Ladak and Sixth Schedule

Syllabus: Sixth schedule Source: TH  Context:  Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained on the Delhi border on Monday night as he led a group of protesters to petition the Central government for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution among other demands for autonomy to the region.  Asymmetrical Federalism Definition: Asymmetrical …

Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response Framework

Syllabus: Governance Source: IE  Context:  Four years after the outbreak of Covid, an expert group constituted by NITI Aayog has recommended setting up a comprehensive framework to effectively manage future public health emergencies or pandemics. Summary of report: Challenges and Learnings from COVID-19 Pandemic: Governance: Lack of clear risk communication systems and rapid response SOPs …

10 Years of SBM

Syllabus: Governance and sanitation Source: BS Context:  The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched with great fanfare exactly a decade ago. A little earlier, on August 15, 2014, the Prime Minister had lent his voice to this neglected cause from the ramparts of the Red Fort.  Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was …

Operation Northern Arrows

Source: TOI Context: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a ground invasion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in villages near the Israel-Lebanon border. About Operation Northern Arrows: Launch: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated Operation Northern Arrows, a ground invasion targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Objective: The operation aims to neutralize …

RajyaMata-Gomata

Source: ET Context: The Maharashtra government has designated the State’s indigenous cow breeds as ‘RajyaMata-Gomata’ due to concerns over declining numbers. Subsidy scheme: The government has introduced a subsidy scheme of ₹50 per cow per day to support goshalas, aimed at encouraging the rearing of native cow breeds. Cultural and nutritional importance: Indigenous cows hold …

Ministry of Textile programs

Context: A number of activities including ‘Cleaning of Office Premises’, ‘Cyber Hygiene Activities, and ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs’ were conducted by the organizations under the Ministry of Textiles. Cleaning of Office Premises: The cleaning of office premises is an activity aimed at maintaining hygiene and organization in workplaces, ensuring a clutter-free, clean, and productive environment. …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 September 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

Yemen Attack

Source: News18 Context: Israel’s military says it has launched a series of air raids on Houthi targets in Yemen, further heightening fears of a wider regional conflict in the wake of intensified Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. Places in news: Ras Isa: A strategic port on the Red Sea coast of Yemen, primarily known for …

Nipah Virus

Source: TH Context: Nipah virus (NiV) has become a significant public health concern in India, particularly in Kerala, where recurrent outbreaks have resulted in fatalities. It is a zoonotic virus, transmitted from animals to humans, and its high mortality rate has prompted urgent government action and preventive measures. Nipah virus overview: Origin: Nipah virus first …

Operation Amrith

Source: TH Context: Kerala has taken a significant step in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by launching Operation Amrith, enforcing the 2011 H1 rule to prohibit the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antibiotics. About Operation Amrith: Aim: To curb the irrational use of antibiotics by banning their sale without a prescription, reducing the rise of antimicrobial resistance …

Internet shutdown in Bhadrak

Context: The Odisha government ordered a 48-hour internet shutdown in Bhadrak district to curb communal tensions after inflammatory social media posts sparked unrest. The situation escalated with stone-pelting, injuries to police, and damage to government property, prompting prohibitory orders. The district had previously witnessed similar violence in 2017. Usage in UPSC Syllabus: GS1 (Social Issues): …

Manual Scavenging Survey

Syllabus: Social Justice Source: TH Context:  The Government of India, through its NAMASTE programme, is conducting the first-ever comprehensive survey to profile workers involved in the hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. Summary of survey: Demographics of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs): 91.9% of the 38,000 SSWs profiled across 29 States and Union …

Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material

Syllabus: Vulnerable section – Children Source: TH Context:  The article explore Supreme Court recently delivered landmark judgment clarifying the penal consequences for the possession, storage, and consumption of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM), overturning a controversial Madras High Court ruling.  Judgment overview: The Supreme Court clarified that storing, watching, or possessing Child Sexual …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

UNSC Reform

Source: TH Context: With the United Nations (UN) approaching its 80th anniversary next year, the Group of Four (G4) countries seeking permanent membership and reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) called for urgent reform of the world body. Other plurilateral groupings, such as the L69 and C-10 also echoed these calls. Background of the …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

SCO

Reference:  The Hindu Context: India’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is significant, with discussions on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar possibly attending the 2024 meeting in Pakistan, despite strained bilateral ties.   About SCO: Origin: Started as the “Shanghai Five” in 1996 to address security issues. Establishment: Formed in 2001, adding Uzbekistan and …