17 June 2024, The Indian EXPRESS
80 countries back Ukraine’s territorial integrity at Swiss meet, no word on NATO bid
Page no- the world section
GS2-Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
- Eighty countries jointly called Sunday for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russia’s war, though some key developing nations at a Swiss conference did not join in.
- The joint communique capped a two-day conference at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland marked by the absence of Russia, which was not invited, but that many attendees hoped could join in on a roadmap to peace.
- About 100 delegations, mostly Western countries but also some key developing nations, were on hand for the conference — and experts were on watch to see how and if at all they might line up behind the outcome document.
Govt looks at tax rate cut to boost demand, trigger private investment
Page no- 1
GS3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development
- As the Indian economy grapples with the problem of flagging consumption, policymakers in the government are in favour of rationalising the existing income tax structure, especially at lower income levels.
- According to two government officials The Indian Express spoke with, it is likely that tax rate cuts for those earning less may likely take precedence over freebies or excessive welfare spending given the focus on fiscal consolidation.
Flagging need for Russia to be in, India opts out of Ukraine declaration
Page no- 1
GS2- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
- With Russia not attending the Swiss summit on peace in Ukraine and calling it a “waste of time”, India decided to not sign the joint communique by saying that “only those options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace”.
- Representing India at the two-day summit that concluded Sunday, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Pavan Kapoor said that India had joined the summit to explore the way forward to a negotiated settlement of a very “complex and pressing issue”.
Another home for Cheetah
Page no- 12
GS3- Conservation of wildlife
- The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will be the second home for cheetahs in India, after the Kuno National Park. The Madhya Pradesh government has announced that it has completed its preparations for the ambitious project.
- The final call on when the cheetahs will be imported from Namibia and South Africa will be made after the monsoons, during which the cats may be vulnerable to infection, especially with their winter coats on.
