Introduction to Coal Coal is a carbonaceous material which exists in stratified sedimentary deposits.It is a main fossil fuel and natural source of energy. Coal Mining in India Government Steps to Boost Production of Coal Technology for Improved Coal Mining Measures to Mitigate Pollution UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q1. Consider the following statements: (2019) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a) Exp: Q2. Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal? (2013) Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a) Mains Q. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (2021) Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)
UNICEF
UNICEF is the shortened version of United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, a UN agency that delivers humanitarian and developmental assistance to children around the world. It is currently operating in 192 countries by providing immunization, prevention of diseases, HIV treatment, improvement of nutrition, sanitation, education, and disaster relief. It is a giant social welfare entity in the global arena.
Writs Jurisdictions of the Supreme Court
Context: The Supreme Court directed that status quo be maintained with respect to a well located near the entrance of a religious site in U.P. The Status Quo The status quo is a Latin phrase that means the current state of affairs, or the way things are at a particular time. The Supreme Court of India defines “status quo” as the existing state of affairs at a given time. In a judicial order, “status quo” means that the existing position should not be changed, and the subject matter’s features or character should not be altered. Writs Jurisdictions of the Supreme Court The Supreme Court of India issues writs under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. A writ is an order issued through a formal writing to enforce a fundamental right and correct legal wrongs. UPSC PYQ Question: With reference to the writs issued by the Courts in India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct? Options: Answer: Option 3: 1 and 3 only Explanation:
Malnutrition In India
Context: UNICEF foresees 3.2 million children under five to suffer acute malnutrition this year in war-torn Sudan. An estimated 7,72,000 children are likely to suffer from severe acute malnutrition. Sudan Crisis Sudan has endured 20 months of war between the Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), killing tens of thousands and, according to the United Nations, uprooting 12 million in the world’s largest displacement crisis. Defining Malnutrition Malnutrition involves deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in terms of energy or nutrients. Types of malnutrition include wasting, stunting, underweight, and diseases related to micronutrient malnutrition. Overall, by 2022, the numbers for global pictures were as follows: 149 million children under 5 years were stunted; 45 million were wasted; and 37 million were overweight or obese. Malnutrition Health Impact in India What Are the Problems That India Faces in the Management of Malnutrition? Tackling Malnutrition in India: Key Strategies Government Initiatives to Tackle Malnutrition? UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims: Q. Which of the following is/are the indicators/ indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? (2016) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1, 2 and 3(d) 1 and 3 only Ans: C Mains: Q. How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from
Current Affairs 10 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz10 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. Forest Fires Context: Fast-growing wildfires near Los Angeles have caused more than two deaths; hundreds are destroyed and scalded by hilly countryside. Forest Fire Government Initiatives UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. Consider the following: (2019) Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue? (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2, 3 and 4 only(c) 1 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (d) Mains: Q. Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (2014) 2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Context: The United States will “always be a reliable partner” in NATO, U.S. defence chief Lloyd Austin said, after remarks by President-elect Donald Trump sparked concerns among members of the military alliance. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) National Affairs 1. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises the journey undertaken by Persons of Indian Origin across the world and their efforts for a better society. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) A person of Indian origin is referred to as any foreign citizen, who was either an Indian citizen or whose ancestors had been Indian citizens. PIO cards are issued and can be obtained by PIOs, which makes them eligible for visa-free stay in India up to 15 years. Constitutional Provisions 2. Sixth-Generation Aero-Engine Context: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir V. Kamat suggested co-development with foreign manufacturers for the sixth-generation aero-engine development. Sixth-Generation Aero-Engine Sixth-generation engines are advanced engines which are to be integrated in jet fighter aircraft designs, of which several countries are pursuing national programs and collaborative multinational projects. The first of these fighters are expected to enter service in the 2030s, spread across development and procurement costs. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of India’s Ministry of Defence by undertaking military research and development. Established in 1958, it combined the Technical Development Establishment and Directorate of Technical Development and Production of Indian Ordnance Factories with the Defence Science Organisation. 3. Z-Morh Tunnel Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the strategic Z-Morh tunnel connecting Kashmir and Ladakh on January 13. Key Highlights: 4. Tax Terrorism Introduction Tax terrorism is the fear and perception of tax authorities resorting to aggressive practices to achieve revenue collection targets. The key features of tax terrorism include retrospective taxation, high taxation, aggressive tax collection targets, excessive notices and summons, prosecution for minor infractions, and use of enforcement agencies. The term gained prominence in 2014 when India’s Finance Minister referred to retrospective tax amendments. Challenges in Indian Tax System Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Council Formation 5. Genomes Context:India Assembles Human Genomes for Disease and Drug Therapy: India released a year’s compilation of 10,000 human genomes of 83 population groups, roughly 2% of the country’s 4,600 population groups. Genome India database Genome A genome is the complete set of DNA, or genetic material, in an organism. It contains all the information an organism needs to develop and function. DNA, RNA, and Chromosomes are all parts of the genetic code that store and transmit hereditary information. DNA RNA Chromosomes DNA and RNA in chromosomes 6. Tuberculosis (TB) Context: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written to all the States and the Union Territories (UTs) to organise a 100-day intensified campaign on tuberculosis (TB) elimination in prisons and correctional institutions as part of the Union government’s commitment to eliminating the disease from India. India TB Report 2024 Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the India TB Report 2024, which highlights that the mortality rate due to Tuberculosis (TB) had declined from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022. Key Highlights: Tuberculosis Programs to Control TB UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 1, 2 and 3 only(c) 1, 2 and 4 only(d) 3 and 4 only Ans: (a) Mains Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (2021) 7. Earthquake in Tibet! Context: An earthquake in Tibet, magnitude 7.1, originating at a depth of 10 km, has claimed at least 100 lives and damaged buildings and houses. Earthquake 8. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Context: The Rajasthan High Court, in Tejender Pal Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2024), cautioned against using Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as a tool to stifle legitimate dissent. Section 152 (BNS) Section 152 (BNS) criminalizes acts which endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, such as inciting rebellion or promoting separatism. Though it does not use the term “sedition,” it does similar work but with broader words. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 9. Dual Citizenship in India! Context: At an event, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said there are a lot of challenges in providing dual citizenship to Indians settled abroad. He pointed out that the Overseas Citizenship of India drive is a step towards meeting the demand. The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme allows people of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely. OCI cardholders receive a lifetime visa to India, and are treated similarly to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in many ways. Non-Resident Indian (NRI) A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) is a citizen of India living outside the country. In fact, the term NRI is also sometimes used to describe a person of Indian origin living outside India. UPSC Prelims PYQ Q.1. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021) Correct Answer is Option (a) 10. University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2025. Context: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s resolution calls the Union government to withdraw the draft University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2025. 11. India-Mongolia Trade Relations Context: India is set to finalize a
UN Report: Projections for the Indian Economy in 2025
The Key Growth Drivers The United Nations (UN
One-Time Amnesty Scheme
Context: The Government of India has announced plans for a ‘One-Time Amnesty Scheme Under Customs’, modeled after the successful ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’ scheme for income tax. This initiative aims to address long-pending customs disputes and bring relief to businesses while enhancing government revenue. Objectives of the Amnesty Scheme Key Features of the Scheme Implications for Stakeholders The Vivad se Vishwas The Vivad se Vishwas scheme is a voluntary settlement scheme in India that aims to resolve long-standing disputes. The scheme is available for both contractual and income tax disputes. Vivad se Vishwas II scheme Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas (DTVSV) scheme
India’s Precious Metal and Electronics Import Data
Context: The Central Government of India has revised the import data for precious metals and electronics for the April-November 2024-25 period due to errors and adjustments in the data collection process. Key Highlights: Reasons for Revision Implications of Data Revisions Gold Reserve in Central Bank
1. SBI’s Report on Poverty
Context: The release of the 2023-24 Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES) fact sheet has reignited the poverty debate in India. While recent estimates suggest a sharp decline in poverty levels, the methodological challenges and historical context continue to complicate the discourse. Key Developments in the Poverty Estimates Evolution of Poverty Measurement in India Early Methodology Shift from Calorie Norms (Tendulkar Committee) Rangarajan Committee’s Redefined Basket Recent Methodological Innovations Challenges in Comparing Poverty Estimates Human Development Report(HDR) 2023-24
Stress in Microfinance Loans and Challenges for Asset Reconstruction
Context: The microfinance sector in India faces growing challenges due to uncontrolled credit growth and over-leveraging among borrowers. These factors have created a ripple effect, contributing to stress in loan portfolios and placing pressure on banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to offload their non-performing microfinance assets. Key Issues in Microfinance Stress Challenges for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) Way Forward Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)
