Heavy Rainfall: North India experienced heavy rainfall due to the advancing monsoon, bringing relief from the heat but causing flooding in several areas.
Impact on Agriculture: The rain is expected to benefit Kharif crops, which include rice, maize, and pulses, but the flooding has damaged crops in low-lying areas.
Government Response: The state governments have set up relief camps and are distributing food and medical aid to affected populations.
Weather Forecast: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued heavy rainfall over the next week.
India’s GDP Growth Forecast Revised
Economic Projection: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.3% for the fiscal year 2024-25, up from 6.8%.
Key Drivers: The revision is attributed to strong domestic consumption and investment, coupled with a recovery in exports.
Challenges: Despite the positive outlook, the IMF warns of potential inflationary pressures and global economic uncertainties.
Policy Measures: The government is expected to maintain accommodative monetary policies to support growth.
Supreme Court Ruling on Digital Privacy
Landmark Judgment: The Supreme Court has ruled that the right to digital privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Implications: This decision mandates stricter regulations on data collection and usage by both government and private entities.
Data Protection Law: The ruling has accelerated the process of enacting a comprehensive data protection law, which is currently under parliamentary review.
Public Reaction: The judgment has been widely welcomed by civil society groups advocating for privacy rights.
Demand for a Separate ‘Bhil Pradesh’
Cultural and Developmental Reasons: Advocates for a new state comprising parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, focusing on better governance and targeted economic development.
Challenges: High administrative setup costs, potential conflicts over resources, and possible fragmentation of national unity.
Context: Similar demands have been made based on linguistic diversity and cultural identity, as seen with the creation of states like Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960.
Organ Trafficking Challenges in India
Statistics: In 2022, only 15,561 organ transplants were performed against a demand of 49,745 patients.
Issues: High demand vs. low supply, transnational nature of the organ trade, and inadequate policies on organ procurement.
Steps Forward: Addressing root causes, providing victim protection, and ensuring uniform ethical guidelines for organ donation and transplantation.
National Landslide Risk Management
Key Components: Advanced tools for hazard zonation, early warning systems, and mountain zone regulations.
Challenges: India’s vulnerability to landslides, particularly in the Himalayas and Western Ghats, due to natural and anthropogenic factors.
Mitigation Measures: Implementation of a National Landslide Forecasting Centre and regional early warning systems to reduce risks and enhance preparedness.
Keywords and Concepts
Linke Hoffman Busch (LHB) Coaches: A type of railway coach designed to reduce casualties during derailments.
KAVACH: A train collision avoidance system aimed at enhancing rail safety.
Project Elephant: A conservation project aimed at protecting elephants, their habitats, and corridors.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS): Legislation aimed at curbing drug trafficking and abuse in India.
National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC): A center dedicated to managing landslide risks through early warnings and hazard assessments.
