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.
Measuring Hunger Across States
Tag: GS-2 Social Justice
In News:
An India-specific hunger index at the level of States and Union Territories helps evaluate the extent of undernourishment at a more localised scale.
About Hunger
Hunger is an uncomfortable or painful physical sensation caused by insufficient consumption of dietary energy. It becomes chronic when the person does not consume a sufficient amount of calories (dietary energy) on a regular basis to lead a normal, active and healthy life.
FAO has used the Prevalence of Undernourishment indicator to estimate the extent of hunger in the world, thus “hunger” may also be referred to as undernourishment.
Status of India on Hunger:
- Despite being a major food producer with extensive food security initiatives, India grapples with significant challenges related to food insecurity, hunger, and child malnutrition.
- According to the 2022 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India ranked 107th among 121 countries, trailing behind Nigeria and Pakistan.
- The GHI is a comprehensive assessment that measures various aspects of undernourishment and hunger at the national level, encompassing factors such as calorie deficiency, child malnutrition, and under-five mortality.
- Over the past five years, India’s GHI score has worsened, primarily attributed to the increasing prevalence of calorie undernourishment.
- Child malnutrition is a pressing issue in India, characterized by high rates of stunted growth, underweight children, and wasting.
- The 2022 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report highlighted that India has over 224 million undernourished individuals, which equates to more than 22 crore people, with significant disparities observed among different states.
Performance of states in Hunger Index:
- Alarming Hunger: Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh scored 35 on the State Hunger Index (SHI), placing them in the ‘alarming’ category.
- States Above National Average: Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, and West Bengal all scored above the national average, which is 29. These states’ performance is akin to that of some African nations like Haiti, Niger, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
- Moderate Hunger: Chandigarh scored 12, while Sikkim, Puducherry, and Kerala all scored below 16. These states, along with Manipur, Mizoram, Punjab, Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Tamil Nadu, are categorized under ‘moderate hunger.’
- Serious Hunger: All other states that scored below the national average but above 20 are dealing with ‘serious hunger’ issues.
- Low Hunger: There are no states in the ‘low hunger’ category.
Issues Related to the Hunger Index
- Data and Methodology Concerns: The Indian government disputes the GHI findings and raises concerns about the data and methodology used in its calculation. This dispute highlights the need for transparency and consensus in measuring hunger and undernourishment.
- Lack of National Sample Survey (NSS) Data: The absence of recent National Sample Survey data on nutritional intake since 2011-12 is a critical issue. Reliable and up-to-date data is essential for accurately assessing the nutritional status of the population and addressing hunger effectively.
- Climate Change and Food Insecurity: India is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, which pose significant threats to the country’s food system and poverty alleviation efforts. These shocks can potentially reverse the gains made in poverty reduction and exacerbate food insecurity.
- Non-Communicable Diseases: India is experiencing a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly among the middle class. These diseases are strongly linked to diet and nutrition. Addressing nutrition and dietary patterns is crucial in mitigating the health risks associated with non-communicable diseases and improving overall well-being.
Source: The Hindu
Forest Restoration
Source: The Hindu
Missing green growth
Source: Down To Earth
Malaviya Mission – Teachers Training Programme
Tag: GS-3 Economy, Skill Development
In News:
Recently, the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched the Malaviya Mission – Teachers Training Programme by the University Grants Commission.
About
The Malaviya Mission is an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education in India, particularly focusing on the training and development of teachers in higher educational institutions (HEIs).
About Malaviya Mission:
- Teacher Training Programs: The mission is designed to provide customized training programs for teachers, with a specific focus on capacity building within higher educational institutions.
- Capacity Building: Its primary objective is to enhance the professional development of faculty members in HEIs. This initiative seeks to empower and build the capacities of approximately 15 lakh (1.5 million) teachers in higher education across India.
- Nationwide Presence: The Malaviya Mission is planned to operate through 111 centers across the country, ensuring broad coverage and a time-bound approach to teacher capacity building.
- Alignment with NEP: The mission aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) and aims to improve the quality of teacher training, foster leadership skills among educators, and contribute to the realization of NEP objectives.
- Career Progression: It intends to map capacity-building activities under the Mission to a credit framework, enabling career progression pathways for educators, thereby recognizing and rewarding their professional development efforts.
- Incorporation of Indian Knowledge System: The program modules include aspects of the Indian Knowledge System, emphasizing the importance of indigenous knowledge in education.
About Madan Mohan Malaviya
He was a prominent Indian educationist, freedom fighter, and moderate political leader. Some key facts about him include:
- Presidency of Indian National Congress: He was elected as the president of the Indian National Congress four times during his political career.
- Round Table Conference: Malaviya attended the Round Table Conference in 1931, representing India’s interests and discussing constitutional reforms.
- Founding Hindu Mahasabha: He played a significant role in founding the Hindu Mahasabha in 1906, a socio-political organization.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Malaviya is most renowned for founding Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi in 1916. BHU was established under the B.H.U. Act, 1915, and it has since become a prominent educational institution in India.
- Vice Chancellor of BHU: He served as the Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1919 to 1938, contributing significantly to its development and growth.
Source: PIB Gov.
UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interoperability
Tag: GS-3 Economy
In News:
Recently, RBI launched the UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interoperability
About
- The interoperability of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the digital rupee means that all UPI Quick Response (QR) codes are now compatible with Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) apps.
- During the pilot phase of the retail digital rupee, users of the e₹-R (retail digital rupee) had to scan a specific QR code to perform transactions related to the digital rupee.
However, with the introduction of interoperability between UPI and the digital rupee, payments can now be made using a single QR code.
How does this interoperability work?
- Digital Rupee Wallet: The e₹ is stored in a digital wallet, which is linked to a customer’s existing savings bank account. This digital wallet holds the digital rupee, allowing users to make transactions and payments seamlessly.
- UPI Integration: UPI is a widely used payment system in India, directly linked to a customer’s bank account. With the interoperability of UPI and the digital rupee, users can now use their existing UPI-enabled apps to make payments related to the digital rupee.
- Single QR Code: Instead of needing a separate QR code for digital rupee transactions, users can now use a single QR code. This QR code can be scanned using CBDC apps or UPI-enabled apps, making the process more user-friendly and efficient.
Source: The Indian Express
French laïcité
Tag: GS-2 International Relation
In News:
Recently, the French government announced that the practice of wearing an abaya would be banned in state-run schools
About
Laïcité, the principle of secularism in France, represents the complete separation of religious values from the public sphere, with a strong emphasis on promoting secular values such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Its primary objective is to encourage tolerance and assimilation while relegating religion to the private sphere. The French state plays a pivotal role in enforcing and upholding Laïcité principles.
History of French laïcité
- Emergence Post-French Revolution: Laïcité began to take shape after the French Revolution in 1789 when the revolutionary government aimed to establish a clear separation between the Church and the state. During this period, there were efforts to diminish the influence of the Catholic Church in public affairs.
- The Law of 1905: Laïcité became more concrete and institutionalized with the passage of the Law of 1905 during the Third Republic. This law officially separated religious institutions from the state and established state-run secular schools. It also ensured that the state would not fund religious organizations.
- 20th Century: Laïcité was not a prominent issue for much of the 20th century when France was relatively homogeneous in terms of religious and cultural identity. During this time, the French state upheld secularism as a core value.
- Demographic Changes in the 1950s and 1960s: Demographic shifts resulting from decolonization in the 1950s and 1960s brought significant numbers of immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries to France. This led to tensions and debates about the application of Laïcité principles in a more diverse and multicultural society.
Source: The Hindu
Gujarat Declaration
Tag: GS-3 Science
In News:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled the “Gujarat Declaration,” the outcome document of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023.
About
- Gujarat declaration outlines measures to integrate traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into national health systems, promote standardized documentation, and establish a global network of TCIM reference clinical centers.
- It also highlights the role of digital health technologies and emphasizes the importance of biodiversity conservation and the rights of indigenous peoples in TCIM.
- The declaration calls for evidence-based TCIM interventions to support universal health coverage and sustainable development goals. It emphasizes standardized documentation and the establishment of TCIM reference clinical centers.
Significance of Gujarat Declaration
- The declaration reaffirms global commitments to indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM).
- It emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific methods to understand, assess, and apply holistic and context-specific approaches to health and well-being.
- It highlights India’s role in advancing these commitments as the host of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre.
Source: PIB Gov.
Cartesian coordinates
Tag: GS-3 Science
About
- A coordinate system serves as a numerical framework for precisely locating a point within a given space.
- One of the most renowned coordinate systems is the Cartesian coordinates, which employ sets of three numbers to define a point’s position relative to three mutually perpendicular planes.
- Cartesian coordinates utilize pairs of numbers (x and y) for two-dimensional spaces and triples of numbers (x, y, and z) for three-dimensional spaces to pinpoint a point’s location.
- This innovative system was devised by the 17th-century French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes, effectively bridging the gap between algebra and geometry and giving birth to the field of analytic geometry.
- Cartesian coordinates find extensive applications in various domains such as astronomy, engineering, and computer graphics. They enable the precise representation of spatial data and facilitate the creation of geometric designs.
Source: The Hindu
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.
Q: Where can I access daily current affairs information?
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.
Q: How can I effectively incorporate daily current affairs into my routine?
A: To incorporate daily current affairs into your routine, consider setting aside specific times each day to read or watch news updates. You can also subscribe to newsletters or follow news apps to receive curated content. Engaging in discussions with peers or participating in online forums can further enhance your understanding of current events.
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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