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.
Global Innovation Index 2024
Tags: GS-2, International organisations
In news: India has recently achieved the 39th position among 133 global economies in the Global Innovation Index 2024, improving from its 40th rank out of 132 economies in 2023.
Global Innovation Index Overview:
- The Global Innovation Index (GII) is a significant benchmark for assessing an economy’s innovation ecosystem.
- Published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, business leaders, and various stakeholders.
About WIPO:
- The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) functions as a global platform for intellectual property services, policies, information, and collaboration.
- As a self-funding agency of the United Nations, WIPO comprises 193 member states and aims to create a balanced and effective international intellectual property system that promotes innovation and creativity for all.
- Its mandate and operational procedures are defined in the WIPO Convention, established in 1967.
Source: PIB
PM Internship Scheme
Tags: GS-2, Government policies
In news: The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, announced during the Union Budget speech, has been launched to boost youth employability in India.
About the PM Internship Scheme:
- Objective: To provide internships to one crore youth over five years in the top 500 companies.
- Implementation: Managed via an online portal by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
- Stipend: ₹4,500 per month from the central government through DBT, with ₹500 from the company’s CSR funds.
- Additional Benefits: Interns receive a one-time ₹6,000 grant and insurance under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.
- Internship Period: One year.
Eligibility criteria:
- Age: 21-24 years.
- Education: Must have passed class 10 or higher, not open to post-graduates.
- Exclusions: Families with government employees, Graduates from IITs, IIMs, IISERs, or those with CA/CMA qualifications and Households with an annual income of ₹8 lakh or more in 2023-24.
Benefits of the scheme:
- For Youth: Provides hands-on training and real-world business exposure.
- For Industry: Builds a pipeline of skilled, work-ready youth for employment in large and small enterprises.
Source: TH
India Joins the International Energy Efficiency Hub
Tags: GS-2, international institutions
In news: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved India’s membership in the Energy Efficiency Hub, marking a significant step in India’s commitment to energy conservation.
About the International Energy Efficiency Hub:
- Purpose: A global platform established in 2020 to promote energy efficiency and foster collaboration among nations.
- Successor to IPEEC: It replaced the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), where India was also a member.
- Members: Currently, 16 countries are part of the Hub, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
- Key Focus: Sharing best practices, knowledge, and innovative solutions among governments, international organisations, and private entities.
India’s Role and Implementation:
- Implementing Agency: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will act as India’s representative in the Hub, coordinating the country’s participation and ensuring alignment with national energy efficiency goals.
- The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established in 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Its primary goal is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy by implementing energy efficiency programs and policies.
Significance:
- India will benefit from a global network of experts and resources, enhancing its energy efficiency initiatives.
- India’s participation will support global climate change efforts by advancing energy-efficient technologies and practices.
- The Hub aligns with India’s goals for a low-carbon economy and strengthens energy security.
Source: PIB
Tripartite Agreement for Cross-Border Electricity Trade
Tags: GS-2, International relations and agreements
In news: Nepal, India, and Bangladesh have recently signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.
Key Details of the Agreement:
- Nations Involved in agreement: Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
- Nepal will supply surplus electricity to Bangladesh through Indian territory annually from June 15 to November 15. India will handle the logistics of transmitting electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh.
- Nepal will export 40 MW of hydroelectric power to Bangladesh via India in the initial phase, with electricity priced at 6.4 cents per unit.
- Nepal is projected to generate USD 9.2 million annually from this electricity trade, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Source: IE
Odisha’s leopard population jumps by 22% to 696
Tags: GS-3, Environment and Ecology, Biodiversity
In news: Odisha’s leopard population has grown by 22%, rising from 568 to 696 between 2022 and 2024, despite ongoing concerns about poaching and illegal trade in leopard skins.
Key Findings from Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024:
- Leopard Population Growth: Odisha’s leopard population increased by 22%, from 568 to 696 in two years.
- Geographical Distribution: Leopards are spread across the state, with 45% found outside protected areas.
- However, the current population is still below the 2018 National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) estimate of 760. In 2022, the population had dropped to 568.
Key Habitats:
- Similipal Tiger Reserve: Hosts the largest leopard population in Odisha and acts as a source population for neighbouring areas like Hadagarh and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Satkosia and Hirakud Wildlife Divisions: Satkosia landscape is another significant habitat, boasting the second-highest leopard population, while Hirakud Wildlife Division and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary also support key leopard populations.
Challenges:
- Poaching and Illegal Trade remains a critical issue. Between 2018 and 2023, 59 leopard skins were seized from wildlife smugglers.
- From 2019 to 2024, Odisha’s Special Task Force (STF) recovered 57 additional skins.
- In total, 116 leopards were killed and skinned during this period, though experts warn that many illegal skins likely went undetected.
National Leopard Census (India 2022):
- India’s total leopard population reached 13,874 in 2022, an 8% increase from 12,852 in 2018.
- Top States for Leopards: Madhya Pradesh: 3,907, Maharashtra: 1,985, Karnataka: 1,879 and Tamil Nadu: 1,070
Leopard Census Methodology:
- Camera Traps: Leopards identified using distinctive rosette patterns through over 85,000 images across 18 states.
- Foot Surveys: Monitoring pug marks, scrapes, and scats to estimate leopard presence.
Significance of Odisha’s Efforts:
- Odisha, with 33.5% of its geographical area under forest cover, supports a rich biodiversity across its national park, 19 wildlife sanctuaries, and two conservation reserves.
- The latest estimation and the increased population of leopards signal positive progress for wildlife conservation.
Future Conservation Efforts:
- Beginning next year, the camera trap-based All Odisha Leopard Estimation will be synchronised with the annual All Odisha Tiger Estimation.
- This comprehensive exercise will gather data on both big cat occupancy, prey base estimation, vegetation structure, and human disturbance across the State, ensuring a holistic approach to wildlife conservation.
Source: TH
New Study Mapping the Fruit Fly’s Brain
Tags: GS-3, Science and Technology
In news: Scientists have successfully mapped the brain of a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) after a decade-long effort, revealing how 140,000 neurons are interconnected.
About the Fruit Fly Brain:
- The fruit fly’s brain is incredibly small, less than 1 mm wide.
- Using a brain map known as a “connectome,” researchers traced neuron types to uncover their functions.
- A virtual model of the fly’s brain was created based on this connectome.
Key Findings:
- Researchers discovered specific neurons responsible for stopping a walking fly.
- One circuit blocks walking commands, while another stiffens leg joints to halt movement.
Significance of the Study:
- The research provides insights into how sensory information is processed in the brain to trigger actions such as movement.
- It offers a deeper understanding of healthy brain functions and sets the stage for mapping the brains of other species in the future.
Source: IE
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
Tags: GS-2, International institutions and Government policies
In news: India recently rejected a report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
About the report:
- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently released a report highlighting deteriorating religious freedom conditions in India throughout 2024.
- The report cites worsening religious freedom, particularly around India’s national elections, and mentions strengthened “discriminatory” laws, such as anti-conversion and anti-terrorism regulations.
- It also focuses on the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the passing of a State-level Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in Uttarakhand.
- The report points to hate speech by politicians, including two MLAs, Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain, as further contributing to religious intolerance.
About USCIRF:
- The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal agency established under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998.
- Its primary role is to monitor religious freedom violations globally and make policy recommendations to the U.S. government.
- Composition: The nine Commissioners of USCIRF are appointed by the U.S. President and Congressional leaders. They are supported by a nonpartisan staff.
- Monitoring Standards: The USCIRF uses international standards, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion. This includes the right to change one’s religion, practise it publicly or privately, and express it through teaching, worship, and observance.
Functions of USCIRF:
- The USCIRF reviews religious freedom violations around the world.
- It provides policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress.
- The commission issues an annual report that:
- Evaluates U.S. implementation of IRFA.
- Identifies “Countries of Particular Concern” involved in severe religious freedom abuses.
- Provides an assessment of religious freedom conditions globally.
Key Principle – Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”
Source: TH
Classical Language Status in India
Tags: GS-1, indian heritage and culture
In news: The Union Cabinet recently granted classical language status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit, recognizing their ancient literary traditions and cultural significance.
What is a Classical Language?
Classical languages are ancient languages that have independent traditions and rich literary histories, significantly influencing various literary styles and philosophical texts.
History of Classical Language Status:
- The concept of classical languages was introduced by the Indian government in 2004, when Tamil was first recognized.
- Over time, the following languages were conferred classical status: Sanskrit (2005),Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013) and Odia (2014)
Criteria for Classical Language Status: The status is granted based on the following revised criteria, as outlined by the Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) under Sahitya Akademi (2024):
- High antiquity of the language’s early texts/recorded history spanning 1500-2000 years.
- A significant body of ancient literature or texts regarded as cultural heritage.
- The language must possess a distinct and original literary tradition, not derived from another language community.
- Prose texts and epigraphical/inscriptional evidence, in addition to poetry, must exist.
Benefits of Classical Language Status:
- Cultural Preservation: Encourages the preservation of ancient literary works and manuscripts.
- Academic Research: Facilitates research and digitization of ancient texts, ensuring accessibility for future scholars.
- Recognition and Awareness: Enhances awareness of the language’s contribution to national and global culture, fostering pride among speakers.
- Promotion and Support: The government provides financial support and resources for the promotion of classical languages.
Promotion of Classical Languages:
- The government established three Central Universities in 2020 to promote Sanskrit.
- The Central Institute of Classical Tamil supports research, translation, and courses on ancient Tamil texts. Other Centres for Excellence have been set up for Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia under the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru.
Source: TH
Cabinet Approves PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
Tags: GS-3, Agriculture sector and Economic development
In news: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the rationalisation of two umbrella schemes: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).
Objectives of rationalisation of schemes:
- PM-RKVY: Focus on promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
- Krishonnati Yojana: Aim to ensure food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
- Under KY, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): An additional Detailed Project Report (MOVCDNER -DPR) component has been added to address critical challenges in the region.
Key Highlights:
- Total Expenditure: ₹1,01,321.61 crore, with ₹69,088.98 crore from the central government and ₹32,232.63 crore from the states.
- State Flexibility: States can reallocate funds between components based on specific needs, ensuring better resource utilisation.
- Technological Integration: Both schemes will leverage technology for efficient implementation.
- Focus Areas: Address emerging agricultural challenges like climate resilience, value chain development, nutrition security, and private sector participation.
- Annual Action Plan (AAP): States can submit comprehensive strategic plans instead of individual scheme-wise AAPs.
- This rationalisation aims to avoid duplication, ensure convergence of resources, and allow states to create holistic agricultural strategies that address both productivity and sustainability.
PM-RKVY Components: Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Agroforestry, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Agricultural Mechanization and Crop Residue Management, Per Drop More Crop, Crop Diversification Programme etc.
Source: PIB
Caste bias, segregation in prisons violate dignity: Supreme Court
Tags: GS-2, Governance, Government policies and Social justice
In News: The Supreme Court recently issued directives to the Centre and states to end caste-based work assignments and housing arrangements in prisons.
Key Directives of the Supreme Court:
- The Supreme Court ordered that jail manuals be revised to eliminate any caste-based segregation and discrimination in work assignments.
- The court emphasised the need for swift action, mandating the completion of this revision within three months.
- It declared these practices unconstitutional, violating inmates’ rights to dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.
- This ruling aims to address long-standing caste-based discrimination in India’s prisons, mandating prompt reforms across states and Union Territories (UTs).
Background of the Ruling: The verdict originated from a petition filed by a journalist, calling for an overhaul of prison manuals that reinforce caste hierarchies. The petition pointed out that caste bias persists in the division of manual labour and the segregation of barracks among inmates.
Key Points from the Verdict:
- The SC specifically addressed discrimination against marginalised communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Denotified Tribes (DNTs), in prisons.
- It criticised the treatment of DNTs as “habitual offenders” and denounced caste-based assignments of labour, such as menial tasks (cleaning) for lower castes and cooking roles reserved for higher castes.
- The court ruled that these practices violated: Articles 14 and 15 (equality and non-discrimination), Article 17 (prohibition of untouchability), Article 21 (right to life and dignity) and Article 23 (prohibition of forced labour).
- The SC pointed out gaps in the Model Prison Manual of 2016, which failed to fully eliminate caste-based segregation and criticised it for not incorporating the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act 2013.
Directives to Centre, States, and UTs: The court directed adherence to procedural safeguards laid down in key cases like Arnesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar (2014) and Amanatullah Khan vs. Commissioner of Police, Delhi (2024), with special attention to protecting vulnerable communities from systemic biases.
Fundamental Rights of Prisoners: Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty and
Article 39A ensures free legal aid for those in need.
Key Challenges in Indian Prisons:
- Overcrowding: Prisons are operating at 117% capacity, primarily due to the high number of under-trial prisoners. Many cases remain unresolved despite the SC’s emphasis on the right to a speedy trial under Article 21.
- Unhygienic Conditions: Many prisoners lack proper medical facilities. Female inmates often lack access to adequate health services and sanitary products.
- Custodial Torture: Despite the DK Basu judgment (1986) prohibiting custodial torture, reports of custodial violence and deaths continue to rise.
- Delays in Trials: Prolonged legal processes lead to extended incarceration, affecting prison administration and inmates’ well-being.
- Challenges for Women Prisoners: Rising female inmate populations face inadequate facilities and lack dedicated women’s prisons.
- Challenges to Prison Reforms:
- Prisons are a state subject, leading to inconsistencies in prison management. The Union Government can only provide models for states, making it the responsibility of state governments to implement reforms.
- The Prisons Act of 1894, a colonial-era law, treats prisoners as second-class citizens and supports punitive rather than rehabilitative approaches.
- A lack of political motivation exists to reform prisons, as the Representation of People’s Act excludes prisoners from voting rights, reducing the incentive for leadership to act.
Prison reforms: Committees and Recommendations:
- Justice Mulla Committee (1983): Proposed an all-India prison cadre, a National Policy on Prisons, and alternatives to imprisonment like community service, improve prison conditions, create the Indian Prisons and Correctional Services, allow public and media visits for transparency and expedite trials to reduce under-trial prisoners.
- Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer Committee (1987): Recommended separate institutions for women offenders and provisions to restore their dignity.
- Justice Amitava Roy Panel (2018): Suggested special fast-track courts for petty crimes, improving the lawyer-prisoner ratio, utilising video-conferencing for trials, and allowing new prisoners a free phone call.
- Provisions of the Model Prisoners Act 2023: The state is responsible for providing free legal aid. Parole allows early release under behavioural conditions, and furlough helps maintain social ties, benefiting inmates’ mental health. Facilities for women and transgender prisoners, and the use of technology in prison administration.
Key Case Laws:
- Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1978 & 1983): The Supreme Court affirmed that prisoners retain fundamental rights consistent with their incarceration. It emphasised humane treatment and outlined substantive and procedural rights for prisoners. The Court condemned practices like solitary confinement and degrading labour assignments as violations of liberty and dignity.
- Hussainara Khatoon vs. Home Secretary (1979): Emphasised the right to a speedy trial.
- State of Rajasthan vs. Balchand (1978): Established that bail is the rule, not jail.
- DK Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997): The ruling emphasised that arrest information must be communicated to a relative or friend immediately to ensure legal representation and preparation for defence.
- Re Inhuman Conditions in 1382 Prisons (2016): This landmark ruling highlighted the need for reforms, ensuring prisoners’ dignity and rights, leading to the Model Prison Manual 2016’s establishment of the Under-trial Review Committee.
Future Approach to Prison Reforms:
- Focus on alternatives to incarceration to alleviate overcrowding, such as releasing elderly or sick inmates, lowering penalties, and expediting the trial process.
- Implement a bail law to make bail provisions more objective, minimising the subjectivity of lower courts.
Source: TH
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are daily current affairs?
A: Daily current affairs refer to the most recent and relevant events, developments, and news stories that are happening around the world on a day-to-day basis. These can encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, sports, and more.
Q: Why is it important to stay updated with daily current affairs?
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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A: There are various sources for daily current affairs, including newspapers, news websites, television news broadcasts, radio programs, and dedicated apps or newsletters. Social media platforms are also widely used to share and access current affairs information.
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Q: What are some tips for critical analysis of daily current affairs?
A: When analyzing daily current affairs, it’s essential to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, consider the source’s credibility and bias, if any. Develop the ability to identify the main points and implications of news stories, and critically evaluate the significance and impact of the events reported.
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