150th Foundation Day of IMD and Mission Mausam | UPSC MAINS 2025

 On January 15, 2025, the Prime Minister of India participated in the 150th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi. During the event, he launched the Mission Mausam initiative and unveiled the IMD Vision-2047 document. The Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was also present at the ceremony.

What is the Mission Mausam Initiative? 

Overview: Mission Mausam is a government-led initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of India's weather department in weather forecasting, modeling, and dissemination.
Budget: The initiative has been allocated Rs 2,000 crore for its first two years.
Objectives:

• Upgrade Weather Forecasting: The mission aims to improve the accuracy of short to medium-range weather forecasts by 5-10%, enhance air quality predictions in major metro cities by up to 10%, and extend predictions to the panchayat level with a lead time of 10-15 days. Currently, the IMD's accuracy for extreme events such as heatwaves is around 98%, while forecasts for heavy rainfall stand at about 80%.
• Invest in Technology: The mission will leverage advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing to improve weather models and observational systems, including the installation of additional Doppler radars and satellites.

Union Budget 2025 Expectations Live Updates: What are different sectors anticipating ?

The Union Budget for 2025 in India is expected to address several key factors impacting income tax, with a focus on economic recovery, boosting investment, and providing relief to taxpayers. While specific details can only be confirmed once the budget is announced, here are some expected trends and areas that could be covered in terms of income tax policy:

1. Reduction in Tax Rates

• Personal Income Tax: There may be further reduction in personal income tax rates, especially under the new tax regime, which was introduced in the previous budgets. This could include the rationalization of tax slabs, offering more tax relief for the middle-income groups.
• Corporate Tax: Corporate tax rates could be tweaked further to incentivize business growth and improve India's competitiveness as an investment destination.

2. Increase in Tax Exemption Limits

• Section 80C (Investment Exemptions): There could be an increase in the deduction limit under Section 80C, which currently stands at ₹1.5 lakh. This would provide relief for individuals investing in long-term financial instruments like PPF, ELSS, etc.
• Revised Tax Slabs: There could be new, more progressive tax slabs or a rationalization of existing ones, providing more disposable income to the taxpayer.

3. Focus on Digital and Green Economy

what are the health food to eat before go to exam? | Which food is best before an exam?

 Before an exam, it's important to eat foods that help boost energy, focus, and concentration, while also keeping you calm and energized. Here are some healthy food options you can consider:

1. Complex Carbohydrates

• Whole Grains (oats, whole grain bread, brown rice): They provide sustained energy and help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
• Sweet Potatoes: High in fiber and packed with vitamins, they release energy slowly.

2. Proteins

• Eggs: Rich in protein and choline, which is important for brain function.
• Greek Yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, which can support gut health and overall energy levels.
• Nuts and Seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds): Good sources of protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s that support brain health.

3. Fruits and Vegetables

• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries): Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber that support brain function and help reduce stress.
• Bananas: Rich in potassium and natural sugars, which can provide a quick energy boost without causing a sugar crash.
• Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, arugula): Rich in folate and iron, which are important for cognitive function.

4. Healthy Fats