Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 25th July 2024

 

Union Budget 2024-25 

Government estimates Rs 50,000 crore from disinvestment, asset monetisation in FY25 

• The government has estimated to collect Rs 50,000 crore from disinvestment and asset monetisation in the current fiscal. 
• Besides, the government estimates a total of Rs 56,260 crore dividend from CPSEs (central public sector enterprises), more than Rs 48,000 crore estimated in the interim budget. 
• The budget also estimates that dividend from RBI, banks and financial institutions would be Rs 2,32,874 crore in FY25, more than double of interim budget estimate of Rs 1.02 lakh crore. 
• The massive increase in the number is on account of the windfall dividend of Rs 2.11 lakh crore from the RBI. 
• As per the budget document, the government has estimated Rs 50,000 crore towards capital receipts. This is same as the amount provisioned for in the interim budget. 
• The revised estimates for last fiscal have been pegged at Rs 30,000 crore. 

Khelo India once again gets lion’s share in Budget for sports 

• Khelo India, which is the government’s flagship project to promote sports at the grassroots level, was once again the biggest beneficiary in the union budget for the sports ministry as it was assigned ₹900 crore from the overall allocation of ₹3,442.32 crore. 
• Khelo India’s share, announced in the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, is ₹20 crore more than the revised allocation of ₹880 crore during the previous financial year. 
• The budget for the previous cycle was ₹3,396.96 crore for the previous financial year. 
• While Khelo India’s actual allocation in 2022-23 stood at ₹596.39 crore, it was increased by more than ₹400 crore, to ₹1,000 crores, in the 2023-24 budget, before being revised to ₹880 crore. 
• The budget for Sports Authority of India, which apart from maintaining its stadia across the country also manages the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to prepare athletes for the global sporting extravaganzas, has also been enhanced from ₹795.77 crore to ₹822.60 crore, which is a jump of ₹26.83 crore. 
• The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), which does all the testing, have received marginal increase in their budgets. 
• While NADA’s budget has gone up from Rs 21.73 crore last year to ₹22.30 crore, NDTL has got ₹22 crore, up from ₹19.50 last year. 

Rs 6.22 lakh crore allocated to MoD, highest among Ministries, in Regular Union Budget 2024-25 

• In the Regular Union Budget of Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated Rs 6,21,940.85 crore (approx. US $75 Billion), the highest among the Ministries. 
• While maintaining the allocation made to MoD during the interim budget, the Government has made an additional allocation to the tune of Rs 400 crore on innovation in defence, through the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme. 
• Through this scheme, MoD is engaging with start-ups/MSMEs and innovators to develop Def-Tech solutions and supply the Indian military with innovative and indigenous technological solutions. 
• A grant of up to 50% of the Product Development Budget with an enhanced limit (Max) of Rs 25 crore per applicant will be awarded as per extant iDEX guidelines. 
• Ensuring better healthcare facilities for veterans- In the regular budget for FY 2024-25, Rs 6,968 crore has been allotted to ECHS which is 28% higher than the PY. 
• The budgetary allocation to Border Roads Organisations (BRO) under capital for Budget Estimates (BE) 2024-25 has been made as Rs 6,500 crore, which is 30% higher than the allocation for FY 2023-24. 
• The allocation to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for this FY 2024-25 is Rs 7,651.80 crore, which is 6.31% higher over the allocation of FY 2023-24. 
• Total budgetary allocation on account of defence pensions is Rs 1,41,205 crore which is 2.17% higher than the allocation made during 2023-24. 
• The Government has increased the allocation on innovation in defence through iDEX from Rs 115 crore during FY 2023-24 to Rs 518 crore in the current fiscal year, which will boost start-ups/MSMEs/innovators. 

Prime Minister’s package worth Rs 2 lakh crore central outlay announced; employment, skilling and other opportunities 

• The finance minister announced the Prime Minister’s package of 5 schemes and initiatives. 
• The package aims to facilitate employment, skilling, and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over a 5-year period with a central outlay of Rs. 2 lakh crores. 
• The government will implement the following three schemes for ‘Employment Linked Incentive’, as part of the Prime Minister’s package. These will be based on enrolment in the EPFO, and focus on recognition of first-time employees, and support to employees and employers. 

Scheme 1: 

• First Timers- This scheme, which is expected to benefit 2.1 crore youth over 2 years, will provide one-month wage to all persons newly entering the workforce in all formal sectors. 
• The eligibility limit will be a salary of Rs. 1 lakh per month. Direct benefit transfer of one-month salary will be up to Rs. 15,000 in 3 installments to first-time employees, as EPFO. 

Scheme 2: 

• Job Creation in Manufacturing – Aiming at substantial hiring of first time employees in manufacturing, this scheme will incentivize additional employment in the sector, thereby is expected to benefit 30 lakh youth entering employment and their employers. 
• The subsidy would have to be refunded by the employer if the employment to the first timer ends within 12 month. 
• An incentive will be provided at a specified scale directly both to the employee and the employer for their EPFO contribution in the first 4 years of employment. 

Scheme 3: 

• Support to Employers- This employer-focussed scheme will cover all additional employment within a salary of Rs. 1 lakh per month in all sectors. 
• New employees under this Part need not be new entrants to EPFO. 
• The government will reimburse employers up to Rs. 3,000 per month for 2 years towards their EPFO contribution for each additional employee. 
• The scheme is expected to incentivize additional employment of 50 lakh persons. 

Scheme 4:

• The 4th scheme mentioned in the Budget Speech under the Prime Minister’s package is a new centrally sponsored scheme, for skilling in collaboration with State governments and Industry. 
• The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs. 60,000 crore, aims at skilling 20 lakh youth over 5 years. 
• To achieve this target, 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) will be upgraded in a hub and spoke arrangements with outcome orientation. 

Scheme 5: 

• Government will launch a comprehensive scheme for providing internship opportunities in 500 top companies to 1 crore youth in 5 years (participation of companies is voluntary). 
• They will gain exposure for 12 months to real-life business environment, and employment opportunities. 
• An internship allowance of Rs. 5,000 per month, along with a one-time assistance of Rs. 6,000 will be provided. 
• Companies will be expected to bear the training cost and 10 percent of the internship cost from their CSR funds. Youth aged between 21 and 24, who are not employed and not engaged in full-time education, will be eligible to apply.

 National News 

C-DOT partners with IIT Roorkee and Mandi to boost 6G standardization, connectivity 

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) and Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi (IIT Mandi). 
• Goal for the development of ‘Cell-Free’ 6G Access Points. Both the IITs are collaborating to develop this technology. 
• This scheme aims to enable affordable broadband and mobile services, playing a significant role in bridging the digital divide across India. 
• The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, which has been designed for providing funding support to domestic companies, Indian startups, academia and R&D institutions involved in technology design, development, commercialization of telecommunication products and solutions. 

About Development of Telematics (C-DOT) 

• The Ctelecommunications technology development centre. 
• It was established in 1984 with initial mandate of designing and developing digital exchanges. 
• C-DOT has expanded to develop entre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) is an Indian Government owned telecom equipment both wireless and wired since 1980’s. 

IITs in News 

• IIT Kanpur launched UDAAN programme to boost drone startups 
• IIT Dharwad Unveils Innovative Fire Rescue Drone 
• Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) signed MoU with the Indian IIT Hyderabad to collaborate on research and training. 
• DRDO hands over nine defence tech projects to IIT-Bhubaneswar 
• IIT Madras startup Mindgrove launches first India-made microcontroller chip 

Appointment 

Nita Ambani unanimously re-elected as International Olympic Committee Member 

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Nita Ambani has been re-elected unanimously as the IOC member from India at the 142nd session. 
• Nita is the founder of Reliance Foundation and won unanimously with 100 per cent of the vote. 
• Nita Ambani was first appointed to join the prestigious body in 2016, at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
•  Since then, as India’s first woman to join the IOC, Nita Ambani has made great strides for the association, whilst also championing India’s sporting ambitions and Olympic vision. 
• This includes recently hosting the first IOC session in Mumbai for over 40 years, in October 2023, which was hailed as showcasing the new, ambitious India to the world. 

Awards 

Shah Rukh Khan gets honoured with Customised Gold Coins by Paris’ Grevin Museum 

• Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been honoured with customised gold coins by the Grevin Museum in Paris. 
• Shah Rukh is the first Indian actor to have gold coins in his name at the museum. 
• According to the report, the Gervin Museum is a wax museum located on the Grands Boulevards in Paris. 
• The Dunki actor has his wax statues in several wax museums across the globe including the US, the UK, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Thailand, India, Singapore and Australia. 
• Shah Rukh will soon be receiving the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival as well. 
• Meanwhile, on the work front, Shah Rukh delivered three major blockbusters last year including Atlee’s Jawan, Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan and Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki. 

Recent Award 

• Oympic Order by IOC – Abhinav Bindra 
• International Excellence Award – CA Arpit Jagdish Kabra (for his significant contributions to forensic auditing) 
• lobal CSR ESG Award 2024 – Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust 
• Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize 2024 – Madhu Khanna (For Tantra on the Edge) 
• COSPAR Harrie Massey Award 2024 – Prahlad Chandra Agrawal 

Defence 

Goa Shipyard Launches First Indigenous P1135.6 Frigate ‘Triput’ 

• In a significant achievement for India’s naval capabilities and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) successfully launched the first indigenous P1135.6 Frigate, named Triput. 
• This marks the first time these vessels are being constructed indigenously in India. 
• Triput is the first of two P1135.6 Class Frigates being built at GSL. The 124-meter-long ship can reach speeds of 28 knots at a displacement of approximately 3200 tonnes and is equipped with advanced state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors. 
• The frigate features indigenous components, including specialized low-carbon micro-alloy grade steel for the hull and various systems developed by private industry. 

Sports 

IOA ropes in BPCL as principal sponsor for four years 

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has named Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) as its official principal sponsor for four years, starting with the Paris Olympics till the 2028 Los Angeles Games. 
• The collaboration between BPCL, a Maharatna company, and IOA will also encompass the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Summer Youth Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Winter Youth Olympics. 
• As part of this collaboration, BPCL will launch series of campaigns designed to support the Indian contingent heading to Paris. 
• These initiatives aim to inspire the nation, galvanize support for the athletes, and celebrate their relentless pursuit of excellence on the global stage. 

French Alps to Host 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games 

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the French Alps will host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2030. 
• The announced plans are conditional based on the guarantees given by French President Emmanuel Macron that the new office being formed in the country after 2024 will underwrite all the organisational guarantees that must still be signed. 
• The 2030 Winter Games will be the first time the event returns to France since the 1992 edition. The 2026 edition of the prestigious tournament will be held in Italy. 

About French Alps 

• Situated on the French-Italian border, the Alps are widely known for offering some of the world’s best snow skiing. This reputation is well-earned. 
• The renowned Mount Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps at 15,700 feet (or over 5,000 meters), is part of the enormous Alps Mountain range. 

Important day 

25 July – World Drowning Prevention Day

•  World Drowning Prevention Day is observed every year on 25 July. 
• Objective – To raise awareness and accelerating action on global drowning prevention. 
• Theme 2024 – Anyone can drown, no one should 
• This observance gains additional significance in light of the World Health Assembly Resolution WHA76.18, passed in 2023, which underscores the urgent need for coordinated multi-sectoral action to combat drowning—a leading cause of injury-related death and disability worldwide. 

25 July – World Embryologist Day 

• World Embryologist Day, or World IVF Day is celebrated every year on July 25. 
• It gives us a chance to recognise the amazing work that embryologists from the past and present have accomplished. 
• This day honours their contributions to the field of reproductive medicine, particularly in vitro fertilisation (IVF), which has helped countless individuals and couples realise their goal of becoming parents. 
• July 25 was chosen as World IVF Day because it is the birthday of Louise Brown, the first baby ever born through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). 
• Louise was born in Oldham, United Kingdom, on this day in 1978. Since then, over 8 million babies have been born through IVF. 

Grasslands in Kutch likely to host cheetahs from Africa 

• one of the next batch of cheetahs being brought in from Africa, as part of the next phase of Project Cheetah, may be sent to a cheetah-breeding and conservation center being built in the sprawling grasslands of Banni in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, senior officials in the Environent Ministry told The Hindu. 
• While the Gandhi Sagar sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is the preferred location for the next lot of wild cats, with Banni being considered a potential habitat for over a decade, officials say there is a surge in activity to set up basic infrastructure in Banni and get it ready this year. 
• "The next flot of] animals will go to Gandhi Sa gar. However, the Gujarat government is setting up suitable enclosures in Banni where cheetahs can be bred. If all goes to plan, there is no reason (the site) cannot be readied in the next six months and some animals sent there," an official told The Hindu. 
• Banni is a vast grassland in the southern part of Kutch and extends to nearly 3,500 square kilometres. While that is plenty of space, more than that available in Kuno and Gandhi Sagar, there is barely enough prey to sustain a viable population. as Antelope species such as chinkara and blackbuck the prey for the cheetah are present in the Banni landscape but not enough for the big cat. "It will take years for enough prey, and practically this means chital, the main prey for the cheetahs in India, needs to be brought into these grasslands. There isn't an official plan yet but it is a site that is under consideration," the official added. 
• While the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is tasked with managing the cheetahs at Kuno in Madhya Pradesh, an expert steering committee gives scientific input on managing the programme. This includes recommending future sites for introducing fresh batches of cheetahs at regular intervals. 
• Of the 20 adult cheetahs brought to Kuno since September 2022, 13 survive. Additionally there are 13 cubs, making it 26 animals overall. However, the maximum capacity (in terms of available prey) of the Kuno reserve is for 21 adult animals. 
• The government's estimate is that India will need to import anywhere between 10 and 12 adult cheetahs every year for the next five years to groom a sustainable breeding population. "One attractive aspect of Banni is that there are no leopards. So with enough prey, we can overtime sustain a larger population. 
• But this is a long term plan," an official said. In October, all of the cheetahs in Kuno are expected to be released into the wild. Currently, most of them are in the bomas. or large enclosures that are a kilometre wide and long. These animals were brought in after infections and acclimatisation problems led to fatalities. Following the release of all the animals into the wild, preparations for the next batch are expected to begin again from South Africa and Namibia. 

No progress on UN Security Council expansion, say former Ambassadors 

• Despite consistent efforts by India and other counrries, the move for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform and expansion has made "no progress" so far, conceded two former Indian Ambassadors to the United Nations, stressing that India must, however, continue to push its demand for inclusion in the top global decision making body. 
• The lack of progress has been the subject of considerable frustration ahead of this year's Summit of the Future at the UN (September 22-23) that is expected to bring in more than 150 world leaders to discuss plans to "reboot" the UN, with India and its partners in the G-4 (Brazil, Germany Since 2023, there has only been movement in making the Inter-Governmental Former Indian Ambassador to UN in Delhi. She added that since 2023, there has only been movement in making the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process on UN reforms more transparent. "You now have a live broadcast of the Intergovernmental Negotiations. This wasn't the case until last year, and there's also a digital repository where you can put your proposals, and India's proposals are very much there on expansion and reforms on their website, but in terms of real progress, let's be very honest... the answer is no," Ms. Khamboj said. 
• Last week. India's Acting Permanent Representative R. Ravindra delivered a sharp address during an open debate at the UNSC, blaming the failure of the multilateral system on the "1945-vintage binary out-look reflected clearly in the composition of the Security Council", referring to the fact that the five permanent members of the Security Council, or P5, are still those who are considered "victors" of the Second World War. 
• "Disillusionment with the existing multilateral system has led member states to consider various alternatives," Mr. Ravindra said. 
• Nev and Japan), all of whom claim a permanent seat at the UNSC, lashing out in recent statements about the proposed "Pact of the Future" that will be released. "The short answer to whether there is progress in concrete terms, is no," said India's former Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Khamboj (2022-2024), who retired at the end of June, at a seminar organized at the India International Centre (IIC) 

India committed to FTA with the U.K., says Modi 

• India is committed to concluding a Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom, said Prime Minister Narendra. Modi on Wednesday, after meeting the visiting Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Deve- lopment Affairs David Lammy the highest ranking official from the United Kingdom to visit India since the Labour government won a landslide victory in the recent election. "[I] appreciate the prior- ity accorded by PM Keir Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA," Mr. Modi said. 
• Mr. Lammy was hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for a round of talks where the two sides exchanged ideas on a wide range of issues. Mr. Jaishankar said the two sides should cooperate on "global matters on global platforms", indicating that In- dia is seeking collaboration with the U.K. to deal with globally relevant issues like climate action. 
• "We are both countries which have a big global presence in different ways. So I think it's also important India and the U.K.. work together on global issues and in global plat- forms," said Mr. Jaishankar. 
• After meeting Mr. Modi, Mr. Lammy referred to the "unique living bridge" that connects India with the United Kingdom and said the two sides are building on "climate action while creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses". India and the U.K. have been discussing the FTA for several years now and have been caught up in a negotiation. protracted 
• "I am traveling to India in my first month as A Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home," Mr. Lammy had said in a statement ahead of his departure, calling India the "emerging superpower of the 21st century", one of the fastest growing economies, with the world's largest population. 

Bihar Assembly passes Bill to curb paper leaks in govt. recruitment exams 

• The Bihar Assembly Wednesday passed a Bill aimed at curbing question paper leaks and malpractice in government recruitment examinations in the State. The Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was tabled by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and passed by voice vote amid a walkout by the Opposition. The Bill stipulates severe punishment, including a prison term of three to five years and a fine of ₹10 lakh, for those involved in such malpractices. 
• Termination of services Service providers government or private agencies entrusted with conducting such tests that commit such crimes in an organised manner would face a prison term of five to 10 years, a fine of up to 21 crore, and termination of services for four years. 
• All crimes under this law will be cognisable and non-bailable. The investigating officers in such cases shall not be below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. 
• The new legislation comes close on the heels of governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh enact-ing stringent anti-paper leak laws. The Jharkhand Assembly passed a similar Bill in 2023 with provisions for life imprisonment and a fine up to 10 crore. 
• There are also provisions to confiscate the property of offending service providers and recover from them a portion of the total cost of conducting such examinations. 
• "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has implemented the law at the national level and now the Bihar government is also going to implement it. The State's 1981 law had provision for six-month imprisonment. This time, we have made a strict law," Mr. Chaudhary said. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, with provision for imprisonment up to five years and a fine of up to 1 crore for malpractice and organized cheating in government recruitment exams, was notified by the Centre to come into effect from June 21. Parliament had passed the Bill on February 6. 
• Spate of paper leaks Bihar has been embroiled in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2024 paper leak controversy, with many of the accused in the case being arrested from the State. The Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) Teachers' Recruitment Exam was also canceled this year following widespread allegations of paper leak. 
• Last year, the question paper of the Bihar Constable Recruitment Examination 2023 went viral on social media, leading to the cancellation of the exam. In 2022, the BPSC had to cancel the 67th Combined Competitive Preliminary Exam due to a paper leak.