Current affairs

16th Finance Commission, Constitution, Terms of Reference, Challenges 

The Finance Commission, a constitutionally mandated body established under Article 280 of the Constitution, plays a pivotal role in shaping financial relations between the central and state governments in India.16th Finance Commission was constituted on December 31, 2023, headed by...

RBI Curbs on PayTM Payment Bank, Compliance Issues

Context: The Reserve Bank of India barred Paytm Payment Bank from offering all its core services including wallets and accounts. This action does not revoke Paytm's licence but severely limits its operations. PayTM Payment Bank: Background and Compliance Issues Paytm...

Surajkund Mela 2024, Theme, Partner Nations, History, Significance

Surajkund Mela 2024 The 37th edition of the highly anticipated Surajkund Mela 2024 has commenced, promising an extravaganza of cultural richness, heritage celebration, and artistic brilliance. Held annually in February, this event draws crowds from across the globe to the...

Current Affairs 2nd February 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

President addresses Joint Session of the Parliament Context: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Joint Session of the Parliament. Historical Evolution Establishment of the Practice: The tradition of the President addressing Parliament in India commenced following the 1919 Government of India...

Editorial of the Day (1st Feb): A Case of Capex

Context: The central government's budgeted capex for FY25 is set to reach a record ₹11.11 trillion, equivalent to 3.4% of GDP. Key Data and Information from India's FY25 Interim Budget Investment Ratio Increase: India's investment ratio improved to 29.8% of...

Rooftop Solar Plan, Progress and Challenges

Context: The Finance minister Of India announced that the participants under the PM Suryodaya scheme will receive 300 units of free electricity monthly, potentially saving up to Rs 18,000 a year. Progress and Challenges So Far Related To Solar Plan...

India’s Snow Leopard, Population, Habitat, Conservation Status

Context: India has an estimated 718 snow leopards in the wild, as per the recently released report of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI). About Snow Leopards Scientific Name: Panthera uncia Alternate Name: Lama in the Lisu dialect...

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024, Celebrated Annually From February 1–7

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024 World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) is an annual event observed in the first week of February (1-7) to promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and harmony among people of different faiths and religions. Initiated by a resolution...

Highlights of the Interim Budget 2024-25, Schemes, Initiatives

Highlights of the Interim Budget 2024-25 Social Justice Prime Minister to focus on upliftment of four major castes, that is, ‘Garib’ (Poor), ‘Mahilayen’ (Women), ‘Yuva’ (Youth) and ‘Annadata’(Farmer). ‘Garib Kalyan, Desh ka Kalyan’ Government assisted 25 crore people out of...

Karpoori Thakur Biography, Posthumously Awarded Bharat Ratna in 2024

Context: Late former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur will be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. About Karpoori Thakur He held the position of Bihar's Chief Minister twice, advocating for the backward classes. His administration was noted...