YW THEssHINDU| The IndiantxPREss 225 Current °°" Affairs = °c Weekly », oe pee (2028) ..Dear Dr. UPSC, Please make it Easy-peasyCeconamy>) wos 1. India-Australia Trade Agr: A trade pact signed to enhance bilateral trade in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. 2. Fiscal Deficit ~ Bos India's fiscal deficit for FY 2023-24 narrows to 5.8% of GDP, indicating improved fiscal management. Super Bit 3. Global Oil Price sure, fre Geopolitical tensions drive up global oil prices, impacting inflation rates and fuel costs worldwide és, 4. Record, icles Collection {> Go): 1 India's GST collection hits €1.75 lakh crore in June 2024, reflecting robust economic recovery. ment 5. Foroign Reserves India's foreign exchange reserves ‘exceed $600 billion, enhancing financial stability. 6 .G20 Climate Finance Commitment Commitment to mobilize $100 billion annually for climate action, focusing on support for developing countries. © Wek Tustin — 1. Forest Fires in Uttarakhand Efforts to contain extensive forest fires in Uttarakhand, focusing on protecting biodiversity. About forest fire is part of secondary succession occurs when the primary ecosystem gets destroyed. For eg., a climox community gets destroyed by fire. It gets recolonized after the destruction. This is known as secondary ecological succession. Note- Refer Static for more deta’ 2, Australia§ Coral Ré New measures announced to protect the Great Barrier Reef from bleaching and environmental damage. ——— About Coral Bleaching happens when corals experience stress in their environment due to changes in temperature, pollution or high levels of ocean acidity. Note- Refer Static for more details@ QusreSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 1. ISRO's Reusable Launch Vehicle ISRO (Indio! (RLV) 2. NASA (USA): Successful test of a Reusable Launch | Viper 2. Rover, Artemis 2-6 (Manned mission. 5 ROSCOSMOS (Russia): LUNA 26-28, oRvoL 4 CNSA (China): Chang's 6-8 S.JAXA (Japan: Destinys Vehicle aimed at reducing satellite launch costs and enhancing efficiency. 2. Quantum Communication Sats India launches its first satellite for secure quantum communication, enhancing national cybersecurity and ‘communication infrastructure. lite 4. Canada’ CarctiRosearch Launch of a new initiative to study the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and indigenous communities. About About + Quantum communications is part of | Indio’s research stations in the polar Quantum Technology, alongside _| regions Quantum Computing, Quantum India has two research stations in Sensors, and Quantum Materials + Ii’s based on principles like superposition, entanglement, and |@Maitri: Established in 1989, it conducts research in geology, meteorology, and ‘environmental science. "Bharati: Operational since 2012, it focuses on atmospheric, biological, and earth sciences tunnelling from Quantum mechanics. 3. Japan's Lunar Mission Successful landing of SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) on the lunar surface to explore the Moon's surface, marking a significant achievement in space exploration. ¢HimddlFi9 Located in Svalbard, Norway, it conduets research on climate change, glaciology, and the Arctic environment.1. India to host 46th UNESCO heritage panel in + The World Heritage Committee comprises representatives from 21 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention (1972) elected by the General Assembly of UNESCO. The ASth session of the committee was held at Riyadh in Saudi Arabic + The current members of the committee, after elections in the 24th General Assembly of UNESCO in November 2025, are Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Turkiye, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zambia. 2.:Smart Cities Mission period extended til Mare 2025," 08. + Its o Centrally Sponsored Scheme, launched in June 2015 to transform 100 cities to provide the necessary core infrastructure and clean and sustainable environment to enable a decent quality of life to their citizens through the application of "Smart Solutions". 1. ALWASHING + Al washing is a marketing tactic companies employ to exaggerate the amount of Al technology they use in their products. + The goal of Al washing is to make a companys offerings seem more advanced than they are and capitalize on the growing interest in Al technology. Al washing takes its name from greenwashing &9 2. Radiation Biodosimetry + Radiation biodosimetry is essential in determining radiation exposure in individuals + after radiological events such as nuclear accidents or Improvised Nuclear Devices(IND). + Iris crucial to identify and treat exposed individuals promptly 3.Senna Spectabilis ~ Niligint + Senna spectabllis is an invasive "species. « Itis introduced as an ornamental species and for use os firewood from South and Central America. |. Zombie Virnc — ‘evs frost ( Lngtte)Context: ‘Andhra Pradesh state demands special category status. What ia Special Categeory Status? Classification given to states facing geographical ‘and socio-economic disadvantages compared to the national average. What is the CRITERIA to get SCS? * Geographical Factors: States with hilly and difficult terrain, and those sharing international borders. + Socio-Economic Indicators: Low per capita income, inadequate infrastructure, and a sizeable tribal population. Benefits. * Financial Assistance: Higher proportion of central funds as grants rather than loans. + Tax Incentives: Potential for tax breaks to tract investments and promote industrial growth, + Developmental Support: Tailored schemes and. projects to address unique developmental challenges.@ GS2; POLITY, Current states having SCS A + Historical Recipients: Siates like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, ‘and northeastern states (except Sikkim and Assam). + Requests for Inclusion: Some states, such os Andhra Pradesh, have sought SCS due to specific regional challenges post-bifurcation. ‘Challenges and Recent Developments: + Review of Criteria: Ongoing discussions on revising enitoria fo( SCS) eligibility to eneure faimess and effectiveness (Eton Gotemencen ene a econ dcreeareninesssattt 15G4l sustainability and national economic goals. Impact and Future Considerations + Developmental Outcomes: Assessing the impact of SCS on improving socio-economic indicators and reducing regional disparities. + Policy Evolution:Evolving policies to address changing economic and governance dynamics while promoting inclusive growthGS 2: POLITY GOVERNANCE & CONSTITUTION @ stice: Shah Sedition Law: Section 124A (sedition) replaced with provisions against acts endangering sovereignty and unity ‘+ Offenses Against Women: Enhanced penalties for crimes like rape, acid attacks, cond human trafficking. Introduction of new offenses, including sexual exploitation under authority or fiduciary relationship. + Mob Lynching: Specific provisions criminalizing mob lynching, with stringent punishments. ‘+ Criminal Defamation: Continued as an offense, but with revised scope and penalties. ‘+ Cyberorimes: Now definitions for cyberstalking, identity theft, and electronic fraud, with updated penalties. 2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023 Replaces: Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1975 Koy + Arrost Procedures: Rights of the arrested persons enhanced, including mandatory informing of arrest grounds and legal representation.Cehuinale Tusticn Bpsein ® Gea) Exforconet Nene @ Bre ee @ Pwr q f(b Q-Nustice - Gudbiciany < dowyn @ ae i mie Tee (ee (ees) =e ee Le 68@ + Investigation Timeframes: Strict timelines for completing investigations, with automatic bail if decdlines are missed without valid reasons, * Bail Reforms: Introduction of risk assessment for bail decisions, reducing reliance on monetary bail, and ensuring bail as a right for minor offenses. + Victim Rights: treatment, including the right to be informed and to participate in proceedings. + Witness Protection: Comprehensive witness protection mechanisms to ensure their safety and anonymity + Trial Timelines: Mandated timelines for completing trials to prevent prolonged legal processes. Introduction of a "Victim's Charter" to ensure fair 3, Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, 2023 Replaces: Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Key Revisions: + Electronic Evidence: Clear rules on admissibility of electronic evidence, including emails, digital records, and, recordings. * Witness Statements: Provisions for recording witness statements via electronic means to ensure accuracy and reduce tampering * Scientific Evidence: Inclusion of DNA profiling, forensic - onalysis, ond other scientific methods as valid forms of evidence. + Documentary Evidence: Simplified procedures for admitting business records, electronic documents, and public records. + Privilege Rulos: Updated guidelines on privileged communications, including lawyer-client and doctor-patient confidentiality in the digital context.ce ng a Implementation + Full implementation of three new criminal laws will toke 3-4 years, focusing on prioritizing justice over punishment, ‘* The new criminal laws will be available in all languages of the Eighth Schedule. ‘+ The duration of police custody remains 15 days, despite misconceptions about an extension, ensuring remand period clarity : Hendon ecoing ord ar semiation fed ffonses purBiabi by Teyeors oe wiradcod Sa transparency and expedited justice. *+ Tho crime of sedition has been abolished; now provisions for anti-national activities with severe punishments ore included. * The government mandates digitization of police eee QOigine stations, e-FIR, ond digital charge sheets, promoting efficiency and modernization in criminal justice @ Modus ‘administration eet Pl Oca wt + New laws were inated after extensive stakeholder one discussions, removing outdated provisions from the or British ora and adding relevant sections for prosont- day needs. * Creation of forensic infrastructure, including new campuses and laboratories, aims to support forensic investigations, expected to increase the conviction rate 10 90%.OLITY ,GOVERNANCE & CONSTITUTION @ 3 ‘ enn Fi comaieaton? Context: The Iéth Finance Commission is set to be constituted in 2024, with recommendations for the period 2026-2081 + Formation and Background : Set up by the President of India under Article 280 of the Constitution. + Appointment: The commission is ‘oppointed every five years. + Chairman and Members: Typically includes a chairman with significant ‘experience in public affairs and other members with expertise in finance, ‘economics, or governance. * Mandate and Fun + Revenue Distribution: Recommends the division of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States and the allocation among states. + Grants- : Suggests grants-in-aid to states in need of assistance. + Debt and Fiscal Management: Evaluates the fiscal position and debt levels of states and recommendsGS 2: POLITY ,GOVERNANCE & CONSTITUTION e The Wéth Finance Commission has not yet issued its recommendations as itis scheduled to be constituted in 2024, However, there are key expectations and areas itis likely to address based on recent trends and challenges: Expected Recommendations and Focus Areas: + Tax Devolution : Maintain or Adjust Share: Possible adjustments in the percentage of the divisible pool of taxes shared with states, currently sot at 42% by the ISth Finance ‘Commission. + Economie Disparities: Address variations in states’ fiscal capacity and economic development. * Grants-in-Aid: Propose grants to states facing revenue shortfalls, ensuring fiscal stability. + Sector-Specific Grants: Recommendations for targeted grants in critical areas like health, education, and infrastructure. + Disaster Relief: Enhanced grants for disaster management and climate resilience, reflecting increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. + Local Body Empowerment: + Strengthening Local Finances: Recommendations to ‘empower local bodies with greater fiscal autonomy and resources. + Efficiency in Fund Utilization: Proposals to improve the efficiency and accountability of funds transferred to local governments and so one fas a GS 2: POLITY ,GOVERNANCE & CONSTITUTION Should education be brought back to the State list? Context. Discussion regarding education to be brought back on state list amid concer over various paper leoks Issues and recent discussions '* The Government of India Act, 1935. established a federal structure that placed ‘education’ under the provincial (now State) list + During the Emergency, the Swaran Singh Committee recommended moving ‘education’ to the concurrent list, which was implemented through the 42nd constitutional amendment in 1976. + The 44th constitutional amendment in 1978 attempted to move ‘education’ book to the State list, but it was not passed in the Rajya Sobha ‘+ Arguments for moving ‘education’ back to the State list include autonomy and the fact that States bear 85% of the expenditure on education, + Recent issues with centralized exams like NEET and NTA show that centralization doesn't eliminate problems such as corruption and lack of professionalism,GS 2: POLITY ,GOVERNANCE & CONSTITUTION @ Arguments in favou * Local Relevance: States can tailor education policies to fit regional cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic contexts, making education more relevant and accessible. + Flexibility and Innovation: States can implement innovative practices and quickly adapt to local needs without waiting for central approval. + Administrative Efficiency: Direct control can streamline decision-making, reducing bureaucratic delays and allowing more efficient use of + Accountability: States directly responsible for education may be more accountable to their residents, fostering greater responsiveness and public engagement. * Localized Security Measures: States can implement security measures tollored to their specific contexts, potentially reducing paper leak incidents by closely monitoring local examination processes. Arguments in against: * Uniform Standards: The central control ensures uniformity in educational standards across the country, maintaining consistency in quality and curriculum. + Resource Disparities: Central involvement helps address disparities in resources among states, ensuring equitable distribution of funding and support. + National Integration: A unified educational framework promotes national integration and cohesion by instling shared values and knowledge. + Global Competitiveness: Central oversight can help align educational standards with global benchmarks, ensuring Indian students are competitive internationally. + Centralized Security Protocols: The central government can implement standardized, stringent security protocols to prevent paper leaks.