CDS One Shot Marathon (Part 1) | Most Important Current Affairs & Static GS with Bad Series (Anurag Singh)

The speaker introduces the 'Triple R' (Recall and Revision) strategy for the upcoming exam, emphasizing that the class focuses on recalling previously learned information rather than introducing new concepts. He explains that this year's Triple R is designed to cover both one-liner and statement-based questions, spanning a full year's worth of current affairs and static general knowledge.

The session begins with the 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, focusing on its report for 2026-31. Key changes discussed include the shift from an entitlement-based to a compliance-driven approach, and the horizontal and vertical distribution of funds between the central and state governments. The speaker highlights the altered weightages for criteria like income distance, population (based on 2011 census), demographic performance, and area in the 15th vs. 16th Finance Commissions, preparing students for direct questions on these percentages.

Discussion moves to the 56th GST Council meeting, which approved next-generation GST reforms. The speaker reminds participants that GST was introduced by the 101st Amendment in 2017 as a destination-based or consumption tax. Notable changes include the simplification of tax slabs to 5% and 18% (removing 12% and 28%). Special attention is given to 'Sin Goods' (e.g., tobacco, pan masala), which now incur a 40% GST, and varying GST rates on polished diamonds (1.5%), rough diamonds (0.25%), and precious metals (3%).

The World Economic Outlook report, released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is discussed. India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy and is highlighted as the fastest-growing major economy. This section sets the stage for India's economic achievements and its position in global economic rankings.

The Prime Minister's 'Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana' is introduced, a 6-year scheme (2025-2031) under the Ministry of Agriculture, inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Program. It targets 100 underperforming districts nationwide, with at least one district per state. Additionally, India celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Digital India Mission (launched in 2015), along with the Mudra Yojana (also launched in 2015), which provides collateral-free loans ('Shishu', 'Kishore', 'Tarun') for micro-enterprises.

The discussion covers India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), emphasizing their non-EU status. Other recent FTAs with the EU, New Zealand, Oman, and the UK are also mentioned. India's ranking in the Human Development Index (HDI) at 130 and the three indicators (health, education, standard of living) used to calculate it are also highlighted. The session touches upon RBI's digital initiatives like 'Pravah Portal' and 'Retail Direct App', and the logistics performance index (LEADS) by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The Nobel Prize in Economics (2023) is mentioned, awarded to Claudia Goldin for her research on women’s labor market outcomes. Key infrastructure projects in India are listed, including the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (connecting Kashmir Valley), Chenab Bridge (world's highest railway arch bridge), Bairabi-Sairang Rail Link (connecting Mizoram to Southeast Asia), and Shinkun-La Tunnel (providing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh).

Concepts like 'Sunrise Sectors' (e.g., EVs, semiconductors, AI), 'Orange Economy', and 'Green Hydrogen' are explained. The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has revised the base years for GDP, Index of Industrial Production (IIP), and Consumer Price Index (CPI). GDP and IIP now use 2022-23 as the base year, while CPI uses 2024. The difference between Headline Inflation (all goods/services) and Core Inflation (excluding food/fuel) is clarified, along with the maximum weightage given to food and beverages in CPI.

The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro is highlighted, with India slated to host the next one. New members of BRICS+ include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia. The new BRICS logo, featuring a lotus flower, is discussed, along with the color order. The New Development Bank (NDB), part of BRICS, has added Algeria as a new member. Kazakhstan is noted as the first Central Asian country to join the Abraham Accords. India has been re-elected to UNESCO's Executive Board, and the current UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list includes Durga Puja and Diwali.

The discussion broadens to international topics. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), with its headquarters in Beijing (not Shanghai), and its members are covered. Brazil's entry into OPEC+ and the NATO Summit (with 32 members, including Finland and Sweden) are mentioned. The distinction between the International Court of Justice (an UN body) and the International Criminal Court (not a UN body) is clarified. India's Arctic policy, including the Himadri research station, and the Gaza ceasefire agreement brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar are also part of the discussion.

India's 15th Summit with Japan focused on 'Joint Vision for Next Decade', specifically collaborating on the Chandrayaan-5 mission. Various prime ministerial visits are covered, including stops in Ghana, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, where PM Modi received high civilian awards. India's Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the EU is termed the 'Mother of All Deals', aiming to double trade by 2030. The first AI Summit in India, with its theme 'Sarvjan Hitay Sarvjan Sukhay', is also mentioned.

The session covers digital initiatives like 'National e-Vidhan Application' (NeVA) to digitize legislative processes, and 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) for electoral rolls in various states. Recent judicial pronouncements, such as the Supreme Court's ruling on no time limit for presidential/gubernatorial assent to bills (Article 200/201), and the Delhi High Court's clarification on 'Furlough' and 'Parole' are discussed. The 'Waqf Board' and 'Umeed Portal' for minorities are also highlighted.

The 'Ummed Toolkit' and 'Pesa Mahotsav' (Ministry of Panchayati Raj) are covered. Focus is given to the 'VBG-RAM' (Vikasit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajivika Mission), which replaces MNREGA. This scheme provides 125 days of unskilled wage employment in rural areas, with burden-sharing changes (60:40 for states, 90:10 for hilly states). The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) extension in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh is noted. The next digital census, scheduled for 2027, will collect caste-based data for the first time since 1931.

Project Varsha, India's new naval base near Visakhapatnam, and the procurement of Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defense Systems from Russia are highlighted. INS Taragiri, the fourth stealth frigate under Project 17A, built by MDL, and its indigenous content are detailed. Operation Deep Manifest (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence) to counter illegal imports, and the Vibrant Villages Programme (Central Sector Scheme for border villages) are also covered. The shift of 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms' and 2026 as the 'Year of Networking and Data Centricity' for the army are mentioned.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's appointment as Field Marshal brings attention to India's two Field Marshals – Sam Manekshaw and K.M. Cariappa. DRDO’s successful test of Nag Mark II missile and the flight test of the indigenously developed Integrated Air Defense Weapon System are mentioned. The BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile, with its extended range due to India's MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) membership, will have its first flight test in 2026. The `Agnipareeksha` joint training exercise (Indian Army and ITBP) is also covered.

A crucial section on economic trends uses a 'Bad Series' trick: positive economic indicators show increases, while negative ones show decreases. India's growth is robust, with real GDP around 6.8-7.2% and inflation at a historic low of 1.7%. All sectors (agriculture, industry, services) are growing. India ranks 38th in the Global Innovation Index (released by WIPO) and 7th globally in service sector exports. The eight core industries show overall growth, with cement recording the highest increase. The Periodical Labour Force Survey indicates increased labor force participation, especially among women, and a decrease in unemployment.

India remains the largest recipient of remittances globally, with inflows primarily from developed economies, indicating increased skilled migration. Direct tax collections and GST revenues have risen post-pandemic. The horticulture sector has surpassed food grains in production. Government borrowing, corporation tax, and GST are the top three sources of revenue. Major expenditure areas include state shares, interest payments, and central sector schemes. The video briefly mentions Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on their direct numbering and NITI Aayog's role in their implementation in India.