World Affairs 

India, China worked hard to save G-20: Jaishankar - The Hindu

India and China have “worked hard to preserve” the G-20 organisation, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.

G20 

• Introduction: Intergovernmental forum for global economic cooperation.
• Role: Macroeconomic issues, financial stability, trade, climate change, development, health, and governance.
• Establishment: Formed in 1999 after the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis.
• Significance: 
  • Initially a forum for Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors but elevated to leader’s level after 2008 global financial crisis.
  • ~85% of global GDP, 75% of trade, and two-thirds of the population.
• Functioning: Operates through annual meetings and a leaders’ summit.
• Two tracks:
  • Sherpa Track: Focuses on socio-economic issues (climate, trade, health, etc.).
  • Finance Track: Led by Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors, focusing on monetary policies and global financial stability.
• Troika System: Previous, current, and incoming presidencies guide continuity.
• Decision making: No permanent secretariat; decisions are non-binding.
• Challenges:
  • Consensus Issues: Geopolitical tensions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war) hinder agreements.
  • Lack of Secretariat: No permanent body for monitoring commitments.
  • Non-Binding Decisions: Implementation of resolutions remains voluntary.
  • Limited Membership: Excludes several major economies, limiting global representation.

India elected to Vice Presidency of International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore - PIB 

India is elected to the Vice Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore.

International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)

• Establishment: Founded in 1957 as an NGO; became an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) in 2024 after ratification by 34 states.
• Mandate: Standardizes global maritime navigation, enhances maritime safety, and collaborates with member states and stakeholders.
• Membership: 200 members, including 80 national authorities and 60 commercial firms; India has been a member since 1957.
• Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.

Economy 

Why LNG is central to the future expansion of India-Qatar trade - Indian Express 

The India-Qatar trade relationship has predominantly been fueled by New Delhi’s heavy imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), of which Doha is India’s largest supplier. With the two countries now aiming to double bilateral trade over the next five years, LNG, or super-chilled gas, is likely to play a pivotal role in that endeavour as well.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports

• LNG supplier: Qatar is India's largest supplier (> 40% of India's LNG imports).
• Projected Consumption Growth: India's natural gas consumption is projected to increase by ~ 60% by 2030 (103 billion cubic meters annually).
• Reason: Growth in city gas distribution, industrial demand, and power generation.
• Qatar's Export Capacity: Qatar plans to nearly double its LNG export capacity to 142 million tonnes per annum by 2027.
• United States as an Emerging Supplier: The U.S. is currently India's second-largest LNG supplier, (> 20% of India's imports).

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

• Definition: Natural gas cooled to a liquid state at approximately -260°F (-162°C) for easier storage and transport.
• Composition: Primarily composed of methane (70-90% of its makeup).
• Global Contribution: Accounts for ~ ¼ th of global electricity generation.
• India's Energy Mix: Natural gas comprises 6.7% of India's energy basket.
• Leading Producers: US, Russia, and Iran.
• Major Applications:
  • Marine Fuel: To reduce emissions of sulfur oxides & particulate matter.
  • Road Transport: Powers trucks and buses leading to lower emissions of pollutants.
  • Power Generation: In gas-fired plants as a cleaner alternative to coal or oil.
  • Heating and Cooling: Utilized in manufacturing, food processing, and refrigeration.
  • Renewable Integration: Serves as backup power when renewable sources are intermittent.
• Challenges Associated:
• High Costs: Infrastructure Investment: Establishing liquefaction and regasification facilities is capital-intensive.
• Transportation Expenses: Requires specialized cryogenic carriers, adding to costs.

• Environmental Impacts: While cleaner than coal, LNG production and transport can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Safety Concerns: LNG is highly flammable, necessitating proper handling to prevent leaks, fires, or explosions.

How the government spends - Indian Express

The latest monthly bulletin by the Reserve Bank of India, released on Wednesday, carries a study that looks at how well did Indian governments — both the Centre and various states — spend their money.

Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003

• Aim: To curb overspending, zero revenue deficit, ensuring borrowing was only for capital expenditure.
• Limit: Set fiscal deficit limit at 3% of GDP to restrict excessive borrowing.
• Shifted focus: From annual fiscal deficit to overall debt-to-GDP ratio for long-term fiscal stability.

• Challenges to Fiscal Prudence:

• Economic shocks: Global Financial Crisis (2008), COVID-19 recession (2020).
• Populist measures: Loan waivers, direct cash transfers, and free utilities impact fiscal discipline.

RBI’s Quality of Public Expenditure (QPE) Index

• Overview: No single variable (e.g., fiscal deficit or capital expenditure) fully represents public expenditure quality.
• Development: RBI developed it using data since 1991 for Centre and states.
• Key Variables:
  • Capital Outlay to GDP Ratio: Higher ratio indicates better infrastructure investment.
  • Revenue Expenditure to Capital Outlay Ratio: Lower ratio signifies higher capital spending over recurring costs.
  • Development Expenditure to GDP Ratio: Measures spending on growth-driven sectors like education, R&D, healthcare, and infrastructure.
  • Development Expenditure to Total Expenditure Ratio: Higher ratio reflects greater focus on productive spending.
  • Interest Payments to Total Expenditure Ratio: Lower ratio suggests better fiscal management with reduced debt burden.

Six Phases of Public Expenditure Trends (1991–Present)

• Phase 1: Slight improvement in Centre’s QPE index; decline in States’ index due to fiscal pressures. Public investment reduced.
• Phase 2: Sharp decline due to Fifth Pay Commission, rising interest payments, and dominance of revenue expenditure over capital outlay.
• Phase 3: Improvement due to FRBM Act-led fiscal discipline, economic growth, and higher tax devolution to states. Rose until 2008 Crisis (GFC).
• Phase 4: Countercyclical fiscal measures post-GFC increased spending but led to rising deficits, impacting expenditure quality.
• Phase 5: States’ index improved due to higher development spending and 14th Finance Commission recommendations. 
• Phase 6: Covid-19 crisis and fiscal stimulus impacted expenditure, but economic recovery with a focus on capital expenditure improved the index.

CAN EX GRATIA BE PAID IN CASH? HERE'S WHAT THE RULES SAY - Indian Express

The Ministry of Railways handed over wads of cash, in bundles of notes of Rs 100 and 50, after announcing that it would provide Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the 18 deceased in the stampede at the New Delhi railway station.

Ex-Gratia Payment vs Compensation

• Ex-Gratia Payment: Given out of moral obligation, not legal liability.
• Compensation: Provided due to legal obligation to reimburse loss (life, property, livelihood, etc.).
• Mode:
  • Cash Payments: Uncommon but allowed; no strict government rules.
  • Railway Accidents (2023 Guidelines):
    • Up to ₹50,000 in cash for immediate relief.
    • Remaining amount via cheque/RTGS/NEFT/online transfer.
  • General Practice: Governments prefer bank transfers for accountability but allow cash in urgent cases.
• Cash vs Bank Transfer
  • Cash Payments: Can be recorded officially but lack transparency.
  • Bank Transfers: Offer concrete proof, better accountability, and transparency.

Environment 

A record 6.5 lakh Olive Ridley turtles reach Odisha beach for mass nesting - The Hindu

Wildlife enthusiasts are thrilled as a record 6.5 lakh Olive Ridley turtles have arrived at the Rushikulya beach in Ganjam district of Odisha for mass nesting after a gap of two years.

Olive Ridley Turtles

• About: Smallest and most abundant sea turtles globally.
• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea.
• Mass Nesting (Arribada): Thousands of females lay eggs on same beach.
• Distribution:
  • Warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
  • Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (Odisha): Largest rookery worldwide.
• Length: 62-70 cm, Weight: 35-45 kg.
• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on both plants and animals.
• Nature: Solitary, prefer open ocean, migrate thousands of km annually.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
  • CITES: Appendix I.

Sci and Tech 

Thermal structure of solar coronal holes and their magnetic fields unveiled - PIB 

A new study has accurately estimated the physical parameters of thermal and magnetic field structures of solar coronal holes which have significant influence on space weather that affects satellites, as well as the Indian summer monsoon rainfall.

Solar Coronal Holes

• Definition: Dark regions in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet images of the Sun, discovered in the 1970s by X-ray satellites.
• Appearance: Dark due to being cooler and less dense than surrounding plasma.
• Magnetic Properties: Regions of open, unipolar magnetic fields, crucial for studying space weather.
• Duration: Last from weeks to months; persist longer during solar minimum.
• Solar Cycle: Appear throughout the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle.
• Significance:
  • Space Weather Impact: Affect satellites and Earth's ionosphere, causing communication disruptions.
  • Climate Influence: Linked to variations in the Indian summer monsoon rainfall.

Defence 

Amid growing threat from drones, Army to strengthen its air defence - The Hindu

The Army’s Air Defence is gearing up to induct new fragmentation ammunition for its air defence guns while also pushing for new systems to tackle the evolving aerial threat. The Army is also set to finalise a contract for the indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system.

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system

• Canister-Based System: Stored and operated from controlled compartments, enhancing transport, storage, and shelf life.
• On-the-Move Capability: Detects, tracks, and engages targets while moving or with short halts.
• Range: Short-range SAM (25-30 km) developed by DRDO for Army air defence.
• Mobility: Mobile and manoeuvrable, provides protection to moving armoured columns.
• Functioning: Fully automated command and control system.
• Two radars:
  • Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar
  • Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar
  • Both offer 360-degree coverage, “search on move,” and “track on move” capabilities.

Missile Features:

• Single-stage solid propellant missile.
• Mid-course inertial navigation system with a two-way data link.
• Indigenous terminal active seeker developed by DRDO.