1. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Context: India announced that it had raised concerns in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about the efficacy of its funding to Pakistan.
- India had abstained from the vote to provide additional funding to the cash-strapped country.
Extended Fund Facility (EFF):
- It provides financial assistance to countries facing serious medium-term balance of payments problems because of structural weaknesses that require time to address.
- To help countries implement medium-term structural reforms, the EFF offers longer program engagement and a longer repayment period.
International Monetary Fund (IMF):
Prelims special:
Q. Consider the following statements about G-20:(UPSC 2023)
- The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues.
- Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
2. Thalassaemia
- Context: Thalassaemia patients in Karnataka battle disease with hope and hardship.
Thalassaemia:
Prelims Special:
Q. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? [UPSC 2015]
- AIDS
- Bird flu
- Dengue
- Swine flu
Ans: (d)
3. Delimitation
- Context: The southern States in India stand to lose in the delimitation exercise initiated by the government at the Centre according to the Chief Minister of Telangana.
What is Delimitation?
- Delimitation is the act of fixing or redrawing the limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies (Assembly or Lok Sabha seat) in a country or a province having a legislative body, as per the Election Commission.
- The delimitation exercise is carried out by an independent high-powered panel known as the Delimitation Commission whose orders have the force of law and cannot be questioned by any court.
- Aside from changing the limits of a constituency, the process may result in a change in the number of seats in a state.
- This exercise involves reservation of Assembly seats for SC & ST in accordance with the Constitution.
- Aim: To have equal representation to equal segments of the population
- In order to ensure a fair division of geographical areas so that all political parties or candidates contesting elections have a level playing field in terms of the number of voters.
- The first delimitation exercise was carried out by the President (with the help of the Election Commission) in 1950-51.
- The Delimitation Commission Act was enacted in 1952.
- Delimitation Commissions had been set up four times — 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002 under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002.
- There was no delimitation after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.
Constitutional Basis for Delimitation:
- Article 82: The Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census.
- Article 170:States also get divided into territorial constituencies as per Delimitation Act after every Census.
- Once the Act is in force, the Union government sets up a Delimitation Commission.
- The delimitation commission is an independent body constituted under Article 82 after the Parliament enacted a Delimitation Act after every census.
Who is Included in a Delimitation Commission?
- The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
- Composition:
- Retired Supreme Court judge
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Respective State Election Commissioner.
Prelims special:
Q. How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023?(UPSC 2024)
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
Ans: (d)
4. UP AGREES and AI Pragya
- Context: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister met the World Bank President and launched two initiatives ‘UP AGREES’ and ‘AI Pragya’ related to agricultural innovation and digital transformation in the State.
UP-AGREES project:
- Aim: It will help farmers enhance agricultural output in the state.
- The initiative will push for revolutionising agriculture in 28 districts of Bundelkhand and Purvanchal regions.
- Significance:
- It will enhance productivity and promote advanced, technology-based farming.
- It will benefit farmers, fishers, farmer organisations, and agri-related MSMEs, with 30 percent of the benefits reserved for women.
AI Pragya:
- Aim: To build a robust Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent base by training 10 lakh youth across Uttar Pradesh
- It will equip them with the digital skills necessary to thrive in emerging technology sectors.
- Significance:
- It will unlock new job avenues for youth.
- It will enhance technological efficiency in core sectors such as government services, farming, education, and healthcare.
Prelims special:
Q. Consider the following plants:(UPSC 2024)
- Groundnut
- Horse-gram
- Soybean
How many of the above belong to the pea family?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Ans: (c)