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 Bengaluruās 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 State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017)
Freedom of Speech
Context: Pakistanās 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 āfreedom of speech and expressionā? 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)
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
The NicobareseĀ
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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)
Current Affairs 28 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz28 January, 2025 National Affairs 1. India-China Relations Context: Three months after negotiating an end to the military stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India and China agreed to concrete measures to resume direct flights, visas, people-to-people exchanges, and the Mansarovar Yatra for pilgrims this summer. They agreed to resume the dialogue on trans-border rivers and sharing of hydrological data that China has withheld for years. Critical Accomplishments and Actions Geopolitical Implications India-China Relations Significance Technology and Digital Infrastructure Investment and Expertise Key Areas of Conflict Between India and China Border Conflicts and Territorial Claims Economic Imbalances and Trade Deficit Water Resource Disputes Cyber Threats Regional Influence Competition Strategic Alliances and Regional Tensions Diplomatic and Global Forum Tensions Ways for India to Maintain Parity with China UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. āBelt and Road Initiativeā is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of : (2016) (a) African Union (b) Brazil (c) European Union (d) China Ans: D Mains Q. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of Chinaās larger āOne Belt One Roadā initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (2018) 2. Uttarakhand adopts Uniform Civil Code Context: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami rolled out the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all residents of the State, except the Scheduled Tribes and natives who have migrated out of the State. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) 3. Copyright Case Against OpenAI Context: Concerns on Copyright Infringement Key Legal Issues Global Context OpenAI’s Response Impact on Indian News Industry Alcoholic Tinctures as Homeopathic Remedies: Regulatory and Public Health Concerns Regulatory Challenges Taxation Loopholes Public Health Hazards Regulatory Weakness Industry Lawfare and Bureaucratic Delays Key Questions and Solutions Public Health vs Industry Interests Policy Recommendations 4. Alcoholic Solution as Homeopathic Remedies Regulatory Challenges Taxation Loopholes Public Health Hazards Regulatory Weakness Industry Lawfare and Bureaucratic Delays Key Questions and Solutions Public Health vs Industry Interests Policy Recommendations Banking/Finance 1. RBI Measures to Curb Digital Frauds Key Highlights Key Actions Suggested for Banks Acknowledgement of Banks’ Role Context of the Meeting 2. Liquidity in the Banking System Context: RBI took some steps to Enhance Liquidity in the Banking System. Major Announcements Context: Addressing Liquidity Deficit Expected Impact of RBI Measures 3. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Context: RBI Steps Up Examination of P2P Lending Platforms to Ensure Compliance. Peer-to-peer (P2P) Peer-to-peer (P2P) banking is a way to transfer money between individuals without using banks as intermediaries. P2P banking can be done through digital apps or online. How does P2P banking work? What can P2P banking be used for? How can you use P2P banking? RBI Moves at a Glance Key Areas Covered in the Questionnaire Context of the RBIās Scrutiny 4. Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate (MCLR) Context: With the interest rate cut cycle around the corner, Bank of India (BoI) is tweaking its lending strategy to enhance the share of the marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR)-linked loans from about 29 per cent now to 35 per cent in the next two to three years. Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate (MCLR) The Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate (MCLR) is the minimum interest rate that a bank can charge for a loan. It’s based on the cost of borrowing funds, the bank’s operating costs, and other factors. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implemented MCLR on April 1, 2016. How MCLR works? Factors that affect MCLR Benefits of MCLR 5. Financial Inclusion Initiative Context: PSBs Lag in Meeting Insurance Targets Under Financial Inclusion Initiative. Key Schemes Overview PMJJBY Performance PMSBY Performance Action Required 6. Open Market Operations (OMO) Context: RBI announced open market operation (OMO) purchase auctions aggregating to RS 60,000 crore. What Are OMOs? How OMOs Work? Why Are OMOs Important? Overall, OMOs are crucial for the RBI to manage the economy’s liquidity effectively, ensuring stability in the financial system and helping achieve broader economic goals. 7. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) Context: Sebi Proposes Sachetisation of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a method of investing where you regularly invest a fixed amount of money at set intervals (like monthly) into a mutual fund scheme, essentially allowing you to average out the cost of your investment by buying units when the market is high and low, benefiting from the power of compounding over time. It’s a disciplined way to build wealth gradually instead of making a single lump-sum investment. Overview of the Proposal Current Situation vs Proposed Change Potential Benefits Constraints for Asset Management Companies (AMCs) Profitability Concerns Regulatory Considerations Economy 1. Indian Stock Market Faces Steep Decline Market Overview Market Participants’ Sentiment and FPIs Global Developments Influencing the Market Facts To Remember 1. JPC dismisses Opposition amendments to Waqf Bill Amid the Oppositionās complaint that its voice was not heard, the Joint Parliamentary Committee ( JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill accepted 32 out of the more than 500 amendments moved by the members, after a vote. 2. SEBI: Govt. kicks off hunt for Madhabi Puri Buch successor The Centre initiated the process to find a successor for market regulator SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch, who was involved in an alleged conflict of interest row. The three-year term of Ms. Buch as Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson ends on February 28, 2025. 3. Cricket: India defeats Scotland by 150 Runs in U-19 Womenās T20 World Cup In the ICC Under-19 Womenās T20 World Cup, India defeated Scotland by 150 runs at Bayuemas Oval Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 4. SC rejects PIL seeking expert committee on reforms in dowry, domestic violence laws The Supreme Court declined to entertain a PIL which sought the appointment of an expert committee to review and reform the existing dowry and domestic violence laws to stop their misuse. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma declined to hear the plea and observed
