UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

23 May 2024 08:05

ORDINANCES

Syllabus: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

Context: Governor Arif Mohammed Khan returns ordinances on delimitation of local bodies, citing model code of conduct.

Learning Points:

* An ordinance is a decree or law promulgated by a state or national government without the consent of the legislature.

* It allows the executive branch to make laws when the legislative body (Parliament or state legislature) is not in session or when urgent matters demand immediate attention.

* Ordinances have the same force and effect as an act of the legislature but are of a temporary nature.

* The President /Governor can issue an ordinance only when either both or one of the Houses of Parliament is not in session.

* An ordinance promulgated when both Houses are in session is void.

Constitutional Provisions Regarding Ordinance in India:

* Article 123 empowers the President to promulgate ordinances during the recess of Parliament.

* Article 213 empowers the Governor to promulgate ordinances during the recess of the State Legislature.

Validity and Limitations:

* An ordinance promulgated by the President has a maximum validity of six months and six weeks from the date of its promulgation.

* The maximum gap between two sessions of the Indian Parliament cannot be more than six months.

* The ordinance should be ratified by Parliament within six weeks of its reassembly.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

22 May 2024 09:00

Q1. With reference to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consider the following statements:

1.  GDP is the monetary value of all the final goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period.

2.  GDP allows us to compare economic performance across countries and regions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

22 May 2024 08:57

SCARBOROUGH SHOAL

Syllabus: GEOGRAPHY - WORLD MAP

Context: The Philippines recently challenged China to open Scarborough Shoal to international scrutiny after it accused Beijing of destroying the shoal's marine environment.

Learning Points:

* The Scarborough Shoal, also known as Scarborough Reef, is a series of small rocks and islands located in the South China Sea, approximately 220 kilometers (120 nautical miles) west of the Philippine Island of Luzon.

* The shoal is formed into a triangle shape and consists of small rocks and reefs.

* The deep waters surrounding the shoal make it a productive fishing area, rich in marine life.

Territorial Dispute:

* Both the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines claim Scarborough Shoal lies within their territory.

* China refers to the shoal as Huangyan Island, asserting a historical claim dating back to the Yuan Dynasty in the 1200s.

* The Philippines claims the area based on geography, as it is much closer to Luzon (the Philippines’ main island) than to China.

Control and Presence:

* Although there are no permanent structures on Scarborough Shoal, China has effectively controlled it since 2012.

* China maintains a constant coast guard presence at the feature.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

22 May 2024 08:49

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

Syllabus: ECONOMY

Context: Rating agency ICRA Ltd has said it expects India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to moderate to a four-quarter low of 6.7% Q4 of 2024. For the full fiscal year, it expects GDP growth of 7.8%.

Learning Points:

* Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the monetary value of all the final goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period, generally 1 year.

* It is a broad measurement of a nation’s overall economic activity.

* It reflects the economic vitality of a nation and serves as an indicator of growth, contraction, or stagnation.

Calculation:

* To calculate GDP, we sum up the final prices of goods and services produced in an economy.

* This includes private and public consumption, government spending, investments, additions to private inventories, and the foreign balance of trade.

Types of GDP:

*   Nominal GDP: Based on current market prices.

* Real GDP: Adjusted for inflation, calculated using a stable base year price.

Importance of GDP:

Comparison: GDP allows us to compare economic performance across countries and regions.

Policy Decisions: Governments use GDP data to formulate economic policies.

* Investment Decisions: Investors consider GDP growth when making investment choices.

Limitations:

* Excludes Non-Market Activities: GDP only considers market transactions (goods and services bought and sold). It excludes non-market activities like unpaid household work, volunteer work, and the informal economy. As a result, it may not fully capture the overall well-being of a society.

* Quality of Life: GDP doesn’t account for income distribution or quality of life. A country with high GDP may still have significant poverty or inequality.

* Environmental Impact: GDP doesn’t consider environmental costs. GDP growth can lead to environmental degradation (e.g., pollution, resource depletion) without reflecting these negative consequences.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

21 May 2024 07:03

Q1. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent court that prosecutes serious international crimes committed by individuals.

Statement-II:

ICC has jurisdiction over the signatory countries to persecute individuals for extraterritorial crimes such as genocide, war crimes, humanitarian crimes, and territorial aggression.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a)  Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b)  Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c)  Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d)  Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

21 May 2024 07:01

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

Syllabus: INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

Context: The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently sought a Gaza ‘war crimes’ arrest warrant against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Learning Points:

* The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established by the Rome Statute on July 1, 2002.

* The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent court that prosecutes serious international crimes committed by individuals.

* It has jurisdiction over the signatory countries to persecute individuals for extraterritorial crimes such as genocide, war crimes, humanitarian crimes, and territorial aggression.

* The ICC is the first intergovernmental organisation that works as a court for criminal cases.

* It has jurisdiction over the most serious crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

* Its headquarters are in The Hague, Netherlands.

* While 123 nations recognize the ICC’s authority, notable exceptions include the US, China, Russia, and India.

* The court is funded by contributions from states parties and voluntary donations from various entities. Unlike the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which handles disputes between states, the ICC focuses on prosecuting individuals.

* It can exercise jurisdiction if the national court is unable or unwilling to do so, and only for offenses committed after the Statute’s entry into force in 2002.

* It is intended to complement, not replace, national judicial systems.

* The ICC has six official languages (English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) and two working languages (English and French).

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

18 May 2024 09:26

Q1. With reference to the Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) in India, consider the following statements:

1. Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) are specialized financial institutions that purchase the bad debts of a bank at a mutually agreed value.

2. The required funds to purchase such debts can be raised from Qualified Buyers.

3. They function under the supervision and control of the SEBI.

How many of the above given statements are correct?

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

18 May 2024 09:25

FREE MOVEMENT REGIME (FMR)

Syllabus: POLITY ANG GOVERNANCE

Context: Mizo tribals threaten to take up arms if the Centre goes ahead with its plan to scrap Free Movement Regime (FMR).

Learning Points:

* The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is an agreement between India and Myanmar.

* It was established in 2018 as part of India’s Act East policy.

*  Under the FMR, individuals residing near the India-Myanmar border can move up to 16 km without a visa.

*  They need a one-year border pass for stays lasting up to two weeks in the neighbouring country.

* The FMR aimed to facilitate local border trade, improve access to education, and strengthen diplomatic ties.

*   However, India has recently decided to review the FMR due to security concerns related to illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and insurgency activities.

*  India's decision to fence the entire 1,643-kilometre stretch of border with Myanmar, could result in the end of FMR permanently.

*  India- Myanmar border runs from the tripoint with China in the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the south.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

17 May 2024 13:00

Q1. Consider the following:

1.  Investigate cases of money laundering

2.  Summon any person for evidence or record production

3.  Confiscate property
involved in money laundering

How many of the above are the powers of the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)?

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

17 May 2024 12:58

ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE (ED)

Syllabus: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

Context: The Supreme Court of India has recently made a significant ruling regarding the powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).  The court held that the ED cannot arrest an accused under Section 19 of the PMLA after a special court has taken cognisance of the complaint of money laundering.

Learning Points:

* The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is India’s financial watchdog, serving as both a law enforcement agency and an economic intelligence unit.

* The ED traces its origins back to May 1, 1956.

* The ED operates under the Department of Revenue within the Ministry of Finance.

* Its headquarters are in New Delhi, led by the Director of Enforcement. Regional offices exist in Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Delhi.

* Recruitment includes officers from various backgrounds, such as IRS (Indian Revenue Services), IPS (Indian Police Services), and IAS (Indian Administrative Services).

* The ED investigates and tackles economic crimes such as money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and corruption.

* It enforces economic laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and addressing violations related to financial transactions.

* Recent amendments allow extending the tenure of ED directors from two years to up to five years.

Objectives and Key Acts:

* The ED enforces three critical acts:

  Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)

  Prevention of Money
Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

  Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA)

* The PMLA aims to combat money laundering by:

  Preventing and controlling money laundering.

  Confiscating and seizing proceeds obtained from laundered money.

  Addressing other issues related to money laundering in India.

Powers and Responsibilities:

* Under the PMLA, the ED has the authority to:

  Investigate cases of money laundering.

  Summon any person for evidence or record production.

  Confiscate property
involved in money laundering.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

16 May 2024 09:20

Q2. With reference to the Insurance Surety Bonds (ISBs), consider the following statements:

1.  Insurance Surety Bonds are financial instruments where insurance companies act as a ‘Surety’ to provide a guarantee that the contractor will fulfil its obligations as per the agreed terms.

2.  These bonds serve as a third-party guarantee issued by insurance companies on behalf of the applicant to beneficiaries and authorities.

3.  ISBs often have lower costs compared to traditional bank guarantees.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

21 February 2023 05:58

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

10 February 2023 14:22

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

07 February 2023 19:08

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

02 March 2022 09:51

KEY TERMS TO KNOW FROM COP26

* NET-ZERO

Net-zero emissions pertain to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced, and GHG emissions removed from the atmosphere.

A country can be said to be net-zero when it produces no emissions, either because it has actually phased out all emissions or because it is removing enough from the atmosphere to offset the emissions it releases.

The latter can be achieved by restoring or increasing forest cover or through technologies such as carbon capture.

* CARBON NEUTRALITY

Carbon neutrality is a state of net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. It is achieved when anthropogenic CO2 emissions are balanced globally by anthropogenic CO2 removals over a specified period.

There are several actions that an emitter can take to achieve this balance, such as reducing energy consumption and emissions-producing activities, improving energy efficiency processes, and consumption of renewable sources of energy.

A nation or an organization can also achieve carbon neutrality through carbon offsetting, a process of compensating for CO2 emissions it generates by participating in, or funding efforts to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

Offsetting usually involves paying another party, somewhere else, to save emissions equivalent to those produced by the emitter.

* CARBON FOOTPRINT

A carbon footprint measures the amount of CO2 equivalent a country, an industry, an individual, or a product emits or is responsible for.

The footprint is calculated in both direct emissions (from the burning of fossil fuels, heating, and transportation), and indirect emissions during the whole lifecycle of products.

It also includes emissions of other greenhouse gases, such as methane, nitrous oxide, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

It is expressed as a measure of weight, as in tons of CO2 or CO2 equivalent per year.

* CARBON CREDITS

Carbon credits are a system of purchasing and trading carbon emissions to mitigate the growth in concentrations of global atmospheric CO2 levels.

The term carbon credit usually refers to a tradable certificate or permit that shows a company, industry, or country, has paid to remove a certain amount of CO2 from the atmosphere.

This certificate gives them the right to emit 1 tonne of CO2 or the equivalent of different greenhouse gas. It is used by individuals or businesses to reduce their carbon footprint through investing in an activity that reduced, removed, or sequestered greenhouse gases at another site.

The trading of carbon credits has turned them into a type of climate currency, subject to supply and demand, just like fiat currencies.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

22 May 2024 09:02

Q2. Consider the following pathogens and the diseases:

1.  Variola major -   Smallpox

2.  Rhinoviruses - Common cold

3.  Naegleria fowleri - Amoebic meningoencephalitis

4.   Plasmodium – Malaria

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

22 May 2024 08:58

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

22 May 2024 08:53

AMOEBIC MENINGOENCEPHALITIS

Syllabus: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently a five-year-old girl from Malappuram in Kerala tragically died from amoebic meningoencephalitis after swimming in a local river.

Learning Points:

* Amoebic meningoencephalitis, also known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is a rare and deadly brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri.

Cause and Transmission:

* Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater and soil worldwide.

* People usually get infected when the amoeba enters their body through the nose, often during swimming or water-related activities.

* Drinking contaminated water does not lead to infection.

Symptoms:

* Initially, symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

* As the infection progresses, patients may experience a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and eventually slip into a coma.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

21 May 2024 07:06

Q2. Consider the following countries:

1.  Azerbaijan
2.  Armenia
3.  Syria
4.  Israel
5.  Iraq
6.  Turkey

How many of the above-mentioned countries share border with Iran?

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

21 May 2024 07:01

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

21 May 2024 06:57

IRAN

Syllabus: GEOGRAPHY – WORLD MAP

Context: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on May 20, 2024. The incident occurred in the northwestern part of Iran, where the helicopter made a “hard landing” due to heavy fog.

Learning Points:

* Iran is located in West Asia, with the Caspian Sea to its north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to its south.

* It shares land borders with seven countries:
  Northwest: Azerbaijan and Armenia
  North: Turkmenistan
  East: Afghanistan and Pakistan
  West: Iraq
  Turkey lies to the northwest, sharing a border with Iran as well.

* This strategic location is significant for India’s foreign policy, particularly for connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, offering an alternative route to Pakistan.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

18 May 2024 09:25

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

18 May 2024 09:23

ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES (ARCS)

Syllabus: ECONOMY

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has identified “several” supervisory concerns related to the functioning of asset reconstruction companies (ARCs).

Learning Points:

* Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) are specialized financial institutions that purchase the bad debts of a bank at a mutually agreed value and then attempt to recover those debts or associated securities themselves.

* ARCs are registered under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and regulated under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act, 2002).

* They function under the supervision and control of the RBI.

* As per the RBI, ARC performs the functions namely Acquisition of financial assets, Change or takeover of Management or Sale or Lease of Business of the Borrower, Rescheduling of Debts, Enforcement of Security Interest and Settlement of dues payable by the borrower.

* ARCs take over a portion of the bank's debts, which qualify as Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). Therefore, ARCs are involved in the business of asset reconstruction, securitisation, or both.

* All the rights previously held by the lender (the bank) in regard to the debt are transferred to the ARC.

Funding

* The required funds to purchase such debts can be raised from Qualified Buyers.

*  Qualified Buyers include Financial Institutions, Insurance companies, Banks, State Financial Corporations, State Industrial Development Corporations, trustee or ARCs registered under SARFAESI and Asset Management Companies registered under SEBI that invest on behalf of mutual funds, pension funds, FIIs, etc.

* The Qualified Buyers are the only persons from whom the ARC can raise funds.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

17 May 2024 12:59

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

17 May 2024 12:55

ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN

Syllabus: INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

Context: Armenia and Azerbaijan reached an agreement regarding disputed sections of their shared border. This marks a significant step toward normalizing relations between the two historic rivals. The deal involves the return of four border villages that were previously seized by Armenia during the 1990s. These villages—Baghanis Ayrum, Ashaghi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Ghizilhajili—will now be under Azerbaijani control.

Learning Points:
 
* Armenia and Azerbaijan are located in the South Caucasus region, which is at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

* Both countries have been involved in territorial disputes, particularly over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Key geographical details of both countries:

Armenia:

* Landlocked country with no access to the world’s oceans.

* Bordered by Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the southeast, and Turkey to the west.

* The capital and largest city is Yerevan.

Azerbaijan:

* Located to the east of Armenia, with a significant coastline along the Caspian Sea.

* Bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the east.

* The capital and largest city is Baku.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

16 May 2024 09:18

Q1. Consider the following states in India:

1.  Nagaland
2.  Assam
3.  Mizoram
4.  Tripura
5.  Sikkim
6.  Arunachal Pradesh

How many of the above- mentioned states share a border with Manipur?

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

17 February 2023 19:28

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

07 February 2023 19:09

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

02 March 2022 09:58

PARIS CLIMATE ACCORD

 It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change.

 It was adopted by 196 countries at Conference of the Parties COP 21 in Paris in December 2015.

Goal: To limit global warming to well below 2° Celsius, and preferably limit it to 1.5° Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Objective: To achieve the long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS SIMPLIFIED

02 March 2022 09:45

INDIA AT COP26

* India is the 3rd largest emitter in terms of net emissions whereas it has the lowest per capita emission among the major economies of the world (17% of the world population emitting just 5% of total).

* India has announced its net-zero targets in COP26 accordance with the Paris agreement of 2015.

* Under the Paris agreement, countries were bound to submit carbon-cutting plans and updates by the end of 2020.

# INDIA’S 5 POINT PLEDGE OR PANCHAMRIT:

Net-zero by 2070

To increase its non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.

Increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to 50% by 2030.

Reduce the emissions intensity of its economy by 45%.

Reduce emissions by 1 billion tonnes of CO2.

India also supported the Africa Group’s demand for $1 trillion in climate action that the developed countries should make available for climate action in developing nations.

# INDIA’S EFFORTS AT PRESENT:

India’s renewable energy capacity is 4th in the world as of now and growing at a rapid rate.

India has seen an increase of about 25% in renewable energy capacity in the last four years.

Indian railways, one of the largest emitters has promised to reach net-zero by 2030– this alone will reduce 60 million tonnes of emissions.

India has launched international institutions for climate action such as International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI),

India along with UK and Australia will launch the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) for the island nations and developing countries.

India will also be part of the launch of the Green Grids Initiative.