Current Affairs

30 March 2023: Project Akashteer

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed three contracts totalling 5,400 crores, two of which are with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the purchase of Sarang electronic support measure (ESM) systems for the Navy and the Automated Air Defense Control and Reporting System (Project Akashteer) for the Army. Both projects will encourage the participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs, who are sub-vendors of BEL.

29 March 2023: Screening for Autism and severity assessment

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated developmental condition that interferes with social communication, interactions, and behaviours. It is still frequently misunderstood and underdiagnosed in India. Early detection and intervention are critical for improved results and support for families.

29 March 2023: India on target of WTO for avoiding questions on MSP subsidy

India has come under fire from the World Trade Organization (WTO) for evading questions raised by members on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) programs for food grains, especially rice, where subsidies have breached prescribed limits. Some countries have alleged that India did not respond adequately to the concerns raised by them during the consultations.

29 March 2023: A shared G20 vision for the ocean commons

In the backdrop of India’s presidency in the G20, the scope of the blue economy reemerged and would play a crucial role in future economic decision-making.
Background: The oceans hold immense opportunities for the prosperity of our planet. It is therefore not surprising that the most prosperous cities and countries are endowed with coasts. The G20 countries together share about 45% of the world’s coastline and more than 21% of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).

29 March 2023: India’s push for semiconductor

India has committed itself to expand semiconductor manufacturing in the country, but bureaucratic dysfunction and water and energy shortages will prevent the country from competing internationally.

28 March 2023: PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Account interest rate hike may remain elusive

With no rate increases since January 2019, investors in the well-known small savings plans Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) are unlikely to see higher returns any time soon.
The last time the PPF and SSA rates were tweaked was when they were slashed sharply in April 2020 along with the returns on other small savings schemes.
The interest rates of small savings schemes are linked to market yields of government securities in the secondary market.

28 March 2023: Finance Bill 2023

The government completed its budgetary exercise for 2023–2024 as both houses of Parliament approved the Finance Bill 2023. It passed amid protests by the opposition in Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification case.

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