UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Urban Infrastructure Development Fund

Jan 02, 2024

Policy: The Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) Objective: The UIDF, announced in the 2023-24 Union Budget, is designed to bolster infrastructure in India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Funding: Allocated Rs 10,000 crore, it aims to bridge gaps in essential services and urban development. Implementation: Managed jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. Need: Addressing Urban Infrastructure Deficits Target Areas: Focus on cities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 99,99,999. Key Projects: Emphasis on developing water treatment pl... Read More...

NYT Lawsuit: AI Regulation Impact

Jan 02, 2024

The New York Times Lawsuit Against OpenAI & Microsoft: Implications for AI Regulation in India Overview: Background: The New York Times (NYT) has initiated legal action against OpenAI and Microsoft, accusing them of using its copyrighted material in AI tool training. Global Context: This lawsuit is significant as it may set legal benchmarks in the AI sector, particularly in copyright laws and AI regulation. Charges Explained: NYT alleges OpenAI’s significant valuation ($90 billion) partly comes from unauthorized use of its content, impacting NYT’s revenues. Fair Use Defense: OpenAI and Microsoft ... Read More...

Trial in Absentia Laws

Jan 02, 2024

India’s New Trial in Absentia Law: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 Legislation: Under Clause 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023. Application: Applicable to proclaimed offenders evading trial. Procedure: Trial proceeds after recording reasons in writing, with the court treating the absence as a waiver of the right to be present. Representation: Provision for state-appointed lawyer for the absentee accused. Comparison with Other Countries: 1. China: Legislation: 2018 amendment to the PRC Criminal Procedural Law (CPL), Article 291. Applic... Read More...

Analysis of the ULFA Peace Accord

Jan 02, 2024

Background: The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a militant group in Assam, India, has been involved in an armed struggle for the state’s independence for decades. After about 12 years of negotiations, a significant peace deal has been signed between a pro-talks faction of ULFA, the Indian Union Government, and the Assam State Government. Key Points of the Peace Accord: 1. End of Armed Struggle: Led by Arabinda Rajkhowa and Anup Chetia, this ULFA faction will disband within a month. 2. Agreement Details: The Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) includes 12 main points focusing on pol... Read More...

Summary of Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) Technology

Jan 02, 2024

Title: An Overview of Li-Fi Technology Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is an innovative technology that offers internet connectivity using light, typically operating within a wavelength range of 480 to 650 nm. This system employs LED light for data transmission, promising several advantages: Dual Functionality: Li-Fi not only provides lighting but also internet connectivity, making it a multifunctional technology. Enhanced Security: Since light cannot penetrate walls, Li-Fi ensures a secure connection that is less susceptible to external interception and hacking. No Radio Frequency Interference... Read More...

PM-eBus Sewa for Green Urban Mobility

Jan 02, 2024

The PM-eBus Sewa scheme, aimed at enhancing urban transportation, focuses on integrating 10,000 e-buses into city bus operations through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Key highlights of the scheme include: Scope and Investment: The scheme, with an estimated cost of Rs.57,613 crore, includes a Rs.20,000 crore subsidy from the Central government. It aims to support bus operations for a duration of 10 years. Targeted Cities: It targets cities with populations over three lakh (as per the 2011 census), including all Union Territory capitals, cities in the North Eastern Region, and Hill States. Priority is given to citie... Read More...

Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2022

Jan 02, 2024

The Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2022, amends the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002, bringing forth notable revisions: Election of Board Members: The Act changes the election process for board members of multi-state co-operative societies. Previously conducted by the society's existing board, the elections will now be managed by the Co-operative Election Authority established by the central government. This Authority includes a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and up to three members, appointed based on a selection committee's recommendations. Redressal of Compl... Read More...

Essential Elements of the Mediation Act, 2021

Jan 02, 2024

The Mediation Act, 2021, establishes a framework for pre-litigation mediation in civil or commercial disputes, prioritizing mediation before resorting to courts or tribunals. Key aspects include: Mandatory Mediation: Parties involved in certain disputes are required to attempt resolution through mediation prior to legal proceedings. Withdrawal from mediation is permitted after two sessions. Time Limit for Mediation: The mediation process must be concluded within 180 days, with a possible extension of another 180 days. Formation of the Mediation Council of India: This Act facilitates the creation of the Mediatio... Read More...

Bima Sugam

Jan 02, 2024

1. What is Bima Sugam? Definition: Bima Sugam is an online insurance marketplace launched by IRDAI. Purpose: It aims to simplify insurance buying and claiming processes. Coverage: Includes life, health, and travel insurance. 2. How does Bima Sugam benefit customers? Centralized Access: Offers a single platform for managing various insurance policies. Seamless Services: Facilitates purchase, servicing, and settlement of insurance. Reduced Costs: Expected to lower policy commissions and purchase expenses. Informed Choices: Allows comp... Read More...

India’s Winter Voyage to the Arctic

Jan 02, 2024

What is the purpose of India’s winter expedition to the Arctic? India’s winter expedition aims to enable year-round scientific monitoring in the Arctic, which is crucial for understanding climate change, sea-ice and ocean circulation, ecosystem adaptations, and astrophysics. Why is this expedition taking place during the winter? Winter offers unique conditions for scientific study, such as polar nights and ice cover, which are important for understanding climatic changes and atmospheric phenomena in the Arctic. What are ... Read More...

Houthis and Indian Naval Deployment in the Arabian Sea

Dec 29, 2023

Why has the Indian Navy deployed warships in the Arabian Sea? The deployment is in response to the threat posed by Hamas and Iranian proxies targeting commercial shipping in the region. This action aims to protect maritime traffic and the strategic interests of India and its allies. Which warships has the Indian Navy deployed? The Indian Navy has deployed five warships equipped with BrahMos land attack missiles: INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Mormugao, INS Chennai, and INS Visakhapatnam. What are the surveillance measures taken by the ... Read More...

India's First Winter Arctic Expedition

Dec 29, 2023

Context and Significance Event Location: The expedition was officially flagged off at Prithvi Bhavan in New Delhi. Research Goals: Scientists aim to carry out extensive atmospheric observations during the polar nights, focusing on auroral activities and the dynamics of sea ice. Broader Impact: Findings are expected to shed light on the interactions between Arctic climatic conditions and the Indian monsoon, enhancing our comprehension of global warming. Expedition Details Team Composition: A team consisting of four eminent scientists. Research Base: The ... Read More...

Explaining Concepts: Jews, Zionism, Israel, Semitism, and Antisemitism

Dec 29, 2023

Jews Definition: Jews are an ethno-religious group originating from the ancient Israelites and Hebrews of historical Israel and Judah. Religion: Judaism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions. Diaspora: Spread globally due to historical migrations and exiles. Zionism Definition: A nationalist and political movement that supports the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in the territory defined as the historic Land of Israel. Origins: Emerged in the late 19th century in response to anti-Jewish discrimination in Europe. Modern Zionism: O... Read More...

Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Key Data and Impact

Dec 29, 2023

Overview: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a significant health assurance scheme in India, providing Rs.5 lakh annual health cover per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalizations. It’s considered the world’s largest publicly funded health scheme. Key Data Points: 1. Women Beneficiaries: Approximately 49% of the 28.45 crore Ayushman cards are held by women, also accounting for 48% of total hospital admissions. 2. Scheme Coverage: Covers 55 crore individuals (12 crore families). Some States and Union ... Read More...

Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023

Dec 29, 2023

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023 supersedes the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008, leading to the dissolution of the Science and Engineering Research Board established under it. The Act establishes the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) as the new framework. Functions of NRF: NRF is set to be the premier body in India, responsible for providing strategic guidance for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across several fields: Natural sciences, including mathematics Engineering and technology Environmental and earth sciences Health and agriculture ... Read More...