In today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants, we explore the latest developments that hold relevance for 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 the socio-political and economic landscape of India. 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.
India-Italy Migration and Mobility Agreement
Tag: GS – 2 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements, Important International Institutions, International Treaties & Agreements
In News:
The Union Cabinet has given retrospective approval to the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy.
Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy
Overview
- The accord aims to enhance collaboration on addressing irregular migration and fostering people-to-people connections between India and Italy.
- It facilitates mobility for diverse groups such as students, skilled workers, business professionals, and young entrepreneurs, encouraging exchange and cooperation.
Key Provisions
Temporary Residence for Indian Students
- Graduates seeking professional exposure in Italy after academic or vocational training can obtain temporary residency for a period of up to 12 months.
Reserved Quotas for Workers
- The agreement delineates quotas for both non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers, with a specified quota range for the years 2023-2025, as per the existing Flows Decree.
- The Italian government’s annual “Flow Decree” (Decreto Flussi) determines the maximum number of non-EU citizens permitted to enter Italy for work and self-employment.
Implementation
The agreement is valid for 5 years, subject to automatic renewal unless terminated. A Joint Working Group (JWG) will oversee implementation, convening periodically to assess progress and propose supportive measures for effective execution.
Other Areas of Cooperation Between India and Italy
Historical Ties
- India and Italy, both ancient civilizations, share historical connections.
- Italian port cities served as significant trading posts on the spice route.
- Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant, visited India in the 13th century during his travels to the east.
Political
- Established in 1947, political relations between India and Italy were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in March 2023.
Economic
- Bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to USD 14.25 billion in 2022-23. Italy stands among India’s top 5 trading partners in the European Union.
- Key exports from India to Italy include ready-made garments, leather, iron ore, motor vehicles, textiles, chemicals, gems & jewelry. Import items from Italy comprise general and special-purpose machinery, machine tools, metallurgical products, and engineering items.
Security
- The India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) serves as a forum to enhance defense cooperation between the two nations.
Other Initiatives Involving India and Italy
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
- Global Biofuel Alliance
- Blue-Raman Project
Source: PIB
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Enrolls Recipients for PM-Kisan
Tag: GS-2 Governance
In News:
In recent times, the count of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme has experienced a reduction of over 20%, dropping from its peak of 10.47 crore in April-July 2022 to 8.12 crore.
Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: A Nationwide Awareness Campaign
Overview
- Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a countrywide initiative designed to enhance awareness through extensive outreach activities, striving for the comprehensive implementation of Government of India schemes across all Gram Panchayats, Nagar Panchayats, and Urban Local Bodies.
- This campaign adopts a holistic government approach, actively involving various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, State Governments, Central Government Organizations, and Institutions.
Objectives
Reaching the Eligible Vulnerable
- The campaign aims to connect with eligible individuals under various schemes who have not yet availed the benefits, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Information Dissemination and Awareness Generation
- Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra focuses on spreading information and creating awareness about government schemes.
Beneficiary Interaction through Personal Stories
- The campaign involves direct interaction with beneficiaries, sharing their personal stories and experiences related to government schemes.
Enrollment of Potential Beneficiaries
- Through the Yatra, efforts are made to enroll potential beneficiaries by gathering relevant details.
Challenges of PM-Kisan
Mandatory Provisions and Aadhaar Linkage
- The obligatory requirements for land seeding and Aadhaar linkage have introduced complexities, posing challenges for farmers in compliance.
- Technical difficulties may hinder farmers, especially in remote areas, from meeting these prerequisites.
Awareness and Outreach
- Despite efforts, many eligible farmers remain uninformed about the PM-Kisan scheme, lacking sufficient information about the application process.
- Outreach initiatives may struggle to reach all segments of the farming community, particularly in remote or marginalized areas.
Technology Accessibility
- Disparities in technology access, such as smartphones and internet connectivity, may impede farmers’ engagement with the online processes required for PM-Kisan enrollment and compliance.
Way Forward
- Conduct a thorough review of mandatory land seeding provisions and Aadhaar linkage requirements for simplicity and efficiency.
- Leverage technology to create user-friendly platforms, ensuring seamless compliance.
- Establish community-level engagement programs to reach vulnerable farmers.
- Collaborate with local authorities, agricultural services, and NGOs to identify and support eligible farmers unaware of PM-Kisan benefits.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2018) Q. Consider the following statements: Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority. 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) Exp: The Aadhaar platform helps service providers authenticate identity of residents electronically, in a safe and quick manner, making service delivery more cost effective and efficient. According to the GoI and UIDAI, Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship. However, UIDAI has also published a set of contingencies when the Aadhaar issued by it is liable for rejection. An Aadhaar with mixed or anomalous biometric information or multiple names in a single name (like Urf or Alias) can be deactivated. Aadhaar can also get deactivated upon non-usage of the same for three consecutive years. |
Source: IE
Pegasus Spyware
Tag: GS-3 Cyber-Security
In News:
The return of Pegasus spyware sparks renewed fears over privacy and security.
Pegasus Spyware: An Invasive Surveillance Tool
Overview
- Pegasus spyware, created by the Israeli firm NSO Group, is a highly intrusive mobile surveillance tool designed to covertly infiltrate and monitor smartphones, extracting data from various apps and sources.
- Sold exclusively to government agencies for combating crime and terrorism, NSO asserts measures to avoid targeting non-criminal individuals, including journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders.
Operating Procedure
- Pegasus utilizes “zero-click” methods for device infection, allowing installation without the owner’s consent.
- Unlike regular apps requiring user confirmation, it exploits vulnerabilities in apps like WhatsApp or iMessage, triggering spyware installation without user interaction.
- Particularly adept at exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, Pegasus targets undiscovered flaws in operating systems.
Targets
- Pegasus has been implicated in spying on journalists, human rights activists, lawyers, opposition leaders, and heads of state in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Mexico, India, Morocco, Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Rwanda.
Implications
- The spyware jeopardizes privacy and security for those exposing corruption, defending human rights, and advocating democracy.
- It undermines press freedom by compromising journalists’ independence and revealing their sources and methods.
- Pegasus poses a threat to national sovereignty by enabling foreign interference and espionage in internal affairs.
Challenges
- Difficult to detect and remove, Pegasus conceals its presence and can self-destruct if under scrutiny.
- Legal grey areas complicate regulation, with NSO Group and its clients often evading responsibility for misuse.
Related Cybersecurity Initiatives
India
- Information Technology Act, 2000.
- National Cyber Security Strategy.
- Cyber Surakshit Bharat.
- Computer Emergency Response Team – India (CERT-In).
- Critical Information Infrastructure.
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
International Mechanisms
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.
Way Forward
- International Oversight Mechanism
- Establish global oversight to hold companies accountable for unethical surveillance tool use and facilitate independent audits.
- Legal Framework Strengthening
- Strengthen national and international legal frameworks explicitly addressing spyware use, protecting privacy and human rights.
- Public Awareness Campaigns
- Conduct public awareness initiatives to educate individuals on spyware risks and safeguarding devices against infiltration.
- Cybersecurity Infrastructure Strengthening
- Enhance national cybersecurity infrastructure for proactive threat detection and neutralization, including continuous monitoring for potential spyware activities.
- Tech Company Ethical Guidelines
- Encourage tech companies to adopt ethical guidelines aligned with human rights principles, promoting responsible corporate behavior.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2018) Q. The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to (a) Exoplanets (b) Cryptocurrency (c) Cyber attacks (d) Mini satellites Ans: (c) Prelims (2020) Q. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (b) Prelims (2017) Q. In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? Service providers Data centres Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d) Mains (2022) Q. What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. |
Source: TH
X-ray Polarimeter Satellite: ISRO
Tag: GS-3 Science and Tech.
In News:
ISRO has recently launched its inaugural X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XpoSat) to explore X-ray polarization and study cosmic sources such as Black holes, Neutron stars, and Magnetars.
X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat): Unlocking Celestial Mysteries
Purpose
- XPoSat is crafted to delve into X-ray polarization within the medium X-ray band, unraveling the radiation mechanisms and geometry of celestial sources like Black holes, Neutron stars, and Magnetars.
- This exploration is pivotal for advancing our understanding of the physics governing these cosmic entities.
Payloads
- The satellite features two primary payloads: POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing).
- POLIX observes approximately 40 bright astronomical sources, while XSPECT studies the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by diverse matter.
Development
- Entirely constructed by two Bengaluru-based institutions—the UR Rao Satellite Centre and Raman Research Institute—XPoSat’s development commenced in 2008, formalizing an agreement with ISRO in 2015.
Global Context
- XPoSat stands as the world’s second mission dedicated to X-ray polarization in the medium X-ray band, following NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), launched in 2021.
National Contribution
- As India’s third space-based observatory, XPoSat follows the solar mission Aditya-L1 and the 2015-launched AstroSat.
- Its launch marks a significant advancement in Indian astronomy and space research.
X-rays and Celestial Object Study
X-ray Basics
- X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometres.
- They exhibit perpendicular vibrations of electric and magnetic fields.
Polarization Significance
- Electromagnetic radiation polarization refers to the orientation of these fields as radiation traverses space.
- X-rays can become polarized when scattered or when generated by the deflection of a fast-moving charged particle in a magnetic field.
Measuring Polarization
- Instruments like POLIX facilitate the measurement of X-ray polarization.
- This capability empowers astronomers to discern the orientation and strength of magnetic fields in celestial objects.
- Such insights are invaluable for understanding the nature and behavior of pulsars, regions around black holes, and other cosmic phenomena emitting X-rays.
Source: IE
Huntington’s Disease
Tag: GS-3 Science and Tech.
In News:
A recent study published in Scientific Reports by researchers from the University of Szeged in Hungary has revealed novel insights into Huntington’s disease.
Huntington’s Disease: Unveiling Insights through Fruit Fly Model
About
- Huntington’s disease is a severe neurodegenerative disorder impacting the central nervous system, stemming from a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to the production of a faulty huntingtin (Htt) protein. Mutant Htt proteins disrupt cellular processes when cleaved into toxic fragments.
HTT Gene and Polyglutamine Tract
- The HTT gene codes for the crucial huntingtin protein in nerve cell functioning.
- Mutations cause an expanded polyglutamine tract in the Htt protein, resulting in misfolding and dysfunction.
- The severity correlates with the tract length. Inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.
Symptoms
- Initial symptoms include forgetfulness, balance loss, and clumsiness.
- Progressing over time, symptoms impact mood, reasoning, and lead to uncontrollable movements, difficulty in speech, swallowing, and walking.
Treatment
- No cure exists; available treatments only alleviate symptoms.
Key Highlights of the Study
Model Organism
- Fruit flies were genetically modified to express the polyglutamine tract of a mutated human HTT gene in their nervous system.
- The Gal4/UAS system, utilizing a yeast gene (Gal4), enabled specific protein expression in neurons.
Results
- Fruit flies with the mutated HTT gene exhibited neurodegeneration, impaired climbing, and reduced viability.
- A control group with a normal glutamine range showed minimal effects.
- Expressing a longer glutamine tract mirrored human Huntington’s disease symptoms, while a shorter tract did not.
Gene Yod1’s Impact
- Among 32 investigated genes, overexpressing the Yod1 gene effectively eliminated disease-like effects in fruit flies, including neurodegeneration and motor impairments associated with Huntington’s disease.
Source: TH
Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School
Tag: GS-3 Environment
In News:
The Defence Minister of India recently inaugurated the Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.
About the Initiative
- This notable development underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring gender parity in defense opportunities for girls.
- The strategically located school serves as a crucial component in advancing the government’s ambitious plan to establish 100 new Sainik Schools nationwide, aligning with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
- The initiative seeks to deliver quality education, enhance career prospects, and inspire girls to actively participate in the Armed Forces.
Source: TH
Bubble Baby Syndrome
Tag: GS-3 Science and Tech.
In News:
Recently in Mumbai, a two-month-old girl diagnosed with bubble baby syndrome underwent a bone marrow transplant (BMT).
About Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), or Bubble Baby Syndrome
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), colloquially known as “bubble baby syndrome,” is an exceedingly rare genetic disorder that poses life-threatening challenges to the immune system.
- Classified as a form of primary immune deficiency, the condition earned its colloquial name because exposure to a regular environment can be fatal for affected children.
Mechanism of SCID
- During fetal development, the immune system originates in the bone marrow, where stem cells have the potential to differentiate into three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
- WBCs, particularly lymphocytes (comprising B-cells and T-cells), play a crucial role in defending the body against infections.
- In SCID, a “combined” immunodeficiency occurs as both B-cells and T-cells are affected.
- The child’s body either lacks a sufficient number of lymphocytes or possesses dysfunctional ones.
- This compromised immune system struggles to combat infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Causes
SCID is primarily caused by inherited mutations in multiple genes, meaning the condition is passed down from one or both birth parents to the child.
Symptoms
Although babies with SCID may appear healthy at birth, issues such as failure to thrive, chronic diarrhea, recurrent respiratory infections, oral thrush, and other serious, challenging-to-treat infections may manifest soon after.
Treatment
- SCID is considered a pediatric emergency, as untreated infants are unlikely to survive beyond their first year.
- The most common treatment involves a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, wherein the child receives stem cells from a donor with the hope of rebuilding the compromised immune system.
Source: DH
Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’
Tag: GS-3 Defence and Security
In News:
The India-UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ is scheduled to take place in Rajasthan from January 2 to January 15.
About Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’
Inaugural Joint Military Exercise
- The inaugural edition of the joint military exercise, “Desert Cyclone 2024,” marks a significant collaboration between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- This exercise aims to enhance interoperability by facilitating the exchange of best practices in Urban Operations.
Strategic Partnership Milestone
- The exercise signifies a notable milestone in the strategic partnership between India and the UAE, fostering stronger ties through collaborative military training.
Key Facts about India-UAE Relations
Diplomatic Relations
- India and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1972.
- The UAE opened its Embassy in Delhi in 1972, and India reciprocated by opening its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1973.
Previous Collaborations
- The first-ever India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise occurred in September 2008 at the Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi.
- India has been a regular participant in the biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, showcasing its defense capabilities.
Bilateral Naval Exercise
- Earlier this year, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand, two ships of the Indian Navy, participated in the bilateral exercise ‘Zayed Talwar’ with the UAE. This naval exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and synergy between the two navies, fostering maritime collaboration.
These engagements highlight the diverse spectrum of collaborations between India and the UAE in the defense and strategic realms.
Source: AIR
Cigaritis meghamalaiensis
Tag: GS-3 Environment and Ecology
In News:
The pristine hills of Meghamalai in Tamil Nadu have revealed a newfound species of ‘silverline’ butterflies.
About Cigaritis meghamalaiensis
Cigaritis meghamalaiensis – A New Butterfly Species
- Discovered in the high elevations of Periyar in Idukki in 2018, Cigaritis meghamalaiensis is a newly described species of butterfly.
- Notably, it has become the first butterfly species to be officially documented from the Western Ghats in the past 33 years.
Habitat and Distribution
- Further explorations have revealed that this distinct species is confined to the Meghamalais and the adjoining Periyar Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Appearance and Unique Features
- The adult butterfly showcases a distinctive feature where the discal and post-discal bands on the forewing underside are conjoined and lie parallel from their origin at the costa.
- This unique characteristic sets the new species apart from all other Cigaritis species found in Peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
Western Ghats Cigaritis Species
- Within the Western Ghats, there are seven known species of Cigaritis, namely C. vulcanus, C. schistacea, C. ictis, C. elima elima, C. lohita lazularia, C. lilacinus, and C. abnormis. Notably, all these species, except C. lilacinus, have been reported from the southern Western Ghats.
This discovery contributes to the understanding of the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, highlighting the significance of Meghamalai and the Periyar Tiger Reserve in hosting this newly identified butterfly species.
Source: TH
Radiocarbon Dating
Tag: GS-3 Science and Tech.
In News:
The advent of radiocarbon dating introduced the first verifiable method for various scientific disciplines, significantly transforming them and impacting our world.
About Radiocarbon Dating
Dating Methodology
- Dating serves as a method to determine the age of an object, and radiocarbon dating is a specific technique employing carbon-14 isotopes for this purpose.
Formation of Carbon-14
- Carbon-14, the isotope crucial to radiocarbon dating, is formed in the Earth’s atmosphere through interactions with cosmic rays.
- These energetic streams of charged particles from outer space collide with atmospheric atoms, releasing neutrons.
Creation Process
- When these neutrons interact with the nitrogen-14 isotope, carbon-14 is produced.
- Given the constant influx of cosmic rays through the Earth’s atmosphere, carbon-14 is continually generated.
Integration into Biospheres
- Carbon-14, in the form of radioactive carbon dioxide, readily combines with atmospheric oxygen.
- This compound then becomes part of the carbon cycle, entering the bodies of plants through photosynthesis.
- Subsequently, animals acquire carbon-14 when they consume plants, and the isotope circulates within various ecosystems.
Diffusion into Ecosystems
- For radiocarbon dating to be effective, carbon-14 must be able to diffuse into Earth’s diverse ecosystems.
- This ensures that the concentration of carbon-14 in the atmosphere remains comparable to its concentration in the planet’s other biospheres.
- The continuous interchange of carbon-14 through the carbon cycle maintains its presence in living organisms and forms the basis for accurate dating methodologies.
Source: TH
Case Study of the Day – “Karnataka’s Vidhya Y: Guiding the Challenged with a Vision”
Vidhya Y, a visually-impaired entrepreneur, defied societal discouragement and challenges in her pursuit of mathematics and science. Despite facing obstacles due to the visual nature of these subjects, she developed a passion for numbers from a young age. Growing up in a village in Bengaluru Rural district, she encountered difficulties accessing resources and technology crucial for studying STEM subjects.
Despite the lack of suitable materials for visually-impaired students, Vidhya persevered. She became the first visually-impaired student from her state to excel in mathematics during her pre-university education. Her determination led her to pursue a Bachelor of Computer Application and later a Master’s in Digital Society Programming at IIIT-Bangalore, where she earned a gold medal for her outstanding performance.
However, despite her academic achievements, she faced rejection in the job market. Undeterred, Vidhya decided to create opportunities for others like her. Teaming up with Supriya Dey, an IT professional, and Amit Prakash, a professor at IIIT-B, she co-founded Vision Empower (VE), a non-profit organization. Their mission was to make STEM education accessible to visually-impaired students.
VE developed an accessible learning platform and technology, including ‘Hexis-Antara,’ the most affordable Braille book reading solution for children. Starting with interventions in one school, VE expanded its reach to over 30 schools across six states, impacting more than 18,000 individuals with the help of numerous volunteers.
Vidhya’s contributions extended beyond VE. As a Research Fellow at Microsoft, she co-authored papers published by ACM and hosted 35 episodes as an RJ on science and technology, benefiting thousands of visually-impaired listeners.
Her vision is to eliminate the challenges she faced for visually-impaired children studying STEM subjects. Vidhya represents VE at national and international forums, advocating for the capabilities of visually-impaired individuals and promoting awareness while exploring opportunities for people with disabilities.
Supriya Dey, co-founder of Vision Empower, acknowledges the support received from various sponsors and institutions. She emphasizes the real impact of VE’s work, envisioning a future where visually-impaired students have access to STEM subjects and career opportunities of their choice.
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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