- NATIONAL FARMERS DAY
SUBJECT: AGRICULTURE
- National Farmers’ Day, observed on 23rd December, celebrates their invaluable contribution
- This day marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, renowned for his deep understanding of rural issues and unwavering advocacy for farmers’ welfare.
- Key Schemes for Farmers in India
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan MaanDhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
- Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
2. MISSION MAUSAM
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- India’s Push for Climate Resilience
- Goal: To make India ‘Weather Ready’ & ‘Climate Smart’ and set global benchmarks in weather sciences.
- Key Objectives:
- Enhance weather forecasting (short to seasonal scales).
- Improve monsoon prediction with high-resolution models.
- Strengthen observational networks (radars, satellites, AWS).
- Provide actionable advisories for agriculture, health, disaster management, etc.
- Build research capacity with global partnerships.
- Key Features:
- Infrastructure: Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs), Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), rain gauges.
- Supercomputing: Use of Pratyush & Mihir for climate modeling.
- Research: Collaboration with global institutions like WMO.
- Outreach: Dissemination through the Mausam app, SMS, and media channels.
3. GDP GROWTH
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Q2 FY 2024-25 slowdown termed a “temporary blip” by FM.
- RBI revised FY 2024-25 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% (from 7.2%)
- Key Indicators and Trends:
- Stable Commodity Prices:
- Energy, food, fertilizers, and metals have seen price stability or decline since 2022 (World Bank indices).
- Income Transfer Schemes:
- FY 2024-25: ₹1.9 trillion disbursed via schemes like PM-KISAN.
- Key role in boosting rural demand: Rural income growth at 5.1% YoY (higher than urban demand).
- Global GDP Trends:
- World growth steady at ~3%.
- Country-wise forecast:
- India: Among top performers globally.
- China: ~5%
- US: ~2%
- Monetary Policy Shift Globally:
- Global trend toward policy loosening.
- Inflation in India still a concern, but the rabi harvest may ease pressures
4. PRADHAN MANTRI RASHTRIYA BAL PURASKAR
SUBJECT: AWARDS
- President of India will confer the ‘Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar’ on 17 children from 14 States/UTs for exceptional achievements.
- The PMRBP is India’s highest civilian honor for children, recognizing exceptional achievements across various fields
- Awardees recognized for exceptional achievements in seven categories:
- Art & Culture
- Bravery
- Innovation
- Science & Technology
- Social Service
- Sports
- Environment
- Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 5 to 18 years (as of July 31 of the respective year).
- Citizenship: Indian resident.
- Achievement Period: Accomplishments should be within two years preceding the application deadline.
5. CRITICALLY ENDANGERED BIRDS IN INDIA
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps)
- One of the heaviest flying birds, the GIB inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands.
- Its population has declined drastically due to habitat loss, hunting, and overhead power cables.
- Estimates suggest fewer than 150 individuals remaining.
- Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus)
- A nocturnal bird endemic to the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, it was thought extinct until its rediscovery in 1986.
- Threat: Habitat destruction and human disturbance.
- White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)
- Found in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, they prefer undisturbed rivers and wetlands.
- Estimated global population – fewer than 250 mature individuals.
- Threat: Habitat degradation and human disturbance.
