Category: ECONOMICS

Context: The Government of India has successfully met its fiscal deficit target of 4.8% of GDP for the financial year 2024–25 (FY25)

The Government of India has successfully met its fiscal deficit target of 4.8% of GDP for the financial year 2024–25 (FY25), according to provisional data released by the Controller General of Accounts. The fiscal deficit stood at ₹15.77 lakh crore, representing 100.5% of the revised target announced in the Union Budget.

Key Highlights:

• The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.6% in the previous year to 4.8% of GDP, underscoring the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation.
• This achievement was driven by disciplined revenue expenditure, higher-than-anticipated non-tax revenues (including a significant dividend from the central bank), and robust capital expenditure that surpassed its revised goal.
• Total government receipts reached ₹30.78 lakh crore, or 97.8% of the revised estimate, while total expenditure amounted to ₹46.56 lakh crore, or 98.7% of the revised estimate.
• For FY26, the government has set a lower fiscal deficit target of 4.4%, aiming to bring the gap below 4.5% in line with its medium-term fiscal roadmap.

This outcome highlights the government’s ability to maintain fiscal discipline while continuing to invest in infrastructure and public services despite challenging economic conditions.

Learning Corner:

Fiscal Deficit

Fiscal Deficit is the gap between the government’s total expenditure and its total revenue (excluding borrowings). It indicates how much the government needs to borrow to meet its expenses.
Formula:
Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure – (Revenue Receipts + Non-debt Capital Receipts)

It reflects the total borrowings required by the government.

2. Revenue Deficit

Revenue Deficit occurs when the government’s revenue expenditure exceeds its revenue receipts. It shows that the government is borrowing not only for capital investment but also to meet its regular operational expenses.

Formula:
Revenue Deficit = Revenue Expenditure – Revenue Receipts

A revenue deficit means the government is not generating enough revenue to cover its routine expenses.

3. Primary Deficit

Primary Deficit is the fiscal deficit excluding interest payments on previous borrowings. It indicates the current year’s borrowing requirement, ignoring the cost of past borrowings.

Formula:
Primary Deficit = Fiscal Deficit – Interest Payments

It helps assess the sustainability of government borrowing.

4. Effective Revenue Deficit

Effective Revenue Deficit is the part of the revenue deficit that excludes grants given for capital assets. It measures the actual shortfall in revenue receipts compared to revenue expenditure on routine functions.

Formula:
Effective Revenue Deficit = Revenue Deficit – Grants for creation of capital assets

This gives a clearer picture of the government’s operational deficit.

Source : the hindu

Category: ECONOMICS

Context The government is preparing to release a comprehensive discussion paper in June 2025 

Decoding the context: This marks a significant shift after years of regulatory ambiguity and piecemeal measures and reducing the regulatory cholesterol

Learning Corner:

Regulating India’s Virtual Digital Assets Revolution

India is currently at a pivotal moment in the regulation of virtual digital assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies and NFTs. The government is preparing to release a comprehensive discussion paper in June 2025, which is expected to outline a range of regulatory options and seek public input to shape the country’s future approach to crypto assets. This marks a significant shift after years of regulatory ambiguity and piecemeal measures.

Current Regulatory Landscape

• Legal Status: Cryptocurrencies are not illegal in India, but they are not recognized as legal tender. Trading and holding crypto assets are permitted, but they lack comprehensive legal backing 
• Taxation: Since 2022, India has imposed a 30% tax on gains from VDAs and a 1% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on transactions. However, taxation does not equate to legal recognition 
• Compliance: All crypto exchanges operating in India must register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), aiming to increase transparency and prevent illicit activities 
• Classification: The Income Tax Bill, 2025, explicitly categorizes VDAs as property and capital assets, aligning India’s tax structure with international standards and allowing authorities to seize VDAs during investigations or tax raids.

Regulatory Authorities

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Remains skeptical of decentralized digital assets and is developing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a safer alternative.
• Ministry of Finance: Focuses on tax policy and curbing illicit activities through measures like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): May play a larger role if crypto assets are classified as securities.

Upcoming Developments

• Discussion Paper: The government’s forthcoming discussion paper will draw from global best practices, including recommendations from the IMF and Financial Stability Board (FSB). It will invite stakeholder feedback and is expected to address key risks, compliance, and potential frameworks for regulation.
• Public Consultation: The paper will be open for public comment, allowing industry players, investors, and other stakeholders to influence the final regulatory framework.
• Global Alignment: India’s evolving approach seeks to balance innovation with economic and financial stability, aiming to align with international standards while addressing local challenges.

Industry and Judicial Pressure

• The Supreme Court of India has called current crypto laws “obsolete” and urged the government to provide clearer regulations.
• Industry leaders are hopeful that the new discussion paper will lead to actionable guidelines, tax relief, and broader adoption, though caution remains until concrete regulations are enacted.

Conclusion

India’s regulatory approach to virtual digital assets is moving from ambiguity to a more structured and consultative process. While crypto trading and investment are allowed and taxed, comprehensive legal recognition and regulation are still pending. The upcoming discussion paper in June 2025 is expected to be a major step toward clarity, but the final outcome will depend on stakeholder input and the government’s willingness to translate policy proposals into law.

Source :  the hindu

Category: CULTURE

Context : Kheer Bhawani Mela amid security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir

Learning Corner:

Kheer Bhawani Mela – Key Facts

• Deity: Goddess Ragnya Devi, a form of Durga, worshipped mainly by Kashmiri Pandits.
• Location: Tulmulla, Ganderbal district, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Temple Feature: Built over a natural spring; water is believed to change color as an omen.
• Sacred Offering: Devotees offer kheer (sweet rice pudding), symbolizing purity and devotion.
• Festival Timing: Celebrated on Jyeshtha Ashtami (May–June), with fasting and prayers.

Historical Highlights

• Mentioned in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini (12th century).
• Believed to be brought to Kashmir by Hanuman from Sri Lanka.
• Patronized by Dogra kings like Maharaja Pratap Singh.
• Worship includes barefoot circumambulation of the spring.

Modern Context & Revival

• The temple remained intact during the 1990s insurgency; seen as a symbol of divine protection.
• Mela resumed post-2000s with participation of returning Kashmiri Pandits and local Muslim support.
• Now a symbol of faith, resilience, and interfaith harmony.

Source: the hindu

Category: ECONOMICS

Context : As of mid-2025, India is recognized as the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, having overtaken Japan.

Decoding the context: Official announcements, such as from the NITI Aayog and various economic analyses, confirm that India now ranks behind only the United States, China, and Germany in terms of economic size.

Learning Corner:

Is India the world’s fourth largest economy?

Yes, as of mid-2025, India is recognized as the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, having overtaken Japan. This milestone is supported by multiple sources, including the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook for 2025, which projects India’s GDP at approximately $4.19 trillion, marginally ahead of Japan’s.However, it is important to note that this ranking refers to total GDP, not GDP per capita, where India still ranks much lower globally.

In summary:

• India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, just ahead of Japan.
• This position is based on the latest IMF projections and government statements as of 2025.
• India’s per capita income remains comparatively low, despite its high overall GDP.

Source : the hindu

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context : Indian summers are undoubtedly getting hotter, with both scientific data and lived experiences confirming a long-term warming trend. Since the early 20th century

Learning Corner:

Indian summers are undoubtedly getting hotter, with both scientific data and lived experiences confirming a long-term warming trend. Since the early 20th century, India’s average land temperature has risen by nearly 0.8°C, and extreme heat events—such as the 50.5°C recorded in Churu, Rajasthan in 2024—are becoming more common. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to forecast above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures, with longer and more frequent heatwaves expected across large parts of the country.

Are We Losing the Ability to Adapt?

Short-Term Adaptation:

• Emergency measures like water stations, adjusted school/work hours, cooling centers, and hospital readiness for heatstroke are increasingly common in cities.
• Public advisories and early warning systems have improved, raising awareness and helping vulnerable populations respond to immediate threats.

Long-Term Adaptation:

• Despite these efforts, India’s long-term adaptive capacity is under strain. Many adaptation plans—such as Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in cities—are poorly implemented, lack legal or financial backing, and are inconsistently enforced.
• Urban planning and infrastructure have not kept pace with the rising risks. Most homes, especially in low-income areas, are built with materials that trap heat, making indoor environments dangerously hot even at night.
• There is limited inter-departmental coordination and a lack of robust, community-driven adaptation strategies.

Social and Economic Vulnerabilities:

• The impact of heat is not uniform. Those working outdoors, living in slums, or lacking access to air conditioning face greater risks.
• Slum dwellers can experience indoor temperatures up to 6°C higher than other city neighbourhoods, with severe health consequences.
• The burden falls disproportionately on the poor, women, and outdoor workers, highlighting the need for targeted adaptation policies.

Evidence of Strained Adaptation

• In 2024, heatstroke caused over 700 deaths in 17 states, despite increased awareness and emergency responses5.
• Studies warn that without stronger, better-coordinated, and well-funded adaptation measures, India’s adaptive capacity could be overwhelmed by the frequency and intensity of future heatwaves.
• While some grassroots and women-led initiatives are making a difference at the community level, these efforts are not yet widespread or systematic enough to offset the scale of the challenge.

Conclusion

India has not entirely lost the ability to adapt to hotter summers, but current adaptation efforts are falling short of what is needed to protect the most vulnerable. Emergency responses are improving, but long-term, systemic adaptation—especially in urban planning, housing, and public health—remains weak and inconsistently implemented. Without urgent investment in robust, community-driven, and well-coordinated adaptation strategies, rising temperatures threaten to outpace India’s capacity to cope, putting millions at risk.

.Source : the hindu

Q1. Which of the following best explains the term “Heat Action Plans (HAPs)” as mentioned in the context of India’s climate adaptation efforts?

1. Plans that prioritize the distribution of air conditioners in urban slums
2. Emergency protocols issued during forest fires and dust storms
3. City-level strategies aimed at reducing the health impacts of extreme heat events
4. Long-term national development schemes focused on rural electrification

Q2.In the context of India becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, which of the following best explains the limitations of using nominal GDP as a development indicator?

1. It includes only agriculture and manufacturing output
2. It ignores inflation and purchasing power parity
3. It understates the importance of financial flows
4. It overemphasizes income inequality as a metric.

Q3.With reference to the historical background of the Kheer Bhawani temple, consider the following statements:

1. It finds mention in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini.
2. The deity is believed to have been brought from Sri Lanka by Hanuman according to legend.
3. The temple was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka as part of his Buddhist reforms.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – b