Welcome to your daily dose of UPSC Current Affairs for 18th December! Staying updated with current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination, as it forms the backbone of both Prelims and Mains preparation. In this curated summary, we bring you the most relevant and exam-oriented news from Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, and International Relations, ensuring you stay ahead in your preparation. Let’s dive into today’s key updates and their significance for UPSC.
Table of Contents
UPSC Current Affairs for 18th December 2024
Current Affairs Bite – 1
1. Two Bills on Simultaneous Elections Rock Parliament
Relevance: GS 2 (Polity & Governance)
- Context: The government introduced two Bills in the Lok Sabha to implement the “One Nation, One Election” policy.
- Key Provisions:
- Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill: Proposes amendments to Articles 83 and 172 to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
- Union Territories Amendment Bill: Aligns elections in Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir with Lok Sabha polls.
- Challenges:
- Opposition criticized the Bills as “anti-federal” and undermining the Constitution’s basic structure.
- Requires significant political consensus and logistical changes.
- Implications: If implemented, full synchronization of elections is expected by 2034.
Current Affairs Bite – 2
2. Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
Relevance: GS 2 (Polity)
- Context: The Union Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the UCC nationwide.
- Key Features:
- Aims to replace personal laws with a unified legal framework for all citizens.
- Promotes gender equality, secularism, and national integration.
- Challenges:
- Religious opposition and diverse customs make implementation complex.
- Balancing religious freedom (Article 25) with equality (Article 14) is a key concern.
- Best Practices: Goa’s UCC model and Uttarakhand’s recent implementation provide examples of phased adoption.
Current Affairs Bite – 3
3. Delhi Remains India’s Most Polluted City
Relevance: GS 3 (Environment)
- Context: Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 433, categorized as “severe.”
- Key Points:
- PM2.5 levels were 16 times higher than WHO’s permissible limits.
- Hybrid learning was reinstated in schools to protect students.
- Government Action: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued health advisories.
- Significance for UPSC:
- Understanding AQI and its six categories.
- Linking air pollution to public health and urban governance.
Current Affairs Bite – 4
4. Kisan Kavach: India’s First Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit
Relevance: GS 3 (Science & Technology, Agriculture)
- Context: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the Kisan Kavach bodysuit to protect farmers from pesticide exposure.
- Features:
- Washable, reusable, and durable for up to a year.
- Uses advanced fabric technology to deactivate pesticides upon contact.
- Priced at ₹4,000, with potential for cost reduction as production scales up.
- Significance: Aligns with sustainable agriculture and farmer safety.
Current Affairs Bite – 5
5. India-Sri Lanka Relations
Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations)
- Context: India agreed to train 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants over five years.
- Significance:
- Strengthens bilateral ties and capacity-building efforts.
- Reflects India’s commitment to regional cooperation and diplomacy.
Current Affairs Bite – 6
6. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Relevance: GS 3 (Environment)
- Context: A 10-year study on orcas in the North Atlantic revealed high levels of POPs in their blubber, despite bans on these chemicals.
- Key Points:
- POPs are toxic chemicals resistant to environmental degradation.
- India is a signatory to the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate or restrict POPs.
- Significance for UPSC:
- Understanding the environmental and health impacts of POPs.
- Linking international treaties to India’s environmental policies.
Current Affairs Bite – 7
7. MGNREGS Wages and Inflation
Relevance: GS 2 (Governance)
- Context: A parliamentary panel highlighted that MGNREGS wages do not match the rising cost of living.
- Key Issues:
- Regional disparities in wages (₹234 in Nagaland vs. ₹374 in Haryana).
- Outdated base rates discourage participation.
- Recommendations: Revise wages to reflect inflation and ensure timely payments.
Current Affairs Bite – 8
8. India’s Pharmaceutical Market
Relevance: GS 3 (Economy)
- Context: India’s pharmaceutical market for FY 2023-24 was valued at USD 50 billion.
- Domestic consumption: USD 23.5 billion.
- Exports: USD 26.5 billion.
- Significance: Highlights India’s role as a global pharmaceutical hub and its contribution to affordable healthcare.
9. Tulsi Gowda: Encyclopedia of Forests
Relevance: GS 1 (Indian Society), GS 3 (Environment)
- Context: Tulsi Gowda, a Padma Shri awardee known for planting over 1 lakh trees, passed away.
- Significance:
- Her life exemplifies grassroots environmental conservation.
- Relevant for essays and ethics case studies on environmental stewardship.
Current Affairs Bite -10
10. India Becomes 3rd Largest Smartphone Exporter
Relevance: GS 3 (Economy)
- Context: India emerged as the third-largest exporter of smartphones globally.
- Significance:
- Reflects the success of the “Make in India” initiative.
- Highlights India’s growing role in global supply chains.
Current Affairs Bite – 11
11. International Migrants Day
Relevance: GS 2 (Social Justice)
- Context: Observed annually on December 18, the theme for 2024 is “Honoring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights.”
- Significance:
- Highlights the role of migrants in shaping societies.
- Raises awareness about fair and inclusive migration policies.
Current Affairs Bite – 12
12. Ayodhya Ram Temple Wins Global Safety Excellence Award
Relevance: GS 1 (Culture), GS 3 (Infrastructure)
- Context: The Ram Temple project in Ayodhya received the “Sword of Honour” from the British Safety Council.
- Significance: Recognizes adherence to global safety standards during construction.
Current Affairs Bite – 13
13. India’s Violation of Rohingya Detainees’ Rights
Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations, Human Rights)
- Context: A report flagged India’s treatment of Rohingya detainees as a violation of international human rights norms.
- Significance: Highlights challenges in balancing national security with human rights obligations.
Current Affairs Bite – 14
14. Arctic Tundra Emissions
Relevance: GS 3 (Environment)
- Context: The Arctic tundra, once a carbon sink, is now emitting more CO2 and methane due to rising temperatures and wildfires.
- Significance: Demonstrates the impact of climate change on global ecosystems.
Current Affairs Bite – 15
15. India Promotes AYUSH Globally
Relevance: GS 2 (Governance), GS 3 (Health)
- Context: India established AYUSH Chairs in five countries to promote traditional medicine systems.
- Significance: Enhances India’s soft power and global recognition of AYUSH practices.