Context: A protest erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, with hundreds of people gheraoing the Raisatti police outpost under the Nakhas police station limits demanding justice over the alleged custodial death of a 35-year-old man. Custodial Death in India Definition: Death of a person in the custody of law enforcement or correctional facilities, caused by excessive force, neglect, abuse, or other factors. Custodial Violence: Defined by the Law Commission of India as crimes committed by public servants against detained or arrested individuals. Statistics (2017-2022). Gradual increase in custodial deaths State-wise Data NHRC Interventions Possible Reasons for Custodial Deaths Institutional Challenges Other Contributing Factors Legal Provisions Constitutional Safeguards State and Central Governments’ Responsibilities Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) Indian Penal Code (IPC) Indian Evidence Act, 1872 Indian Police Act, 1861 Way Forward Legislative and Institutional Reforms Law Enforcement Training Accountability and Checks and Balances – Judicial Effectiveness International Obligations Health Care Services in Detention UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Q.1 Instances of the President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. (2014) Q.2 National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (2014)
Mullaperiyar Dam
Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam constructed on the Periyar River in Kerala, India. The dam was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by John Pennycuick, and it lies 150km south east of Kochi and 200km north east of Trivandrum. The catchment area of the dam is located entirely in Kerala and not an inter-State river. It is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu. The water level hit 142 feet for the first time in 35 years in 2014 and again topped its maximum limit in 2018. According to the report of UNU-INWEH, published in 2021, the dam is seismically active with significant structural flaws and places 3.5 million people in danger if it collapses.
World Economic Forum (WEF)
Context: World Economic Forum (WEF) is hosting its Annual Meeting from 20–24 January 2025 Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Theme: WEF 2025’s theme is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” highlighting the importance of partnerships for a future driven by sustainable innovation and technological advancements. World Economic Forum (WEF) About WEF is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Evolution In 1973 events such as the collapse of the Bretton Woods fixed exchange rate mechanism and Arab-Israeli War made Annual Meeting expand its focus in addition to management issues to economic and social issues. Diplomatic Moments of WEF India’s Presence at World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 Source: PIB UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs) Prelims Q1. Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India: (2012) Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (b) Q2. A legislation that confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of the application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India? (a) Article 14 (b) Article 28 (c) Article 32 (d) Article 44 Ans: (a) Mains Q. Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (2015)
Paris Agreement
Context: U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration announced the United States’ intention to withdraw from the Paris climate accord for a second time, a defiant rejection of global efforts to combat planetary warming as catastrophic weather events intensify worldwide. Paris Agreement COP 21 It is a multilateral agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC to reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions Adopted in December 2015 at COP 21 in Paris and signed by 196 countries Nationally Determined Contributions NDCs Indias Role and Measures Emissions in India India’s Initiatives Core Elements of the Paris Agreement Climate Ambition Summit 2020 What’s New? COP29: Takeaways and Stand of India UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (2016) (a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East(b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change(c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals Answer: b Q. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: b Mains Q. ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017) Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)
Current Affairs 19 & 20 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz19 & 20 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) The Generalized System of Preferences is a program allowing developing countries to export specific products to developed countries with reduced or eliminated customs duties. The GSP program was designed to promote the growth of developing countries and reduce poverty in these countries. India-US GSP The United States (US) removed India’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) on June 5, 2019. GSP is a facility that provides developing countries with an opportunity to export goods to the US without paying duty. 2. European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Context: A meeting held between Mr. Goyal and Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security in Brussels. Background India signed a free trade pact on March 10 2024, India EFTA Trade Pact with a group of European nations — Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein — committing to reduce tariffs, while New Delhi will receive $100 billion in investments over the next 15 years. European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trading of EFTA with India India exported USD 1.92 billion worth of goods to EFTA countries in 2022-23, and imports stood at USD 16.74 billion. Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) The objectives: Coverage: Key Take-Aways: Importance of India-EFTA Deal Economic Growth and Employment Generation: Beyond Trade: Long-Term Benefits Important Issues: India-EFTA Agreement Suggested Solutions: India-EU Relation 3. India-Oman FTA Context: India is not seeking customs duty concessions on over 100 product categories such as liquor, and cigarette in the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with Oman, which is under negotiations between the two countries, sources said. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) An FTA is an agreement between two or more countries that reduce or remove trade barriers. The main purpose of an FTA is to increase trade between the participating countries. 4. Nigeria Joins BRICS! Context: Nigeria has become a partner state of the BRICS group of emerging market powers. BRICS National Affairs 1. SVAMITVA Scheme Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 lakh property cards to rural families in more than 50,000 villages across 12 States and UTs under the Centre’s SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme. 2. Take-Home Ration (THR) Context: The Jharkhand government started the distribution of ‘Shishu Shakti’ packets, an enhanced version of the take-home ration (THR) for severely malnourished children, with the aim of making the State malnutrition-free, an official said. Take Home Ration (THR) Take Home Ration (THR) is a program in India. It provides fortified rations to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. The program falls under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. It is a report that was released by NITI Aayog and the World Food Program. 3. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) The ICDS is a government initiative in India, offering healthcare, nutrition, and education for children up to six years old and their mothers. The ICDS was introduced in 1975 with the purpose of improving the nutritional condition of children and reducing child health problems. ICDS Scheme Schemes Under ICDS ICDS Objectives Other Comparable Government Initiatives UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of ‘Inclusive Governance’? (2012) Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 and 4 only(c) 2, 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (c) Explanation: Mains Q. Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (2017) 4. “RNA Damage Drives Acute Sunburn” Study Key Highlights: What is Sunburn? Sunburned skin looks red, painful, and damaged due to too much exposure in the sun. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or a tanning bed burn your skin when you get a sunburn. You don’t have to spend a whole day at the beach or swimming pool to get a sunburn. Multiple sunburns can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. Ribosomes Ribosomes are molecular machines that synthesize proteins in all cells. They are made of RNA and protein, and are found in the cytoplasm of cells. The Ribotoxic Stress Response (RSR) The ribotoxic stress response pathway is a mechanism that senses for stress in cells and initiates stress response programmes. RSR is involved with cell death and inflammation, though it also plays some role in regulation of metabolism. Genome Genome India Project 5. Jallikattu (Sallikkattu) Context: A total of 83 people were injured in the jallikattu organised at Mukkanipatti village in Pudukottai district and Pallapatti village in Tiruchi district. Jallikattu (Sallikkattu) Jallikattu (or Sallikkattu), also known as Eru Taḻuvuṭal and Manju-virattu is an Indian event where a zebu bull is released into a crowd, and people try to grab the large hump on the bull’s back while it tries to escape. It is mostly practiced in southern Tamil Nadu during Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day. Animal rights organizations have called for a ban on the sport due to incidents of injury and death. It was banned several times by the Supreme Court of India but a fresh ordinance was issued in 2017 to make it continue its sporting activities. 6. Initiatives by TRAI Against Spam Blockchain in Anti-Spam Measure Efficacy of Measures Other Government Initiatives The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a regulatory body set up by the Government of India under section 3 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. It is the regulator of the telecommunications sector in India. It consists of a chairperson and not more than two full-time members and not more than two part-time members. The TRAI Act was amended by an ordinance, effective from 24 January 2000, establishing a Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI. 7. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme It was launched in January 2015 with the aim to
Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)
Context: The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) of the rupee moderated in December to 107.20 after hitting a peak of 108.14 in November, latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed. The REER was 103.66 in January 2024. Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER): Background and Formula The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) is the value of a country’s currency relative to a basket of other currencies, adjusted for inflation. A country’s REER can be indicative of such factors about the country’s outward position and macroeconomic condition. How REER is Calculated What REER is Used For Determinants of REER Source: Business Standard
Credit Costs (CCs)
Context: Private sector banks that announced their earnings for the October-December quarter (Q3) of 2024-25 (FY25) reported a rise in credit costs due to higher provisions, mainly for unsecured retail loans. Credit Costs Credit costs are the sum of the sum that a lender demands from the borrower as repayment, over and above the amount taken. They comprise interest, fees, and other charges related to a credit agreement. What Constitutes Credit Costs? How to Calculate Credit Costs Source: Business Standard
Business Correspondents (BCs)
Context: The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has called a meeting of the monitoring committee on the functioning of business correspondents (BCs) Business Correspondent (BC) A Business Correspondent (BC) is a representative of the bank, who offers banking services to people in the unorganized sectors. BCs are an important constituent of financial inclusion, which means making banking accessible to everyone. Key Agenda Items: Scrutiny of C. S. Setty Report (December 2022) Issues in Business Correspondent (BC) Capacity-Building and Governance Source: Business Standard
Seaweed Farming in India
Seaweed farming in India is an inexpensive and less laborious activity that may help coastal communities find an alternate source of income. Seaweed is high in vitamins and minerals and finds applications in food, cosmetics, and fertilizers. How is seaweed farmed in India? What varieties of seaweeds are cultured in India? Where are the seaweeds cultivated in India? Growing Demand and Cultivation Global Advancement in Seaweed Production Indian Seaweed Sector: Current Situation Research and Facilitation Challenges in Seaweed Industry State Initiatives Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) PMMSY, introduced as part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ package, aims to develop the sustainable and responsible fisheries sector in India. The scheme is implemented in all States and Union Territories for five years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM)
National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM)
