9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 3rd, 2022

Dear Friends,

We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs. What we sought to do:

  1. Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  2. We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing. Hence, the 9 PM brief now covers the following newspapers:
    1. The Hindu  
    2. Indian Express  
    3. Livemint  
    4. Business Standard  
    5. Times of India 
    6. Down To Earth
    7. PIB
  3. We have also introduced the relevance part to every article. This ensures that you know why a particular article is important.
  4. Since these changes are new, so initially the number of articles might increase, but they’ll go down over time.
  5. It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
    • For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here
    • For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

Learn from Morbi: Fix local govt

Source– The post is based on the article “Learn from Morbi: Fix local govt” published in The Times of India on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS1- Urbanisation. GS2- Local bodies

Relevance– Urban governance

News- The article explains the issues related to urban civic bodies in asset creation and maintenance.

The broader goal of investigation of the Morbi incident should be to identify the issues faced by urban civic bodies.

What is the importance of asset creation in urban areas?

Thes enable a city to provide an economy of scale. Assets determine the economic potential and environmental sustainability of a city.

PM has himself  observed that vision of India@2047 as developed nation will be shaped by cities.

What are the issues related with urban asset creation and maintenance?

Fiscal health– Large parts of municipal budgets are spent on previous year dues. It leads to cost overrun.

Procurement process and enforcement– The  procurement process is weak.

There is a lack of transparency and people-centricity despite several supportive mechanisms like RTI.

There is a wide nexus between contractors and vested interests in the political economy.

Capacity of civic bodies– These bodies suffer from overlapping responsibility and multiplicity of agencies.

There is an acute shortage of staff. One CEO or engineer handles two or more civic bodies.

Training and feedback are either absent or irregular.

What is the way forward?

Improving fiscal health– State needs to initiate civic body reform regarding its own source funds. Property tax toolkit gives step-by-step directions for this.

Accounting exercise with ratio analysis, realistic budgeting with participatory resources and timely auditing is needed.

Following due process– Asset creation and maintenance should follow the rules, byelaws and regulation. It includes safety, environmental and energy audits as per building code, Model Municipal Law, 2003 and UDFPI guidelines, 1996.

Capacity building– There is a need to focus upon competency-based modules rather than routine conventional training. Exposure visit and roundtable seminars for all municipal functionaries including elected leaders is needed.

GS Paper 2


Two-finger test in rape cases: Executive must summon the political will to implement Supreme Court’s directive

Source: The post is based on the article “Two-finger test in rape cases: Executive must summon the political will to implement Supreme Court’s directive” published in the Indian Express on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Relevance: About the ‘two-finger’ test and its elimination.

News: Recently, the Supreme Court has declared that any person conducting the invasive ‘two-finger’ or ‘three-finger’ vaginal test on rape or sexual assault survivors will be found guilty of misconduct.

What is a two-finger test, and What did the Supreme Court say about the two-finger test?
Read here: Anyone conducting ‘two-finger’ test on sexual assault survivors will be held guilty of misconduct: Supreme Court
What are the concerns associated with the two-finger test?

Legal scholars believe the two-finger test allows for “medicalisation of consent” where women’s bodies are given precedence over their voices. So, the two-finger test is an invasion of privacy and a violation of a survivor’s dignity. The test also signifies the patriarchal notions about rape.

The prevalence of the test also highlight the poor state of forensic medicine infrastructure in India. Further, there is a lack of awareness amongst the medical community about the unscientific nature of the two-finger test.

What is the present status of the two-finger test?

Based on the recommendations of the Justice J S Verma Committee Report, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare issued guidelines for medico-legal care for survivors of sexual violence. These guidelines explicitly prohibited the two-finger test and discussed the need for training medical examiners to respond to the needs of the survivors in a sensitive and non-discriminatory manner.

Lillu @ Rajesh v. State of Haryana (2013) case: In this case, the court prohibited the test. But despite that, the two-finger test still remains a reality.

What is the significance of the recent judgment on the two-finger test?

Address the Lack of political will to enforce the guidelines: The Court commented on the sorry state of affairs and issued directions to the government to enforce the protocol including the emphasis on workshops and the medical school curriculum.

Guidance to medical practitioners: The Court took a step further by holding a person conducting the two-finger test on a rape survivor guilty of misconduct.

What needs to be done to completely rule out the two-finger test?

The government has to undertake a comprehensive pan-India review to assess the nature and extent of the problem and rely on an evidence-based approach to addressing the problems of implementation.


Ugly truth about a vaccine that did not work – on Kaynasur Forest diseases vaccine

Source– The post is based on the article “Ugly truth about a vaccine that did not work” published in the mint on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- Health GS- Science and Technology

News- The article explains the issues related with Kaynasur Forest diseases vaccine

What are the issues with the KFD vaccine?

The KFD vaccine has faced both regulatory and quality problems for over two decades.

CDSCO has not given permission to the vaccine manufacturer, the Bengluru based IAHVB since at least 2002.

Vaccine quality has deteriorated measurably over two decades. It is failing the potency test repeatedly. Potency is closely linked to effectiveness.

NIV did not ask IAHVB to stop manufacturing the vaccine despite failing potency tests continuously.

Studies conducted by the National Institute of Epidemiology have shown that effectiveness of vaccines has dropped dramatically by the mid 2000s.

What is the contribution by NIV in the fight against KFD?

NIV scientists were first to isolate the virus from Kaynasur forest in 1957.

In the 1960s, NIV developed a formalin-inactivated vaccine.

It detected the carrier of the virus.

How did the vaccine come into production? In 1989, the Karnataka government set up a manufacturing facility under VDL Shivamogga. NIV transferred its vaccine technology to VDL.

In the 2000s , the Karnataka government decided to move the manufacturing facility to IAHVB despite having inadequate infrastructure.

What is the legal process for vaccine approval?

CDSCO permits a manufacturer to make a vaccine. It approves both manufacturing methods and quality control tests.

If a manufacturer releases a vaccine that fails quality control., then it is illegal.

What are some facts about KFD?

It is deadly disease. But it severely impacts only 5-10% of affected people.

It mainly affects forest and agriculture workers.

There is no specific treatment for it.

GS Paper 3


Seeds of hope: On GM crops and scientific consent

Source: The post is based on the following articles “Seeds of hope: On GM crops and scientific consent” published in The Hindu on 3rd November 2022.

“Science can help India regain traditional cooking mediums” published in Livemint on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country

Relevance: About the benefits and concerns associated with DMH-11.

News: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) last week cleared the DMH-11 or Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 for environmental release. The seed can now be grown in fields for producing more of its kind and is a precursor to it being approved for commercial release.

About India’s oil consumption pattern

Coconut oil is popular in south India, while the western regions like to deep fry in groundnut oil. Mustard oil is used more in the east and north. But for almost 25 years, local oilseed production has fallen short of demand.

None of the traditional, cold-pressed, filtered oils have managed to hold their ground against imported palm, soy and sunflower oil. Almost 70% of demand is now met with imports. India became the world’s largest importer of soybean and sunflower oils.

Due to marketing, traditional favourites like mustard, coconut, groundnut and sesame oil have reduced in their share.

Must read: Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee approves commercial cultivation of genetically modified mustard yet again
What are the benefits of DMH-11?

Aid in self-sufficiency of edible oil: Self-sufficiency in food has to be a legitimate public-policy concern. At present, Indian kitchens spend $19 billion annually on Indonesian palm, Ukrainian sunflower and Argentinian soybean oil.

Improve health: The most price-conscious segment of the oil market was cornered by palm oil. Getting rid of the 8 million tonnes of imported palm oil could help India lower its ischemic heart disease mortality rate associated with it.

What are the other GM Crops approved in India and rolled back?

In 2009, GEAC cleared Bt Brinjal, a transgenic food crop. But the decision has been overruled by the government due to protest.

Read more: Gene-altered food crops: Enhancing mustard yields 
What are the concerns associated with the DMH-11?

DMH-11 alone may not be the panacea for India’s edible oil crisis. This is because,

1) The barnase-barstar system, used in DMH-11, is promising but already outdated given that cutting-edge technology such as CRISPR is in popularity, 2) The DMH-11 represents a platform technology that requires seed companies to invest and develop their own hybrids. But, there is uncertainty around regulatory policy regarding seed development in India, 3) Instead of making India’s oilseed economy self-reliant, GMO mustard would render farmers “seriously dependent” on a multinational giants like Bayer AG, which holds the ultimate patent on the technology.

Read more: GM Crops in India: Issues and challenges – Explained, pointwise

Overall, India’s imbalance of three decades in oil market won’t be fixed in a day. But science can help put traditional oils back on Indian kitchen shelves.


Draft telecom Bill: A move that turns back the clock

Source: The post is based on the article “Draft telecom Bill: A move that turns back the clock” published in the Indian Express on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Relevance: About the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill and ways to improve it.

News: The draft Indian Telecommunication Bill reimagines and reshapes the digital architecture in India.

About the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill
Read here: Draft Telecommunication Bill, 2022 – Explained, pointwise
What are the concerns associated with the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill?
Read here: Draft Telecom Bill enhances unease of doing biz amid regulatory overlaps
What needs to be done to improve the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill?

Liberalise the regulatory regime in the telecom sector: After 1991, India focused on liberalisation. For instance, electricity-generating plants were liberated from licensing under the Electricity Act, of 2003.

On similar lines now, the internet economy requires a supporting and facilitative legal framework and regulatory mechanism that is simple and easy to navigate and aids the digital economy.

Limit the application: The new law should only regulate the hard infrastructure/network layer, the essence of telecommunications, and not the software layer.

This is because, the Telecom service providers (TSPs) operate at the network level while the OTTs function at the software layer. Also, the OTTs are governed by the Information (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Avoid regulatory supremacy: The Supreme Court recently resolved a 10-year long jurisdictional battle between the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Security and Exchange Board of India to regulate and control forward trading/future contracts in the electricity markets.

The telecom sector has, in the past, witnessed a tussle for regulatory supremacy between TRAI and the Competition Commission of India. So, instead of having an overlapping jurisdiction, a clear Lakshman Rekha has to be drawn.

Do not offend the doctrine of equality: The inclusion of OTTs under the regulatory regime for TSPs will be tested on the principles enshrined under Article 14 of the Constitution — “unequal cannot be treated equally”. This is because of the merger of two distinct service providers. So, the government should reexamine these contentious issues and course correct them.

Read more: What are the limitations of auctions as a method of spectrum allocation? How does the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, try to bring reforms to this area?

The regulatory framework offers stability, predictability and legal certainty. A legal architecture based on the concept of “one sector one regulator” can help provide clarity to stakeholders and facilitate the growth of the digital economy.


Empowering Gati Shakti

Source: The post is based on an article Empowering Gati Shaktipublished in Business Standard on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Information Technology

Relevance: reforms in Internet connectivity and its benefits

News:  The article discusses the importance of telecommunication in the development of India and Gati Shakti.

What is Gati Shakti and what are its aims?

Gati Shakti or the National Master Plan for logistics development on a digital platform was introduced in October 2021.

It is based on the recommendations of the National Transport Development Policy Committee in January 2014.

It establishes digitised institutional processes for comprehensive, integrated project planning and execution to assist ministries and infrastructure sectors. Thus, aiming at more efficient outcomes at reduced cost and time for logistics.

Gati Shakti also includes digitised database and portal along with geographic positioning capabilities. However, the effectiveness of Gati Shakti platform depends on telecommunications reform.

What does the different reports highlight on the importance of telecommunication?

A study conducted by World bank shows the importance of telecommunications (and electricity) for growth.

Further a report published by Asian Development Bank confirms that internet and mobile density contribute to their high rate of growth in India and China.

Therefore, there is a need to change the policy for telecommunication as it impacts many sectors.

Which sectors have impact of telecommunication?

Environmental care & climate mitigation: Effective broadband coverage and shared networks improve both.

Education and work life: Effective broadband coverage will enable learning in rural areas and provide employment opportunities.

There are other areas such as e-commerce, distributed healthcare, government services, entertainment where broadband services are required.

Therefore, there is a need to bring the reform in the policy to enable the use of internet services on wide-range.

What are the reforms required?

First, there is a need for inexpensive, higher capacity connectivity by enabling spectrum usage for wireless and shared networks.

Second, there is a need to increase the network coverage along with high-speed wireless network at a reduced cost.

Third, India has enabled restricted use of 60 GHz but government should permit telcos to use 60 and 70-80 GHz “mmWave” technology for pay-for-use backhaul with no extra cost (auctions, extra taxes).

  • This would provide huge service and cost benefits in India as in San Francisco and London.

Fourth, there a need to establish easier access to spectrum for authorised institutions and researchers so that India’s R&D for commercial and defence is free from any obstacle.

Moreover, the features of Gati Shakti portal should also be changed to cater the demand of the users while balancing the security of the portal.

Therefore, there is a need to develop effective telecommunication policy to improve the infrastructure gap and increase the productivity and efficiency of Gati Shakti.


India must lead the creation of a citizen-centric digital economy

Source: The post is based on an article “India must lead the creation of a citizen-centric digital economy” published in Live Mint on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Information Technology

Relevance: measures and need to develop citizen centric digital economy

News: The article discusses the needs for developing citizen centric digital economy in India.

“There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.” This statement by Vladimir Lenin is relevant to the context of India.

India has shown remarkable achievement in leveraging technology during the pandemic when rest of the world was behind. It has shown the world the power of an inclusive citizen-centric innovation framework.

The upcoming G20 presidency will also give India a platform to shows its success to the world.

How has India achieved success in digitization?

India has executed many citizen-friendly programs over the last 75 years. However, the Digital India Initiative has been a turning point for India.

Today around 20 platforms run on this initiative which has made Indians to adapt technology in their lives. The digitization is expected to offer a $700 billion opportunity for India by 2030.

These digital initiatives are present across various sectors such as health, agriculture, finance and urban governance and have shown success.

Some of the examples are: Co-Win enabled over 2 billion vaccination doses, the Aadhaar ecosystem has scaled to 1.3 billion registrations, and Bhim UPI has recorded over 6.28 billion transactions in July 2022.

These platforms show India’s success in tech inclusivity, innovation, scale and impact. However, there is a need to focus on other aspect of technology also i.e., using technology to improve human lives.

What steps can be taken by India to improve lives of Indians by using technology?

India has all means (growing technology and innovation ecosystem, etc.) to provide its citizens required digital services.

However, the success of a digital economy depends not only on available means but using those means to provide all citizens equal opportunity and access to critical services.

Therefore, India would need to utilize its opportunity of G20 presidency to create a framework for a citizen-centric digital economy.

The framework should include principles of trust and inclusion, digital public infrastructure, a robust datafication strategy and focus on security.

This would give India an opportunity to lead the world in creating a citizen-centric digital economy.

How can India create a citizen centric digital economy?

A citizen centric economy means that an economy that focuses on the development along with the development of its citizens. i.e., providing affordable healthcare for all, clean energy, food for all, and clean water.

India would need to create strategically important projects that focus on solving real-world challenges and create equal access and opportunities for everyone.

For example, an artificial intelligence (AI)- enabled new or repurposed diabetes drug discovery program.

It should be built on population health data with real time or past data gathered through a network of Internet-of-Medical-Things (IoMT) devices at primary healthcare centres.

This could solve problems of healthcare access and affordability and promote self-reliance in drugs.

It will also help in reducing premature mortality rate from non-communicable diseases and address the needs of a diabetic population of around 100 million in African and West Asian countries

Therefore, as India has done progress in its digital economy, it also requires to develop a citizen centric digital economy to show the path to the world.


A chance to expand the world biosphere footprint

Source– The post is based on the article “A chance to expand the world biosphere footprint” published in The Hindu on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment

Relevance– Mechanism to protect the ecosystem

News- The article explains the concept of biosphere reserves. It explains the importance of South Asia in promoting this concept.

What is WNBR (World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves)?

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves was formed in 1971. It helps in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and living in harmony with nature.

There are now 738 properties in 134 countries, including 12 in India.

All biosphere reserves are internationally recognised sites on land, coast, oceans. Governments alone decide which areas to nominate. Before approval by UNESCO, the sites are externally examined. If approved, they will be managed based on a plan.

What are the benefits associated with biosphere reserves?

WNBR promotes cooperation through sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, building capacity and promoting best practices. Its members are always ready to support each other.

Biosphere reserves have all developed science-based management plans. Local solutions for sustainable human living and nature conservation are tested, and best practices are applied.

Why is South Asia important?

In South Asia, over 30 biosphere reserves have been established. The first one was the Hurulu Biosphere Reserve, in Sri Lanka.

India is a vast sub-continent. It has become an important global player on environmental sustainability issues. India is likely to become the world’s most populated country in 2023.

Spain has a landmass of 50600 square kms. It has 53 biosphere reserves. In comparison, India has a larger surface area of 3287000 square kms. It offers great potential.

Some of the countries in South Asia do not yet have any or enough biosphere reserves. In most, the political will is certainly there. But there is a lack of know-how and financial resources.

The existence of the new World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves provides a welcome opportunity for Bhutan and Nepal to establish their first biosphere reserves and participate in the world network.


Curious collage shows rhino horns are shrinking due to impact of hunting

Source– The post is based on the article “Curious collage shows rhino horns are shrinking due to impact of hunting” published in The Hindu on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology

Relevance– Species evolution

News- The article explains the study published in the latest edition of People and Nature by the British Ecological Society related to decreasing length of horns of rhinos.

What has been found by the study?

It found evidence for declining horn length over time across species. It is perhaps related to the selective pressure of hunting.

Rate of decline in horn length was highest in the critically-endangered Sumatran rhino and lowest in the white rhino of Africa.

This observation follows patterns seen in other animals, such as tusk size in elephants and horn length in wild sheep.

What were the sources of study?

It relied on a repository of images maintained by the Netherlands-based Rhino Research Center (RRC).

It only included photographs where the animal was side-on to the camera to facilitate more accurate and repeatable measurements. It excluded photos of any individuals where the horn had been cut.

What are lessons from the study?

Online image repositories can offer a freely accessible, information-rich and cost-effective alternative to museum collections. It is useful for studying long-term changes in human interactions with nature and ecological and evolutionary change.


Unprofitable, growing bad assets: The tale of existential crisis at RRBs

Source– The post is based on the article “Unprofitable, growing bad assets: The tale of existential crisis at RRBs” published in the Business Standard on 3rd November 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- India Economy

Relevance– Financial institutions

News- The article explains the concept of RRBs. It also explains the financial condition of RRBs.

What are RRBs?

RRBs are jointly owned by the central government, state governments and sponsoring banks.

They were set up in 1975 with the intent of bringing financial services and products to agricultural workers and labourers.

What are the steps taken by the government for RRBs?

Last month, the finance ministry issued draft guidelines setting the criteria for the listing of regional rural banks on the stock exchange.

The guidelines included listing banks that have earned an operating profit of more than Rs 15 crore in three out of the past five financial years, a net worth of Rs 300 crore and a capital adequacy ratio above the required 9 per cent in the past three years.

The government has amalgamated various standalone RRBs at different points in time to cut overhead costs. A decade ago, there were 82 RRBs. Since then, their number has reduced to 43.

What is the financial condition of RRBs?

There has been a steady decline in the number of profit-making RRBs from 75 in FY11 to 34 in FY22. Only 20 have made a profit of over Rs 15 crore in the past three years.

Between FY11 and FY22, net NPAs have doubled from 2.05% to 4.68%.

Agriculture sector borrows more from commercial banks than the RRBs. The share of institutional credit by the commercial banks for agriculture and allied activities has increased from 65 per cent to 76% between FY11 and FY22. While, the share of RRBs in the total credit has remained constant between 11 per cent and 13 per cent.

In FY22, institutional credit in the RRBs marginally declined to 11% from 12% in the previous year.


Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

DRDO conducts successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor off Odisha coast

Source: The post is based on the articleDRDO conducts successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor off Odisha coastpublished in PIB on 2nd November 2022.

What is the News?

Defence Research & Development Organisation(DRDO) has conducted a successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence(BMD) interceptor AD-1 missile.

What is an AD-1 missile?

The AD-1 (Air Defence) is a long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft. 

Purpose: The missile is capable of striking down incoming adversary missiles and aircraft.

It has been developed under the Phase II of the Ballistic Missile Defence programme.

Features: It is propelled by a two-stage solid motor and equipped with an indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithm to precisely guide the vehicle to the target.

What is the Ballistic Missile Defence(BMD) programme?

A ballistic missile is a type of missile that fires warheads at a target by moving the projectile. The majority of the flight is unpowered, so these weapons are only guided for short periods.

India’s Ballistic Missile Defence(BMD) program is said to have been started by the DRDO around the 2000s in view of the development of ballistic assets by Pakistan and China. 

The phase-I of the programme is said to have been completed towards the end of the 2010s and consisted of the advanced air defence systems and air defence systems based on the Prithvi missile.

The second phase focuses on the development of anti-ballistic defence systems like the US’s Theatre High-Altitude Area Defence system which can neutralise intermediate-range ballistic missiles.


Will India’s sovereign green bonds bet work?

Source: The post is based on the article “Will India’s sovereign green bonds bet work?” published in Livemint on 3rd November 2022.

What is the News?

The Indian government is all set to debut in the green bonds market soon as laid out in the Union Budget 2022.

What are Green Bonds?
Green Bonds
Source: Livemint

Green bonds are an instrument to raise money, at a lower cost than regular bonds, for environment-friendly projects.

The concept goes back only 15 years when a group of Swedish pension funds wanted to invest in green projects as climate worries grew. 

About the Green Bonds in India

Yes Bank was the first Indian Bank to issue Green Infrastructure Bonds (GIBs) in India in 2015. 

Corporates have been issuing green bonds in India for a few years in a growing market, but the country’s global share stood at just 1% in the first half of 2022. 

The Government of India is now planning to issue sovereign Green Bonds to finance a string of clean energy schemes. This includes viability gap funding for battery storage, energy efficiency schemes for small and medium businesses and equity support for hydropower projects in the Northeast.

However, India’s low credit rating becomes a setback in raising money through global markets. Further, the lack of awareness among companies and investors is also a tough hurdle.

Hence, tax benefits, transparent rules and regulations, standardization of the issuance process and clear criteria for green projects are the need of the hour.


India-U.K. FTA will tighten screws on generic drugs: Doctors Without Borders

Source: The post is based on the article “Russia says it resumes participation in Ukraine grain deal” published in The Hindu on 3rd November 2022.

What is the News?

According to Doctors without Borders, the proposals on intellectual property (IP) rights in the draft India-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement(FTA) will hurt the global supply of generic medicines.

What does the draft India-UK FTA say on Generic medicines?

Firstly, the UK is seeking continuous extension of the patent period and rights through small tweaks in the drug, known as evergreening.

– This may prevent parents from expiring, impacting cheaper drug availability and its production by Indian generic drug manufacturers.

Secondly, the draft has proposed to prohibit pre-grant oppositions, which means India will not be able to stop challenges to weak/ invalid patents until after they have been granted.

Thirdly, the draft provides that customs officials could block legitimate medicines from leaving India for other developing countries if a multinational pharmaceutical corporation were to claim that their patents were being infringed upon by the Indian product. 

What are the issues with these draft provisions on Generic medicines?

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF), a non profit organization, has said that these provisions will have disastrous consequences.

For instance, the demand for “harmonization” of Indian patent law with the U.K.’s laws will lead to the dilution of important provisions in the Indian patent system that are necessary for manufacturing generic medicines and vaccines.

Hence, it has called upon India to stay vigilant and not allow barriers to affordable medicines to be written into FTA negotiations


How Delhi’s resettlement colonies have set a new standard for peripheralisation

Source: The post is based on the articleHow Delhi’s resettlement colonies have set a new standard for peripheralisationpublished in Down To Earth on 3rd November 2022.

What is the News?

According to a report by the Centre for Policy Research, recent resettlements of Delhi have set a new standard of peripheralisation in its history.

What is Peripheralisation?

Peripheria is an old Greek term that is used to describe the outside. In geographical terms, the periphery is referred to in the contexts of cities and regions. 

The periphery is usually the lesser developed part of a town or region, that is usually located at the edge of the cities/regions and far away from the developed, more “sophisticated” and often beautiful city/regional centre.

In the social sense, “peripheralization” describes the production of peripheries through social relations and their spatial implications.

Example of Peripheralization

India: It has been observed that new settlements in Delhi (2010, displacement due to Commonwealth games and others) suffer from a new standard of peripheralization. These include: – poor access to basic services like water, healthcare, etc; inadequate housing provisions; located outside the ambit of ‘planned colonies’.

Globally: “The West” is the centre and (parts of) Africa, Latin America and Asia are the periphery.


India Post Payments Bank conducts India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp

Source: The post is based on the articleIndia Post Payments Bank conducts India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp published in PIB on 2nd November 2022.

What is the News?

India Post Payments Bank(IPPB) has conducted India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp with an initiative called ‘Niveshak Didi’.

What is Niveshak Didi?

Launched by: India Post Payments Bank(IPPB) in collaboration with Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority(IEPFA) under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MCA).

Aim: To promote Financial Literacy “By the women, for the women” concept. 

– The initiative is based on the ideology of women for women as rural area women feel more comfortable to share their queries with a female itself. 

– As part of the initiative, IPPB conducted India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp among the local residents around the world-famous Dal Lake of Srinagar, J&K.


5 Moral Dilemmas That Self-Driving Cars Face Today

Source: The post is based on the article 5 Moral Dilemmas That Self-Driving Cars Face Todaypublished in Forbes on 3rd November 2022.

What is the News?

Autonomous vehicle manufacturer Tesla faces their biggest challenge since the launch of Autopilot in 2015 as a series of lawsuits and a criminal case over fatal Tesla accidents head to court.

What are Autonomous Vehicles?
Self driving cars
Source: Delphi

An autonomous vehicle or a driverless vehicle is one that is able to operate itself and perform necessary functions without any human intervention through the ability to sense its surroundings.

Advantages of Autonomous Vehicles: 1) Reduce traffic congestion, 2) Cut transportation costs (in terms of vehicles, fuel and infrastructure), 3) Reduce urban CO2 emissions, 4) Can save unproductive time, 5) Decrease in accidents due to human error and 6) Decrease in human stress.

Ethical issues involved in Autonomous Vehicles

Giving Control to the Driver: Tesla requires the driver to keep their hands on the steering and be attentive, even when the vehicle is running in fully autonomous mode. The driver needs to be prepared to take over at any moment.

But, even in such cases, if an accident does happen, there is a question of who is responsible for the loss of life and property? Is it the autonomous car or is it the driver?

Accountability: In the case of any crash, it would arise an issue of accountability whether the car owner would be accountable or the manufacturer of that vehicle.

Rightful Deciders of the Ethics of Self-Driving Cars: Generally, the ethics of self-driving cars are determined by the engineers who work on the car’s technology. What they deem right or wrong determines how the car will act in certain situations like accidents.

But people argue about who is the right person or organization to decide the ethics of self-driving cars. Is it the engineers who worked on the car technology? Is it the government of the country where the vehicle will be driven?

Program the Car to Make an Impartial Decision: Some argue that the best way for a self-driving car is to make an impartial decision in case of accidents. They must not discriminate between humans based on age, gender, or other parameters. They should always make a decision that causes the least impact.

Loss of jobs due to automation: Job loss to drivers without compensatory skill development and job creation. It is believed that in the coming future automation will kill 69% of jobs.

Hacking dilemma: There is always a risk of a cyber criminal hacking into the car’s system to gain access to sensitive data or to carry out a misdeed.


Explained | The new hybrid variant of mustard

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | The new hybrid variant of mustard” published in The Hindu on 3rd November 2022.

What is the News?

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee(GEAC) has approved the environmental release of Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), a genetically-engineered variant of mustard.

What is DMH-11?

DMH-11 is a hybrid variant of mustard developed by researchers at The Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, at the University of Delhi. 

Click Here to read more

Is DMH-11 a better mustard variety?

Trials conducted over three years by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) suggest that DMH-11 has 28% higher yields than its parent Varuna and was 37% better than zonal checks, or local varieties that are considered the best in different agro-climatic zones. 

How significant is the development of DMH-11?

Mustard (Brassica juncea) is cultivated in 6-7 million hectares during the Rabi winter season predominantly in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. 

India imports anywhere from 55-60% of its domestic edible-oil requirement. 

In 2020-21, around 13.3 million tonnes of edible oil were imported at a cost of almost ₹1.17 lakh crore according to the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. 

This is primarily due to low productivity — of about 1-1.3 tonnes/hectare — that has been stagnant for over two decades. On the other hand, hybrid mustard and rapeseed are the dominant forms of oil seeds in Canada, China and Europe. 

So, the experts say the only way to improve India’s productivity is to have more mustard hybrids.

What next for GM Mustard?

The GEAC go-ahead only allows DMH-11 to be grown in fields under the supervision of the ICAR. It has been said that the crop would be commercially available after “three seasons” as currently it is being grown in large quantities for evaluation.


12th century inscription in Sanskrit found on Mahalaxmi temple wall in kolhapur

Source: The post is based on the article “12th century inscription in Sanskrit found on Mahalaxmi temple wall in kolhapur” published in TOI on 2nd November 2022.

What is the News?

A 12th-century inscription in Sanskrit carved on the stone wall of the Mahalaxmi temple here has shed more light on the rich heritage of the temple.

About Mahalaxmi/Shri Ambabai Temple

Mahalaxmi temple is located on the banks of the Panchganga river in Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra. 

It is one of the Shakthi Peeths mentioned in Hindu Puranas (Hindu ancient religious texts).

The temple takes its name from Ambabai/Mahalaxmi, and it is believed that the divine couple resides in the area.

The temple belongs architecturally to the Chalukya empire and may have been first built in 700 AD.


Russia says it resumes participation in Ukraine grain deal

Source: The post is based on the article “Russia says it resumes participation in Ukraine grain deal” published in Indian Express on 2nd November 2022.

What is the News?

Russia has said that it would resume its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

What is the Black Sea Grain Initiative?

Click Here to read

What has happened to the Black Sea Grain Initiative?

Recently, Russia suspended its involvement in the initiative saying it could not guarantee safety for civilian ships crossing the Black Sea because of an attack on its fleet there.

This led to exacerbated food shortages and a cost of living crisis in many countries as Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest suppliers of grain and oilseeds.

However, it has now decided to resume its participation in the initiative after Russia received written guarantees from Ukraine not to use the Black Sea grain corridor for military operations against Russia.


President inaugurates 7th India Water Week

Source: The post is based on the articlePresident inaugurates 7th India Water Week published in AIR on 1st November 2022.

What is the News?

The President of India inaugurated the 7th edition of India Water Week(IWW) at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. 

What is India Water Week(IWW) 2022?

Organized by: Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Aim: To raise awareness, conserve and use water resources in an integrated manner.

Theme: “Water Security for Sustainable Development and Equity”.

Partner Countries: Denmark, Singapore and Finland are the partner countries for India Water Week. 

What are the ways by which water management and its sustainability can be achieved?

Some of the ways by which water management and its sustainability can be achieved are: 1) Regulating over-extraction of groundwater, 2) tracking water resources in rural-urban areas, 3) access to installing wells, 4) pumps for irrigation, 5) protecting of aquifers, 6) rainwater harvesting structures like check dams and field bunds and 7) not polluting water resources.

Moreover, the use of new technologies, sensors and satellite imagery are enabling people to improve ‘water accounting’ and equitability in water management.


[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #161: Suman Sharma Board, Zoology Optional, Haryana Home State,

Date of Interview: 27/02/2024 Board: Suman Sharma Maam Optional: Zoology Home State: Haryana Time: Forenoon, 2nd one to go Duration: 32 minutes DAF Keywords – Haryana, Zoology (Nothing asked from Hobby and other key words in DAF) To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman What you were doing after your Post graduation?… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #161: Suman Sharma Board, Zoology Optional, Haryana Home State,

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[Download] New 10 PM Weekly Compilation – March 2024 – 3rd week

Hello, everyone. We are posting a Compilation of the 10 pm current affairs quiz – March 2024 – 3rd week for practice of current affairs. All Questions have been framed based on the format of 2024 UPSC prelims exam. The compilation has been arranged based on the Prelims syllabus. Click on the following link to download… Continue reading [Download] New 10 PM Weekly Compilation – March 2024 – 3rd week

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #160: Dinesh Dasa sir Board, Agriculture Optional, Rajasthan Home State

Date of Interview: 29 Feb Board: Dinesh Dasa sir Optional: Agriculture Home State: Rajasthan Keyword- Agriculture, Rajasthan Duration: 30-35 min To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman I ll give you one statement reflect on it Gm crops are good but we degrading our genetic biodiversity Tell me why onion inflation is… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #160: Dinesh Dasa sir Board, Agriculture Optional, Rajasthan Home State

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #159: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Board, PSIR Optional, Bihar Home State

Date of Interview: 19th Feb, Bihar Board: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Optional: PSIR Home State: Bihar Background: IIT Roorkee Key words: IIT Roorkee , Bihar, patent office(DAF) Last to go forenoon session To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman Discussion on Electoral bond. Issue with SC decision on bond Alternative to electoral… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #159: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Board, PSIR Optional, Bihar Home State

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #158: Bidyut Behari Swain Board, Commerce & Accountancy Optional, Arunachal Pradesh Home State, JRF, writing Hobbies

Date of Interview: 28-02-24 (forenoon) Board: Bidyut Behari Swain Optional: Commerce & Accountancy Home State: Arunachal Pradesh Hobbies: Writing (others not asked) Daf- JRF, writing Time- around 35 mins To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman Tell me about Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura (I am from NE) Tell me about JRF How to boost… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #158: Bidyut Behari Swain Board, Commerce & Accountancy Optional, Arunachal Pradesh Home State, JRF, writing Hobbies

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Must Read Daily Current Affairs Articles 28th March 2024

About Must Read News Articles is an initiative by Team ForumIAS to provide links to the most important news articles of the day. It covers The Hindu newspaper. This saves the time and effort of students in identifying useful and important articles. With newspaper websites requiring a paid subscription beyond a certain number of fixed… Continue reading Must Read Daily Current Affairs Articles 28th March 2024

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Ace CSE 2024 Prelims with ForumIAS All-India Simulator Tests!

Dear CSE 2024 Aspirants,   Prelims 2024 has been postponed by almost a month. While this shift might have disrupted some of your plans, it also presents an invaluable opportunity to further refine your preparation and approach the examination with even greater confidence. Therefore, to capitalize on this opportunity, you need a thorough practice, to… Continue reading Ace CSE 2024 Prelims with ForumIAS All-India Simulator Tests!

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #157: Sanjay Verma Board, Sociology Optional, Maharashtra Home State, Teaching Hobby

Date of Interview: 28-02-24 (forenoon) Board: Sanjay Verma Sir Optional: Sociology Home State: Maharashtra Hobby: Teaching DAF- Maharashtra,  Civil engg graduate, solid waste management, teaching, Sociology optional To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman It was quite a long wait for you. How was your experience As you are from Maharashtra, have… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #157: Sanjay Verma Board, Sociology Optional, Maharashtra Home State, Teaching Hobby

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Better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies: Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better

Source: The post better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies has been created, based on the article “Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better” published in “Live mint” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-economy- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices. News: The article… Continue reading Better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies: Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better

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Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA): Indian cities cry out for UMTA

Source: The post Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) has been created, based on the article “Indian cities cry out for UMTA” published in “Business standard” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- economy- infrastructure News: The article discusses the need for Indian cities to create a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA). This… Continue reading Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA): Indian cities cry out for UMTA

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