9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 28th June, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Reasons for the Failures of the Current Exam System

Source: The post reasons for the failures of the current exam system has been created, based on the article “NEET/NET fiasco: It’s time for technology to step in where the exam system has failed” published in “Indian express” on 28th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses the failures of the current exam system, suggests continuous assessment, online testing, AI-based proctoring, and internships for admissions. It emphasizes reforms to reduce fraud and improve education quality, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020 goals. Reasons for the Failures of the Current Exam System.

For detailed information on Revision of Competitive Examination read this article here

What are the main issues with the current exam system?

1. High-Stakes Exams: Exams like NEET and UGC NET are single high-stakes tests that push students towards cramming. Coaching centers flourish, focusing on passing exams rather than understanding subjects.
2. Impact on School Education: Grades 11 and 12 are overshadowed by coaching institutions, compromising holistic personality development outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
3. Drop in Engineering Graduates: In the last five years, the number of engineering graduates has decreased by 40%, indicating a lack of student interest after securing admission.
4. Outdated Assessment Methods: School boards use outdated and non-standardized assessment methods, focusing on rote learning. The 2022-23 deadline for implementing competency-based assessments from NEP 2020 has been missed.
5. Exam Conduct Issues: The inability to conduct large-scale exams professionally is troubling. Despite the NTA’s establishment in 2017, pen and paper exams prone to fraud are still used.

What should be done?

1. Change Selection Process: Introduce continuous assessment over two years for higher education admissions, reducing reliance on single high-stakes exams.
2. Implement Continuous Online Assessments: Assign 40% weightage to eight quarterly online assessments using a standardized question bank. These tests ensure critical thinking and conceptual understanding and are taken within school premises.
3. Promote Social and Professional Aptitude: Allocate 40% weightage to internships and participation in NSS/NCC or social upliftment programs. These experiences enhance practical skills and social awareness through two six-week long internships.
4. Conduct Final Exams with Reduced Weightage: Assign 20% weightage to a final online exam like NEET/JEE, conducted twice a year, allowing students to choose the best score.
5. Use Technology for Integrity: Employ AI-based proctoring and robust question banks to prevent fraud. Collaborate with institutes like IITs and the Indian Statistical Institute to design secure exam protocols.

Question for practice:

Examine the impact of high-stakes exams and coaching centers on student learning and educational outcomes in India.

Unfit India – Health Related Issues facing India

Source-This post on Unfit India has been created based on the article “Broken pavements, lack of safety: A big reason why Indians struggle to stay fit” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context– The article highlights new findings from the Lancet Global Health showing that 57% of women and 42% of men in India don’t meet the WHO’s guidelines for physical activity.
If this trend persists, it’s estimated that by 2030, almost 60% of Indian adults could face health risks like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancers like breast and colon cancer. Health Related Issues facing India

What are the reasons for the sedentary lifestyle of people?

1) Sociocultural, Economic, and Infrastructure Challenges -Many factors, including sociocultural, economic, and infrastructure issues, contribute to the inactive lifestyle of many Indians. Research shows that social and cultural attitudes also pose significant barriers, particularly for women and girls. For ex- A 2018 study in New Delhi found that social disapproval was a major obstacle to physical activity among adolescents.

2) Perception of Household Chores as Physical Activity– A 2015 study in Thiruvananthapuram revealed that many women believed household chores alone were enough physical activity. Recognizing the need for a shift in attitudes, the Indian government initiated the Fit India movement in 2019.

Read More-Fit India Movement

3) Limitation of Fit India Movement-It overlooks the most significant challenge for Indians aiming to improve fitness such as-

A) the absence of a suitable physical environment for being more active.
B) Gyms and fitness centers are unaffordable for most Indians.
C) Walking encounters hindrances like damaged sidewalks, exposed sewage, erratic traffic, and safety risks, which deter many individuals.

What should be the way forward?

1) Building a Healthy Society -The head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity emphasizes the need for a comprehensive societal approach. He stresses that open spaces, well-maintained roads and pavements, safety, and low pollution levels are essential for promoting a healthier population.

2) Policy Implementation and Infrastructure Development -The emphasis should be on implementing policies and investing in developing suitable environments and infrastructure.

Question for practice

What factors contribute to people leading sedentary lifestyles? How can this issue be addressed.

India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute

Source-This post on India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute has been created based on the article “Net damage” published in “The Hindu” on 28 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-International Relations- India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Context– The article reports a clash between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy on June 25th near Kankesanthurai. Sri Lankan Navy intercepted Indian poaching trawlers in their waters, leading to the capture of 10 fishermen (eight from Tamil Nadu and two from Andhra Pradesh) and the seizure of their trawler

This incident highlights the illegal crossing of international maritime boundaries by Indian fishermen. The fisheries dispute between India and Sri Lanka has intensified since the signing of the 1974 and 1976 bilateral agreements aimed at defining their maritime boundaries.

What are the reasons behind this confrontation?

1) The Joint Working Group meeting between India and Srilanka has not been convened for the past two years due to various reasons or circumstances.

2) The deep-sea fishing project, managed jointly by the Union and Tamil Nadu governments, has been a failure. Over almost seven years, only 61 deep sea fishing vessels have been distributed to beneficiaries. As a result, fishermen are forced to cross maritime boundary.

Read more– India Sri Lanka relations

What should be the way forward?

1) Bottom trawlers should be gradually replaced.

2) There is a need for diversification into deep sea fishing, marine cage farming, seaweed cultivation and sea rranching.

3) The Union government could integrate the project into a nationwide program with a higher unit cost of ₹40 lakh for deep sea fishing vessels.

4) New Delhi and Colombo should develop additional schemes to assist fishermen in the Northern Province.

5) It is essential for India and Sri Lanka, together with representatives from the fishing communities and officials from Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province, to meet as early as possible and resolve the ongoing dispute.

Question for practice

What are the causes of the conflict between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy? What steps should be taken next to find a resolution?

GS PAPER - 3

How Duckworth-Lewis method work

Source: The post how Duckworth-Lewis method work has been created, based on the article “Duckworth levelled the cricket field, didn’t he?” published in “Live mints” on 28th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper

Context: The article discusses the legacy of Frank Duckworth, a statistician who co-created the Duckworth-Lewis method. This formula helps adjust cricket scores when rain interrupts play. It was made to ensure fairness in games affected by weather. Duckworth recently passed away at 84.

What is Duckworth-Lewis method?

1. The Duckworth-Lewis method was created by statistician Frank Duckworth and former cricketer Tony Lewis. It adjusts cricket scores when rain interrupts play.
2. The method uses a chart that factors in the remaining deliveries and wickets to calculate a fair score target.
3. It was introduced after an unfair game outcome in the 1992 Cricket World Cup semi-final where South Africa lost due to an inadequate rain rule.
4. This method was officially adopted by the International Cricket Council in 1999. Since its adoption, it has been essential for 50-over cricket, though less effective in T20 formats.

How Duckworth-Lewis method work?

1. The Duckworth-Lewis method combines the remaining deliveries and wickets to create a “resource percentage.”
2. A chart, known as the DL chart, helps calculate this percentage for any match situation.
3. The chart starts with ‘100%’ when all overs and wickets are available, decreasing as resources diminish.
4. When play resumes after an interruption, the method adjusts the target score based on the resources left.
5. The method allows for fairer game conclusions under disrupted conditions.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the Duckworth-Lewis method ensures fairness in cricket matches disrupted by rain.

India needs to develop a unique economic strategy

Source: The post India needs to develop a unique economic strategy has been created, based on the article “A new agenda for great power status” published in “Business standard” on 28th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Economy

Context: The article discusses the need for India to develop a unique economic strategy that is sustainable and not resource-heavy like China’s. It emphasizes joining global trade groups, reducing tariffs, and supporting the informal sector to boost manufacturing and overall economic growth.

For detailed information on Indian Development Model read Article 1, Article 2

What is India’s external economic footprint?

1. Currently, India accounts for 1.8 per cent of world exports and is ranked 18th.
2. It accounts for 2.8 per cent of global imports and ranks ninth worldwide.

Why should India not follow the China growth model?

1. Resource and Energy Demand: China’s growth relied heavily on extensive resource and energy consumption. This model is unsustainable for India, given global resource limits and the world’s inability to support another such heavy consumer.

2 Ecological Sustainability: The Chinese model is incompatible with the needs for ecological sustainability and addressing climate change. India requires a growth strategy that significantly reduces environmental impact.

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: China may have peaked in terms of its greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, India’s emissions are set to increase, which will lead to international pressure to curb them.

How can India enhance its global economic influence?

1. Expand Foreign Trade: India aims to become the third-largest trading power by expanding its foreign trade, aligning with its current status as the fifth-largest economy.
2. Join Major Trade Groups: Engaging with major trade groups like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and applying to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will integrate India more deeply into global trade dynamics.
3. Reduce Tariffs: Lowering high custom tariffs, which have increased since 2014, will facilitate India’s participation in global and regional supply chains, essential for being a global trading power.
4. Support the Informal Sector: Simplify GST procedures and reconsider the Production-Linked Incentive scheme to bolster small and medium enterprises, which are vital for employment and economic resilience.

Question for practice:

Discuss India’s strategy to enhance its global economic influence and why it should diverge from China’s resource-heavy growth model.

Benefits of government buffer stocks in stabilizing food prices

Source: The post benefits of government buffer stocks in stabilizing food prices has been created, based on the article “Why govt must create a buffer stock of all main food items” published in “Indian express” on 28th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security

Context: The article discusses the benefits of government buffer stocks in stabilizing food prices. It highlights how releasing stocks of wheat and chana (chickpea) from surplus production years helped lower inflation in cereals and pulses despite adverse weather and crop failures.

For detailed information on government buffer stocks read this article here

What is the current status of buffer stock and food information?

1. Wheat Buffer Stock: In 2022-23, FCI sold 34.82 lakh tonnes (lt) of wheat, rising to a record 100.88 lt the next year, helping reduce wheat inflation from 25.37% to 6.53% by May 2024.
2. Chana Buffer Stock: NAFED procured 25.56 lt and 23.53 lt of chana in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. It sold 14.06 lt through auctions and 16.09 lt as ‘Bharat Dal’.
3. Current Inflation: Cereal inflation was 8.69% and pulses inflation was 17.14% in May 2024.

What are the reasons for food inflation?

1. Climate Change: Unpredictable weather, such as fewer rainy days, extended dry spells, and intense precipitation, has impacted food production. Poor crops over the last three years reduced wheat stocks from 603.56 lt in July 2021 to 301.45 lt in July 2023.
2. Increased Demand: High demand has driven up prices. For instance, chana prices rose from Rs 70 to Rs 90 per kg in a year, while tur/arhar prices jumped from Rs 120 to Rs 170 per kg.
3. Limited Procurement: NAFED could procure only 43,000 tonnes of chana this season, compared to higher quantities in previous years.
4. Market Volatility: Prices of pulses, like urad and moong, have increased due to market volatility, with inflation rates for cereals and pulses at 8.69% and 17.14% respectively in May 2024.

What are the benefits of buffer stocks?

1. Price Stability: Buffer stocks help stabilize prices. For example, wheat inflation dropped from 25.37% in February 2023 to 6.53% in May 2024 due to FCI’s open market sales.
2. Consumer Protection: Consumers benefit from lower prices. NAFED sold 16.09 lakh tonnes of chana as ‘Bharat Dal’ at Rs 60/kg, helping keep prices affordable.
3. Support for Farmers: During surplus years, farmers benefit from minimum support prices (MSP). NAFED bought chana at MSP of Rs 5,230 and Rs 5,335 per quintal in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
4. Supply Management: Buffer stocks ensure supply during poor crop years. NAFED’s chana stocks reduced price volatility, even with market prices above MSP.
5. Inflation Control: Overall CPI inflation was 4.75% in May 2024, the lowest in 12 months, aided by buffer stock interventions in essential commodities.

What should be done?

1. Expand Procurement: The government should increase procurement of pulses and oilseeds, beyond just rice and wheat.
2. Include Vegetables: Buffer stocking should extend to staple vegetables like onion, potato, and tomato. These can be stored as paste, flakes, or puree for future use.
3. Build Milk Powder Stocks: The government should create buffer stocks of skimmed milk powder (SMP) during periods of low prices, like the current drop from Rs 315-320 to Rs 210 per kg.
4. Improve Market Interventions: Continuously release buffer stocks during scarcity to stabilize prices. FCI’s wheat sales helped reduce cereal inflation from 16.73% to 8.69%.
5. Monitor Climate Impact: Adapt buffer stock policies to address climate-induced price volatility, ensuring both consumer protection and farmer support.

Question for practice:

Examine how government buffer stocks have contributed to stabilizing food prices and managing inflation in cereals and pulses.

Selecting Routes for Vande Metro Train

Source-This post on Selecting Routes for Vande Metro Train has been created based on the article “Get the Vande Metro routing right” published in “The Hindu” on 28 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Context– The article discusses the introduction Vande Metro trains in India. The Vande Metro aims to run up to 250 kilometers between major cities and nearby towns. The first Vande Metro prototype, with 12 coaches and amenities like Vande Bharat trains, was produced by the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab.

What are the challenges with the Vande Bharat trains?

1) Low Passenger Numbers-The Vande Bharat trains have captured the nation’s imagination. However, out of the 51 origin-destination pairings served by 82 Vande Bharat rakes introduced by Indian Railways, at least 10 pairs have very low passenger numbers.

2) Financial Loss-Estimates suggest that Indian Railways has incurred losses of approximately ₹100 crore due to poor patronage on some of the Vande Bharat routes.

3) Lack of Analysis-Indian Railways did not systematically analyze each route to ensure sufficient passenger demand before launching the Vande Bharat trains.

What is the significance of the introduction of Vande Metro Train?

1) Facilities-Vande Metro trains, like Vande Bharat trains, feature a continuous, fully air-conditioned gangway that allows passengers to move freely between coaches and use bio-toilets.

2) Safety-Doors are closed that prevents accidents often seen during boarding and disembarking on other types of trains like EMU and MEMU.

Read More- The Issue of Indian Railway Safety

3) Speed-They can run with maximum design speed of 130 kmph, averaging between 75 kmph and 90 kmph depending on the route. This promises quicker and more comfortable journeys, secure boarding and disembarking, and modern restroom facilities.

4) Convenience- Buses traveling distances up to 250 km are generally not luxurious, and while cars offer faster travel, they are not economically feasible for middle-class passengers. Therefore, the Vande Metro train aims to offer a comfortable and affordable travel experience for passengers in this segment.

What are the financial issues with the introduction of Vande Metro trains?

1) High Energy Cost-Vande Metro trains have higher energy costs compared to non-air-conditioned second-class carriages.

2) High Manufacturing Cost– The prototype Vande Metro coach costs ₹8 crore to manufacture, significantly more than second-class suburban coaches. Due to these higher costs, Indian Railways cannot operate Vande Metro trains at fares comparable to second-class trains currently in service.

3) Fare Disparities and Passenger Preferences– Passengers in second-class pay 45 paisa, 22 paisa, and 18 paisa per kilometer on mail/express, ordinary, and EMU/MEMU trains, respectively. Traveling at a low cost is a behavior many rail travelers adopt. Whether these passengers would switch to more expensive air-conditioned Vande Metro trains is uncertain.

4) Underwhelming Response-The introduction of air-conditioned coaches on certain suburban trains in Mumbai did not meet expectations due to factors such as passengers traveling without valid tickets and a disappointing response from commuters.

What should be the Way forward?

1) Conduct Proper Analysis of Demand Projection-Indian Railways should learn from the mistakes of the Vande Bharat trains when planning the Vande Metro. Conducting a methodical analysis of demand projections for different origin-destination pairs before finalizing routes for Vande Metro trains would be beneficial.

2) Enhancing Utilization through Passenger-Centric Planning– This approach should consider passengers’ willingness and ability to pay. This will lead   to higher patronage and improved utilization of train services.

Question for practice

What is the importance of the Vande Metro Train’s launch? What financial challenges accompany its introduction?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Significance of Biomass briquettes

Source-This post on Significance of Biomass briquettes has been created based on the article “How biomass briquettes are transforming supply chain dynamics towards sustainability?” published in “Financial Express” on 25 June 2026.

Why in the news?

Recently, there has been growing attention worldwide on sustainable solutions to address climate change and environmental damage. An emerging trend in the supply chain sector involves utilizing biomass briquettes as an alternative fuel source for generating power and electricity.

About Biomass briquettes

1) Definition:It is a compact block of compressed organic matter.

2) Raw Materials:

A) Rice husk, groundnut shells, sugarcane bagasse
B) Sawdust, coffee husk, jute sticks
C) Municipal solid waste (organic portion)

3) India’s Abundant Biomass Resources-India is a leading country for using biomass. The Power Ministry reports that India has a plentiful and dependable biomass source, estimated at 750 million tonnes annually, mostly from agricultural leftovers.

What is the significance of Biomass briquettes ?

1) Environmental Benefits-Unlike fossil fuels, they are carbon-neutral, releasing no additional carbon dioxide when burned. Its adoption reduces reliance on fossil fuels, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and support climate change mitigation efforts.

2) Waste Management-By repurposing these residues, it contributes to waste management and carbon sequestration, enhancing their environmental impact.

3) Creation of Jobs-In rural areas with abundant agricultural residues, setting up biomass briquette production units can create jobs and boost local economies.

4) Supply Chain Resilience-Biomass briquettes, sourced locally, are less susceptible to external disruptions such as price fluctuations and geopolitical factors compared to fossil fuels.

5) Decentralised Energy Production-It contributes to a more resilient and inclusive energy ecosystem by decentralizing energy production and distribution.

Read more-Biogas: Advantages and Challenge

UPSC Syllabus-Environment

Exercise HOPEX

Source-This post on Exercise HOPEX has been created based on the article “Ex-HOPEX: India-Egypt Defence Cooperation Strengthens; IAF And Egyptian Air Force hold drill” published in “Financial express” on 25 June 2024.

Why in the news?

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale fighter jets are presently in Egypt for Exercise HOPEX. Additionally, the C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 tankers are participating in the weeklong exercise, which takes place from June 21 to June 26.

About Exercise HOPEX

1) Participating Nations-It is the fourth joint exercise of IAF (Indian Air Force) and EAF (Egyptian Air Force) which was held in Egypt from 21 to 26 June.

2) Aim-To enhance bilateral and regional cooperation, symbolizing the enduring relationship between the two nations.

3) Significance-

A) It will enhance operational capabilities of both air forces.

B) It will improve interoperability.

C) It will encourage sharing of best practices and tactics

D) It will further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Egypt.

About India and Egypt relationship

1) India and Egypt established diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level on August 18, 1947.

2) As founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, both nations have collaborated closely on multilateral platforms. In 2022, India and Egypt celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, underscoring the strength and depth of their bilateral ties.

Read more-DUSTLIK- Military Exercise

UPSC Syllabus-Defence Exercises

Stryker infantry vehicles and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles

Source– This post on ” Stryker infantry vehicles and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles” has been created based on the article “ India and U.S. in talks for Stryker infantry vehicles” published in “The Hindu” on 28th June 2024.

Why in News

India has expressed interest in co-producing the Stryker infantry vehicles and the Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).

Javelin Anti Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)

1. The Javelin anti-tank weapon system is a premier, single-man-portable, medium-range missile system.

2. It measures roughly 1.2 m in length, 127 mm in diameter, and weighs 22.1 kg. The missile carries a single 8.4 kg tandem-charge, high-explosive antitank (HEAT) warhead. It has a qualified maximum range of 2,500.

3. It uses a “fire-and-forget” principle, automatically guiding itself to the target after launch. This allows the gunner to take cover and avoid counter-fire.

 

Stryker Infantry Vehicles

The Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles. The Stryker was conceived as a family of vehicles forming the backbone of a new medium-weight brigade combat team (BCT) that was to strike a balance between Armored brigade combat teams (heavy armor) and Infantry brigade combat teams.

UPSC Syllabus- Defence

SEBI tightens norms on financial influencers

Source- This post on “SEBI tightens norms on financial influencers” is based on the article “SEBI tightens norms on financial influencers, eases rules for delisting” published in “The Hindu” on 28th June 2024.

Why in News?

SEBI which is India’s markets regulator has asked the brokers and mutual funds to stop using the services of unregulated financial influencers for marketing and advertising campaigns.

The Issue

The Indian stock market is booming. This is increasing the popularity of so-called financial influencers who advise on stocks and other related investments through their channels on YouTube and Instagram. These influencers have a large number of followers.

The Guidelines for Financial Influencers

India has 154 million trading accounts, which is a near 4 times jump from 36 million trading accounts in April 2019.

According to the guidelines, it will be the responsibility of the regulated entity to ensure individuals with whom it is associated do not breach the rules of conduct set by SEBI. These guidelines stipulate avoiding the promise of assured returns.

Note- Financial influencers engaged in investor education will be exempted from the new restrictions.

Other Guidelines

1. A new criteria has been introduced to decide on stocks that can be linked to derivative products, such as futures and options. With the adoption of these guidelines, the total number of stocks eligible for derivative trading will rise marginally.

2. New guidelines have been approved which make changes to delisting rules. This would make it easier for companies to exit from stock exchanges. Currently, delisting is carried out via reverse book-building. Companies can now offer shareholders fixed prices for shares as an alternative mechanism to delist from stock exchanges.

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy

Mainland Serow Mammal

Source- This post on ‘Mainland Serow Mammal‘ has been created based on the article “Antelope-like mammal from Bhutan recorded at lowest elevation in western Assam” published in “The Hindu” on 28th June 2024.

Why in News?

The mainland serow has been recorded at the lowest elevation in western Assam.

About Mainland Serow

About	Details
Mainland Serow	A mammal that looks like a cross between a goat and an antelope. The mainland serow inhabits areas at altitudes of 200 metres to 3,000 metres
Habitat	Species of serow native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia and China. Bhutan is the natural home and habitat of mainland serow.
Characteristics	a. The mainland serow, both male and female, is around three feet high at the shoulder, and typically weighs around 200 lb. b. The mainland serow possesses guard hairs on its coat that are bristly or coarse. These also cover the layer of fur closest to its skin. c. The horns are only characteristic of the males and are light-colored. These are approximately six inches in length, and curve slightly towards the animal’s back.
Behaviour	The mainland serow is territorial and lives alone or in small groups. Females give birth to a single young after a gestation period of about eight months
Conservation Status	IUCN Status- Vulnerable CITES- Appendix I
Prominent Habitat in India	Its habitat is across the border in the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment