Big Breaking 🚨

Modi Govt 3.0 Backtracks On Pensions Now!

Is it the Coalition Effect or Has a Deeper Significance Underlying

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Introduced in India

But, is it for Better or Worse?

Let's Find Out

A Thread 🧵 India’s new Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a big change for the better in how people save for retirement. It’s like putting all the different pension plans into one big pot to make things easier and more secure for everyone who works.

What's Happening?🚨

Is 30 the new 20 for marriage year in India?

Are Career Goals Winning over Matrimony?

Indian Women are Flipping the Script on Marriage Timelines!

What's Reasons Behind this Trend?

A Thread 🧵 Introduction

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the age at which women choose to marry and start a family. This global trend is also evident in India, where societal norms and expectations are evolving.

Big News🚨

Why We Don’t Need Reservations For Lateral Entry in UPSC?

Great Opportunity to Become Joint Secretary and Deputy Secretary in Govt of India in Biggest Ever Recruitment Notification by UPSC

Opposition Slams it as Being Unfair

Can Specialists Really Do Better than Career Bureaucrats?

What are the Issues?

A Thread 🧵 What is Lateral Entry?

- Definition: Lateral entry refers to recruiting professionals and Experts from the private sector and other non-governmental sectors into senior positions within the government.

- Purpose: The aim is to bring in fresh talent with specialised knowledge to enhance the efficiency of government services.

High Alert🚨

New Health Emergency at India’s Doorsteps!

WHO has declared a Global Health Emergency like Covid-19

Can the World Go into Lockdown Again?

What is MPox Virus? How Can We Protect Ourselves From This?

A Thread🧵 What is Mpox?

- Mpox is a viral illness caused by the Mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family.

- The disease was formerly known as monkeypox and was first identified in monkeys in 1958.

Big Breaking 🚨

Dr Jaishankar Does it Again!

India’s Soft Power Play in the Maldives, But is it Enough to Counter China's Shadow?

Facts that You Should Know About from this Recent EAM Visit to Maldives

A Thread 🧵 Key Outcomes of EAM’s Visit to Maldives

- Water and Sewerage Network: Inauguration of water and sewerage facilities on 28 islands, funded by India.

- Capacity Building: Signing of MoU to train an additional 1,000 Maldivian civil servants in India.

- Launch of UPI: Agreement to introduce UPI payment system in Maldives.

- Community Development Projects: Inauguration of six projects in mental health, education, and infrastructure.

- ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ Initiative: Planting of a sapling to support environmental initiatives.

- Greater Male Connectivity Project: Commitment to a major infrastructure project connecting several islands.

- Addu Projects: Inauguration of land reclamation and bridge projects in Addu.

BIG BREAKING NEWS🚨

Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 is Masterstroke or a Mess?

This New Bill Could Change Everything?

Will it Fix the System or Fuel the fire?

A Thread 🧵 Overview of Bill

- Introduction: The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 introduces approximately 40 amendments to the Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to enhance the management of Waqf properties.

- Objective: The bill emphasises accountability, transparency, and inclusivity within the Waqf system.

🚨Big Breaking🚨

SC Has Just Changed the Game for Reservations in India

Creamy layer to be brought into SC and ST Reservation?

How Will it Affect Job and Education Opportunities for SC/ST Communities?

A Thread 🧵 Context of this News:
On August 1, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment that allowed states to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for granting separate quotas for the more backward groups among them.

🚨 Big Breaking🚨

Why did PM Modi Choose Russia as his First Official Visit After Getting Re-elected for a Record Third term?

All Eyes of the West are on this Visit

Why this Visit is So Important this Time?

A Thread 🧵 Historical Context:

- Cold War Collaboration: The Soviet Union’s support during the Cold War and the Non-Aligned Movement.

- 1971 Friendship Treaty: Russia’s backing of India in the Indo-Pak war.

- 2000 Strategic Partnership: Enhanced cooperation across various sectors.

- 2010 Special Partnership: Upgraded to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

🚨Beware 🚨

If you Break Up with your Gf, Now you can be jailed for at least 10 years 🤯

Curious case of Section 69

How New Law Can Destroy Your Career & Love Within a Minute?😣

A Thread 🧵 Big Changes in Law:

- India’s legal system witnesses a seismic shift with the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), replacing the 164-year-old IPC.

- Aims to address deceit in relationships with serious legal consequences.

🚨 Big Breaking 🚨

The Post Office Act of 2023 came into force replacing the Indian Post Office Act, 1898

But what's the issue of this New Act?

Major Findings - Positives & Negatives of this Act

A Thread 🚨 Key Highlights of the Post Office Act 2023:

Interception and Detention of Items (Section 9):
- The government can authorise officers to intercept or detain mail for state security or foreign relations.
- Suspected items can be given to customs for prohibited goods or duty checks.

Exemption from Liability (Section 10) :
- The Post Office and its officers are not liable for loss, misdelivery, delay, or damage, with certain exceptions.

Removal of Penalties and Offences:
- The new Act removes penalties for misconduct, fraud, and theft by postal officials from the 1898 Act.
- Unpaid service charges can be collected as land revenue arrears.

Penalty for Non-Payment (Section 7):
- Users must pay for services availed from the Post Office.

End of Centre’s Exclusivity:
- The Act ends the Centre’s exclusive right to convey letters, acknowledging private courier services.
- It brings private couriers under regulation and allows interception of all postal articles.

Director General of Postal Services:
- The Director General can make regulations for additional services and set charges without needing parliamentary approval.

Identifiers and Post Codes (Section 5(1)):
- The government may set standards for digital addressing and postcodes, replacing physical addresses with digital codes.

🚨Red Ant Chutney to Traditional Crafts- GI Tags are always a Hot topic for Prelims

Sharing Some Recent Ones Statewise for the Upcoming UPSC Prelims 2024

Reading Time: 3 Min

A Thread 🧵 Arunachal Pradesh:

Arunachal Yak Chrupi: A cheese made from the milk of Arunachali yaks, known for its rich protein content.

Handmade Carpets: Intricately designed, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.

Wancho Wooden Craft: Traditional woodwork showcasing the craftsmanship of the Wancho tribe.

Adi Kekir: A unique textile craft representing the Adi tribe’s cultural identity.

If Yesterday’s was about important ports, today it’s about African Nations.

Btw, UPSC loves asking questions on Africa

Bookmark this for upcoming prelims 2024

Reading Time: 3 min

A Thread🧵 Sudan:

Why in News:
Ongoing civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to significant violence and humanitarian crises.

Neighbouring Countries:
Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan

Relation with India:
India supports Ethiopian developmental efforts; Ethiopia supports India’s claim to a UN Security Council seat.

IR Topics that can Make or Break your Selection in UPSC Prelims 2024

Sharing Important Places and Ports in News

Reading Time: 2 Min

A Thread 🧵 Chabahar Port, Iran

- Strategic Trade Link: Enhances connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia; serves as a key trade link between India, Iran, and Afghanistan.

- Geopolitical Significance: Part of India’s broader geopolitical and economic strategy in the region; investment to counter China’s influence.

- Location & Capacity: Situated on the Gulf of Oman; capable of handling cargo ships up to 200,000 DWT.

Elections Done and Dusted!

Be it NDA or INDI now it's upto the kingmakers

But these are some Imp Topics that are definitely the kingmakers for your UPSC Prelims 2024

A Thread 🧵 1. UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
- Objective: Promote collaboration among cities that recognize creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development
- Fields: Seven creative fields including Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature, and Music
- Indian Cities: Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Mumbai (Film), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Srinagar (Crafts and Folk Arts)

2. Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles
- Definition: Vehicles that run on a blend of fuels (up to 85% ethanol) and have an electric powertrain
- Benefits: Reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower emissions, and promote renewable energy
- India’s Goals: Align with national objectives for energy self-sufficiency and carbon emission reduction.

3. Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV)
- Type: Tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to South Asia
- Transmission: Through tick bites or contact with infected animals
- Symptoms: High fever, headache, hemorrhage, and potential neurological complications

🚨Big Breaking🚨

Iranian President Raisi,foreign minister and former ambassador to UK confirmed dead

Despite Western pressures, India extended to maintain good relations with Iran using its Strategic autonomy

How was India - Iran Relations? Let's Understand

A Thread 🧵 Historical Ties
- Ancient Civilizations: India-Iran relations trace back to the Indus Valley and Mesopotamian civilizations

- Trade Routes: They engaged in trade via the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea, with archaeological finds like Indus seals in Iran

- Cultural Exchanges: Shared cultural elements include language influences and traditional practices

Many Students Have Asked Which New Acts Are Important from the Perspective of the UPSC Prelims?

Therefore, Here is a Compilation and Explanation of the Five Most Important Acts from Current Affairs over the last year

A Thread 🧵 1. DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION ACT 2023

Historical Context:
- The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court in 2018 in the case of K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India established privacy as an intrinsic fundamental right

- Subsequently, the Justice Srikrishna Committee laid the groundwork for data protection legislation with the draft Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill in 2018

Overview of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023:
The Act is designed to oversee the handling of digital personal data, affirming the individual’s autonomy over their personal information

Key provisions include:
- Data Fiduciaries’ Responsibilities: Entities that manage data, encompassing individuals, corporations, and government bodies, are mandated to adhere to specific standards during data processing activities such as collection, storage, and other data-related operations

- Data Principals’ Rights and Responsibilities: Individuals, to whom the data pertains, are empowered with rights to control their digital footprint and responsibilities to comply with the law

- Enforcement Measures: The Act imposes stringent financial penalties for any infringement of the established rights, duties, and obligations, ensuring accountability and protection of personal data

🚨Breaking News🚨

Supreme Court Bench recently commenced hearings on whether Distribution of Wealth should be allowed in DPSP under Article 39(b)

What is Article 39(b)? and is it related to Inheritance Tax?

A Thread🧵 Introduction:

» Article 39(b) is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution

» Its purpose is to guide the state’s policy towards securing the common good

Even Dubai can suffer from heavy rainfall

How the Modern Architecture like Dubai is not prepared for the flood?

What was the reasons behind that ?

A Thread 🧵 Is climate change responsible for the event?
➢Soaring global temperatures could be a contributing factor
➢Higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation from land, oceans, and water bodies
➢ A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture
➢ Studies indicate that for every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature, the atmosphere can retain about 7% more moisture
➢ This heightened moisture content intensifies precipitation during storms
➢ Increased precipitation intensity, duration, and frequency can result in severe flooding
➢ Research in India's Thar desert and Australia's deserts suggests more rainfall due to climate change
➢ Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since 1850
➢ UAE's temperature surged by almost 1.5°C in the last 60 years
➢ This rise is mainly due to increased greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial of Form

A new Fundamental Right, yes you heard that right! SC in a landmark verdict has declared a new Fundamental Right against climate change making it important for upcoming UPSC Prelims exams.

#UPSC Prelims Perspective A Thread 🧵 Why In News:
» Supreme Court judgment: M K Ranjitsinh & Ors v. Union of India & Ors

» Focus: Conservation of two highly endangered bird species - great Indian bustard (GIB) and lesser florican

» Species status: Scheduled under Part III of Schedule I of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

» Significance: Addresses critical status on IUCN Red List, highlighting urgent need for conservation measures

The Chinese continue to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh in a senseless manner

Why does China want Arunachal Pradesh?
Why this Part is so Disputed for a long time?
What is the major reason for Disputes?

Let's find out from #UPSC Prelims Perspective

A Thread 🧵 Arunachal Pradesh

1. Geographical Context:
» Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is a mountainous state in northeastern India

» It shares international borders with Bhutan, Tibet (China), and Myanmar

» The region is characterised by deep valleys, highland plateaus, and towering peaks, including Kangto (the highest peak in the state)

» The Brahmaputra River and its tributaries flow through Arunachal Pradesh

» The state covers an area of approximately 83,743 square kilometres, with about 80% forest cover

2. Historical Significance:
» Arunachal Pradesh has ancient roots, mentioned in Hindu literature such as the Kalika-Purana, Mahabharata, and Ramayana

» Formerly known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) during British colonial rule, it became an Indian union territory in 1972 and a state in 1987

Magsaysay Awardee Sonam Wangchuk and Many People of Ladakh Demanding Constitutional Safeguards for Ladakh

How Does This News Help Us to Revise our Important Polity Concept from #UPSC Perspective?

- Schedule 6
- Article 371

A Thread 🧵 Post-Article 370 Repeal and Ladakh’s Union Territory Status

- After the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 came into effect, establishing Ladakh as a separate Union Territory without a legislature

- Unlike Union Territories like New Delhi and Puducherry, which have their own legislative assemblies, Ladakh does not possess one

- When Ladakh was part of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), an elected body that governed the region, enjoyed significant autonomy

- But with the region now under the direct rule of the central government, Ladakhi leaders say the LAHDC has been reduced to footnotes, leading to a feeling of political dispossession