Today in History (July 25^th, 1987)

On July 25, 1987, R. Venkataraman was sworn in as the eighth President of the Republic of India. Venkataraman, a seasoned politician and lawyer, served as India’s President from 1987 to 1992.

Let’s revise

A) According to the Economic Survey for 2023-24, what is the projected growth rate of the Indian economy this year?

1. 5.5%
2. 7%
3. 7.5%
4. 8.5%

Ans. (2)

B) According to the survey, what is emphasized as a policy priority alongside economic growth?

1. Environmental sustainability
2. Gender equality
3. Addressing unemployment and inequality
4. Improving infrastructure

Ans. (3)

C) Who is the lead author of the Economic Survey for 2023-24?

1. Nirmala Sitharaman
2. V. Anantha Nageswaran
3. Vikas Dhoot
4. Narendra Modi

Ans. (2)

D) What does the CEA recommend to Union and State governments to ease the burden on businesses?

1. Increase taxes
2. Implement more regulations
3. Maintain current regulatory powers
4. Let go of myriad regulatory powers

Ans. (4)

E) According to the Survey, what is highlighted as potentially undermining public health and productivity in India?

1. Lack of social welfare programs
2. Sedentary habits and unhealthy food
3. Inadequate healthcare facilities
4. Excessive government intervention

Ans. (2)

F) In the budget of 2024-25 the government has targets to make India a developed country by___

1. 2030
2. 2050
3. 2080
4. 2047

Ans. (4)

G) Which article of the Indian constitution says that the members of the legislative assembly or legislative council of a state will take an oath according to the given format in the presence of the governor or any other person appointed in his behalf?

1. 155
2. 188
3. 210
4. 123

Ans. (2)

Summary of Today’s News

UPSC to use biometric authentication and enhanced surveillance.

• The implementation of biometric authentication and enhanced surveillance measures by UPSC marks a significant response to recent controversies and concerns over exam integrity, particularly highlighted by the NEET exam irregularities and other incidents.
• By integrating Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition systems, and CCTV surveillance with AI, UPSC aims to bolster exam security, prevent cheating, impersonation, and fraud.
• This proactive step underscores UPSC’s commitment to maintaining the credibility and fairness of its examinations through advanced technological solutions.

India to is working to sign Free Trade Agreement with United Kingdom.

• The commitment of India to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, as affirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following discussions with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, underscores a significant step in bilateral relations.
• The emphasis on deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, along with initiatives like the bilateral Technology Security Initiative, highlights a mutual desire to enhance cooperation across various sectors.
• Both countries aim to leverage their global influence, collaborate on climate action, and create new opportunities for businesses, reflecting a strategic alignment that seeks to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties in the evolving global landscape.

No progress on UNSC reforms, concerns of former ambassadors.

• The lack of tangible progress in reforming and expanding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), despite persistent efforts by India and other countries, highlights a significant challenge in global governance. Former Indian Ambassadors to the UN, including Ruchira Khamboj, have acknowledged the frustration surrounding the stagnant Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) process.
• Despite recent transparency improvements such as live broadcasts and digital repositories for proposals, concrete advancements towards including India and other aspirants (Brazil, Germany, Japan) as permanent members have not materialized.
• The upcoming Summit of the Future at the UN, where global leaders will convene to discuss reforms, underscores the continued relevance of this issue.
• India’s stance, articulated by its Acting Permanent Representative R. Ravindra, reflects growing disillusionment with the current UNSC composition dominated by post-World War II powers.
• As India persists in pushing for its rightful place in global decision-making, the journey towards UNSC reform remains marked by complexity and geopolitical challenges, necessitating sustained diplomatic efforts and international consensus-building.