We4u IAS

 FRONT RUNNING Why In News:  Recently, a Mutual Fund was alleged to have indulged in Front- Running. About Front Running  Front Running refers to usage of non-public information to directly or indirectly buy or sell securities, or enters into options or futures contracts, in advance of a substantial order. (Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI))  It is illegal in India.  It undermines confidence in the financial markets and creates an uneven playing field for other investors.  In 2022, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 was amended to incorporate provisions to counter front running.

  PRESTON CURVE Why In News: §   It was first proposed by American sociologist Samuel H. Preston in 1975. What is Preston Curve? §   It highlights that an increase in per capita income of a country does not cause much of a rise in the life expectancy of its population beyond a point. §   When a poor country begins to grow, its per capita income rises and causes increase in life expectancy initially due to nutrition, sanitation and access better healthcare. §   However, it begins to flatten out after a certain point.  

  UNCTAD’S REPORT ON GROWING PUBLIC DEBT §   ‘A World of Debt Report 2024: A growing burden to global prosperity’ released by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) §   Report highlights alarming surge in global public debt and proposes a plan to revamp global financial system to tackle current debt crisis. §   Public debt refers to general government domestic and external debt. Key highlights of Report §   Debt surge: In 2023, global public debt reached historic peak of $97 trillion. §   Drivers: Cascading crises and sluggish and uneven performance of global economy. §   Regional Disparity: Public debt in developing countries (accounting for 30% of global total) is rising at twice the rate of developed countries. §   In 2023, India’s public debt reached US$ 2.9 trillion, accounting for 82.7% as a share of GDP. What are the implications of high public debt? §   High levels of public debt can lead to several economic challenges....

  GLOBAL ECONOMIC PROSPECTS REPORT Why In News: World Bank released ‘Global Economic Prospects Report’.Report called for a significant acceleration in public investments by Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) to meet their development goals. What are the Key Highlights of the Report? Global Growth: §   Global growth is projected to hold steady at 2.6% in 2024-25, despite flaring geopolitical tensions and high interest rates, before edging up to 2.7% in 2025-26. §   The US economy has continued to grow despite the most aggressive monetary policy tightening in 40 years. §   India’s economy has been buoyed by strong domestic demand, with a surge in investment and robust services activity. Global Trade: §   The value of global services trade grew about 9% in 2023, driven primarily by a recovery in tourism flows. §   Global trade in goods and services was nearly flat in 2023, the weakest performance outside of global recessions...

  COLOMBO PROCESS Why In News: §   India chaired its first meeting as Chair of the Colombo Process. About Colombo Process §   Regional Consultative Process that provides platform for consultations on the management of overseas employment and contractual labour. §   Comprises of 12 Member States of Asia such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc. §   India is one of the founding members. §   Thematic priority areas are: Skills and Qualification Recognition Processes; Fostering Ethical Recruitment Practices, etc. §   UN’s International Organization for Migration provides technical and administrative support to the Colombo Process.  

  RISE OF MINILATERALS Why in News? Recently, the rise of Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region has prompted the formation of the Squad highlighting the growing importance of “minilateralism.” A squad is a multilateral group consisting of the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. What is Minilateralism? §   Minilaterals refer to informal and more targeted initiatives intended to address specific threats, contingencies, or security issues with a small number of states (usually three or four) sharing the same interest in resolving it within a finite period. §   These arrangements focus on a specific purpose rather than broad inclusivity without a permanent or formal institutional structure. §   Outcomes and commitments within minilaterals are non-binding and voluntary, relying on the willingness of the participating states. Reasons for Rise of Minilateralism: §   The evolving global order and the changing nature of threats have posed...

  MISSION KARMAYOGI Why in the news? §   Recently, Capacity Building Commission (CBC), launched in 2021, as part of National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) - Mission Karmayogi has completed three years. Context §   Recently, Indian Institute of Public Administration assessed the impact by seeking inputs on trained staff and reported increased proficiency in data analytics and e-governance tools under Mission Karmayogi. Mission Karmayogi §   India’s ambitious vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub, a critical exporter of value-added services, and a mass supplier of human skills to an ageing developed world by 2047 hinges on efficient governance and competent civil services. §   Recognising this, the Prime Minister of India launched Mission Karmayogi, the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building to transform India’s three million civil servants into citizen-centric, future-ready, and result-oriented ‘K...