Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has revised the ethanol procurement price for public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) from ₹56.58 per litre to ₹57.97 per litre for the Ethanol Supply Year 2024-25 (November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025). What is Ehtanol? It is obtained by feeding various raw materials or agricultural products through fermentation, and ethanol is used as a fuel. Ethanol is renewable fuel as it can be used in the pepping of gasoline, or it can work as an octane enhancer. This is also called grain alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or simply EtOH. These are some applications of ethanol in agriculture:
Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher
Context: In a major boost for the indigenous Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems, the PM Narendra Modi-led cabinet committee on security cleared two major deals worth around Rs 10,200 crore for its lethal ammunition. Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher Pinaka is a multi-barrelled rocket launcher designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army. The rocket has a maximum range of 45 km, and one launcher can fire 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds. Pinaka is mounted on a Tatra truck and was quite effective during the Kargil War in neutralizing Pakistani positions. It has been inducted in large numbers in the Indian Army since then.
Labour Code Implementation and Reforms
Context: Setting the stage for the possible implementation of the four Labour Codes from April 1, a meeting of the officials and Ministers of the Union Labour Ministry and State Labour Ministries has reviewed the progress in drafting of rules under the Codes by the States. Key Highlights: Objective of the Labour Code Reforms Launch of Occupational Shortage Index (OSI) E-Shram Microsite for Unorganised Workers Key Benefits of Labour Code Reforms Labour Code Reforms Impact on Businesses and Workers Business Impact Encouragement of Investment and Growth Effects on the Workers
Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024
Why in News? The Indian Parliament has proposed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 with the objective of amending the Waqf Act 1995 to introduce better accountability and transparency into the functioning of Waqf boards. The main thrust of the bill is to eliminate unchecked powers enjoyed by Waqf Boards under the present regime which gives them the freedom to declare any property as Waqf without due checks. Major Changes in the Waqf Act Amendment Bill 2024 Criticisms of the Waqf Act Amendment Bill, 2024 What is the Waqf Act 1995? A Waqf is the irrevocable donation of moveable or immovable property for religious pious or charitable purposes as recognized under Muslim law.Earnings of Waqf properties are used for educational institutions, mosques graveyards and shelter homes. History Waqf Act was enacted in 1954 and were repealed in 1995 which subsequently augmented more powers to the Waqf Boards. Again an amendment introduced in the year 2013 empowered the Waqf Boards to pronounce with great authority the properties to be treated as Waqf Property. The Central Waqf Council CWC was established in 1964 as a supervisory body for Waqf Boards at the State level Waqf Properties in India
Domestic Workers
Context: The Supreme Court has called for making the long standing exploitation of domestic workers the thing of the past by way of formulating a comprehensive legal framework that safeguards their rights. Domestic Workers Domestic workers are individuals who provide service to private households, such as cleaning, cooking, and caring for children. They can be full-time or part-time, and may even live in or outside the employer’s house. What do domestic workers do? What are the challenges domestic workers face? What is a domestic worker according to the International Labour Organization? Highlights of the Judgment Directive for Government Action Lessons from Progressive State Laws Growing Demand Rising Vulnerability
Major Schemes
Context: As India prepares for the Union Budget 2025-26 here is a look at recently launched schemes, older schemes with reduced funding, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and initiatives promoting electric mobility. AI development Schemes Older Schemes with Reduced Funding
2. India’s White Revolution
What is the White Revolution? The White Revolution is a sudden rise in milk production in India making India the worlds largest milk producer. It was spurred on by Operation Flood launched by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1970. Verghese Kurien known as the Father of the White Revolution led this initiative. Objectives of Operation Flood Key Features Phases of Operation Flood Importance of the White Revolution Equitable Access to Milk Beyond the White Revolution Success of the White Revolution Milk production in India surpassed that of all other countries to become the world’s largest producer, yet this achievement has not translated to fair access to milk for the Indian population. Policy Recommendations White Revolution 2.0 Why in News? Recently, the Ministry of Cooperation unveiled standard operating procedure (SOPs) for White Revolution 2.0, aimed at empowering women farmers and creating job opportunities. White Revolution 2.0 White Revolution 2.0 is a program aimed at ensuring increased milk production women empowerment and malnutrition control.It is a sequel to the original White Revolution touted as Operation Flood that was initiated by Dr Verghese Kurien in 1970. The move transformed India from a milk deficient country into the worlds number one milk producer. Targets and Goals Key Initiatives Under White Revolution 20 Empowerment of Women Tackling Malnutrition Synergistic Integration with Ongoing and Proposed Plans UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Mains Q. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)
Issues with MGNREGA Scheme
What is MGNREGA Scheme?
Current Affairs 29 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz29 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. DeepSeek AI Context: A Chinese-made artificial intelligence (AI) model called DeepSeek has shot to the top of Apple Store’s downloads, stunning investors and sinking some tech stocks. Company Background What is AI? How AI Works? Capabilities of AI Applications of AI IndiaAI Mission UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans: (b) 2. BIMSTEC Origin The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was established in 1997. The organization was created to promote economic and social development among its member countries. About What is BIMSTEC? BIMSTEC was established in 1997 and consists of seven member states that are located around the Bay of Bengal. These countries are: Key Objectives of BIMSTEC Read more>> National Affairs 1. Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), 2024 Context: After a prolonged decline due to learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has now been a modest recovery in foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) among school students, according to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, released. The survey of almost 6.5 lakh children in 605 villages across the country tested them in basic reading and arithmetic skills and found a slight improvement in comparison to pre-COVID 2018 levels. Key Highlights: State Level Inequalities Access to Technology and Digital Divide Key Takeaways and Recommendations Right to Education Right to education is the right of every child to receive a quality education, regardless of background and circumstances. It is a fundamental human right, enshrined in international legal instruments and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The right to education in India is guaranteed by Article 21A of the Constitution of India. This article was added by the 86th Amendment Act of 2002. What does Article 21A say? Right to Education Act (RTE) of 2009 The Right to Education Act (RTE) of 2009 guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. 2. ISRO’s 100th Launch Milestone Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) oversee the historic 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota with the GSLV-F15 mission. GSLV-F15 Mission Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) A GTO is an elliptical orbit through which the satellite passes from geosynchronous transfer orbit into the geosynchronous orbit. About the NVS02 Satellite NavIC Indias Regional Navigation Satellite System Importance of the Mission Proba-3 Mission 3. WHO Recommends Lower Sodium Salt Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines recommending the replacement of regular table salt with lower sodium salt substitutes to reduce sodium intake and improve cardiovascular health. Key Recommendations: Health Effectiveness of Reducing Sodium Normal Sodium Chloride (NaCl) vs Potassium Chloride (KCl) Sodium chloride and potassium chloride are salts, differing in usage as well as the characteristics of them. Uses Health 4. The Nicobarese Context: A new genetic study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics has found that the Nicobarese people of the Indian Ocean have ancestral ties to the Htin Mal community of the Laos, Thailand region, challenging previous migration timelines. Key Findings: The Nicobarese The Nicobarese are an aboriginal group of people living in the Nicobar Islands that form part of India’s union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They speak Austroasiatic languages. 5. Godavari-Banakacherla Project Context: Telangana government protested the project claiming Andhra Pradesh didn’t inform the Godavari and Krishna River Management Boards as required by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014. Water Sharing Dispute Inter-State Water Disputes 6. Freedom of Speech Context: Pakistan’s upper house of parliament passed a controversial Bill that critics argue is designed to suppress freedom of speech. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution Right to Freedom Article 19 of the Constitution of India provides fundamental freedoms to citizens mainly on freedom of speech and expression and also provides for reasonable restrictions that the state can impose. Important Provisions under Article 19 All citizens shall have the right to: Restrictions by Reasonable Means Under Article 19(2) While Article 19(1) provides fundamental rights, Article 19(2) provides the state the right to put reasonable restrictions for the following purposes. These limitations provide with the cause that freedom of speech and other rights cannot be hurt for national interest or in the publics favor or even individual rights. Importance of Article 19 Ensures democratic rights and freedom of expression It guards civil liberties sanctioning the freedom to express dissent or peaceful protests. Balances individual rights with the national interest with practical limitations Therefore its a cornerstone of a free and open society in India. UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q. What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (2014) 7. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (POA Act) Context: One of the cofounders of information technology (IT) services major Infosys, Kris Gopalakrishnan, and a former director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, Padmanabhan Balaram, have been named besides 16 others in a complaint filed under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act, according to a report The case was filed at Bengaluru’s Sadashiva Nagar Police Station following directives from the 71st City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH). About the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a law in India that prevents crimes against members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It also provides for special courts to try these crimes and rehabilitation and relief for victims. Objective and Background Key Provisions Recent Amendments Weaknesses of SC/ST Act, 1989 UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Mains Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the
Foreign Bank Account
Context: Rams Problem Ram an NRI in the US was having a tough time when his parents in India tried to remit 10 lakh to his US bank account after selling a property. The transfer from India to a foreign account was a hassle especially with the TCS requirement for amounts over 7 lakh. Solution: NRO Account What is an NRO Account? Advantages of an NRO Account Foreign Currency Non Resident FCNR Types of foreign bank accounts in India Documents required to open a foreign bank account Foreign Bank Accounts Benefits Tax Implications and Eligibility What is a Foreign Bank Account? A foreign bank account also known as an offshore bank account is an account held in a country other than the account holders country of residence or citizenship. Why Open a Foreign Bank Account?
