Context: The Union Ministry of Finance (FinMin) is planning to direct banks to implement geotagging for all Business Correspondents (BCs) in order to enhance accountability and facilitate better monitoring of their activities. The Geotagging Initiative The geotagging initiative in banking is the process of adding geographical coordinates to banking touchpoints to improve accountability and monitor activities. It can ensure that services are delivered efficiently to the intended beneficiaries. Business Correspondents (BCs) Business Correspondents (BCs) are bank representatives who provide banking services to customers at locations other than a bank branch or ATM. They are also known as retail agents.
Wind Energy
Context: In an effort to help Indian Railways achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Ministry of Railways is considering leveraging wind energy by installing wind turbines along railway tracks, according to sources. Indian Railways Wind Energy Scheme Wind Turbines Wind turbines are a source of renewable energy that converts wind into electricity. Wind turbines are a source of clean energy because they do not burn fuel or pollute the air. The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) is an Indian public sector enterprise, which provides financial assistance and other services to projects related to renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency/conservation. UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q.With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (c)
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is an initiative of large-scale urban renewal, aimed at changing one of the biggest and most densely populated slums in the world. It is located in Mumbai, India. The challenges are overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and poor living conditions in this area. The project promotes inclusive development.
Labour Legislation
Context: The Union labour ministry is aiming to “standardise and harmonise” the rules made by state governments, except West Bengal, under the four new labour codes, which may pave the way for implementing the labour legislation. Labor Legislation Labor legislation is a set of laws that protect the rights of workers and establish a balance between employees and employers. It also aims to create a healthy and safe working environment, and to provide a legal framework for people to find jobs. Labour Laws in India
INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer
Why in News? PM Narendra Modi will dedicate 3 frontline naval combatants — INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer , to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. INS Surat INS Surat is the fourth ship in the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy, the last of the entire line built under Project 15, which includes the Delhi-class and Kolkata-class destroyers. Initially named after Porbandar, it was later named as Surat. Other warships of this class include INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal. INS Nilgiri INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth guided missile frigates being built by Mazagon Shipyard Dock Limited for the Indian Navy. The Nilgiri-class frigates, which are also referred to as the Project-17 Alpha frigates or P-17A, are stealth guided-missile frigates built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers for the Indian Navy. The INS Vagsheer The INS Vagsheer (s-26) is a French Naval Group-designed diesel-electric attack submarine from the Indian Navy, capable of eluding enemy radar, area-surveillance, intelligence gathering, and using precision-guided weapons, 18 torpedoes, and tube-launched anti-ship missiles. UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Q.1 Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016) (a) Amphibious warfare ship(b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ans: (c) Q.2 Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017) Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (b)
Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML)
Context: The govt has reconstituted the executive council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) with former principal secretary to the PM Modi, Nripendra Mishra, getting another five-year term as its chairperson. Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) The Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society previously known as the Nehru Museum and Library Society is a museum and library in New Delhi, India, which aims to preserve and reconstruct the history of the Indian independence movement. Background The Nehru Memorial Library was established in the year 1964 as an autonomous institution under the Indian Ministry of Culture. It was made the world resource center on India’s first prime minister, which contained Mahatma Gandhi’s writings and private papers of many leaders. Noted among its published works are Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Man of Destiny by Ruskin Bond, and Nehru Anthology (1980).
3. India-ASEAN Relations
Historical Context and Elevation of Partnership Economic Powerhouse-Gateway to Southeast Asian Markets Strategic Counterbalance: Connectivity Catalyst Cultural Confluence Technological Synergy Maritime Security Cooperation Energy Security and Sustainability Important Issues of India-ASEAN Relations India-ASEAN Trade Inequality and Measures to Improve Relations Major Issues Steps toward Strengthening Relations UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q1. India is a member of which among the following? (2015) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) India is a member of none of them Ans: (b) Q2. Consider the following countries: (2018) Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 Ans: (c) Q3. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (2016) (a) G20 (b) ASEAN (c) SCO (d) SAARC Ans: (b) Q4. In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/ participants? (2015) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 5 Ans: (c) Mains Q. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (201
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 Southeast Asian states, with a population of more than 600 million and a land area of over 4.5 million km2. Established to promote political and social stability in post-colonial Asia. ASEAN’s Objectives Recent Developments Member Nations India-ASEAN Cooperation
Current Affairs 14 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz14 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. China-Russia Relations Context: Trade between China and Russia reached a record high last year, reflecting strong economic ties between the countries despite Western sanctions on Moscow. Combined imports and exports with Russia totalled $244.8 billion in 2024, according to China’s General Administration of Customs, up from $240.1 billion in 2023 History of China-Russia Relations Current Developments in China-Russia Relations Interest Differences between Russia & China Consequence of the Ukrainian War Dual Hegemony Fears SWIFT System Problem Under Dual Dominance Policy India should Follow? Mains PYQ: Q The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC IAS/2021) 2. AI Chips Context: The U.S. unveiled new export rules on advanced computing chips used for artificial intelligence, aiming to facilitate sales to allied nations and further curb access to countries like China. The new rules update controls on chips, requiring authorisations for exports, re-exports and in-country transfers. What are AI chips? Importance of AI Chips compared to General Purpose Hardware? UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions 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) 3. Greenland Context: Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said, the country is looking to strengthen its defence and mining ties with the United States, albeit on its own terms, following renewed interest from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. National Affairs 1. Z-Morh tunnel Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurated the strategic Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg area of Ganderbal on 13 January 2025. Key Highlights: 2. Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) Context: The Delhi High Court questioned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for “dragging its feet” on the tabling of the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) over the city administration before the Assembly. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Constitutional Mandate Appointment and Term Duties and Powers Role in Governance Constitutional Provisions Provision Description Article 148 Deals with the appointment, oath, and conditions of service of the CAG of India. Article 149 Specifies the duties and powers of the CAG of India. Article 150 States that the accounts of the Union and States must be kept in a form prescribed by the President on the advice of the CAG. Article 151 Demands that the CAG’s reports on Union accounts are submitted to the President and laid before Parliament; state reports are submitted to the Governor and laid before the State Legislature. Article 279 Says that the CAG certifies the calculation of “net proceeds,” and its certificate is final. Third Schedule Section IV provides the oath or affirmation that is to be administered by the Judges of the Supreme Court and the CAG at the time of assuming office. Sixth Schedule Deals with the maintenance of accounts by District or Regional Councils, as per a prescribed form, in accordance with auditing procedure. Such reports shall be submitted to the Governor, who will present the same before the Council. Previous years UPSC Mains Questions 3. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Context: Odisha became the latest State to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) after the National Health Authority (NHA), under the Union Health Ministry, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a landmark initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23rd September 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. It’s primary aim is to provide accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare to all citizens, particularly focusing on the vulnerable sections of society. As the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program, AB-PMJAY aspires to cover over 50 crore beneficiaries, making quality healthcare a reality for millions of Indian families. Read more>> 4. Line of Actual Control (LAC) Context: Stating that a “degree” of stand-off prevails along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi said that he had authorised all Corps Commanders to handle issues at the ground level with respect to patrolling and grazing so that these trivial issues can be resolved at the military-level itself. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) The Line of Actual Control, or LAC, is an imaginary line dividing Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory. It has become the de facto border between India and China but is not a formally recognized international border. Read more>> 5. Nag Mk-2 Missile Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that the indigenously developed third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile, Nag Mk-2, and the entire system was ready for induction into the Army following successful field firing trials. The Nag Missile The Nag missile is an Indian third-generation, all-weather, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) with an operational range of 500m to 20km. It has a single-shot hit probability of 90% and a ten-year maintenance-free shelf life. It has five variants under development: land, helicopter-launched Nag (HELINA), man-portable Nag (MPATGM), air-launched Nag (NAMICA), and Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) “tank buster”. 6. Rat-Hole Mining Context: An oral question from the Supreme Court to the Union government remains unanswered even as rescue workers recovered bodies of four workers from a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Dima Hasao district of Assam. Rat-Hole Mining DefinitionRat-hole mining, a method of manually digging narrow holes in North East India for coal extraction, is banned by the National Green Tribunal but still used by artisanal mining operations in Meghalaya. Legal Status Techniques Employed Coal and Coal Mining in India 7. Indian Diaspora and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Context: PM Narendra Modi hailed the Indian diaspora as “ambassadors to the world,” acknowledging their role in India’s growth and integration into the global community. Key Highlights: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Pravasi
Disinvestment
Context: The officers and employees of IDBI Bank will hold a protest before Parliament during the Budget session to highlight their demand regarding disinvestment in the bank and protecting the interests of 30 million customers, 20,000 employees, and the nation. Disinvestment Process in India It is the process of selling the government’s stake in public sector enterprises to strategic or financial buyers. The proceeds are used to finance social and infrastructure projects and reduce the fiscal deficit of the government. What is Need For Disinvestment? UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Q1. In the context of governance, consider the following: (2010) Which of the above can be used as measures to control the fiscal deficit in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3(b) 2, 3 and 4(c) 1, 2 and 4(d) 3 and 4 only Ans: (d) Q2. Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)? (2011) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (d) Q3. With reference to the National Investment Fund to which the disinvestment proceeds are routed, consider the following statements: (2010) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2(b) 2 only(c) 3 and 4(d) 3 only Ans: (c)
