nourish our bodies and support overall health and well-being.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    On the fall in Household Savings

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the news? 

    The sharp reduction in Household Net Financial Savings and the rise in Household Debt burden are a cause for concern for growth and economic stability.

    BACK2BASICS:

    What are household financial savings?

    • Household financial savings refer to currency, bank deposits, debt securities, mutual funds, pension funds, insurance, and investments in small savings schemes. The total of these savings is referred to as gross household financial savings.

    What is Household Debt?

    • Household debt is all household liabilities (including non-profit institutions serving households) that require payments of interest or principal by households to creditors at a fixed date in the future.
    • Debt is calculated as the sum of the following liability categories: loans (primarily mortgage loans and consumer credit) and other accounts payable.

     

    What are the present reasons behind the Lower Financial savings?

    • Increased borrowing or reduced gross financial savings are the primary drivers of lower net financial savings.
    • Lower net financial savings due to increased borrowing for consumption or investment can stimulate aggregate demand and output.
    • Higher interest rates can lead to increased interest payments by households, reducing their net financial savings.

    Implication of Higher Debt Burden on the Indian Market: The rise in household debt burden has two concerns for the macroeconomy. 

    • Debt Repayment and Financial Fragility: Household debt sustainability depends on the gap between the interest rate and income growth rate. 
      • Suppose households fail to meet their debt repayment commitments. In that case, it reduces the income of the financial sector and deteriorates their balance sheets, which in turn can have a cascading effect on the macroeconomy.
    • Scheduled Commercial Banks Lending vs. Growth Rate of GNS: The weighted average lending rate registered a sharp rise in the last two years, particularly due to the tight monetary policy stance of the RBI and the sharp rise in the call money rate during this period.
    • Impact on Consumption Demand: Reducing household wealth can lead to lower consumption expenditure as households may attempt to preserve their wealth by increasing their savings.

    • Reduced Higher household debt: Higher household debt can also reduce consumption expenditure in at least two ways.
      • If higher household leverage is perceived as an indicator of higher default risk, then it may induce banks to indulge in credit rationing and reduce credit disbursement. The consequent reduction in credit disbursement can adversely affect consumption.
      • Higher debt can reduce consumption expenditure by increasing the interest burden, not to mention the effect of higher interest rates on consumption expenditure.
    • Low household Financial wealth: Recent trends in the Indian economy indicate a decline in household financial wealth relative to GDP, alongside an increase in household leverage (debt to net worth ratio). 
      • The financial wealth/net worth of the household is the difference between the stock of financial assets and liabilities.

    Macroeconomic Implication:

    • Implications of the Procyclical Leverage: Given that both the flow indicator of liabilities to disposable income and the debt to net worth show an increasing trend, where households are vulnerable.
    • Fall in the Household Savings: The policy mantra of higher interest rates to counter inflation by reducing macroeconomic output and employment can leave households with an increasing level of debt in their balance sheets and potentially push the households into a debt trap.
      • The implications of high-interest rates on debt burden can hurt the consumption of the households and consequently aggregate demand.

    Suggestive measures:

    • Promote sustainable borrowing: Policymakers need to address the growing vulnerabilities of households by implementing measures to promote sustainable borrowing practices and reduce reliance on debt.
    • Prioritizes production and employment: Additionally, the policies aimed at fostering a more balanced economy that prioritizes production and employment alongside financial activities may be necessary to ensure long-term economic stability and growth.

    Conclusion: The change in the composition of the asset side of the household balance sheet towards financial assets indicates some degree of financialization of the economy which moves from a production-based economy to a monetary or financial exchange-based economy making the 5 trillion dollar economy both jobless and fragile. 

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budgetmaking during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it.(UPSC IAS/2019)

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    IRDAI removes Age Bar for purchasing Health Insurance

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

    Why in the news?

    • The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) abolished the age limit for purchasing health insurance policies, effective April 1.
    • Individuals aged above 65 were ineligible previously for new health insurance policies.

    About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

    • IRDAI is the apex regulatory body overseeing the insurance sector in India.
    • It is an autonomous entity responsible for regulating and developing the insurance sector in India.
    • It was established under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999. It was formed on April 19, 2000.
      • Headquarters: Located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
    • Composition:
      • IRDAI is a 10-member body including the chairman, five full-time and four part-time members appointed by the government of India.
      • The authority is supported by various departments and divisions responsible for different aspects of insurance regulation, including life insurance, non-life insurance, reinsurance, and actuarial matters.

    Regulatory Functions

    IRDAI’s primary role is to regulate and promote the insurance industry in India through:

    • Licensing and registration of insurance companies and intermediaries.
    • Framing regulations and guidelines for insurance operations.
    • Protecting the interests of policyholders.
    • Promoting fair competition and innovation in the insurance sector.
    • Monitoring the financial performance and solvency of insurance companies.
    • Resolving disputes between insurers and policyholders.
    • Promoting insurance awareness and education among the public.

     

    Insurance Sector of India: A Timeline

    • 1818: Establishment of the Oriental Life Insurance Company in Calcutta marked the beginning of the life insurance business in India. The company faced failure in 1834.
    • 1829: Madras Equitable started conducting life insurance operations in the Madras Presidency.
    • 1870: Enactment of the British Insurance Act. Establishment of insurance companies like Bombay Mutual (1871), Oriental (1874), and Empire of India (1897) in the Bombay Presidency during this era, dominated by British firms.
    • 1914: Commencement of publishing insurance company returns by the government of India.
    • 1912: Introduction of the Indian Life Assurance Companies Act, the first legislation regulating life insurance.
    • 1928: Enactment of the Indian Insurance Companies Act to gather statistical information about insurance business.
    • 1938: Consolidation and amendment of insurance legislation with the Insurance Act, 1938, introducing comprehensive provisions to regulate insurers’ activities.
    • 1950: The Insurance Amendment Act abolished principal agencies amid allegations of unfair trade practices. The GoI decided to nationalize the insurance industry in response to high competition levels.
    • 1956: The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was established under the Life Insurance Corporation Act, of 1956, consolidating the life insurance business in India under a single entity. LIC took over the assets and liabilities of around 245 private life insurers and provident societies.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following:

    1. Hotels and restaurants
    2. Motor transport undertakings
    3. Newspaper establishments
    4. Private medical institutions

    The employees of which of the above can have the ‘Social Security’ coverage under Employees’ State Insurance Scheme?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Plasma Therapy to Treat Rodenticide Poisoning

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the news?

    • A significant health concern in Tamil Nadu is found through ingestion of Rat poison containing Yellow Phosphorus, leading to liver toxicity.
      • Since December 2017, the team at CMC Vellore introduced Plasma Exchange, (a cost-effective treatment) for acute liver failure caused by rat poison ingestion.

    What is Plasma Therapy (Plasmapheresis)?

    • Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis, is a medical procedure used to treat various conditions by removing and replacing plasma from the blood.
    • During Plasma Exchange, the patient’s blood is circulated through a machine that separates plasma from other blood components, such as red and white blood cells and platelets.

    Working procedure:

    • The plasma, which may contain harmful substances or antibodies, is discarded.
    • The remaining blood components are mixed with replacement plasma or a plasma substitute and returned to the patient’s bloodstream.

    Usage of Plasmapheresis:

    • In Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and certain forms of vasculitis.
    • In Neurological disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and certain types of encephalitis.
    • In Toxicological emergencies: Poisoning or overdose with substances such as drugs, chemicals, or toxins that can be removed from the bloodstream through plasma exchange.

    Benefits observed in TN’s Case

    • The treatment significantly improved survival rates, with 63.9% of patients treated in 2022-2023 successfully discharged.
    • Retrospective studies at CMC Vellore demonstrated promising outcomes, with survival rates of 75% among children and 80.2% among adults treated with plasma exchange.

    What is Plasma in Human Blood?

    • Human blood plasma is the liquid component of blood, constituting about 55% of its total volume.
    • It is a pale yellowish fluid that carries various substances throughout the body, including nutrients, hormones, electrolytes, antibodies, and waste products.
    • Plasma plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and transporting essential components to tissues and organs.

    Composition:

    • Water: Approximately 90% of plasma consists of water, making it the primary solvent for carrying dissolved substances.
    • Proteins: Plasma contains a variety of proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen. These proteins perform functions such as maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting lipids and hormones, and aiding in blood clotting.
    • Electrolytes: Plasma contains ions such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and bicarbonate, which help regulate fluid balance, pH, and nerve function.
    • Nutrients: Glucose, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins are transported in plasma and provide energy and building blocks for cells.
    • Waste Products: Metabolic waste products, such as urea, creatinine, and bilirubin, are transported in plasma to be eliminated from the body.
    • Hormones: Hormones produced by endocrine glands are carried in plasma to target tissues, where they regulate various physiological processes.
    • Gases: Oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in plasma, primarily bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

    Functions:

    • Plasma carries nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products to and from cells throughout the body.
    • Plasma helps regulate fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, pH, and temperature.
    • Antibodies and immune cells in plasma help defend against pathogens and foreign substances, contributing to the body’s immune response.
    • Plasma proteins such as fibrinogen play a crucial role in blood clotting, helping to stop bleeding and repair damaged blood vessels.
    • Plasma buffers changes in pH by absorbing or releasing hydrogen ions, helping maintain the body’s acid-base balance.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] A married couple adopted a male child. A few years later, twin boys were born to them. The blood group of the couple is AB positive and 0 negative. The blood group of the three sons is A positive, B positive, and O positive. The blood group of the adopted son is-

    (a) O positive

    (b) A positive

    (c) B positive

    (d) Cannot be determined based on the given data

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  • Tribes in News

    Shompen PVTGs cast their vote for the First Time

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

    Why in the news?

    For the first time in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 7 members of the Shompen tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) of Great Nicobar Islands exercised their voting rights for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the union territory.

    Other two primitive tribes like Onge and Great Andamanese (both PVTGs) too exercised their voting rights like in 2019 Lok Sabha election but seven Shompen did it for the first time out of 98 Shompen voters.

    About Shompen Tribe:

    • The Shompen tribe primarily inhabits the remote interior regions of Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
    • Their estimated population was 229 as per the 2011 Census data.

    • Their cultural practices include traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering forest resources.
    • Pandanus (a tropical plant found in the islands), whose fruits resemble the woody pineapple, is the staple food of the Shompens.
    • What makes the Shompens distinct from the four other PVTGs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands — Jarawas, Great Andamanese, Onges and Sentinelese — is that they are the only tribe in the region with Mongoloid features. The other PVTGs have Negroid features.

    Society and Culture

    • The Shompen people have their own distinct culture and language, which belongs to the Austroasiatic language family. 
    • Marriage by capturing women from different groups and sub-groups is one of the customs of the Shompen society (as per the Anthropological Survey of India).
    • They practice a hunter-gatherer subsistence economy.

    Who are the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

    • These groups are among the most vulnerable section of our society as they are few in numbers, have not attained any significant level of social and economic development.
    • They generally inhabit remote localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support.
    • 75 such groups have been identified and categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

    Origin of the concept

    • The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) stated that within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the rate of development.
    • During the fourth Five Year Plan (1969-74) a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that considered to be at a lower level of development.
    • This sub-category was named “Primitive tribal group”.
    • In 2006 the government of India proposed to rename as PVTGs.

    Features of PVTGs

    • The features of such a group include a:
    1. Pre-agricultural system of existence
    2. Practice of hunting and gathering
    3. Zero or negative population growth
    4. Extremely low level of literacy in comparison with other tribal groups
    • Groups that satisfied any one of the criterion were considered as PTG.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

    1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
    2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
    4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 2, 3 and 4

    (c) 1, 2 and 4

    (d) 1, 3 and 4

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    [pib] 2550th Bhagwan Mahavir Nirvan Mahotsav

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the news?

    The Prime Minister has inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahavir Nirvan Mahotsav on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.

    About Vardhaman Mahavir

    Description
    Birth 540 B.C.
    Birthplace Kundagrama village near Vaishali
    Family Background Belonged to the Jnatrika clan; father Siddharta was the head of the Jnathrika Kshatriya clan, and mother Trishala was a sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali.
    Renunciation Renounced home at the age of 30 to become an ascetic.
    Spiritual Practice Practiced austerity for 12 years.
    Attainment of Kaivalya Attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42.
    First Sermon Delivered his first sermon at Pava.
    Symbol Associated with the symbol of a Lion.

    Aliases include: Nayaputta, Muni, Samana, Nigantha, Brahman, and Bhagavan
    Missions Traveled to various regions including Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa, etc.
    Passing Away Passed away at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at Pavapuri in Bihar.
    Legacy Founded Jainism as it is known today; contributed significant teachings and principles to the religion.

    Everything you need to know about Jainism:

    Description
    Origin Jainism gained prominence in the 6th century B.C. when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion.
    Founder Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, is the central figure
    Tirthankaras
    • Jainism recognizes 24 Tirthankaras or great teachers
    • Rishabhanatha being the first and Mahavira the last.
    Main Principles Jainism emphasizes the Three Jewels or Triratna:

    1. Right Faith (Samyakdarshana),
    2. Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana), and
    3. Right Conduct (Samyakcharita).
    Five Doctrines Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Brahmacharya (chastity) are the fundamental principles of Jainism.
    Concept of God
    • Jainism does not adhere to the concept of a creator God
    • Believes in the existence of liberated souls (Siddhas) who have attained spiritual perfection.
    Major Doctrines
    1. Anekantavada: Jain doctrine of non-absolutism, recognizing that truth can have multiple perspectives or facets.
    2. Syadvada: Jain doctrine stating that all judgments are conditional and true only from certain perspectives, expressed by the term “syat” (may be).
    Sects/Schools Jainism is divided into two major sects:

    1. Digambara (sky-clad) and
    2. Svetambara (white-clad)
    Spread
    • Jainism spread gradually into regions where Brahmanical influence was weak.
    • Received royal patronage from rulers like Chandragupta Maurya
    Literature Jain literature comprises:

    1. Agama (canonical) texts, which include the direct teachings of Mahavira, and
    2. Non-agama (commentaries and elaborations) works, such as the Acaranga Sutra.
    Architecture
    • Temples, caves (layana/gumphas), statues, and ornamental pillars (manastambha), exhibiting intricate designs and religious motifs.
    • Notable Jain architecture in India includes the Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, and the Girnar and Palitana Temples in Gujarat.
    • These structures exemplify intricate craftsmanship and religious symbolism.
    Jain Councils Two significant Jain councils were held for compiling and preserving Jain scriptures and teachings:

    1. First Jain Council at Pataliputra (3rd century B.C.) and
    2. Second Jain Council at Vallabhi (512 A.D.)
    Difference from Buddhism
    • Acknowledgment of a permanent self (atman),
    • Acceptance of the varna system,
    • Belief in the concept of a soul (jiva), and
    • Advocacy of extreme asceticism ex. Santhara/Sallekhana
    Thoughts on Rebirth Acaranga Sutra: Jainism teaches the doctrine of rebirth (samsara) and various realms of existence (lokas) based on karma, with souls cyclically transmigrating through different life forms.

    PYQ:

    [2011] The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

    (a) Universal Law

    (b) Universal Truth

    (c) Universal Faith

    (d) Universal Soul

    [2012] With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?

    1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
    2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
    3. Denial of efficacy of rituals

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    50 Years of Chipko Movement

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news?

    The Chipko Movement, initiated in Uttarakhand in early 1973, commemorates its 50th anniversary.

    About Chipko Movement

    • The Chipko Movement originated in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand (then part of the state of Uttar Pradesh) in India.
    • It was triggered by the deforestation activities carried out by contractors, which threatened the livelihoods of local communities and led to environmental degradation.
    • It is said to be inspired by the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan. The Bishnois are known for their environmentalism. (non-violent resistance)
    • The movement derived its name from the act of villagers hugging trees and physically preventing them from being felled, thereby protecting the forests.
    • The movement was led by local activists, primarily women from rural areas, who played a significant role in its success. Prominent leaders included Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt (founded an organization called Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal ) and Gaura Devi, among others.
    • Villagers used traditional methods of protest, such as forming circles around trees and tying sacred threads (rakhi) on them to symbolize their unity and commitment to conservation.
    • Recognition: Sunderlal Bahuguna, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

    Impact of Chipko Movement

    • It inspired similar movements in different parts of India, such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan, Appiko Movement (Karnataka) and the Silent Valley Movement.
    • It demonstrated the significance of Eco-Feminism and the impact that a non-violent, peaceful and environment-loving community can have.

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  • Tax Reforms

    [pib] Net Direct Tax collections exceed 2023-24 target

    PIBPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the news?

    • India’s net direct tax collections witnessed a remarkable growth of 17.7% in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching ₹19.58 lakh crore.
      • This performance indicates a strong revenue stream for the government.

    Direct Tax Collections Trends in this Fiscal

    • Notably, Personal Income Taxes (PIT) played a pivotal role in driving the surge, accounting for 53.3% of the total tax kitty, up from 50.06% in the previous year.
    • Conversely, the contribution of corporate taxes dipped to 46.5% from 49.6% in the preceding fiscal.
    • While gross corporate tax collections increased, net tax receipts from Corporates, adjusted for refunds, experienced a slight decline.

    What Is Net of Tax?

    The term net of tax refers to the amount left after adjusting for the effects of taxes. Net of tax can be a consideration in any situation where taxation is involved. In the financial industry, ‘gross’ and ‘net’ are two key terms that refer to before and after paying certain expenses.

    It’s Significance:

    • Individuals and businesses often analyze before and after-tax values to make investment and purchasing decisions.
    • Net tax is also an important part of expense analysis when reviewing annual tax filings and the net income of businesses.

    Types of Direct Taxes:

    • Income Tax: Depending on an individual’s age and earnings, income tax must be paid. Various tax slabs are determined by the Government of India which determines the amount of Income Tax that must be paid.
      • The taxpayer must file Income Tax Returns (ITR) on a yearly basis. Individuals may receive a refund or might have to pay a tax depending on their ITR. Huge penalties are levied in case individuals do not file ITR.
    • Wealth Tax: The tax must be paid on a yearly basis and depends on the ownership of properties and the market value of the property. In case an individual owns a property, wealth tax must be paid and does not depend on whether the property generates an income or not.
      • Corporate taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and individuals must pay wealth tax depending on their residential status.
      • Payment of wealth tax is exempt for assets like gold deposit bonds, stock holdings, house property, commercial property that have been rented for more than 300 days, and if the house property is owned for business and professional use.
    • Estate Tax: It is also called an Inheritance Tax and is paid based on the value of the estate or the money that an individual has left after his/her death.
    • Corporate Tax: Domestic companies, apart from shareholders, will have to pay corporate tax. Foreign corporations who make an income in India will also have to pay corporate tax. Income earned via selling assets, technical service fees, dividends, royalties, or interest that is based in India are taxable. The below-mentioned taxes are also included under Corporate Tax:
      • Securities Transaction Tax (STT): The tax must be paid for any income that is earned via taxable security transactions.
      • Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): In case any domestic companies declare, distribute, or are paid any amounts as dividends by shareholders, DDT is levied on them. However, DDT is not levied on foreign companies.
      • Fringe Benefits Tax: Companies that provide fringe benefits for maids, drivers, etc., Fringe Benefits Tax is levied on them.
      • Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT): For zero-tax companies that have accounts prepared according to the Companies Act, MAT is levied on them.
    • Capital Gains Tax: It is a form of direct tax that is paid due to the income that is earned from the sale of assets or investments. Investments in farms, bonds, shares, businesses, art, and home come under capital assets.
      • Based on its holding period, tax can be classified into long-term and short-term. Any assets, apart from securities, that are sold within 36 months from the time they were acquired come under short-term gains.
      • Long-term assets are levied if any income is generated from the sale of properties that have been held for a duration of more than 36 months.

    PYQ:

    [2014] The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a

    (a) Tax imposed by the Central Government

    (b) Tax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government

    (c) Tax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government

    (d) Tax imposed and collected by the State Government

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Israel, a two-state solution, some recent perceptions

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the news?

    Writings and statements from Israel give us an understanding of what “a Jewish national home” means and the ongoing conflict it involves.

    Historical origins and evolution of the concept of a Jewish national home

    • Historical and Religious Context: The concept of a Promised Land for the Jewish people dates back to biblical times, with references in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) to the land of Canaan as a homeland promised to the descendants of Abraham. The idea of returning to this ancestral homeland remained significant in Jewish religious and cultural traditions throughout centuries of diaspora.
    • Zionism: The modern movement for Jewish nationalism, known as Zionism, gained momentum in the late 19th century. Zionist thinkers and leaders, such as Theodor Herzl, envisioned the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
    • Theodor Herzl and the First Zionist Congress: The publication of Herzl’s book “Der Judenstaat” (“The Jewish State”) in 1896 is often considered the starting point of modern political Zionism.
    • British Mandate for Palestine: During World War I, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration in 1917, expressing support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
    • Settlement and Immigration: Jewish immigration to Palestine increased significantly during the early 20th century, as Jewish communities sought to establish settlements and build infrastructure in the region.
    • United Nations Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan for Palestine, which would have divided the territory into separate Jewish and Arab states, along with an internationalized Jerusalem. While Jewish leaders accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, leading to the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 and the establishment of the State of Israel.

    Continue Struggle after Arab-Israeli War 1948 

    • International Response and Recognition after 1967 war: UN Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) addressed the aftermath of the 1967 war. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was recognized by the Arab League and the UN General Assembly as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The Arab League Declaration/Initiative of 2002 and the Palestinian Non-Paper outlined visions for a solution, including reference to the 1967 Armistice Line as a border.
    • Annexation of West Bank Settlements: In 2018, Israel’s ruling Likud Party unanimously endorsed a resolution calling for the annexation of West Bank settlements, indicating a hardline stance on territorial claims.

    Why Israel’s position is so strong in conflict?

    • Military Might: The military success of Israel in the 1967 war shifted the dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict, convincing Arab states that they could not achieve victory through military means. However, it did not lead to a recommendation for a political settlement based on compromise.
    • Madrid Conference of 1991: The Madrid Conference was a significant event in the peace process, though the phrase “territories for peace” was not explicitly mentioned in the invitation letters. It marked a diplomatic effort to address the conflict.
    • American Support : The United States has provided unprecedented support to Israel, both diplomatically and militarily.And Israel’s conduct and efforts to shape the post-war situation have been growing.

    Conclusion: The idea of a Jewish national home emerged from historical and religious roots, gained momentum through Zionism, and was furthered by international recognition. Resolution requires diplomacy, acknowledgment of historical grievances, and genuine efforts towards mutual understanding and compromise to stabalise the situation.

    Mains PYQ

    Q “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • Primary and Secondary Education – RTE, Education Policy, SEQI, RMSA, Committee Reports, etc.

    Centre releases curriculum framework for three to six-year-olds

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the news? 

    For the first time ever, the Central government has released curriculum advisable to be taught to children aged three to six-years-old

    Objective of Aadharshila 

    • The early childhood education curriculum is expected to bridge foundational literacy and numeracy gaps which may arise in later school years

    Who Launched?

    • The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has released the National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024 titled ‘Aadharshila,’ on the lines of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework.

    Where? 

    • Aadharshila (translated as foundation stone) is a detailed 48-week curriculum meant for learning in the age-group of three to six-year-olds in anganwadis.

    Significance Aadharshila’s Curriculum

    • Structure of Curriculum: The curriculum is organized on a weekly basis, comprising 48 weeks of learning over a three-year duration. It is designed to cater to children aged three to six attending anganwadis.
    • Initiation Phase: The curriculum begins with four weeks of initiation, focusing on academic activities to help children transition from home to the anganwadi center. These activities are engaging and involve fun and free play.
    • Exploration Phase: The subsequent 36 weeks are dedicated to exploration, free play, conversation, creation, and appreciation. Activities during this phase include storytelling, singing rhymes, art and craft, and other engaging activities. Storytelling themes often revolve around conflict resolution, responsibility, and cooperation.
    • Learning Objectives: Children learn various concepts such as colors, shapes, numbers, body parts, family and friends, listening and responding to instructions, basic counting, and themes like seasons, festivals, and food.

    Anganwadi 

    • Anganwadi services in India are a part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, which was launched on 2 October 1975.
    • The main objective of the Anganwadi programme is to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 years, to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical, and social development of the child, and to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition, and school dropout.

    Conclusion: The release of ‘Aadharshila’ marks a significant step in early childhood education, aiming to bridge foundational gaps. To enhance its effectiveness, continuous monitoring, teacher training, and community involvement are essential.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q National Education Policy 2020 isin conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement (UPSC IAS/2020) 

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