UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2024

GS Paper 3

 Syllabus: Economy: Inclusive Growth

Source: TH

 Context: The article warns against the obsessive pursuit of economic growth in India, emphasizing that despite ambitious projections, the associated rising inequality poses significant challenges.

Current Status of India’s Growth:

India’s recent economic growth has been robust, with an estimated 6.9% expansion in FY 2022/23, driven by strong domestic demand, increased infrastructure investment, and robust private consumption. For FY 2023/24, a growth of 7.3% is projected, maintaining India’s 5th position in the global GDP rankings. The economy has surged to $3.7 trillion. Future prospects indicate an ambitious target of reaching a $10 trillion economy by 2035, aligning with the government’s vision to transform India into a ‘developed country’ by 2047.

Status of Inequality in India:

Causes of Increasing Inequality in India:

Alternatives to GDP:

1. Explore the use of Green GDP to account for environmental factors.
2. Explore alternatives to GDP such as OECD’s “GDP alternatives” that adjust for leisure and other factors.
3. Consider the “Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare” that accounts for pollution costs and income distribution.
4. Explore the “Genuine Progress Indicator” that adjusts for income distribution, household work, and more.
5. Explore well-being measures like the Happy Planet Index, Gross National Happiness, and National Well-Being Accounts.

Way forward:

Insta Links:

Whose GDP is it anyway?

Mains Links:

What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Examine the limitations pertaining to GDP as an economic performance measurement framework of the country. (250 words)

Prelims Links:

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: BS

Context: During the seventh edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of quality sleep for students, sharing a personal insight that he falls asleep within 30 seconds of going to bed.

He cautioned against excessive screen time, noting its potential to disrupt sleep patterns, and advocated for a balanced lifestyle. The message serves as a timely reminder for students, parents, and teachers to prioritize restful sleep as a crucial component of overall well-being.

Excessive screen time among children has been associated with a range of negative impacts on their physical and mental well-being. The prolonged use of screens, particularly for activities such as gaming or social media, has been linked to health issues like obesity, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, it negatively influences their cognitive development, reducing essential social skills such as empathy by limiting face-to-face interactions.

To address these concerns, WHO guidelines recommend no screen time for babies under 2 years old, with limited screen time for those aged 2 to 4. Additionally, implementing parental controls and filters can help block access to unsuitable content and products, ensuring a healthier screen time experience for children.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

 Context: India has proposed the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ as its nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle.

India has 42 World Heritage Sites (WHS), with 34 cultural sites, seven natural sites, and one mixed site. In Maharashtra, cultural WHS include Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), and Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai. The natural WHS is the Western Ghats spanning Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: The Week

Context: The Supreme Court of India ruled that an accused cannot seek default bail based on the grounds that the investigation is pending against other accused or that the charge sheet filed by the probe agency is incomplete.

• The court stated that the benefit of the proviso appended to sub-section (2) of Section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is available to the offender only when no charge sheet is filed, and the investigation is pending against them.
• Once a charge sheet is filed, this right cease, and the accused cannot claim default bail on the grounds of an incomplete charge sheet or pending investigation against other accused.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

 Context:  A new crowdfunded phone, called the Minimal Phone, has featured a white E Ink display. E Ink displays, used in devices like the Kindle, are based on technology developed in the 1990s at MIT and owned by E Ink Corporation.

Functioning of E Ink Displays:

• These displays utilize microcapsules filled with positively charged white particles and negatively charged black ones suspended in fluid.
• By applying electrical charges, the particles rise to the surface, creating text and images on the display.
• E Ink reflects light like paper, making it easier on the eyes, consuming little power as it doesn’t require backlighting, and offering better readability under bright lighting conditions.
• E Ink has advantages like low power consumption and reduced eye strain but has downsides such as a slower refresh rate, colour limitations, and higher costs.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

 Context: Toyota aims to launch next-generation solid-state batteries within three years, with the potential for two sets of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in its line-up—one using existing lithium-ion batteries and another featuring the new solid-state batteries.

• The breakthrough technology could revolutionize EVs by doubling range and significantly reducing charging time compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

 Context: A Laughing Gull, a migratory bird native to North America, has been sighted for the first time in India.

The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls, resembling human laughter.

Protection Status: 

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern.

CITES and CMS Status: Not Evaluated

Range: They are most common on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America.