- SHOULD THE WEALTH TAX BE REINSTATED IN INDIA
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Argument Against Wealth Tax : Challenges in measuring wealth and potential evasion due to shifting assets.
- Wealth tax could discourage investments in productive assets (e.g., equities, bonds) and incentivize unproductive holdings like gold.
- Tax implementation might lead to capital flight and weaken long-term economic prospects.
- Argument In Favor of Wealth Tax
- Existing inequalities demand are distributive mechanism for better equity.
- A sophisticated tax structure could ensure targeting of top wealth holders with minimal economic disruption.
- Addressing loopholes: Comprehensive tax design can include real estate and offshore wealth
2. FROM NUCLEAR DEAL TO QUAD HE LEFT A LASTING IMPRINT ON EXTERNAL RELATIONS – LEGACY OF MANMOHAN SINGH IN FOREIGN POLICY
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL RELATION
- Tsunami Response (2004): Refused international aid, showcasing India’s self-reliance.
- Immediate deployment of Indian naval and air forces to aid neighbors (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives), establishing India as a humanitarian disaster first responder.
- Landmark Foreign Policy Achievements:
- Indo-US Nuclear Deal (2008): Enabled India to access nuclear technology and fuel despite not being an NPT signatory.
- Negotiated waivers from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
- India-Japan Relations: Strengthened ties through civil nuclear agreements and enhanced strategic partnerships.
- Formation of Quad: Early meetings with the US, Japan, and Australia laid the groundwork for this grouping.
3. WHY IS STRENGTHENING FISHERIES EXTENSION SERVICES CRUCIAL?
SUBJECT: AGRICULTURE
- Significance of Fisheries: India ranks second in fish production globally (175 lakh tons in 2022-23).
- Fisheries offer livelihood to ~3 crore people, but climate change poses significant risks.
- Role of Matsya Seva Kendras: Act as one-stop centers for extension services like disease diagnostics, seed/tech support, and training.
- Key to fostering sustainable aquaculture practices and addressing climate challenges.
- Government Initiatives: Deployment of Sagar Mitras to bridge the gap between fishers and policymakers.
- Introduction of digital outreach tools(e.g., Aqua Bazaar)for practical demonstrations.
4. A GLOBAL POLIO RESURGENACE AND THE NEED TO REVALUATE THE BASICS
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Resurgence: Vaccine-derived polio detected in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Shift in Transmission Path: Research suggests respiratory transmission might play a larger role than the fecal-oral route.
- Vaccine Controversy: Over-reliance on Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) linked to emergence of vaccine-derived poliovirus.
- Advocates for Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)for sustainable eradication.
5. TAPPING INTO KAZAKHSTAN’S RARE EARTHS POTENTIAL
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
- India diversifies away from China for rare earth imports, focusing on Kazakhstan as a potential alternative.
- Rare earths critical for clean energy, defense, and electronics (e.g., dysprosiumfor renewable technologies).
- Kazakhstan’s Role: Holds 15 of 17 rare earth elements.
- Collaborating through initiatives like the International North South Transport Corridor and rare-earth forums.
- Projects 400% increase in mining output over the next decade.
- Geopolitical Context: China’s monopoly on rare earths (70% global production).
- Shift in global trade patterns due to supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by Ukraine war.
