UPSC Daily Current Affairs – 18th July 2024 – Edukemy

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. 

Centralised Examinations Have Not Aced the Test 

Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Govt. Policies & incentive – Education Policy- NTA 

Why in the news? 

• In 2017, the Government of India established the National Testing Agency (NTA) to standardise and streamline the process of conducting entrance examinations for professional courses.  
• Despite this promising start, the NTA has faced numerous challenges and criticisms, particularly in its handling of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) and other key exams.  

• Therefore, it is important to critically examine the NTA’s shortcomings, the resulting trust deficit, and potential solutions, including decentralisation and reforms in the schooling system. 

The Vision of National Testing Agency (NTA): 

• Electronic Mode of Examination 
  • The NTA aimed to transition entrance exams from traditional pen-and-paper methods to electronic formats. 
  • This shift intended to reduce logistical complexities and vulnerabilities associated with manual processes, such as paper leaks and distribution errors. 
• Specialised Expertise 
  • The NTA was to employ specialists in the science of testing. 
  • These experts were expected to develop robust question banks, create reliable evaluation frameworks, and ensure the validity and reliability of the examination process. 
• Outsourced Operations 
  • To maintain a lean organisational structure, much of the NTA’s operational work was outsourced. 
  • This included tasks such as question paper setting, exam conduction, and evaluation, which were managed by external specialists and agencies. 

Initial Challenges and Shortcomings Encountered by NTA: 

• Pen-and-Paper Mode Persistence 
  • Contrary to the goal of conducting electronic examinations, many exams, including the NEET-UG, continued to be administered in the traditional pen-and-paper mode. 
  • This persistence introduced significant risks and opportunities for malpractice at various stages—from paper setting and printing to distribution and final delivery at examination centres. 
• Leadership and Competence Issues 
  • The NTA’s leadership structure raised concerns about its capability to fulfil its envisioned role. 
  • The agency was headed by a chairman and a chief executive officer, typically an Indian Administrative Service officer. Neither of these possess the specialised competence required to build and manage a testing institution of this scale and complexity. 
• NEET-UG Fiasco 
  • The conduct of NEET-UG in particular exposed critical flaws in the NTA’s implementation. 
  • Widespread leakage of question papers, arbitrary awarding of grace marks, and selective re-examinations for a few students undermined the credibility of the entire process. These issues highlighted the agency’s inability to manage high-stakes examinations effectively. 
• Operational Vulnerabilities 
  • The reliance on outsourced operations introduced vulnerabilities in the examination process. 
  • The coordination and oversight required to manage multiple external entities proved to be a significant challenge, leading to instances of malpractice and inefficiencies. 
• Trust Deficit 
  • The culmination of these challenges resulted in a severe trust deficit among students, parents, and other stakeholders. 
  • The inability to conduct fair and transparent examinations eroded confidence in the NTA’s capabilities and intentions, prompting widespread calls for reform and restructuring. 

Trust Deficit Created by the NEET-UG Fiasco and Broader Implications: 

• Question Paper Leaks and Arbitrary Grace Marks 
  • Integrity Undermined: The widespread leakage of question papers severely undermined the integrity of the examination. 
  • Unfair Advantages: This not only gave unfair advantages to some students but also called into question the NTA’s ability to secure sensitive materials and conduct a fair exam. 
  • Inconsistent Grace Marks: The way grace marks were awarded appeared arbitrary and inconsistent. 
  • Confusion and Dissatisfaction: This led to confusion and dissatisfaction among students and parents, who felt that the grading system was neither transparent nor fair. 
• Selective Re-examinations and Tampering with Results 
  • Selective Re-examinations: Conducting re-examinations for only a handful of students, rather than a comprehensive re-exam for all affected candidates, further eroded trust. 
  • Unfair Approach: This selective approach was seen as unfair and insufficient to address the widespread malpractice. 
  • Tampered Results: Instead of opting for a straightforward re-examination to rectify the issues, the NTA’s tampering with results raised serious concerns about the credibility of the entire examination process. 
  • Deepened Distrust: This approach deepened the distrust among stakeholders. 
• Legal Interventions and Loss of Confidence 
  • Significant Loss of Confidence: The repeated failures and mismanagement have led to a significant loss of confidence in the NTA. 
  • Questioned Ability: Students, parents, and educational institutions now question the agency’s ability to conduct fair and transparent examinations, which are crucial for career decisions and academic progression. 
  • Supreme Court Intervention: The Supreme Court of India had to step in to address the numerous petitions filed by aggrieved students and parents. 
  • Severity of Trust Deficit: Such legal interventions underscore the severity of the trust deficit and the failure of the NTA to manage the examination process effectively on its own. 
• Counselling Delays and Economic and Social Impact 
  • Counselling Process: The government’s decision to proceed with the counselling process despite unresolved issues has added to the anxiety and uncertainty among students. 
  • Impact on Admissions: Since rank is critical for securing admissions to government institutions that offer quality education at subsidised rates, any tampering with the results can have a profound impact on students’ futures. 
  • Financial Burden: Students who fail to secure admission in government institutions due to mismanagement are often forced to opt for private institutions that charge exorbitant fees. 
  • Socio-economic Disparities: This financial burden can be overwhelming for many families, further exacerbating socio-economic disparities.
• Erosion of Meritocracy 
  • Meritocracy Undermined: The primary objective of standardising entrance examinations was to promote meritocracy by ensuring that only the most deserving students gain admission to professional courses. 
  • Perception of Rigged System: However, the current situation has led to a perception that the system is rigged, and that merit alone is not sufficient to succeed. 

Ways Ahead to Restore Trust in the Examination System: 

• Need for a Decentralised Testing Mechanism 
  • Frequent Cheating and Leakages: The frequent reports of cheating and leakages in national-level examinations suggest that a decentralised testing mechanism might be more effective. 
  • State-level Exams: Decentralisation would allow states to conduct their own entrance exams based on a standard template set by the central government. 
  • Mitigate Risks: This approach could mitigate the risks associated with centralised testing and ensure that standards are maintained across various states. 
  • Enhanced Fairness: Incorporating domain experts, testing specialists, and IT security measures would further enhance the fairness and integrity of the examinations. 
• Revamping the Schooling System 
  • Decline of Traditional Schooling: The emergence of national-level entrance examinations has inadvertently led to the decline of the traditional schooling system, with the rise of coaching centres overshadowing the importance of school education. 
  • Integration of School-leaving Marks: To address this, integrating a percentage of school-leaving marks into the entrance examination score could restore the value of school education. 
  • Balanced Evaluation: This approach, previously implemented for the Indian Institutes of Technology entrance exams, emphasises the importance of academic competency, hard work, and values built at the school level. 

Steps Taken by the Government: 

• Institutional Initiatives: 
  • A reform committee led by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan has been appointed to recommend enhancements to the NTA’s exam processes. 
  • Pradeep Singh Kharola has been appointed as the new chief of NTA. 
  • The education ministry has requested a detailed report from Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2024 exam held in Patna. 
• Strengthening Security and Processes: 
  • The government has recognized the need to enhance the NTA’s security infrastructure, adopt advanced technologies, and improve the overall efficiency and transparency of its examination processes. 
  • In response to the controversy over grace marks, the NTA retracted the grace marks given to 1,563 students and offered them the option to take a re-test. 

Conclusion 

The NTA was established to standardise entrance examinations in India, but its execution has faced significant challenges, resulting in a trust deficit. Reforms, including decentralising the testing mechanism and rejuvenating the schooling system, are necessary to address these issues. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination PYQ 

Mains:  

Q:1 National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (2020)  

Q:2 The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country? Discuss. (2015)  

Source: TH 

EC releases technical instructions to check EVM, VVPAT burnt memory 

Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Election commission- Constitutional Bodies– Transparency & Accountability 

Why in the news? 

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released a technical Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for verifying burnt memory or microcontrollers in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) devices.  
• This follows a Supreme Court verdict and aims to ensure the integrity and transparency of elections by accurately verifying votes through electronic and paper means. 

Burnt Memory of EVMs and VVPAT Units: 

• The burnt memory in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) refers to their non-volatile memory where data is stored permanently, even when the devices are powered off.  
• This memory holds critical information such as: 
  • EVMs: Records of votes cast during the election, the machine’s configuration, and other operational details. 
  • VVPATs: Printed records of votes cast by voters, serving as a verifiable paper trail for electronic votes. 

Background: 

• SC Verdict:  
  • On April 26, 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the use of EVMs and VVPATs in Lok Sabha elections, rejecting calls for a return to paper ballots  
  • Mandating verification of burnt memories for up to 5% of machines per Assembly or Lok Sabha constituency segment. 
  • Verification of burnt memories is conducted post-election by engineers from EVM manufacturers. 
  • Allowing candidates to identify specific machines for verification by polling station or serial number and to be present during the process. 
• Requests for Verification:  
  • Must be made within seven days of result declaration, with costs borne by candidates and refunded if tampering is detected. 
• Administrative and Technical SOP: 
  • An administrative SOP was released on June 1, outlining organisational tasks to ensure consistency and compliance. 
  • A technical SOP specifies detailed procedures and operations, providing step-by-step instructions to maintain quality and safety standards during verification. 
• Applications for Verification: 
  • Eight Lok Sabha candidates and three State Assembly candidates from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh applied for verification of burnt memory, highlighting early interest and compliance with the new procedures. 

Key Highlights of the SOP: 

• Verification Process: 
  • The SOP provides a detailed procedure for verifying the integrity of microcontrollers in EVMs and VVPATs. 
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) utilises various technical methods to ensure the accuracy of firmware burned into microcontrollers, typically in research or secure manufacturing settings. 
  • Public verification involves using multiple random test vectors as inputs and assessing their expected outcomes. 
• Mock Poll of Up to 1,400 Votes per Machine: 
  • A mock poll involving up to 1,400 votes per machine is conducted in the presence of candidates or their representatives. 
  • On polling day, a mock poll with a minimum of 50 votes per machine is conducted in the presence of candidates’ polling agents, ensuring self-diagnosis and mutual authentication of the EVM-VVPAT system. 
  • Consistency between the results of machines and VVPAT slips confirms the integrity of burnt memory or microcontrollers, indicating no tampering. 
• Powers Assigned to Candidates: 
  • Candidates have the authority to select the polling stations, EVMs, Ballot Units (BUs), Control Units (CUs), and VVPATs for verification. 
  • Trained engineers from EVM manufacturers such as Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) conduct the verification process. 

When Will the Verification Process Start? 

• Verification of EVMs and VVPATs will commence once the High Courts confirm that no Election Petitions have been filed for the relevant constituencies.  
• Election Petitions can be filed within 45 days of the election results, which were announced on June 4, making July 19 the deadline.  
• As of now, 11 applications covering 118 polling stations or sets of EVMs and VVPATs have been received. 

Criticism of the Technical SOP: 

• Mismatch Handling: Critics have pointed out that the SOP does not address what would happen if there were a discrepancy between the counts of EVMs and VVPATs during verification. 
• Progress on Mock Polls: Experts argue that the SOP does not innovate beyond the existing practice of conducting mock polls before elections, which are already standard procedure. 
• Judgement vs. SOP: The Supreme Court’s judgement emphasised the need to check and verify burnt memory or microcontrollers, but this requirement is not explicitly mentioned in the SOP, raising concerns among stakeholders. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQ) 

Prelims: 

Q.1 Consider the following statements: (2017) 

1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 2 only 
3. 2 and 3 only 
4. 3 only 

Ans: (d) 

Mains: 

Q:1 To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (2017) 

Source: IE 

Govt’s U-Win portal to redraw immunisation map 

Tags: GS Paper – 2, Governance- Health- Government Policies & Interventions 

Why in the news? 

• The Indian government is set to launch U-Win, a digital platform on August 15, aimed at transforming maternal and child healthcare across the country. 

• By digitising vaccination records, U-Win will replace the current manual system used by ASHA and other healthcare workers, marking a significant shift in how primary healthcare is delivered. 

What is the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)? 

• About: UIP is India’s extensive public health program targeting around 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually. 
• Impact: It is one of the most cost-effective interventions in public health, contributing significantly to the reduction of vaccine-preventable under-5 mortality rates. 
• Vaccines Covered:  
  • UIP provides free immunisation against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases nationally, including Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus Influenza type B.  
  • It also covers Rotavirus diarrhoea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis sub-nationally. 
• Key Milestones of UIP: 
  • UIP’s major achievements include the eradication of polio in 2014 and the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015. 

About the U-Win: 

• About: U-Win replicates the successful Co-WIN system used for managing COVID-19 vaccinations. 
• Current Status: It is currently in pilot mode across all states and Union Territories except West Bengal. 
• Function: U-Win will digitally record all vaccination events for pregnant women and children aged 0-5 years, ensuring timely administration of routine immunizations under the UIP. 

How Does U-Win Work? 

• Registration and Recording: 
  • Children aged 0-5 years are registered on U-Win, with vaccines administered at birth also recorded. 
  • The platform generates schedules for vaccine doses for children. 
  • It eliminates the need for physical vaccination booklets by sending SMS alerts to parents and guardians. 
• Health Data Management: 
  • U-Win records birth weight and notes any physical deformities, aiding in other government health programs. 

Features: 

• Digital Certificates: Generates QR-based e-vaccination certificates similar to COVID vaccination certificates, accessible with a single click. 
• Real-time Updates: Updates vaccination status and delivery outcomes in real-time. 
• Citizen Engagement: Allows self-registration via web portal or mobile app, selection of vaccination centres, and appointment scheduling. 
• SMS Alerts: Sends automated SMS alerts for registration confirmation, administered doses, and upcoming dose reminders. 
• Health Record Integration: Facilitates Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs for comprehensive health record maintenance. 
• Frontline Support: Assists frontline workers in digitally recording vaccination events for accurate and easy record management. 

Benefits: 

• Reducing Zero-dose Children: Real-time registration and digital vaccination records help reduce the number of “zero-dose” children. 
• Accessibility for Migrants: Benefits migrant workers by allowing vaccinations at any centre nationwide without carrying physical vaccination cards. 
• 2030 Goals: U-Win aims to halve the number of zero-dose children by 2030. 
• Comprehensive Records: Includes details of children, pregnant women, health centres, and community health workers due for vaccinations. 

Status of Childhood Immunization in India: 

• Report: 
  • According to the latest WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunisation coverage (WUENIC), childhood immunisation in India experienced a slight decline in 2023 compared to 2022. 
• DPT Vaccine Coverage:  
  • There was a decrease of two percentage points in the coverage of the diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccine, dropping from 95% in 2022 to 93% in 2023.  
  • Globally, the average coverage for DPT in 2023 was 89%. 
• Zero-dose Children:  
  • The coverage of the DPT vaccine serves as an indicator for zero-dose children, who have not received any routine immunisation.  
  • In 2023, India reported 1.6 million zero-dose children, up from 1.1 million in 2022, but lower than the 2.73 million reported in 2021. 
• Under-vaccination Proxy:  
  • Coverage of the third dose of the DPT vaccine, used as a proxy for under-vaccination, was 91% in 2023.  
  • This represents a two-percentage point decrease from the previous year but remains higher than the global average of 84%. 
• Absolute Numbers:  
  • In 2023, approximately 0.4 million children in India remained under-vaccinated, a slight decrease from 2.11 million in 2019. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question: 

Prelims: 

Q:1 ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to (2016) 

1. immunisation of children and pregnant women 
2. construction of smart cities across the country 
3. India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space 
4. New Educational Policy 

Ans: A 

Source: IE 

PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) Scheme 

Tags: GS – 2, Governance- Government Policies & Interventions– Education – Skill Development 

Why in the news? 

• The PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative by the Government of India aimed at establishing more than 14,500 schools across the country.  

• It aims to provide an inclusive and nurturing environment for all students, promoting their well-being and ensuring access to quality learning experiences and infrastructure. 

What is PM-SHRI? 

• About: Full Name: PM Schools for Rising India Scheme. Ministry: Ministry of Education. Launch Date: September 5, 2022 
• Objective: Establish over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools to provide inclusive education and foster a secure and enriching learning environment for students. 
• School Involved: These schools, overseen jointly by the Central Government, State/UT Governments, local bodies, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). 
• Maximum Schools: UP has the most PM SHRI schools (1,865) followed by Maharashtra (910) and Andhra Pradesh (900).  
• Three outlier states: Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal. 
• Alignment: Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, promoting equity, inclusivity, and pluralism. 
• Implementation: Schools selected through Challenge Mode competition for support to become exemplar institutions. 
• Funding: Total project cost of Rs 27,360 crore over five years, with a central share of Rs 18,128 crore. 
• Duration: Operational from 2022-23 to 2026-27, with subsequent maintenance by States/UTs to sustain achieved standards. 

Key Objectives and Key Features of the PM SHRI Scheme: 

• Exemplar and Mentorship Role: 
  • PM SHRI schools will serve as exemplary institutions, showcasing best practices in education. 
  • They will also mentor other schools in their vicinity to raise overall educational standards. 
• Holistic Development: 
  • Focus on qualitative teaching, learning, and cognitive development. 
  • Aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals with essential 21st-century skills. 
• Innovative Pedagogy: 
  • Pedagogical approaches include experiential, holistic, play/toy-based (especially in foundational years), inquiry-driven, and learner-centred methods. 
  • Emphasis on achieving proficiency in learning outcomes for all students. 
• Competency-Based Assessment: 
  • Assessments will evaluate conceptual understanding and application of knowledge in real-life contexts. 
  • Shift towards competency-based assessments over rote learning. 
• Modern Infrastructure: 
  • Equipped with modern facilities such as labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, and art rooms. 
  • Ensures inclusivity and accessibility for all students. 
• Green Schools: 
  • Development as green schools promoting initiatives like water conservation, waste recycling, and energy-efficient infrastructure. 
  • Integration of an organic lifestyle into the curriculum. 
• Teacher Training and Capacity Building: 
  • Teachers trained in innovative pedagogical methods focusing on experiential, holistic, and learner-centred approaches. 
  • Continuous professional development to enhance teaching skills and methodologies. 
• Equitable and Inclusive Education: 
  • Provides high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive, and joyful environment. 
  • Addresses diverse backgrounds, multilingual needs, and varying academic abilities of students, engaging them actively in the learning process 

Alignment with NEP 2020: 

• The PM-SHRI scheme is closely aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises: 
  • Experiential learning. 
  • Competency-based education. 
  • Inclusive and equitable education. 
  • Integration of technology in education. 
  • Focus on holistic development and 21st-century skills. 

Conclusion 

The PM-SHRI scheme is pivotal in transforming India’s education landscape, promoting comprehensive quality education. It will enhance educational policies, practices, and implementation strategies, with insights from these schools guiding nationwide improvements. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Mains 

Q:1 National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (2020) 

Source: IE 

India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure 

Tags: GS-3, Economy- Growth & development- Digital Public Infrastructure 

Why in the news? 

• The final ‘Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure’ recently emphasized that India should identify a body to promote Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the Global South. 

G20’s Recognition: 

• The Prime Minister of India announced a $25-million investment to develop DPI, emphasizing its importance for inclusive growth. 
• G20 established the Digital Public Infrastructure Repository featuring over 50 DPIs from 16 countries to facilitate global knowledge sharing and adoption, especially in the Global South. 
• At the G20 Summit, India showcased its digital capabilities, including Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker, which empower citizens, enhance financial inclusion, and drive economic transformation. 

About Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): 

• DPI refers to foundational digital systems and services enabling connectivity, data exchange, and digital transactions across sectors. 
• It includes both hardware (networks, servers, devices) and software (platforms, protocols, applications). 
• DPI supports online payments, identity verification, e-governance, and healthcare services. 

India’s Role in Promoting Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): 

• India leads in DPI with initiatives like Aadhaar (world’s largest biometric identity system), UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and DigiLocker (cloud-based document storage). 
• Programs such as NOFN, Digital India, National Broadband Mission, and National Data Centre Policy underpin a robust digital infrastructure. 
• The JAM trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) has created millions of new bank accounts and streamlined direct benefit transfers, reducing leakages and ensuring targeted welfare delivery. 
• Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Mission and Unified Logistics Interface Platform are transforming healthcare and logistics sectors. 
• The National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) provides a one-stop platform for services from birth certificates to land records, streamlining processes and enhancing transparency. 
• Over 1.38 billion digital identities have been registered in India, demonstrating the scale and impact of these systems. 
• Challenges include lack of infrastructure access, digital divide, affordability, language barriers, disabilities, privacy and security concerns, and geographical disparities. 

Recommendations from India’s G20 Task Force: 

• The task force recommends India take on a greater role in promoting DPI globally. 
• India should identify an existing body (preferably with global reach) to harness the DPI ecosystem for policy formulation, strategy implementation, and technical expertise. 
• Integrating AI with DPIs can amplify their capabilities, but ethical use and data privacy must be maintained. 

Conclusion 

DPI is not just about technology; it’s about empowering people, improving governance, and fostering economic growth. As a leader in this space, India must collaborate globally to ensure DPI benefits everyone, especially in the Global South. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims 

Q:1 In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of (2020) 

1. Digital security infrastructure 
2. Food security infrastructure 
3. Health care and education infrastructure 
4. Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure 

Ans: (a) 

Source: IE 

Chandipura Virus Infection 

Tags: GS-3, Science & Technology- Basic Biology- Virus 

Why in the news? 

• Recently, the Gujarat government reported that six children have died from suspected Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in the state since July 10. 

About Chandipura Virus Infection: 

• CHPV is a virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the lyssavirus responsible for rabies. 
• Several sandfly species, such as Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, along with mosquito species like Aedes aegypti (also a dengue vector), are known vectors of CHPV. 
• The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates, including domestic animals, through bites. 
• The infection caused by CHPV can reach the central nervous system, leading to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain’s active tissues). 
• Disease progression can be rapid, with patients reporting high fever in the morning and experiencing kidney or liver complications by the evening. 

Symptoms: 

• CHPV infection initially presents with flu-like symptoms, such as acute onset of fever, body ache, and headache. 
• It can then progress to altered sensorium, seizures, and encephalitis. 
• Other reported symptoms include respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, and anaemia. 
• The infection often progresses rapidly after encephalitis, potentially leading to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalisation. 
• This infection has largely affected children under 15 years of age. 

Treatment: 

• Currently, there is no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine for CHPV, so treatment focuses on symptomatic management. 

Which are the worst affected regions in India? 

• Maharashtra: CHPV was first isolated during investigations into a dengue and chikungunya outbreak in Maharashtra in 1965. The state has witnessed significant outbreaks over the years. 
• Gujarat: During the outbreak in 2004, Gujarat reported a particularly high case fatality rate (CFR) of around 78%. This underscores the severity of the virus in the state during that period. 
• Andhra Pradesh: In 2003, Andhra Pradesh also experienced a notable outbreak, with a CFR estimated at around 55%. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination PYQ  

Prelims 

Q:1 Which of the following statements is not correct?(2019) 

1. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV. 
2. Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine. 
3. Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV. 
4. Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years. 

Ans: (b) 

Source: IE 

ASMITA Project 

Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Govt. policies & Incentive – Education Policy  

Why in the news? 

• Recently, the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) recently introduced the ASMITA Project to enhance the availability of educational resources in Indian languages. 

About ASMITA Project: 

• ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) aims to develop 22,000 books in Indian languages over the next five years. 
• It is a collaborative effort between the UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a high-powered committee under the Ministry of Education. 
• The primary objective is to promote and integrate Indian languages more deeply into the education system, enriching the learning experience and making it more inclusive. 
• This project is part of a broader strategy to enhance the accessibility and quality of educational materials across various Indian languages. 
• Thirteen nodal universities have been identified to lead the project, along with member universities from various regions. 
• The UGC has created a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the book-writing process in each assigned language. 
• The SOP includes identifying nodal officers and authors, allocating title, subject, and programme, writing and editing, submission of the manuscript, review and plagiarism check, finalisation, designing, proofreading, and e-publication. 

Other Initiatives Launched: 

• The Ministry of Education also launched the “Bahubhasha Shabdakosh,” a single-point reference for all the words in all Indian languages and their meanings. 
• This initiative will be developed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in collaboration with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti. 
• The Shabdakosh will help in using Bharatiya words, phrases, and sentences for various new-age domains like IT, industry, research, and education. 

Source: TH 

Jerdon’s Courser 

Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Biodiversity- Species   

Why in the news? 

• Recently, Jerdon’s Courser, a critically endangered species, has not been visually spotted in over a decade. 

About Jerdon’s Courser: 

• Scientific Name: Rhinoptilus bitorquatus 
• Habitat: It inhabits open patches within scrub forests. 
• Distribution: Found only in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 
• Features: 
  • It is a nocturnal cursorial (adapted for walking and running) bird endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India. 
  • It was considered extinct from the beginning of the 20th century until its rediscovery in 1986. 
  • It is a delicate lapwing-like bird with a large eye and a short, bicolored bill. 
  • Its upper plumage is grey-brown, chin and throat are whitish, fore-neck is rufous, and separated from its brown breast by a white band. 
  • A second white band runs across the lower portion of its breast (hence it was earlier called a double-banded courser). 
  • The belly is whitish, while its tail is black-and-white (visible in flight). The legs are pale yellow. 
  • The call is a short series of two-noted whistles “tuick-tuoo.” 
  • They are insectivorous, hunting invertebrates by sight. 

Conservation Status: 

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered. 

Source: TOI 

Halwa Ceremony 

Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Union budget 

Why in the news? 

• Recently, the Union Finance Minister participated in a traditional ‘halwa’ ceremony, marking the final stage for preparation of Union Budget 2024-25 to be unveiled on July 23 in Lok Sabha. 

About Halwa Ceremony: 

• Ritual: The ceremony involves the preparation and serving of the traditional dessert ‘halwa’ to officials and staff members of the finance ministry involved in the Budget preparation. 
• Significance: It serves as a ‘send-off’ for finance ministry officials and staff who are involved in the preparation of the Union government’s annual financial statement. 
• Lock-in Period: Following the ceremony, these officials and staff enter a ‘lock-in’ period, staying in the basement of North Block, cut off from the outside world to maintain the secrecy around the final budget document. 
• Historical Context: The stringent measures date back to a leak in 1950, when a portion of the Union Budget was leaked while being printed at Rashtrapati Bhawan. As a result, the then Finance Minister, John Matthai, resigned. 

Key Facts about the Union Budget of India: 

• Annual Financial Statement: The Union Budget of India, referred to as the Annual Financial Statement under Article 112 of the Constitution of India, is the annual budget of the Republic of India. 
• Terminology: Although it is known as the Annual Financial Statement of the Government, the term “budget” is not mentioned in the Constitution. 

Source: IE 

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.

To get free counseling/support on UPSC preparation from expert mentors please call 9773890604

1. Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC  Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
2. Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
3. Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
4. For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here

Visit our YouTube Channel – Here