9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 28th, 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 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

The dismal case of slashing schemes and cutting funds

Source: The post is based on an article The dismal case of slashing schemes and cutting funds” published in The Hindu on 28th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government Policies

Relevance: concerns associated with the decline in the number of schemes

News: Around 50% of central government sponsored scheme have been discontinued, subsumed, revamped or rationalised into other schemes in the past three years.

This has impacted different sectors as funds are needed for the welfare of the people.

How schemes have changed in different ministries?

Union Ministry of Women and Child Development – There are just 3 schemes now (Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.) out of 19 schemes.

Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy –There are just 2 schemes remaining out of 12. The Ministry has also ended three schemes which include Dairying through Cooperatives, National Dairy Plan-II, etc.

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare – There are three schemes now (Krishonnati Yojana, Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperatives and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana) out of 20 earlier.

However, the challenges such as funding cuts, disbursement and utilization of funds still remain despite reduction in the scheme.

As per data, around ₹1.2 lakh crore of funds meant for central government-sponsored schemes are with banks and they have not been utilized.

What is the status of active schemes?

Schemes that are active, are also facing challenges such as funding cuts, disbursement and utilization of funds.

Nirbhaya Scheme: ₹1,000 crore was allocated to the Nirbhaya fund annually between 2013-16 and out of these funds a large amount of have been unutilized.

  • Further, around ₹6,214 crore was allocated to the Nirbhaya fund since its launch in 2013 but only ₹4,138 crore was disbursed till the FY21-22.
  • This shows the dismal condition of the women-oriented schemes. States are also ending the schemes while women still continue to face risks in public spaces.

Agriculture: Farmers are facing problems with the cut in the subsidies of fertilizers by the government. For example, government spending on fertilizers in FY20-21 was ₹1,27,921 crore and it reached ₹79,529 crore in the FY21-22. There were also reductions in the allocation of NPK fertilizers.

  • These budgetary cuts have led to shortage in fertilizers and the price of fertilizers have also risen up due to the ongoing Ukraine war.

Employment: The allocation for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) went down by 25% in the FY22-23 budget compared to the FY21-22.

  • This reduction has come at the time when the demand for jobs is higher than pre pandemic level as highlighted by the Economic Survey 2022-23.
  • Further, there has been delay in the disbursal of the fund.
  • There has also been reduction in the actual allocation of budget for the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan. This scheme subsumed 15 other schemes instead of expanding and providing jobs to the rural poor.

Health: There has been delays in the salary of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers. They also struggle in regularization of their jobs and their wages are also very low.

Environment: Funding for wildlife habitat development under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has declined to almost half this year. There has also been decline in the allocation for Project Tiger. This raises doubt on meeting the climate change obligations.


Bailouts and balances: Tough choices ahead for Sri Lanka

Source: The post is based on an article Bailouts and balances: Tough choices ahead for Sri Lanka” published in Business Standard on 28th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations

Relevance: measures to improve Sri Lanka’s economic crisis

News: Sri Lanka has been witnessing food and energy shortages and political instability for a long period of time.

This has made the country to run out of the cash to survive its economy. Therefore, IMF has assisted Sri Lanka in improving its position.

How has IMF helped Sri Lanka and what are its suggestions?

Sri Lanka has finalized a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and four-year rescue plan worth $2.9 billion has been provided by the IMF.

The IMF agreement has laid down the following conditions for the Sri Lankan government: a) a cut in spending, b) increase in taxes, c) policies against corruption, d) autonomy for the central bank, and e) reduction in debt-to-gross domestic product ratio.

It also wants that Sri Lanka should talk to its top bilateral fund creditors (China, Japan, and India) to restructure its loans, seek debt relief and financial assurances.

How has the three countries help Sri Lanka at the time of crisis?

China: China is the largest lender of Sri Lanka. It is the only lender contributing to 10 per cent of Sri Lanka’s overall borrowings and accounting for 20 per cent of its overall debts.

  • China has helped Sri Lanka in many ways such as by providing financial assistance worth $2.5 billion in 2020 and by providing a $1.5-billion currency swap in 2021.
  • It has also offered humanitarian assistance of $75 million and additional financial assistance worth $4 billion.

India: India’s approach to the Sri Lankan crisis is people-centric as well as interest-driven. India has assisted Sri Lanka with $3.8 billion in 2022 and Sri Lanka owes 2% of its debt to India.

  • India has also provided credit lines, currency swaps, modernization, investments, and emergency humanitarian supplies to prevent the collapsing of Sri Lanka’s economy.
  • Further, India has offered a free-floating dock facility, a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and a Dornier reconnaissance aircraft to make Indian Ocean free of threats.
  • India’s interest toward Sri Lank has made Sri Lanka to align with India and move away from China. For example, Sri Lanka has cancelled the Chinese energy projects in the Jaffna peninsula and offered India the project to modernize the strategic Trincomalee oil tank farm.

Japan: Japan is the second largest bilateral lender to Sri Lanka but it has been very cautious to respond to crisis. Sri Lanka owes 9 per cent of its debt to Japan.

  • However, Japan has committed to cooperate with India to help Sri Lanka in the humanitarian crisis by providing total humanitarian assistance of $6.5 million.
  • Moreover, Japan has also shown interest in defense cooperation, Sri Lankan ports and infrastructure development in Sri Lanka due to the increase in the importance of the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Japan has adopted shuttle-diplomacy approach where it could coordinate or host meetings and conferences between India and China to help Sri Lanka restructure its debts.

These all show how the three countries have assisted Sri Lanka during the crisis and therefore, Sri Lanka might face challenges in debt-negotiation with these countries.

What are the challenges that Sri Lanka can face?

Sri Lanka can face challenge from China as China has expansionist interest. Thus, it will continue to pressurize Sri Lanka to abide by its interests especially trying to put Sri Lanka away from India.

Further, Sri Lanka might also face challenge to convince India if it increases its bilateral relation with China.

Japan and its shuttle-diplomacy attempt would also not serve its purpose if China refuses to restructure its loans.

Japan and India have security concerns while China has expansionist interest in Sri Lanka Therefore, Sri Lanka would have to create a balanced approach towards negotiating its debt and maintaining bilateral relations.


Why we need to focus on nutrition, not hunger

Source: The post is based on an article “Why we need to focus on nutrition, not hunger” published in The Indian Express on 28th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Social Justice

Relevance: concerns associated with GHI 2002 ranking of India

News: The Global Hunger Index of 2022 has lowered India’s ranking to 107 out of 121 from 101 out of 116 countries in 2021.

This has placed India below all South Asian countries except Afghanistan and also below several poor African countries such as Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Republic of Congo.

What is Global Hunger Index?

What are the problems with hunger calculation of GHI?

The Global Hunger Index can be viewed at the level of theory, at the level of methodology, and at the level of Indian peculiarities.

Theory: GHI sees hunger as a food production challenge whereas according to FAO, India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of grain and the largest producer of milk with the increase in the per capita intake.

  • India has improved so much in its food production that it offered recently to supply food to the world if permitted by WTO.
  • Further, Amartya Sen has said that the reasons behind poverty and hunger is not the food availability issues but it is the improper food distribution. He further said that India is unable to use its resources properly to fight poverty and hunger.

Therefore, putting India at 107th position in GHI 2022 and clubbing it with countries facing serious food shortages is unacceptable.

Methodology: There is also concern in the methodology of calculating GHI as the methods used by GHI calculations are about 20 years old.

  • GHI uses caloric consumption in calculating GHI but measures of hunger and poverty are moving away from caloric consumption to nutrition.
  • Further, its methodology to calculate hunger is not accurate as it focuses disproportionately on children less than five-year-old.

Indian peculiarities: Indians are mostly vegetarians whereas countries around the world are mostly non-vegetarians.

  • Therefore, child wasting and stunting in India can possibly because of imbalanced vegetarian diets and animal protein deficiencies rather than energy deficits.
  • This shows that comparing India with other countries in the world is not proper.

However, it is a well-established fact that nutrition, especially child nutrition is a problem in India and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provides a better picture of health and nutrition in India.

What is the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)?

What are the causes of malnutrition amongst children in India?

Breastfeeding: It is one of the biggest challenges in India as children are not properly breastfed. Breastfeeding helps the child in acquiring antibodies against infections, allergies and protection against several chronic conditions.

  • The WHO and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour of birth and infants should be breastfed for the first six months.
  • According to NFHS 5, there has a been significant improvement in the breastfeeding of the children. The percentage of children breastfed rose from 55 per cent in NFHS 4 to 64 per cent in NFHS 5.
  • NFHS also highlights that only 42 per cent of infants are breastfed within one hour of birth.
  • States such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh have seen above 70 per cent breastfeeding whereas Bihar, Punjab, Kerala are below 50 per cent.

Post-Breastfeeding: There are concerns that children being breastfed for the first six months after the birth continue to be breastfed even after six months without access to nutritional foods.

  • NFHS 5 shows that the improvement has been marginal over the last two reports and states like Maharashtra and Gujarat are way behind.

Unhygienic practices and Lack of awareness: According to an NGO, unhygienic practices followed at the homes are also one of the reasons behind chronic infections and malnutrition.

  • Children eat unhygienic and less nutritious foods and there is also lack of awareness amongst the mothers.

Outcome of Poor nutrition: Poor nutrition in children leads to various diseases and problems such as stunting, wasting, anaemia and low weight.

GS Paper 3


What the new UN climate report reveals

Source: The post is based on the following articles

“What the new UN climate report reveals” published in The Indian Express on 28th October 2022.

“The planet is counting on us to keep it liveable” published in The Indian Express on 28th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Climate change

Relevance: About the recent UN climate report and its impacts.

News: A new United Nations report warns that the efforts to limit global temperature rise are badly falling short of what’s needed to save the planet. The UN report comes less than two weeks before global climate diplomats will assemble at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt for the UNFCCC’s COP-27.

What are the key highlights of the UN climate report?

An improvement over past performance: The national global warming mitigation targets will increase emissions by 10.6 per cent by 2030, compared to 2010 levels. This is an improvement over last year’s assessment, which projected that emissions in 2030 will rise by nearly 14 per cent over 2010 levels.

Emissions are not likely to increase after 2030: Annual emissions of countries are yet to peak and the IPCC can’t expect a dip until the end of this decade. Further, current commitments of the countries also point to an increase of 10.6% in emissions by 2030 from their level of 2010.

Cumulative climate ambition not enough: Even if countries keep their pledges to slash greenhouse gas emissions made under the Paris Agreement, the world will still be on track for a rise of around 2.5° Celsius (not 1.5° Celsius) by the end of this century.

The report also mentioned that at least 1.1° Celsius of it has already happened. Even after 2030, the emissions curve would have taken far too long to bend.

What is the status of climate change at present?

A recent study by the World Meteorological Organization found, atmospheric levels of the three worst gases—carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide—reached record highs in 2021.

So, missing even the outer UN target of a 2° warming cap would set us up for catastrophic weather disruptions, from droughts and heat waves to freak storms and punishing floods, with large swathes of planet Earth turning unliveable and numerous species pushed into extinction.

The most vulnerable sections of the population would be the hardest hit, despite having had almost no role in climate change.

Must read:  LIFE, or Lifestyle for Environment brings a fresh and much-needed perspective to tackle climate change.
How vulnerable is the Indian subcontinent to climate change?

In India, heat waves have damaged essential food crops even as rainfall patterns turn unstable. If the scale of destruction from this year’s floods in Pakistan—1,300 dead, 30 million displaced—will be a regular impact then the subcontinent may be an early casualty.

Why do countries neglect climate targets?

At the COP-27 in Glasgow last year, 194 countries agreed to upscale their Paris Pact targets. However, only 24 of them — including India — have updated their plans. This is because,

a) Raising climate ambition requires countries to take difficult decisions in diverse areas such as agriculture, forest management, transport, and urban planning. These issues relate to people’s livelihoods and well-being and demand that policymakers balance sustainability with developmental goals.

b) Inadequate technology transfer from the developed world remains a persistent grouse of developing countries. There are fears that the ambitious targets of several countries could remain on paper if they are not matched by adequate financing.

Read more: Impact of Climate Change on Monetary Policy – Explained, pointwise
What needs to be done to mitigate the climate threat?

Rich countries should give their share: In 2009, wealthy nations said they would give $100 billion a year by 2020 to help others out. But they have largely failed to provide.

However, considering the economic turbulence and the West is currently in a war, energy crisis and inflation issues the fund is not expected to be available sooner. What’s needed is the political will to live up to our collective responsibility.

Transform the necessary things: The world needs to transform industrial, energy and transport systems. Further, the world needs to utilise technological advances.

The principles of equity and climate justice should be acknowledged in letter and spirit.


GM crops – on apporval to GM Mustard

Source– The post is based on the article “That it has taken so long for India’s farmers to plant a genetically modified food crop shows an approach that is neither scientific nor swadeshi” published in The Indian Express and “Keen as mustard: GM crops need quick regulatory okays, Indian farming & Indian science will hugely benefit” in The Times of India on 28th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology

Relevance– Application of biotechnology

News- The article explains the need for commercial cultivation and seed production of GM mustard.

What are some facts about GM mustard?

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee has recommended the “environmental release” of the transgenic hybrid mustard DMH-11 for seed production and commercial cultivation.

It contains three alien bacterial genes that enable hybridisation.

It would also be the first GM food crop after its original version that contains a single insect pest-resistant gene, released in 2002 and an improved double-gene product in 2006.

Why is there a need to approve GM Mustard for commercial cultivation?

Multi-location field trials of DMH-11 have shown that its average grain yield is 2.4-3 tonnes per hectare. While the yield for the present best grain variety Varuna is 1.9-2.2 tonnes and the all-India average yield is 1.2-1.3 tonnes.

GEAC has approved not just the product but also the hybridisation platform. GM parent lines can be shared with others, including private seed companies. They can breed mustard hybrids giving higher yields than DMH-11 or possessing other traits such as better oil quality and disease resistance.

India imports about 60% of its edible oil. It was valued at $19 billion last financial year. This level of import dependency undermines food security. For years, Indians have also been consuming imported GM soybean oil. Given these factors, GM mustard can be a better alternative.

What has been the experience of GM crops till now?

Bt cotton has increased the yields. It has turned India from an importer to the world’s second largest exporter. ICAR study on the impact of Bt-cotton in Maharashtra has found that the average seed cotton yield increased after the adoption of GM technology.  Also, no adverse outcomes have been reported from the consumption of its oil and seed cake fed to cattle over the last 20 years.

There’s no scientific evidence demonstrating the harmful effects of any GM crop like maize, soyabean or mustard’s cousin canola on human and animal health and environment.

GoI representatives told a parliamentary committee in 2017 that Indian regulators had assessed Bt-cotton, Bt-brinjal and GM mustard, and found them to be safe as feed to animals.


Preparing For Wars of Tomorrow – on advance weapons

Source– The post is based on the article “Preparing For Wars of Tomorrow” published in The Times of India on 28th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Security

Relevance– Changing nature of warfare

News- The article explains the need for re-assessing war doctrines in context changing nature of warfare.

Why is there a need to re-assess war-fighting doctrines and techniques?

New Developments in Russia-Ukraine war like attacks on strategic infrastructure like the Nord Stream pipeline and the Kerch bridge, are emphasising the need to reassess.

Earlier military needs and doctrines were drivers of innovation. For example, the requirement of detecting aircraft led to development of radar.

Things have reversed now. Tech-driven products are coming first. Doctrines are re-aligned by assessing how these products fit into overall military capability.

Importance of drones has increased. The 21st century will witness the see-saw battle between drone and counter-drone systems. Military across the world are evolving doctrines that incorporate drone warfare.

Use of drones and cutting-edge technologies in the Ukraine conflict shows the changing character of war.

What should be the approach of the defence establishment?

Complex weapons systems take decades of R&D. Once introduced into service, they continue for three to four decades. The platforms now included should be relevant beyond 2050 and beyond.

There is a need for a transformative approach with dynamic interplay between doctrine and technology.

Primaeval nature of war has not changed. There is centricity of land in all formulations. Technology cannot supplant the boots on ground. Sovereignty and integrity of territory can only be achieved by physical presence of troops.


Should governments sell liquor and run lotteries?

Source– The post is based on the article “Should governments sell liquor and run lotteries?” published in The Hindu on 28th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy GS2- Government policies and interventions

Relevance– Government intervention in market

News- The article explains the government involvement in selling of sin goods.

What are different viewpoints about the role of states in the sale of sin goods?

Government should not be in sin business. The role of the state is to provide public goods. The consumption of sin goods is instead linked with ‘public bad’. The negative effects of these sin goods disproportionately impact the weaker sections of society.

Role of the state needs to be considered not just from the supply side, but from the demand side as well. The rising demand for alcohol is a public health concern.

The state can play a positive role in regulating the sale and consumption of sin goods. An important instrument is taxes. Studies have shown that raising the tax rates on sin goods will discourage people from consuming them. The taxes collected can be used for development programmes.

What is the reason behind the state government’s involvement in selling sin goods?

State’s involvement in sin goods has been motivated by the desire to raise revenue. Revenue-maximising objective takes precedence over public interest.

But this situation must be viewed against the larger context of Centre-State financial resources and responsibilities. In 2019-20, tax collected by states accounted for only 43.5% of the total revenues of all States and Union Territories combined.

State governments are heavily dependent on the financial devolutions from the Centre. They also  have a greater responsibility for expenditure on social sectors. With the introduction of GST, there are only a limited number of goods and services, mainly alcohol and petroleum products on which the State governments can independently set tax rates.

What are the impacts of state monopoly in sin goods?

When there is government monopoly and the intention is to restrict supply, it leads to increase in Prices. Quality products are also discouraged.

When liquor is privatised prices come down . But they don’t not come down by much because price also depends on other factors such as indirect controls like licensing policies and taxes and consumer demand.

What is the role of special interest groups in the case of sin goods?

Role of special interest groups needs to be considered. Legislators, politicians, bureaucrats, regulators, experts in the enforcement side each of them has their own interests. Like in the case of toddy, you could have special interest groups coming together in a way that goes against true public interest.

The concerns of all stakeholders must be looked into while formulating policy interventions to restrict the consumption of sin goods. Consider the example of the tobacco industry. In 2017-18, it provided employment to 3.4 million Indians, 3 million of whom were women. We should provide alternative livelihood opportunities for those engaged in tobacco farming and processing along with measures to limit tobacco consumption.

What are the impacts of the government control over sin goods on poor people?

There are limitations to using taxes or high prices as the only instrument to restrict the consumption of sin goods. If a person addicted to alcohol is unable to let go of that habit despite

high prices, his household will suffer.

Sin tax may have an income effect on poors. They may shift to consumption of illicit liquor. So, it becomes important to deploy other instruments like public campaigns.

Is alcohol consumption becoming more socially acceptable?

There is an increase in consumption among women, and the middle and upper-middle classes. The rising aspiration of the middle class is behind the rise in alcohol consumption.

Cultural and religious norms are no longer as effective as they may have been earlier.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Russia tells China, India Ukraine planning ‘dirty bomb’ attack

Source: The post is based on the article Russia tells China, India Ukraine planning ‘dirty bomb’ attackpublished in TOI on 26th October 2022

What is the News?

Russia has delivered a letter to the United Nations claiming that Ukraine is preparing to detonate a dirty bomb on its territory. The allegations, however, have been denied by Ukraine.

What is Dirty Bomb?

A dirty bomb also known as a radiological dispersal device is a weapon that combines conventional explosives like dynamite and radioactive material such as uranium.

The primary objective of a dirty bomb is to create panic, confusion and anxiety by hurling radioactive dust and smoke into the atmosphere. Hence, it has been long feared as a potential weapon of terrorists.

A dirty bomb doesn’t need to contain highly refined radioactive material, as is used in a nuclear bomb. Instead, it could use radioactive materials from hospitals, nuclear power stations or research laboratories. This makes them much cheaper and quicker to make than nuclear weapons.

How is a Dirty Bomb different from a nuclear bomb?

A dirty bomb is not a nuclear bomb. A nuclear bomb creates an explosion that is millions of times more powerful than a dirty bomb. A dirty bomb rather than being a “weapon of mass destruction” is a “weapon of mass disruption,” where contamination and anxiety are the major objectives.

Is the dirty bomb dangerous?

A dirty bomb is a psychological weapon. The scattered material after an explosion depends on many other factors such as wind at the time of the blast. The radioactive spread, if inhaled near the blast, could be somewhat dangerous.

Previously, there is no record of a successful dirty bomb explosion anywhere in the world. However, multiple attempts have failed.


CAQM holds review meetings to address stubble burning

Source: The post is based on the article CAQM holds review meetings to address stubble burning published in PIB on 26th October 2022

What is the News?

The Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) has issued statutory directions for the implementation of state-specific action plans, following a spike in stubble burning in Punjab.

What is Stubble Burning?

Click Here to read

What is the plan of action prepared by Punjab against Stubble burning? 

Based on a broad framework developed by CAQM and learnings from the past paddy harvesting seasons, a comprehensive Action Plan was prepared by the State Government of Punjab, with the following major pillars of action:

– Diversification to other crops, diversification to low straw generating and early maturing paddy varieties;

In-situ crop residue management including bio-decomposer application;

Ex-situ crop residue management;

IEC activities;

– Monitoring and effective enforcement.

What is the plan of action prepared by Chhattisgarh against Stubble burning? 

An innovative experiment has been undertaken by the Chhattisgarh government to tackle stubble burning by setting up gauthans.

A gauthan is a dedicated five-acre plot, held in common by each village, where all the unused stubble is collected through parali daan (people’s donations) and is converted into organic fertilizer by mixing with cow dung and a few natural enzymes.

This model has also generated employment among rural youth.

The government supports the transportation of stubble from the farm to the nearest gauthan. The state has successfully developed 2,000 gauthans.


States should have a uniform policy on law and order: Home Minister

Source: The post is based on the article “States should have a uniform policy on law and order: Home Minister” published in The Hindu on 27th October 2022

What is the News?

The Union Home Minister addressed the inaugural session of the 2-day Chintan Shivir in Surajkund, Haryana. 

What are the key highlights of the Home Minister’s address and the need for uniform law and order policy?

States should have a uniform law and order policy as certain crimes such as cross-border terrorism and cybercrimes transcend regional and international boundaries.

By 2024, to counter terror activities, each State would have a National Investigation Agency (NIA) office as the NIA had been given “extra territorial jurisdiction” and additional powers to confiscate property in terror-related cases. 

States should utilize the National Intelligence Grid(NATGRID) that is operational now. The NATGRID brings datasets of 11 agencies on a common platform.

Although law and order was a State subject, the Constitution provided that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) could intervene in matters concerning national security.

Amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in 2020 successfully prevented the misuse of foreign funding and effective monitoring became possible. 

After Article 370 of the Constitution ceased to operate in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, there had been a 34% reduction in terrorist incidents and a 54% reduction in deaths amongst the security forces.


Glaciers in the Alps are melting faster than ever — and 2022 was their worst summer yet

Source: The post is based on the article “Glaciers in the Alps are melting faster than ever — and 2022 was their worst summer yet” published in Down To Earth on 26th October 2022

What is the News?

In 2022, glaciers in the Swiss Alps melted more than any other year on record. 

About the melting of Glaciers in the Alps Mountains

In 2022, Glaciers in the Alps mountains lost about 6% of their remaining volume—exceeding the previous record in 2003 when losses were almost 4%.

One reason for the significant amount of melting in 2022 was the small amount of snowfall in winter. 

Due to this, the snow melted quickly, sped up in spring by the warming effect of dust from the Sahara Desert falling on the snow. (Since dust absorbs more solar energy than snow, the now orange-tinted snow melted faster).

By early summer, the glaciers had lost their protective blanket of snow, leaving them vulnerable to the summer heat.

What are the consequences of Glacier Melting?

The extent of glacier melting depends on the altitude at which it is located, the steeper the glacier tongue is the heavier it is covered with debris.

In Switzerland, these glacial meltwaters are used for hydropower. So, one consequence is that melting glaciers help to compensate for low rainfall in times of drought, filling reservoirs to supply the nation’s energy supply.

Melting glaciers have also created more than 1,000 new lakes across the mountains.

About Alps Mountains

The Alps emerged during the Alpine orogeny (mountain-building event), an event that began about 65 million years ago as the Mesozoic Era was drawing to a close.

The Alps are young fold mountains with rugged relief and high conical peaks. They are the most prominent of Western Europe’s physiographic regions.

Countries covered: The Alps form part of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania. But only Switzerland and Austria can be considered true Alpine countries.

Highest Peak: Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and in Europe, reaching a lofty 4,804 meters above sea level. It is located in the Graian Alps and lies within France, Switzerland, and Italy.


India’s first indigenous Overhauser Magnetometer may show the way towards reducing costs of sensing experiments essential for geomagnetic sampling

Source: The post is based on the articleIndia’s first indigenous Overhauser Magnetometer may show the way towards reducing costs of sensing experiments essential for geomagnetic samplingpublished in PIB on 26th October 2022

What is the News?

Indian scientists have developed an indigenous Overhauser(OVH) Magnetometer. 

What are Overhauser(OVH) Magnetometers?

Overhauser(OVH) Magnetometers are used for performing geomagnetic field measurements.

They are known for their higher accuracy, higher sensitivity, and efficient power consumption and hence find applications in all magnetic observatories worldwide as well as in international space programs. 

It has so far been imported for such purposes in India.

What has been developed now?

Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) has developed India’s first indigenous Overhauser (OVH) Magnetometer.

It has been installed at Alibag Magnetic Observatory(MO), Maharashtra.

Significance: This will help in reducing the cost of sampling and sensing experiments essential for geomagnetic sampling.


Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya receives above 1 lakh visitors upto 30th September

Source: The post is based on the article Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya receives above 1 lakh visitors upto 30th Septemberpublished in PIB on 26th October 2022

What is the News?

The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya has received over 1 lakh visitors till 30th September. 

What is Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya?

The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence and a narrative record of how each one has contributed to the development of our nation over the last 75 years.

Located at: Delhi’s Teen Murti Complex.

Logo: The logo of the museum shows hands holding the dharma chakra, symbolizing the nation and democracy.

Key Features

People can witness the memorable speeches given by the Prime Ministers at the Red Fort.

The Sangrahalaya has a state-of-the-art 360-degree immersive room – without shadows, which ushers into the world of Indian Prime Ministers, showcasing their key contributions that shaped the nation.

The entrance of the Sangrahalaya is adorned with a 3D-printed levitating National Emblem, rotating in the air. 

Significance: Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya is a living reflection of the shared heritage of each government. It gives confidence to the youth of the country that even a person born in an ordinary family can reach the highest position in the democratic system of India.


Notification of Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) for regulatory review of Genome Edited Plants under SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories, 2022

Source: The post is based on the articleNotification of Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) for regulatory review of Genome Edited Plants under SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories, 2022published in PIB on 26th October 2022

What is the News?

The Department of Biotechnology has released guidelines for safety assessment for a regulatory review of genome-edited plants that aims to speed up the development of plant varieties and reduce the time taken for approval by authorities.

These guidelines shall be applicable to all organizations involved in research, development and handling of the Genome Edited Plants under SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories.

Note: Recently, the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change has ​​exempted SDN1 and SDN2 genome-edited plants which are free of exogenous introduced DNA from the stringent regulations applicable on genetically modified or GM crops.

What is Genome Editing?

Genome editing is a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism’s DNA. 

These technologies allow genetic material to be added, removed or altered at particular locations in the genome. 

Approaches to Genome Editing

Several approaches to genome editing have been developed. A well-known one is called CRISPR-Cas9, which is short for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9.

This tool has opened up various possibilities in plant breeding. Using this tool, agricultural scientists can now edit the genome to insert specific traits in the gene sequence.

What are the various types of Site-Directed Nuclease processes?

Depending on the nature of the edit that is carried out, the process is divided into three categories — Site-Directed Nuclease(SDN 1), SDN 2 and SDN 3:

SDN 1 introduces changes in the host genome’s DNA through small insertions/deletions without the introduction of foreign genetic material.

In SDN 2, the edit involves using a small DNA template to generate specific changes. Both these processes do not involve alien genetic material and the end result is indistinguishable from conventionally bred crop varieties.

The SDN3 process involves larger DNA elements or full-length genes of foreign origin which makes it similar to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) development.


Does RBI need to listen to the IMF on forex?

Source: The post is based on the article “Does RBI need to listen to the IMF on forex?published in Livemint on 27th October 2022

What is the News?

The Indian rupee has fallen to a record low against the US dollar. The rupee has been declining against the US dollar and is currently close to inching towards 83.

How have the rupee and other currencies performed against the dollar?
Performance of Rupee
Source: Livemint

Multiple interest rate increases by the US Fed have affected countries worldwide (The US Federal Bank is increasing interest rates to control inflation).

The rupee has depreciated by approximately 11.36% in 2022, and other currencies have also slumped. The Japanese yen is weaker by 26.90%; the pound sterling by 15.76%; the euro by 12.09%; the Argentine peso by 51.09%; and the Chinese yuan by 12.91%. 

Interestingly, the Indian rupee has appreciated versus some foreign currencies— the rupee is up against the pound sterling by 7.08%; euro by 3.42%; and yen by 13.11%. 

Currencies which have been more stable than the Indian rupee are the Indonesian rupiah, the Singapore dollar and the Hong Kong dollar.

How have central banks responded? 

To minimize the volatility and counter-currency depreciation, central banks have intervened in the forex market and have been selling dollars from their forex reserves. 

While India has spent 13.9% of its forex reserves, countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and South Korea have used less in terms of both percentage and absolute numbers.

What was the IMF’s advice to countries on this?

The IMF in its most recent World Economic Outlook update has lowered India’s economic growth forecast for 2022 to 6.8%, citing reasons such as the strengthening of the dollar has sizeable macroeconomic implications for all countries.

Should the RBI go by the IMF’s advice? 

In the background of increasing global inflation and a slowdown in world trade, export performance has been unsatisfactory.

However, had the RBI not intervened, the depreciation of the rupee would have been much steeper. Hence, the RBI need not heed the IMF’s advice as long as it is comfortable in terms of its import capacity for at least six months.


In 2020, over 3,30,000 people died in India due to exposure to particulate matter from fossil fuel combustion: Lancet

Source: The post is based on the articleIn 2020, over 3,30,000 people died in India due to exposure to particulate matter from fossil fuel combustion: Lancetpublished in The Hindu on 25th October 2022

What is the News?

A report has been released titled “The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: health at the mercy of fossil fuels”.

About the Lancet report on Health and Climate Change

The report is published annually. The report represents the work of 99 experts from 51 institutions, including the World Health Organization(WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and is led by University College London. 

The report tracks 43 indicators across five key domains: a) Climate change impacts, exposures and vulnerability; b) Adaptation, planning, and resilience for health; c) Mitigation actions and health co-benefits; d) Economics and finance and d) Public and political engagement.

Note: This report comes ahead of this year’s United Nations climate change conference (COP27), to be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

What are the key findings of the report?

Impact of rising temperature and extreme Heat: Between 2012-2021, infants under one year old experienced a higher number of heatwave days compared to 1985–2005.

– Heat-related deaths increased 68% globally between 2017-21, reaching 3.1 lakh deaths per year. The death toll was significantly increased by the Covid-19 pandemic’s confluence.

– In India, the number of heat-related deaths among those over 65 increased by 55% between 2000-04 and 2017-21.

Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Subsidies to fossil fuel consumption in many countries are causing global problems, including deterioration of air quality, a decline in food output and increased risk of infectious disease linked to higher carbon emissions.

In 2021, 80% of the countries reviewed provided some form of fossil fuel subsidy, totalling $400 billion.

– In 2019, India spent a net $34 billion on fossil fuel subsidies, accounting for 5% of total national health spending. According to the report, over 3.3 lakh people died in India in 2020 as a result of exposure to fossil fuel pollutants.

Impact on the Economy: In 2021, Indians lost 167.2 billion potential labour hours due to heat exposure with income losses equivalent to about 5.4% of the national GDP.

Dengue Transmission: From 1951-1960 to 2012-2021, the number of months suitable for dengue transmission by Aedes Aegypti rose by 1.69%, reaching 5.6 months each year.

What are the recommendations given by the report?

Firstly, improvement in air quality will help in preventing deaths resulting from exposure to fossil fuel-derived particulate matter.

Secondly, develop climate solutions that are proportionate to the scale of the problem. 

Thirdly, the government should invest more resources in environmental protection.

Fourthly, the burning of dirty fuels needs to be minimized as soon as possible to reduce the accompanying health impacts.


This Word Means | HAWK air defence equipment

Source: The post is based on the articleThis Word Means | HAWK air defence equipmentpublished in Indian Express on 25th October 2022

What is the News?

The United States is considering retrieving older HAWK air defence equipment from storage to send to Ukraine which is facing a heavy barrage of Russian drone-fired and cruise missiles.

Note: The HAWK interceptor missiles would be an upgrade to the Stinger missile systems – a smaller, shorter-range air defense system – that the United States has already sent to Ukraine.

What is HAWK air defence equipment?

HAWK stands for ‘Homing All the Way Killer’.

It is a medium-range, surface-to-air guided missile that provides air defence coverage against low-to-medium-altitude aircraft.

It has been developed by Raytheon, a US-based aerospace and defense company.

It initially entered service with the US army in 1959. It has been superseded by the Patriot missile defense system.  


[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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