Today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants explores the latest developments relevant to the upcoming civil services examination. Our focus today includes a critical analysis of recent policy changes, international affairs, and national developments, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping India’s socio-political and economic landscape. Stay informed and stay ahead in your UPSC preparations with our daily current affairs updates, as we provide you with concise, well-researched insights to help you connect the dots between contemporary events and the broader canvas of the civil services syllabus.
Cabinet clears plan for ‘One Nation, One Election’
Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Constitution – Acts & Amendments
Why in the news?
- Recently, recommendations of the High-Level Committee on ONOE/Simultaneous Elections under chairmanship of former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind.
What does ONOE mean?
About: It holding elections for the People’s House, the national assembly and all local bodies, ie. municipalities and panchayats together.
Benefits of ONOE:
- Government exchequer deficit: 2019 LS election cost Rs 60,000 crore.
- Increase the number of voters: e.g. Every day voting brings ‘voter fatigue’.
- Stability of Structure and Growth: Currently, the constant imposition of exemplary codes of conduct leads to structural paralysis affecting the supply chain, business investment and economic growth.
- Effective delivery of services: Officials and security forces, often used in elections, negatively affect their service delivery
Issues With ONOE:
- Marginalisation of the region parties: State parties can Mute the little one’s voice of parties at the national level
- Reduced Responsibility in Politics Leadership: Elections are held daily Keep lawmakers on their toes.
- Concerns Federalism: Due to Multiple charges Article 356.
- Concerns about independent thought Qualifying Votes: There had been a simultaneous election Voters combining national and state issues.
Roadmap recommended by high level committee:
- Constitutional amendment in two ways:- .
- 1st: Simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections (without the need for state approval).
- 2nd: Coordination of the first phase with local elections by holding municipal and panchayat elections more frequently in 100 days voting (requires ratification by less than half of states).
- Dealing with a hung House/no confidence motion: Fresh elections for constituting a new House of People or State Legislative Assembly for an unexpired term of the House of the People.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q1. Consider the following statements: (2020)
- According to the Constitution of India a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
- According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Q2. Consider the following statements: (2017)
- The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
- Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
Answer: (d)
Mains
Q.1 ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (2017)
Source: HT
PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA)
Tags: GS-2, Governance- Government Policies & Interventions- PM-JUGA
Why in the news?
- The Cabinet approved PM-JUGA with an outlay of ₹79,156 crore to fill critical social infrastructure gaps and build on the success of PM-JANMAN.
About the PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA):
- Objective: Improving the socio-economic condition of tribal communities by adopting saturation coverage for tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts.
- Coverage: It will cover 63,000 villages in 30 states and is aimed at benefiting five crore tribal people.
- Implementation:
- Comprises 25 interventions to be implemented by 17- line ministries through funds allocated under Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) in next 5 years
- The said tribal villages will be mapped and progress will be monitored on the PM Speed power platform.
- It is a unique example of collaboration and the whole government approach.
- The four objectives of the mission are:
- Objective-I: Development of facilities like Pucca house for Improving household and village infrastructure.
- Objective-2: Promote economic empowerment through skill development Career development and social development (self-employment).
- Objective-3: Access to quality education will be universal
- Objective-4: Healthy living and dignified ageing.
- Innovative Schemes under PM JUGA:
- Tribal Home Stay: 1,000 home stays will be promoted under Swadesh Darshan to boost tourism in tribal areas and offer alternative livelihoods. Financial aid includes ₹5 lakhs for new room construction, ₹3 lakhs for renovation, and ₹5 lakhs for village community needs.
- Sustainable Livelihood for FRA Holders: Expedite forest rights recognition, empower tribal communities to conserve forests, and ensure sustainable livelihoods through various schemes.
- Infrastructure Improvement for Schools/Hostels: Upgrade Ashrams, hostels, tribal schools, and government residential schools to PM-SHRI standards.
- Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosis: Centres of Competence (CoC) to be set up in AIIMS and top institutes in states affected by Sickle Cell Disease.
- Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs): 100 TMMCs will be established to ensure fair prices for tribal products and direct consumer access to tribal goods.
Source: PIB
Bio-RIDE scheme
Tags: GS-3, Science & Technology- Biotechnology
Why in the news?
- Recently, the Union Cabinet approved one scheme-‘Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio- RIDE)’.
About Bio-RIDE Scheme:
- Aim: To accelerate research, enhance product development, and bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications.
- Objective
- Strengthen India’s position as a global leader in biomanufacturing and biotechnology.
- Make India a US$300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
Components of the Bio-RIDE Scheme:
Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D)
- Focus on:
- Human resource development.
- Bioinformatics and biotech facilities.
- Establishment of Centres of Excellence.
Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED)
- Focus on:
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programmes.
- Development of bio-clusters and biotech parks.
- Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry
- Aligned with the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) initiative.
- Aim: Promote circular bioeconomy through sustainable biomanufacturing.
- Key areas:
- Indigenous biomanufacturing solutions.
- Healthcare, agriculture productivity, bioeconomy growth.
- Skill development and entrepreneurial momentum.
Funding and Duration:
- Outlay: ₹ 9,197 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
Implementation of Scheme:
- Promote Bio-Entrepreneurship
- Grants and incentives for R&D in synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics.
- Creating synergies to accelerate commercialization of bio-based products.
- Encourage Sustainable Biomanufacturing
- Nurturing Human Resource in Biotechnology sector
Source: PIB
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme
Tags: GS-3, Economy- Agriculture sector- Govt. Schemes
Why in the news?
- Recently, the Union cabinet extended the PM-AASHA price support scheme in agriculture till 2025-26.
About Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA):
- Objective : To ensure adequate compensation to farmers for their Production of oilseeds, pulses, copra etc.
- Total Expenditure: Rs. 35,000 crore in FY15 Commission cycle through 2025-26.
- Components of Scheme:
- Credit Support Scheme (PSS): Commercial notified buyers, oilseeds & copra are fixed at minimum support prices under PSS 25% of the gross domestic product.
- No roofing around Tur, Urad & Masur For the 2024-25 season.
- Price Stabilization Fund (PSF): Government purchases Pulses at market prices above MSP including pre-registered farmers in eSamridhi (NAFED) and eSanyukti (NCCF) Methodology.
- Depreciation Payment Scheme (PDPS): Sesame seed cover went up to 40%, with a validity of 4 months.
- Market Integration System (MIS): Increased MIS reimbursement up to 25%; Then the differential payment will go directly to the account of the farmers.
- Transportation and storage costs will be paid by the Government TOP (Tomato, Onion & Potato) Vegetables.
- Benefits of integrated schemes:
- PSS: Promotes crop diversification and reduces imports Dependency for traditional pulses, oilseeds & copra
- PSF: Protects against price fluctuations by protecting consumers from price fluctuations Strategic buffer stocks of pumpkins/onions.
- MIS: Provides wage standards for growing farmers rotting garden crops; also reduces TOP crop prices for Customers.
Source: TH
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Biodiversity- NBWL
Why in the news?
- Recently, the standing committee of the NBWL cleared controversial transmission line projects in Little Rann of Kutch ,Goa’s Mollem national park .
About National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):
- About: Statutory board under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, guiding decisions on wildlife conservation and project approvals in protected areas (PAs).
- Mandates: Approval from NBWL is required for tourist lodge construction, altering PA boundaries, habitat destruction/diversion, and de-notification of Tiger Reserves.
- Structure: A 47-member board chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Environment Minister as vice-chairperson. Includes key officials like the army chief and nominated conservationists.
- Standing Committee (SC-NBWL): Consists of the Environment Minister, Member Secretary, and up to 10 members nominated by the vice-chairperson. It handles most NBWL tasks.
- Expanded Powers: Since 2002, the SC-NBWL approves any activity in wildlife sanctuaries and gives recommendations on National Parks, Sanctuaries, and PAs management.
- Meetings: SC-NBWL meets every three months.
Source:IE
NPS Vatsalya Scheme
Tag: GS-2, Governance- Govt. Schemes & Incentive
Why in the news?
- Recently, the union Finance Minister officially launched the NPS Vatsalya scheme.
About NPS Vatsalya Scheme:
- About: The National Pension Scheme (NPS) expansion focused on minor children under 18, and the account is maintained by a parent/guardian.
- Eligibility:
- Open to all Indian minors, where the child and parents are required to comply with KYC norms.
- Account management: Can be opened at regulated places like banks, India Post, pension funds, or online portals (e-NPS).
- Contribution: Minimum annual contribution is ₹1,000, no limit.
- Investment options: PFRDA offers options in government securities, corporate debt and investments based on the risk appetite of the applicant.
- Conversion: On completion of 18 years, the account seamlessly converts to a normal NPS account.
- Withdrawal:
- After 3 years, Up to 25% of the corpus can be withdrawn for specific purposes like education, medical treatment, or disabilities exceeding 75%.
- Full retirement of up to ₹2.5 lakh is allowed at the age of 18.
- For amounts above ₹2.5 lakh, 20% can be withdrawn and 80% can be used to purchase an annuity.
- Death Situation: On the death of the subscriber, the corpus passes to the nominee. If both parents die, the legal guardian maintains the account with no additional contributions until the child reaches 18 years of age.
Source: ET
Spotted Deer
Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Biodiversity- Species
Why in the news?
- Recently, spotted deer in Madhya Pradesh’s Pench Tiger Reserve are stressing the habitat, prompting relocation efforts to balance the ecosystem.
About Spotted Deer:
- About: The spotted deer, or Chital, is the most common deer species in Indian forests.
- Scientific Name: Axis axis
- Distribution:
- It is native to the Indian subcontinent.
- It is widely distributed in Asia, especially in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and a small group in Pakistan.
- Features:
- It stands at about 35 inches tall and weighs about 187 pounds.
- It has a reddish-brown coat above and a white underbelly.
- Both the genders have small white spots on the body, hence named Spotted or Chital.
- Spotted deer are sexually dimorphic. Males are significantly larger than females, and only male deers possess antlers.
- Its curved, three-pronged antlers extend nearly 3 feet and shed each year.
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Source:DC
Naga King Chilli Festival
Tags: GS-1, – Naga King Chilli Festival
Why in the news?
- Recently, Seiyhama village in Nagaland celebrated the third edition of the Naga king chilli festival.
About Naga King Chilli:
- It belongs to the genus Capsicum of the family Solanaceae and also known as raja mircha, Bhoot Jolokia and Ghost pepper.
- Its extreme heat, which exceeds 1 million Scoville heat units (SHU).
- It received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008.
- The cultivation of king chilli in Seiyhama is an ancient practice. Farmers begin searching for suitable plots in December or January, with large bamboo groves being the preferred location.
- The peak harvest of king chilli occurs in August and September, with the final harvest in November and December.
- Significance: The king chilli has long been used to preserve food in Nagaland’s hot, humid climate, extending the shelf life of food and reducing waste.
Source: DTE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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A: Staying updated with daily current affairs is crucial because it helps individuals make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. It enables people to understand the world around them, stay aware of significant events, and engage in informed discussions about important issues.
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