General Studies Paper -3  Context: Recent Budget has recognised cities as the growth hubs and offered many options and opportunities for the planned development and the growth of cities, as the ever-growing pace of urbanisation in India calls for sustained investments, with a vision and determination. Recognizing the Urban Imperative India’s urban landscape is undergoing a profound shift. With approximately 50 crore people residing in cities — accounting for about 36% of the country’s population — the need for thoughtful planning, investment, and vision has never been more critical. Challenges and Related Solutions in Urban Transformation Strategies in India Rapid....Read More

General Studies Paper -3  Context: Recent Union Budget for 2024-25 aims to provide ₹1.48 lakh crore for education, employment and skilling in the country. Budget Allocations (Overall Vision) The budget’s emphasis on education, employment, and skilling reflects the government’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive economy. It aims to lead India toward strong development and all-round prosperity. Budget Estimates(2024-25) 1.      Total receipts (excluding borrowings): ₹32.07 lakh crore. 2.      Total expenditure: ₹48.21 lakh crore. 3.      Net tax receipts: ₹25.83 lakh crore. 4.      Fiscal deficit: 4.9% of GDP. The government aims to reduce it further to below 4.5% next year Education....Read More

Current Context : Bir Billing in Kangra district will host the Paragliding World Cup, 2024, from November 02 to 09 2024. For this event, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the official website of Paragliding World Cup. In this cup 130 pilots from nearly 50 countries were expected to take part. World Cup would be organised by the Billing Paragliding Association in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh govt. ABOUT PARAGLIDING WORLD CUP : The Paragliding World Cup (or PWC for short) is a cross country flying competition for paraglider pilots. It is organized by the Paragliding World Cup Association (PWCA),....Read More

Current Context : Recently, the Indian Army soldiers has departed for Mongolia to take part in the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2024. The exercise will run from July 27 to August 9, 2024, at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Exercise was began in 2003 as a bilateral event between the USA and the Mongolian Armed Forces. This is the 21st edition of the annual exercise. It involves military forces from around the world, with a focus on high-degree physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills. The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel is being represented mainly by troops from a Battalion....Read More

Current Context : Madhya Pradesh has secured the first place under the 'Best Performing State' category in the Prime Minister SVANidhi scheme. Assam has been ranked second in the 'Best Performing States- Innovation and Best Practices Award' category. ABOUT SVANIDHI SCHEME. The micro-credit scheme for urban street vendors. It provides collateral-free loans up to Rs 50,000. It was launched by the Central government in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.Read More