Table of Contents
1. USAID
News: U.S. Department of Government Ethics (DOGE) cancels $21 million in USAID funds for ‘voter turnout’ in India.
- USAID: United States Agency for International Development
- Established: 1961 by President John F. Kennedy
- About: An independent U.S. government agency for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Mission: Promote global development and alleviate poverty
Recent Development
- Funding Freeze: The Trump administration once imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign aid.
2. G-20
- Definition: An international forum of governments and central bank governors from 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union.
- Formation: 1999, under the Berlin Declaration
- Purpose: Unite major world economies to discuss key policy issues and financial stability.
Key Facts
- Represents about 85% of global GDP.
- Handles 75% of international trade.
- Covers two-thirds of the global population.
Work Division
- Finance Track: Focuses on monetary and fiscal policy.
- Sherpa Track: Deals with political engagement, anti-corruption, and broader policy topics.
- 18th G20 Summit: Held in New Delhi (2023).
3. China
News: India and China worked extensively to protect G-20 interests, says Jaishankar.
- Official Name: People’s Republic of China
- Capital: Beijing
- Currency: Renminbi
- Official Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
- Government: Single-party system, led by the Communist Party of China
- President: Xi Jinping
- Major Cities: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu
- Military: People’s Liberation Army (PLA) — the world’s largest military force
- Major Rivers: Yangtze, Huang He, Mekong, Amur
4. Red Tape
News: Kerala’s Chief Minister promises that no investor will face red tape in the state.
- Definition: Excessive or overly complex regulations and procedures that hinder swift action or decision-making.
- Examples: Lengthy permit processes, multiple document submissions, clearance from multiple departments.
Consequences
- Increases the cost of doing business.
- Causes citizen dissatisfaction.
- Potentially fosters corruption.
5. Jhumoir Dance
News: A massive Jhumoir Binandini dance rehearsal aims for a world record in Assam.
- Jhumoir Binandini: A grand cultural event organized by the Assam government to celebrate the state’s rich heritage.
- Jhumoir Dance:
- About: Traditional folk dance of Assam’s tea tribes.
- Origin: Tea garden communities in Assam.
- Music: Dhol, flute, cymbals.
- Costumes: Women wear Mekhela Chador; men wear dhotis and turbans.
- Participation: Over 8,000 performers from tea garden areas across Assam.
6. Proselytization
News: NGOs misusing foreign funds for proselytization, according to Sai.
- Definition: Attempting to convert someone’s religion, belief, or opinion.
- Legal Provisions:
- Article 25: Grants freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate one’s religion.
- Anti-Conversion Laws: Aim to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions.
- FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act): NGOs found guilty of forced conversions risk losing their registration.
7. Financialisation
News: RBI issues caution against reckless financialisation.
- Definition: The increasing dominance of financial markets, institutions, and motives in the overall economy, often overshadowing traditional industrial activities.
- Impact:
- Concentration of wealth among those with significant financial assets.
- Rising income and wealth inequality.
- Corporate focus on profit maximization over broader economic development.
MCQs
- USAID was started by which U.S. President?
A. Donald Trump
B. Barack Obama
C. John F. Kennedy
D. Abraham Lincoln - Where is the USAID headquarters located?
A. New York
B. Chicago
C. San Francisco
D. Washington, D.C. - What is the official currency of China?
A. Yen
B. Renminbi
C. Tanka
D. Rouble - In which year was the G-20 formed?
A. 1857
B. 1947
C. 1999
D. 2008 - “Jhumoir Dance” is associated with which Indian state?
A. Kerala
B. Rajasthan
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Assam
Answer Key:
D (Assam)
C (John F. Kennedy)
D (Washington, D.C.)
B (Renminbi)
C (1999)