Fiscal Slippage
The government’s debt is being managed well and will not lead to fiscal slippage, the Union Finance Minister stated recently.
- Refers to the deviation from fiscal deficit targets due to higher expenditure or lower revenue collection.
- Common causes include increased subsidies, economic downturns, or excessive welfare spending.
- Impacts include reduced investor confidence, higher borrowing costs, and inflationary pressures.
- Requires corrective measures like expenditure rationalization and enhanced revenue mobilization.
Salami Slicing
China is using South China Sea-Style “Salami Slicing” Tricks in the Yellow Sea to capture new territory
- A geopolitical strategy involving incremental actions to achieve larger territorial or strategic goals without provoking significant opposition.
- Coined by Mátyás Rákosi, used to describe gradual power acquisition.
- China employs this tactic in disputes like the South China Sea and India-China border
Safeguard Duty
The Government of India imposed 12% safeguard duty on certain steel products.
- A temporary tariff imposed to protect domestic industries from a surge in imports causing serious injury.
- Governed by the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and aligned with WTO rules.
- Examples include duties on steel imports to shield Indian manufacturers.
- Balances domestic industry protection with potential higher consumer prices.
Colossal Squid
Recently, scientists have captured the first-ever image of colossal squid in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
- Found in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.
- Features include swiveling hooks on tentacles and the largest eyes in the animal kingdom.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN)
Poshan Tracker
PoshanTracker Application receives the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024.
- A mobile-based application under the Ministry of Women and Child Development for real-time monitoring of nutrition services.
- Part of Poshan Abhiyaan, aimed at reducing stunting, wasting, and anemia among children and mothers.
- Tracks attendance, growth monitoring, and service delivery at Anganwadi centers.