Daily Current Affairs for IAS PCS (UPSC CSE)

Introduction Multilingualism is a defining characteristic of India's cultural and linguistic diversity. A study of the 2011 Census data indicates that only 26.02% of Indians are bilingual and just 7.1% are trilingual. These figures raise concerns about the effectiveness of the three-language formula in India's education system and governance. Top & Bottom States for Multilingualism States with Highest Multilingualism Goa: 77.21% bilingual, 50.82% trilingual (only state where trilingualism exceeds 50%). Other High-Ranking States: Arunachal Pradesh (64.03%), Sikkim (63.71%), Nagaland (62.15%), Maharashtra (51.1%). States with Lowest Multilingualism Primarily Hindi-Speaking States: Rajasthan (10.9%), Uttar Pradesh (11.45%), Bihar (12.82%), Chhattisgarh (13.25%), Madhya Pradesh (13.51%). These states also have trilingualism rates below 2%. Common Language Combinations Most Popular Bilingual Combinations (2011 Census) Marathi-Hindi (3.47 crore) Hindi-English (3.2 crore) Guja...

  Introduction The "One Day as a Scientist" initiative is a unique program launched by the Ministry of Ayush to encourage students to engage in scientific research and innovation. Inspired by the Prime Minister's "Mann Ki Baat" appeal, this initiative aims to provide young minds with hands-on exposure to research methodologies in Ayush laboratories across India. This program bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science, fostering a scientific temperament among students. What is the ‘One Day as a Scientist’ Initiative? This initiative is designed to offer students a one-day immersive experience in scientific research, particularly in the field of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) . By allowing students to access advanced laboratory equipment and interact with researchers, the program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals . Objectives of the Initiative ...

Introduction Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) is a financial arrangement where external entities fund legal cases in exchange for a share of the final settlement or compensation. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in India, where litigation costs are high and access to justice is often limited to those with financial resources. By enabling individuals to pursue legal claims without worrying about costs, TPLF promotes fairness in the judicial system. It ensures that marginalized groups, small businesses, and individuals facing powerful opponents can litigate their cases effectively. The Need for TPLF in India High Litigation Costs: Many Indians struggle to afford legal proceedings, leading to justice being accessible mainly to the wealthy. Legal Backlogs: The Indian judicial system has a high pendency of cases, and financial constraints discourage many from pursuing legal recourse. Access to Justice: TPLF can provide financial support to weaker sections of society, enabli...

  Introduction The Meghalaya High Court , through a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) , has initiated action on the conservation of wetlands in the state, emphasizing their ecological and economic importance . This move aligns with national and international efforts such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971) , which aims to promote the sustainable management of wetlands worldwide. Importance of Wetlands Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems and offer numerous ecological benefits , such as: Water purification Groundwater recharge Flood control Biodiversity conservation To raise awareness of their significance, World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 annually. The theme for 2024 , "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," underscores their role in sustainable development . Wetlands: Global Significance Wetlands as Critical Ecosystems Wetlands cover 6% of the Earth’s surface . They provide 40.6% of global ecosystem services . Serve as carb...

The Government of India has successfully achieved its target of forming 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) under the Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of FPOs, launched in 2020 with a ₹6,865 crore budget . The formation of the 10,000th FPO in Khagaria, Bihar , marks a significant milestone in strengthening small and marginal farmers under the Atmanirbhar Krishi initiative . What is a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)? A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a collective of farmers registered under the Companies Act or Co-operative Societies Act to enhance farmers' bargaining power, market access, and productivity . The objective of FPOs is to reduce input costs, improve productivity, and enable better price realization for small and marginal farmers. Role of FPOs in Indian Agriculture Acts as a bridge between farmers and markets by facilitating bulk procurement, value addition, storage, processing, and direct market linkages . Provides financial and...