Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Exam – August 27, 2024

Context (TH): The Education Ministry has defined ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ in its push for adult literacy under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP).

NILP is a five-year programme (2022-27) that aims to onboard 1 crore learners aged above 15 annually across all States and Union Territories.
Literacy is defined as the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, that is, to identify, understand, interpret and create, along with critical life skills such as digital and financial literacy.
Full literacy (equivalent to 100% literacy) is considered achieved when a State or Union Territory reaches 95% literacy.
A non-literate person can be declared literate under NILP if they pass the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).
In 2023, a significant number of adult learners appeared for FLNAT, with a high certification rate. However, in 2024, there was a noticeable decline in the percentage of learners certified as literate.
For 2024-25, NILP has a budget allocation of ₹160 crores (though only ₹76.41 crores were used in 2022-23, and was brought down to ₹100 crore in revised estimates for 2023-24).
The 2011 Census revealed 25.76 crore non-literate individuals aged 15 and above, including 9.08 crore males and 16.68 crore females.
Saakshar Bharat Programme certified 7.64 crore individuals as literate from 2009-10 to 2017-18, still 18.12 crore adults remain non-literate.

Saakshar Bharat Programme

It was launched in 2009 with a focus on adult women’s literacy.
The objective is to achieve 80% literacy nationwide.
The target is to educate 70 million non-literate adults (15+ years).
It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
Core Goals:
- Provide functional literacy and numeracy.
- Offer educational equivalency to formal schooling.
- Facilitate relevant skill development.
- Promote continuous learning and education.

{GS3 – IE – Employment} Status of Unemployment **

Context (TH): The Finance Minister announced a five-scheme package to tackle unemployment, yet India’s job crisis remains deep-rooted and persistent.

One key initiative includes incentivizing corporates to onboard 1 crore interns over the next 5 years.

Current Status

RBI’s 109 million job creation claim is disputed as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) shows just a 4% increase in the labor force since 2019-20.
Nearly 46% of workers are in agriculture, where income hasn’t increased, suggesting a lack of gainful jobs elsewhere.
MGNREGA data shows rural distress with 24.8 lakh new job seekers and 5.8 crore job demands for 2024-25.
Manufacturing’s workforce share fell from 12.6% (2011-12) to 11.4% (2022-23) and key job-creating sectors (textiles, electronics, leather, and paper) saw negative industrial production.
Many prepare for government exams even in harsh conditions (as in the Delhi drowning issue), viewing them as the only path to social mobility.
The Ministry of Personnel reported 22 crore job applications, but only 7.2 lakh positions were filled in 8 years, with 30 lakh posts still vacant.

Limitations of the Proposed Schemes

The Internship Scheme is non-inclusive and targets only the top 500 companies, excluding micro, small, and medium enterprises that could benefit more from lower-cost interns.
Expecting each company to take on 4,000 interns annually is an unrealistic scale, especially since most do not even have such large permanent workforces.
With the impact of AI reducing job roles, companies are unlikely to expand their workforce in the short term significantly.
The voluntary nature of the scheme, being merely a nudge, further reduces its potential effectiveness.
The scheme ignores a more inclusive Right to Apprenticeship proposal aimed at transforming youth capabilities through on-the-job training.
The government’s supply-side focus overlooks the core issue of weak demand, making it less likely for companies to hire more workers.

{GS3 – IE – RBI} Unified Lending Interface

Context (IE): RBI is set to launch the Unified Lending Interface, a tech platform for frictionless credit.

Unified Lending Interface (ULI) is a platform designed to simplify lending for MSMEs and farmers by facilitating a seamless and consent-based flow of digital information, including land records from various states, from multiple data service providers to lenders.
It will have a common and standardized API (Application Programming Interface), designed for a ‘plug-and-play’ approach to ensure digital access to information from diverse sources.
The RBI envisions ULI as part of “new trinity”- JAM-UPI-ULI, to advance India’s digital infrastructure.

Objectives

To cut down the time taken for credit appraisal, especially for smaller and rural borrowers.
To reduce the complexity of multiple technical integrations, without requiring extensive documentation.
To revolutionize lending space in India, like just like UPI transformed the payments ecosystem.
To bring efficiency to the lending process by reducing costs, speeding up disbursements, and improving scalability.

{GS3 – IE – Trade} Tackling the Frictions in Cross-Border Payments

Context (TH): The RBI has joined Project Nexus, a multilateral international initiative to enable instant cross-border retail payments by interlinking domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs).

However, despite technological advances, cross-border payments remain riddled with inefficiencies that hinder financial inclusion and economic growth.

Key Challenges in Cross-Border Payments

Regulatory and Compliance Costs due to diverse legal frameworks across jurisdictions. E.g. Discrepancies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures of FATF.
Privacy and Data Protection: Varying standards for data sharing and privacy can complicate compliance with regulations. GDPR in Europe imposes strict data protection rules, affecting cross-border data flows.
High Costs and Low Speed due to multiple intermediary banks. Financial Stability Board (FSB) Report – Cross-border payments often involve 1 to 3 intermediary banks.
Limited Access to cross-border payment systems in developing regions. 40% of countries have implemented some form of cross-border payment system. (World Bank)
Insufficient Transparency: Approximately 40% of cross-border payment users reported being unaware of the total cost due to hidden fees and complex pricing structures. (World Bank)

Innovative Solutions for Cross-Border Payments

Linking Fast Payment Systems (FPS): Connecting national payment systems to enable real-time cross-border transactions. UPI-PayNow linkage between India and Singapore.
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Projects: National digital currencies designed for cross-border payments. China’s Digital Yuan project includes cross-border payment features with selected countries.
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT): Using blockchain for secure, transparent, and efficient cross-border transactions. Ripple’s XRP ledger enables real-time global payments with low transaction costs.

Way Forward

Harmonized Legal Frameworks: Countries should adopt consistent regulatory measures to ensure smooth cross-border transactions. E.g. Aligning AML/CFT regulations globally.
Enhanced Privacy and Security Measures: by principles and develop common privacy standards for cross-border transactions. E.g. Bilateral agreements on data sharing between countries.
Improved Access and Inclusion: Broaden access to cross-border payments by including non-bank entities and simplifying compliance requirements. E.g. Mobile money platforms in Africa.
Robust Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Establish clear frameworks for resolving disputes in cross-border transactions. A Centralized Complaint Management System can help resolve conflicts.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} BioE3 Policy

Context (TH): The Union Cabinet approved the Department of Biotechnology’s proposal ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing.

High-performance biomanufacturing is the ability to produce products from medicine to materials, address farming and food challenges, and promote the manufacturing of bio-based products through the integration of advanced biotechnological processes.
BioE3 Policy aims to catalyse a technological revolution by developing products ranging from medicines to sustainable materials using advanced biotechnological processes.

Focus Areas

The six thematic verticals of the policy are:
1. High-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, and enzymes: Substances created using biological processes that have various industrial applications.
2. Functional foods and smart proteins: Create healthier and more sustainable food options.
3. Precision biotherapeutics: Development of advanced medicines tailored to individual needs.
4. Climate-resilient agriculture: Enhance agricultural practices to adapt to climate change.
5. Carbon capture and utilization: Methods to reduce greenhouse gases and repurpose them.
6. Futuristic marine and space research: Advance exploration and technological innovations.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Trioplex RT-PCR Test

Context (TH): The Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram (IAV), has developed and validated a Zika test as an alternative for Trioplex RT-PCR test.

Trioplex RT-PCR test is developed by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) and granted emergency use authorisation by the U.S. FDA.
It can detect dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses as it is designed to make accurate diagnoses by addressing the issue of cross-reactivity among these viruses.
National Institute of Virology is still relying on U.S. CDC’s Trioplex RT-PCR kits for Zika virus testing, as no zika test kits have been approved by the CDSCO due to its requirement for clinical sample validation.
As a result, timely detection and control of outbreaks become a problem.
The zika assay developed by IAV is inexpensive and can be used for surveillance, both in people and mosquitoes, in addition to testing patient samples. Wider availability will help in the quicker development of suitable assays to address the issues of mutation.

Source: TH

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Polygraph Test

Context (TH): The CBI conducted polygraph tests in the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case.
A polygraph, or a lie detector test, is a device or procedure that measures and records several physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person is asked and answers a series of questions.
This test is based on the concept that physiological responses when a person is lying are distinct from those when they are telling the truth.
It is not completely accurate as it depends on the analysis and assumptions of the polygraph operator.
According to the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, polygraph test results are not considered conclusive evidence, but they can be used as corroborative evidence to support other evidence.
NHRC guidelines mandate that polygraph tests require the accused’s voluntary, informed, and recorded consent, with proper documentation.
Additionally, statements from these tests are not considered confessions, and judges must consider factors such as detention duration and interrogation techniques when assessing the test results.
Selvi vs State of Karnataka Case 2010: The SC ruled that involuntary narco/lie detector tests breach an individual’s mental privacy & violate the right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) of IC.
- Article 20(3) states that “No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

Narco-Analysis

It is a technique involving intravenous administration of a drug (such as sodium pentothal, scopolamine and sodium amytal) to induce a semi-conscious state in order to obtain information from a person.
Although the accused’s statement isn’t considered evidence, any physical evidence found as a result of voluntary test results may be admissible under the Evidence Act of 1872.

Brain Mapping

It is a study based on the analysis of brain function recorded by electrodes placed on the surface of the skin covering the head and face to reveal guilty knowledge.
Its results have no legal sanctity but can help in the investigation.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Humpback Whales

Context (TH): Recently, researchers found that humpback whales can manipulate bubble-nets to catch up to seven times more food in one dive, showing advanced skills and intelligence.

The Humpback Whale (IUCN: LC) (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale, named after the distinctive hump in front of its small dorsal fin.
They filter-feed on krill, anchovies, cod, sardines, mackerel, capelin, and other schooling fish using baleen plates and also create “bubble nets” to catch their prey.
They share complex songs with whales to attract females or serve as territorial markers.
They migrate seasonally between high-latitude feeding grounds in the summer and low-latitude breeding grounds in the winter.

Source: ANSTO

{Prelims – In News} Nangarni Spardha

Context (TH): Nangarni Spardha was held at Dervan village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Nangarni Spardha is a centuries-old traditional oxen race held in various villages of Maharashtra annually at the peak of the rainy season by a village committee.
The soft muddy ground during the rainy season prevents serious injury to the drivers, who compete in bare feet and without protective gear.
The oxen are no longer used for ploughing the fields but are kept strictly for the competition. Their horns are brightly painted and their bodies sprinkled with colored powder before the race.
The race is held in a horseshoe-shaped track where the driver must hold onto the reins while controlling the oxen’s speed by pulling and twisting their tails. If he drops the reins, his team will be disqualified.

Jallikattu

Jallikattu is a traditional sport popular in the state of Tamil Nadu.
It involves releasing a wild bull into a crowd of people, and the participants attempt to grab the bull’s hump and ride it for as long as possible or attempt to bring it under control.
It is celebrated in the month of January as a part of Mattu Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival.

Maramadi

Also known as Kalappoottu or Pothottam, this traditional race is held in villages after the monsoon but before the cattle are needed for planting.
The most famous Maramadi races are held at Anandhapalli village in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala during the Onam festival in August.
Other bull races in Kerala include Bull surfing and Chithali (Palakkad district).

Read more> Kambala

{Prelims – In News} Right to Disconnect

Context (BBC) : A “Right to Disconnect” rule has come into effect in Australia, offering relief to people who feel forced to take calls or read messages from employers after they finish their day’s work.

The Right to Disconnect law allows employees to ignore communications after hours if they choose to, without fear of being punished by their bosses.
The law does not ban employers from contacting workers after hours. Instead, it gives staff the right not to reply unless their refusal is deemed unreasonable
Such laws are absent in India, leaving employees vulnerable to after-hours work pressure.

{Prelims – In News} ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Scheme

Context (PIB): The Cabinet approved unified Central sector scheme namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’.

Vigyan Dhara aims to promote capacity building , research, innovation and technology development towards strengthening the science, technology and innovation ecosystem in the country.
The scheme merged three umbrella schemes under Department of Science and Technology, which include,1)Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building, 2) Research and Development, and 3) Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment.

Features

Capacity Building: Strengthen S&T infrastructure and human resource pool.
Research Promotion: Enhance basic & translational research in key areas like sustainable energy & water.
International Collaboration: Foster bilateral and multilateral research collaborations.
Gender Parity: Increase participation of women in S&T fields.
Innovation Support: Encourage innovation from school to industry level and enhance industry-academia-government collaboration.
Align with National Vision: Support Viksit Bharat 2047 by advancing research, innovation, and technology in line with ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation).

{Prelims – S&T – Space} Tanager-1

Context (IE): Tanager-1, a satellite developed by a coalition of companies and organisations, including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Notably, the launch has come just months after MethaneSAT launched in March and is capable of monitoring emissions across 130,000 square kilometres per day.

Purpose

It will use imaging spectrometer technology to track methane and carbon dioxide emissions by identifying the plume of gases and measuring hundreds of wavelengths of light that are reflected by earth’s surface.
Different compounds in the planet’s atmosphere including methane and carbon dioxide absorb different wavelengths of light, leaving spectral “fingerprints” that the imaging spectrometer can identify.
These infrared fingerprints can potentially accelerate the mitigation efforts by enabling researchers to pinpoint and quantify strong greenhouse gas emissions.

Imaging Spectrometer

It is an instrument used in hyperspectral imaging & imaging spectroscopy to acquire a spectrally-resolved image of an object, usually to support analysis of the composition the object being imaged.
The principle of operation is the same as that of the simple spectrometer, but special care is taken to avoid optical aberrations for better image quality.
They are used specifically for measuring the spectral content of light and electromagnetic light.
Examples: Filtered camera, whiskbroom scanner, integral field spectrograph and so on.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Digital Dementia

Context (TH): Using digital devices for more than four hours may lead to digital dementia.

Digital dementia refers to a decline in cognitive abilities, particularly memory, due to excessive reliance on digital devices such as smartphones and computers.
Excessive use of digital technology has caused information overload, leading to shorter attention spans and reduced focus in younger people.
This can potentially increase the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of memory loss.
Symptoms: short-term memory loss, inability to recall words, difficulty in multitasking.
Excessive screen time can also affect sleep, mood, brain function and increase social isolation.