UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA AND IPEF: AGREEMENTS ON CLEAN AND FAIR ECONOMY

Oct 05, 2024

INDIA AND IPEF: AGREEMENTS ON CLEAN AND FAIR ECONOMY 1. What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)? The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) is an economic partnership launched on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo, aimed at enhancing economic engagement and cooperation among its 14 member countries, including India, the United States, Japan, Australia, and other Indo-Pacific nations. The framework is designed to address economic challenges and promote prosperity in the region. 2. What Are the Four Pillars of IPEF? IPEF is structured around four main pillars: • Pillar I: Trade &nd... Read More...

DEFAMATION LAWS IN INDIA: THE INTERPLAY WITH CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS

Oct 05, 2024

DEFAMATION LAWS IN INDIA: THE INTERPLAY WITH CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS INTRODUCTION Defamation laws in India are designed to balance the right to freedom of speech and expression with the protection of an individual’s reputation. These laws are critical in maintaining the dignity of individuals and entities against false or malicious allegations. The Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) provides the legal framework for defamation, which is addressed under Sections 499 and 500. Additionally, the Constitution of India incorporates defamation within the scope of permissible restrictions on freedom of speech under Article 19(2), while the right to reputa... Read More...

INDIA’S SISTER CITY AGREEMENTS

Oct 05, 2024

INDIA’S SISTER CITY AGREEMENTS INTRODUCTION India’s commitment to international diplomacy and cultural exchange is highlighted by its extensive network of sister city relationships. These partnerships connect Indian cities with global counterparts to enhance mutual understanding, promote cultural exchanges, and foster economic cooperation. The agreements span continents and encompass a diverse range of focus areas, from technology and innovation to education and trade. 1. HISTORY AND PURPOSE OF SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIPS Sister city agreements, also known as twin town arrangements, are formal agr... Read More...

PM E-DRIVE SCHEME: CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Oct 05, 2024

PM E-DRIVE SCHEME: CRITICAL ANALYSIS 1. What is the PM E-DRIVE Scheme? PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) is a government initiative aimed at boosting electric vehicle (EV) adoption in India. It follows the FAME II scheme and focuses on providing demand-side incentives to increase EV penetration, particularly for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and public transport. POSITIVES 1. Targeted Incentives The scheme offers tailored incentives to segments like two-wheelers and three-wheelers, which have shown significant penetration, encouraging br... Read More...

NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT (NFSA): PROVISIONS, BENEFITS, AND POSITIVE EXTERNALITIES

Oct 05, 2024

NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT (NFSA): PROVISIONS, BENEFITS, AND POSITIVE EXTERNALITIES 1. What is the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013? The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, is a landmark legislation in India aimed at providing subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of the country’s population. The Act ensures access to food at affordable prices, enhancing food security for the most vulnerable sections of society. PROVISIONS OF THE NFSA • Coverage: The NFSA covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, categorizing them into prio... Read More...

PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (PLFS) AND NEW MONTHLY DATA INITIATIVE

Oct 05, 2024

PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (PLFS) AND NEW MONTHLY DATA INITIATIVE 1. What is the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)? The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is an important survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Launched in April 2017, PLFS is designed to provide key insights into India’s labour market by measuring employment, unemployment, and workforce participation rates across the country. The survey offers vital data on how the labour market is functioning, helping policymakers understand trends and make informed decisions. 2... Read More...

Doctrines of Chilling Effect and Proportionality:Kunal Kamra Case 2024

Oct 04, 2024

Doctrines of Chilling Effect and Proportionality:Kunal Kamra Case 2024 Doctrine of Chilling Effect in the Kunal Kamra Case The amended IT Rules required digital platforms to remove content flagged as 'fake,' 'false,' or 'misleading' by a fact-checking unit. This had a direct impact on freedom of expression, a concern raised prominently by critics like comedian Kunal Kamra, who argued that such a rule could lead to self-censorship. The chilling effect in this instance refers to the potential for these rules to deter individuals and media outlets from expressing themselves freely for fear of having their conte... Read More...

NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY:INDIA'S NEED FOR IT-SIMPLIFIER

Oct 04, 2024

NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY:INDIA'S NEED FOR IT-SIMPLIFIER What is a National Security Strategy (NSS)? A National Security Strategy (NSS) is a formal document that outlines a country's approach to protect its national interests. It integrates strategies across defense, economics, foreign relations, and domestic policies to address a range of security challenges. Why is there a renewed demand for an NSS in India? As India aims to become a $4 trillion economy, it faces complex challenges in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are affecting glob... Read More...

PASTORAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA

Oct 04, 2024

PASTORAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA FAQs 1. Who are the Pastoralists? Pastoralists are communities that rely on livestock herding as their primary livelihood, migrating seasonally with their animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. They depend on common resources like village commons and public grazing lands. Some well-known pastoralist communities in India include the Gujjars, Gaddis, Raikas, Maldharis, and Bakarwals, who have practiced this traditional way of life for centuries. 2. Why is the upcoming census of pastoralists in India significant? The upcoming census aims to colle... Read More...

DIGITAL NOMADS: A NEW AGE OF REMOTE WORKERS

Oct 04, 2024

DIGITAL NOMADS: A NEW AGE OF REMOTE WORKERS FAQs 1. Who are Digital Nomads? Digital nomads are individuals who leverage technology to work remotely while traveling to different locations. They use laptops, smartphones, and internet connectivity to work from anywhere—cafes, co-working spaces, or even beaches—blending work with travel and exploration. 2. What kinds of jobs do Digital Nomads typically have? Digital nomads often work in fields that allow for flexible, remote work, such as freelance writing, graphic design, software development, digital marketing, consulting, and online teachi... Read More...

TAMIL ISSUE & THE 13TH AMENDMENT:SRI LANKA

Oct 04, 2024

TAMIL ISSUE & THE 13TH AMENDMENT:SRI LANKA FAQs 1. What is the Tamil issue in Sri Lanka? The Tamil issue in Sri Lanka refers to the ethnic conflict between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority. The conflict, rooted in discrimination and demands for greater autonomy, led to a civil war (1983-2009) between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant Tamil separatist group. The war ended in 2009, but issues of political rights, devolution of powers, and post-war reconciliation for Tamils remain unresolved. 2. What is the 13th Amendment in Sri... Read More...

The Butterfly Effect: Sensitivity and Chaos

Oct 04, 2024

The Butterfly Effect: Sensitivity and Chaos The Butterfly Effect in a Nutshell The butterfly effect, a core concept in chaos theory, suggests that even tiny changes in a system's initial state can lead to dramatically different outcomes over time. Think of it like this: a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could, theoretically,set off a chain of events that eventually cause a tornado in Texas. How it Works The Earth's atmosphere is inherently unstable, meaning small changes in one place can ripple out and have larger impacts elsewhere. This was first observed by mathematicians Henri Poin... Read More...

KUNAL KAMRA V. UNION OF INDIA 2024: BOMBAY HIGH COURT STRIKES DOWN FACT CHECK UNIT(FCU)RULES AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Oct 04, 2024

KUNAL KAMRA V. UNION OF INDIA 2024: BOMBAY HIGH COURT STRIKES DOWN FACT CHECK UNIT(FCU)RULES AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL FAQs: What was the main issue with the 2023 amendment to the IT Rules? The amendment introduced a Fact Check Unit empowered to mandate the removal of content labeled as 'fake, false, or misleading' from social and digital media platforms. Failure to comply would result in platforms losing their 'safe harbor' protections, exposing them to legal liability for third-party content they host. What is the judicial history of the case? The origin... Read More...

Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

Oct 03, 2024

Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 The "Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024" was enacted with the primary aim to deter and penalize malpractices in the administration of public examinations across India. The legislation emerged as a response to recurring incidents of exam malpractices, including paper leaks, impersonation, and the use of unauthorized aids during examinations. These malpractices have undermined the credibility of the examination systems, thereby necessitating a robust legal framework to restore integrity and confidence among stakeholders. Aims and Objects of the Act: Read More...

RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND PATERNITY(DNA) TESTING FOR AN UNBORN CHILD IN INDIA

Oct 03, 2024

RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND PATERNITY(DNA) TESTING FOR AN UNBORN CHILD IN INDIA The right to privacy as a fundamental right in India was affirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India (2017), where privacy was declared an integral part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. This right to privacy extends to various aspects of an individual’s life, including bodily integrity and personal choices, which are central to the use of DNA testing. In the context of DNA testing to establish paternity of a child in the womb, the right to privacy becomes particularly re... Read More...