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.
UN Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence final report
Tags: GS-3, Science & Technology- AI
Why in the news?
- Recently, advisory panel was formed last year to examine the international governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and make new recommendations.
AI needs global governance
- The pace of AI development focuses on power and wealth globally, with geopolitical and geoeconomic ramifications.
- Lack of understanding of the inner workings of AI to fully control outcomes or predict trends.
- Because AI technology is cross-border in design and application, it cannot be left to market forces alone.
- To equitably distribute AI opportunities such as upgrading energy grids and improving public health and agriculture.
The gap in global AI governance
- Lack of a truly comprehensive global strategy: In the absence of many AI governance documents and projects.
- Lack of representation: Seven of the sampled countries are part of all AI governance efforts, while 118 countries are neither (mainly in the global South).
- Implementation issue: The promises don’t translate into tangible outcomes that prevent equitable sharing of the opportunities AI provides.
Recommendations:
- An independent international scientific community on AI.
- The Intergovernmental Dialogue on AI Governance is held twice a year.
- Creating an AI standards revolution, connecting stakeholders.
- Building AI capability development networks.
- Creating a global fund for AI to facilitate AI penetration.
- The Creation of a global AI data framework, developed through a process initiated by a relevant agency.
- The UN Secretariat for supporting and coordinating global efforts in AI risk management and global governance.
Source: TH
Food Processing Sector Reforms in Last 10 Years
Tags:GS-3,Economy-Food Security- Agricultural Marketing
Why in the news?
- Recently, during the 3rd edition of world food india (WFI) 2024, the india PM highlighted significant reforms in the past decade for boosting the food processing sector.
The world food india ( WFI):
- About:
- Launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in 2017 to promote investments in India’s food processing sector and showcase its rich food culture.
Food Processing Sector in India:
- Growth:
- 7.3% annual growth between 2015-2022.
- The food processing market size in India is estimated to reach $1,274 billion by 2027 from the US. $866 billion by 2022.
- Rising food consumption is expected to reach the United States. $1.2 billion by 2025-26 due to urbanisation and changing infrastructure.
- The Indian packaged food and beverages industry is witnessing significant growth where it is expected to grow from US$ 33.7 billion by 2023 to US$ 46.3 billion by 2028
- Employment:
- 12.22% of registered factory jobs, supporting 2.03 million people and 5.1 million in unregistered food processing.
- Growth drivers:
- Diverse agro-climatic conditions, large raw material base, and India’s leadership in milk, spices, poultry, and fruits production.
Steps taken by the government to improve the efficiency of the project:
- PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana: Comprehensive provision of modern services and efficient supply chain.
- PMFME Scheme: Legitimizes and scales existing small businesses in the unorganised food processing sector.
- Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLISFPI): Encourages domestic manufacturing, exports and capacity expansion in food processing, and allows 100% FDI.
- One District Object (ODOP): A framework for establishing value chains in 713 districts, covering 137 unique objects.
- Mega Food Park (MFP) Scheme: Provides modern processing facilities on farms; 41 projects approved, active as at 24 December 2023 .
- Operation Greens: Supports FPO, logistics and processing for tomato, onion and potato (TOP) crops, later expanded to all fruits and vegetables (TOTAL).
Challenges :
- Cold chain logistics: Lack of proper cold storage leads to significant food wastage, especially in the case of perishables.
- Transport: Inadequate road and transport infrastructure shares the flow of goods, affecting the freshness and quality of goods.
- Competitiveness: Stringent compliance with rules and norms set by agencies like FSSAI, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Labour delays: Obtaining permits and approvals can be time-consuming, affecting business operations.
- Reducing modern processes: Many small products lack advanced manufacturing technologies and devices, making them more efficient and scalable
- Price sentiment: Consumers generally appreciate prices, putting pressure on manufacturers’ profits.
- Supply irregularities: Fluctuations in agricultural production due to weather disrupt the supply chain, leading to scarcity and high prices
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q:1 With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”? (2011)
- To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry.
- To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage.
- To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q:1 What are the reasons for the poor acceptance of a cost-effective small processing unit? How can the food processing unit be helpful to uplift the socioeconomic status of poor farmers? (2017)
Source: IE
100 Years Discovery of Indus Valley civilisation
Tags: GS-1, History- Ancient History – Historical Sites
Why in the news?
- In the year 2024 marks the 100 Years completed of the announcement of the discovery of the Indus Valley civilisation.
About the civilisation:
- In 1924, John Marshall, then-Director General of the ASI, announced the discovery of the “civilisation of the Indus Valley” in “The Illustrated London News”.
- About 1,500 sites in northwestern India, including in Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh and about 500 sites in Pakistan, and a few in Afghanistan, with key sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Rakhigarhi, and Dholavira.
- The Harappan civilization is identified as a Bronze-age civilization because many objects have been found that are made up of copper based alloys.
- Daya Ram Sahni first excavated Harappa in 1921-22, and Rakhal Das Banerji in 1922 started excavating Mohenjo-daro.
Characteristics:
- Urban Planning: The Harappans created elaborate cities with tunnels, improved drainage systems and standardised brickwork.
- Craftsmanship: Exotic coins, pottery and jewellery were produced, especially unique steatite coins with intact animal figures and inscriptions.
- Trade Relations: The civilization engaged in extensive trade, as evidenced by objects made of lapis lazuli and carnelian from distant regions.
Enigmas:
- Intact Language: Indus script has 400-600 characters and remains intact due to lack of bilingual script.
- Spirituality: Understanding of Harappan religious beliefs is limited. The coins suggest possible deities, but the lack of temples leaves much to be desired.
- Cause of decline: The decline around 1900 BCE is debated, with unclear factors including climate change, tectonic activity, resource overexploitation, and invasions.
- Trade Expansion: The evidence points to trade with Mesopotamia and elsewhere, but the details of the exchanges and their impact on Harappan society remain unclear
Significance:
- Addressing historical gaps: The discovery of the Harappan civilization extended the timeline of settlement in South Asia by more than 3,000 years, reshaping the historical context of urban settlements
- Cultural and Economic Intelligence: The Harappans were skilled artisans in beadwork, pottery and metalwork, adding to their economic power and cultural identity
- Influence on subsequent civilizations: The Harappan civilization influenced later South Asian cultures through its urban practices, agricultural techniques, and possibly religious beliefs
- Sustainable use of water: The Harappans demonstrated water management through drainage and rainwater harvesting and emphasised sustainable agricultural practices
- Trade with Western Asia: Evidence suggests that the Harappans were involved in maritime trade with Mesopotamia and the Arabian Peninsula, indicating their navigational skills.
UPSC Civil Services Examination PYQ
Prelims
Q:1 Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs? ( 2021)
- Dholavira
- Kalibangan
- Rakhigarhi
- Ropar
Answer (a)
Q: 2: Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (2019)
- Chanhudaro
- Kot Diji
- Sohgaura
- Desalpur
Answer: (c)
Q:3 Which of the following characterises/characterises the people of the Indus Civilization? (2013)
- They possessed great palaces and temples.
- They worshipped both male and female deities.
- They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statements using the codes given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- None of the above
Answer: (b)
Mains
Q:1 The ancient civilisation in the Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. (2015)
Q:2 To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to present-day urbanisation? Discuss. (2014)
Source: TH
White Revolution 2.0
Tags: GS-3, Economy- Economics of Animal-Rearing- Agricultural Marketing
Why in the news?
- Recently, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the standard operating procedure for ‘White Revolution 2.0’.
About the White Revolution:
- The White Revolution, or Operation Flood, was a major dairy development initiative launched in 1970 by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to boost milk production in India.
- Led by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the program successfully addressed milk scarcity, earning Kurien the title “Father of the White Revolution.”
Current status in India:
- Production: The milk production of India has registered 58% increase during the last nine years i.e., during the year 2014-15 and 2022-23 and increased to 230.58 Mn Tonnes in the year 2022-23.
- Top 5 states: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Together, they contribute 53.11% of the total dairy production in the country.
- Value-added products: The dairy industry in India has diversified beyond liquid milk to produce value-added products such as butter, ghee, cheese, yoghourt and ice cream
- Economy: Contributes 5% to the national economy and directly benefits over 80 million farmers Employs about 8.47 million people on a yearly basis out of which 71% are women.
What is White Revolution 2.0?
- Aim: The aim is to transform the Indian dairy industry by empowering women farmers, increasing milk production and modernising dairy infrastructure.
- Target: The aim is to increase current procurement of 6.6 million liters per day to 1,000 million liters per day.
- Finance:
- An initial amount of ₹40,000 for each Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) by the National Dairy Development Council.
- Total expenditure was ₹70,125 crore including full government financial support.
Provisions:
- Women Empowerment: Focus on women empowerment in cooperatives dairy. In Gujarat alone, 36 lakh women activities, contributing worth ₹60,000 crore annually.
- Increase in milk procurement: The target is to increase milk procurement by 50% in the next five years.
- Co-operatives: 100,000 new and existing co-operatives (mainly regional co-operatives and agricultural credit unions) have been formed or enhanced.
- RuPay Kisan Credit Cards: To be rolled out across the country for dairy farmers, with micro-ATMs in cooperatives.
- Computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies: 67,930 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies will be computerised for better management.
Significance:
- Development of Rural Economy: cooperatives and milk procurement ₹4,000 crore will improve rural livelihoods.
- Improvement: Modern technology, micro-ATMs(2600) and computerization will improve efficiency.
- Employment generation: Spread of enterprise and modernization practices will create employment for 13 lakh farmers.
- Reduced malnutrition: Improves milk quality to prevent malnutrition.
- Cooperative Modernization: Focus on artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
- Enhancement of milk exports: Improving production and quality to boost milk exports in India.
Challenges of Dairy Sector in India:
Government Initiatives :
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission (2014): Conserve and develop indigenous cattle breeds to enhance productivity and genetic improvement.
- National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD, 2014): Strengthen infrastructure for high-quality milk production, procurement, processing, and marketing through State Cooperative Dairy Federations.
- Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS): Create self-employment by providing financial assistance for small-to-medium dairy ventures.
- National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP, 2019): Vaccinate 100% of cattle, buffalo, and other livestock against Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis.
- National Livestock Mission (NLM): Sustainable livestock development, including dairy farming, improving productivity, health, and feed resources.
UPSC Civil services Examination PYQ
Mains
Q:1 Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?(2017)
Q:2 Q.1 Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India. (2015)
Source: TH
Amoebic meningoencephalitis
Tags: GS-3, Science & Technology- Biology- Disease
Why in the news?
- Recently, several cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis have been reported in Kerala, mainly affecting children aged 5-15 years.
About amoebic meningoencephalitis:
- About:
- This is a rare but serious infection that affects the central nervous system.
- It is mainly caused by abnormally viable amoebae found in freshwater.
- Types of Amoebic Encephalitis:
- Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM): It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain-eating amoeba”.
- Granulomatous amoebic encephalopathy (GAE): Symptoms can resemble brain tumors or encephalitis.
- Risks and infection
- Exposure: Usually with swimming or playing in warm, stable, fresh water.
- Other sources: Untreated tap water used in neti pots can also cause infection.
- Amoebae grow in tropical environments and are sensitive to changes in temperature and pH.
Source: TH
TRISHNA Mission
Tags: GS-3, Science & Technology- Space technology
Why in the news?
- Recently, the President of the French Space Agency, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES),celebrated 60 years of French-India space cooperation with the TRISHNA mission.
About the Trishna Mission:
- About:
- The Thermal and Infrared Imaging Satellite for High-Resolution Natural Resource Assessment (TRISHNA) is a joint venture between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the French Space Agency (CNES).
- Objectives:
- Provide high spatial and temporal resolution data on Earth surface temperature, vegetation health, and water cycle dynamics.
- Assistance in exploring urban heat islands, detecting volcanic and geothermal activity, and monitoring snow flow and ice dynamics.
- It should provide valuable information on aerosol optical depth, atmospheric water vapor, and cloud cover.
- Benefits:
- Thermal Infrared (TIR) Payload (from CNES): A long-wavelength infrared sensor used to provide a beautiful image of the Earth’s surface temperature.
- VNIR-SWIR payload (from ISRO):
- Seven spectral bands used for mapping maps to estimate temperature gradients and biophysical variables.
- Classroom and Life:
- It Operates in a solar and synchronous orbit of 761 km, providing a range of 57 meters in land/coastal areas and 1 km in the ocean.
- It has an operating life of 5 years.
Source: TH
Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024 (VSV 2.0)
Tags: GS-3, Economy- Inclusive growth- Taxation – Scheme
Why in the news?
- Recently, the Finance Ministry declared that the second edition of the Direct Tax Vivad se Viswas scheme 2024 (VSV 2.0) will be operational soon.
About Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024 (VSV 2.0):
- Objective: Reduce income tax lawsuits through a simplified settlement process.
- Procedure: Facilitates dispute resolution through appeals to the Joint Commissioner (Appeals), ITAT and Supreme Court.
- Features: Ensures that contempt cases, including appeals, writ petitions and special leave requests pending until July 22, 2024, are not dismissed, and penalties and interest are waived from the source
- Special Provisions – Includes objections to DRP without final review as well as amendment petitions pending before the Commissioner.
- Exclusions: Cases involving investigations, non-disclosure of foreign currency, or serious violations are excluded.
- Objective: Provide cost-effective solutions to reduce the litigation burden on taxpayers and the justice system.
Source: BS
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
- Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
- Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
- Learn CSAT – CSAT for UPSC
- Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
- For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
