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Daily Current Affairs (UPSC CSE) - 25th September 2024 (Part 2)
- Anshad S
- Sep 25, 2024
- 6 min read
6. SRI LANKA PRESIDENT PICKS HARINI AMARASURIYA AS PRIME MINISTER
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations, India and its Neighbourhood)
Context:
Sri Lankan President Dissanayake selected Harini Amarasuriya as the new Prime Minister, marking a significant political development in Sri Lanka’s leadership transition.
Key Points:
Political Transition in Sri Lanka:
The appointment of Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister comes at a crucial time as Sri Lanka continues to navigate its economic crisis, political instability, and international relations.
Challenges Facing Sri Lanka:
Economic Crisis: Sri Lanka faces significant economic challenges, including debt repayment, inflation, and shortages of essential goods.
Political Reform: Calls for political reform and accountability have grown since the ousting of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 following widespread protests.
India-Sri Lanka Relations:
India is a key player in Sri Lanka’s recovery, providing financial aid, investment, and strategic support.
Amarasuriya’s appointment may offer opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in areas such as trade, energy cooperation, and infrastructure development.
Importance for UPSC:
International Relations: Understanding Sri Lanka’s political developments and their impact on India-Sri Lanka relations is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.
India’s Neighbourhood Policy: Sri Lanka’s political stability directly affects India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region, relevant for Mains.
Prelims
What are the key challenges Sri Lanka is facing in its economic and political recovery?
How do political developments in Sri Lanka affect India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean?
Mains
GS Paper II: "Discuss the significance of recent political developments in Sri Lanka and their impact on India-Sri Lanka relations. How can India contribute to Sri Lanka’s recovery?"
7. MOST GST NOTICES DUE TO DATA MISMATCHES, CBIC TO DEPLOY TECH TO ADDRESS ISSUES
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper III (Indian Economy, Taxation System, Technology)
Context:
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) revealed that most Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices issued to businesses are due to data mismatches, and the board plans to deploy technology to address this issue.
Key Points:
GST Data Mismatches:
Businesses often receive GST notices due to mismatches in data between sales invoices, returns, and input tax credits. These discrepancies can result from clerical errors or a lack of timely reconciliation.
Technology Deployment:
CBIC is looking to enhance its technological infrastructure, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and address data mismatches more effectively.
The initiative aims to reduce the compliance burden on businesses, streamline GST processes, and improve tax collection efficiency.
Impact on Businesses:
The deployment of technology will help businesses avoid penalties and disputes due to data mismatches, thereby fostering a more transparent and efficient tax system.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which often face challenges in compliance, are expected to benefit significantly from this initiative.
Importance for UPSC:
Economy and Technology: Understanding how technology is being used to improve tax compliance and administration is relevant for both Prelims and Mains.
GST System: Insights into the functioning of the GST system, especially in terms of compliance challenges, are crucial for economic governance topics in GS Paper III.
Prelims
What is the role of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in administering the GST system?
How is technology being deployed to address GST data mismatches and improve compliance?
Mains
GS Paper III: "Discuss the challenges faced by businesses in complying with the GST system. How can technology be leveraged to reduce compliance burdens and enhance tax efficiency?"
8. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AMONG WOMEN RISES, OVERALL RATE REMAINS STEADY
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper I (Society, Gender), Paper III (Employment, Economic Development)
Context:
The latest labour force data revealed that the unemployment rate among women in India has risen, while the overall unemployment rate has remained steady. This highlights the persistent gender gap in employment.
Key Points:
Rising Unemployment Among Women:
The unemployment rate for women has seen a significant increase, raising concerns about gender disparities in the labour market.
Overall Employment Trends:
Despite the steady overall unemployment rate, women continue to face structural barriers in accessing jobs, including lower labour force participation, workplace discrimination, and inadequate support for working mothers.
Government Initiatives:
Various government schemes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Stand-Up India, and Skill India aim to empower women by improving their access to education, skill development, and employment opportunities.
Need for Gender-Sensitive Employment Policies:
The rising unemployment rate among women calls for targeted interventions, such as promoting women-friendly workplace policies, improving access to skill development, and creating opportunities in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Importance for UPSC:
Society and Employment: Gender disparity in employment is a key issue in social justice and economic development, relevant for both Prelims and Mains.
Government Initiatives: Knowledge of government schemes aimed at promoting women’s employment is critical for Mains answers on gender issues.
Prelims
What are the key reasons for the rising unemployment rate among women in India?
What government initiatives have been launched to improve women’s participation in the workforce?
Mains
GS Paper I/III: "Examine the challenges women face in the Indian labor market. What policy measures are needed to reduce the gender gap in employment?"
9. ISRAEL SEEKS 10,000 MORE SKILLED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS FROM INDIA
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations, India and its Diaspora), Paper III (Labour and Employment)
Context:
Israel has requested an additional 10,000 skilled construction workers from India to meet the growing demand in its construction sector. This highlights the strong economic and labour ties between the two nations.
Key Points:
Labour Cooperation Between India and Israel:
Israel has been a key destination for Indian workers, particularly in the construction and agriculture sectors. The demand for skilled labour underscores the importance of labour exports in India’s foreign relations.
Economic Impact on India:
The export of skilled labour contributes to India’s economy through remittances, while also offering employment opportunities for Indian workers.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations:
The labour agreement between India and Israel is part of broader cooperation, including defence, agriculture, water technology, and innovation.
Skill Development:
India's focus on skill development, through initiatives like Skill India, is essential to meet international demand for skilled workers. Enhancing worker skills can ensure better employment opportunities and wage growth abroad.
Importance for UPSC:
International Relations: India’s labour exports and its impact on international relations, especially with countries like Israel, are important for Prelims and Mains.
Labour and Employment: Understanding the dynamics of skilled labour migration and its economic impact is relevant for GS Paper III.
Prelims
What are the key areas of cooperation between India and Israel in terms of labour migration?
How does the export of skilled labour benefit India’s economy and international relations?
Mains
GS Paper II/III: "Discuss the significance of skilled labour migration from India to Israel. How can India enhance its workforce to meet international labour demands?"
10. INDIAN RAILWAYS TO OVERHAUL AGEING SIGNALLING SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCED SAFETY
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper III (Infrastructure, Railways, Technology)
Context:
Indian Railways has announced plans to overhaul its ageing signalling systems to enhance the safety and efficiency of railway operations across the country.
Key Points:
Current Signalling System:
Many parts of the Indian Railways still rely on outdated signalling systems, which can pose safety risks and limit operational efficiency.
Proposed Overhaul:
The overhaul will include the installation of advanced technologies such as the European Train Control System (ETCS), automated signalling systems, and better monitoring and communication tools.
Safety and Efficiency:
Modernising the signalling infrastructure will reduce the risk of accidents, improve train punctuality, and enhance overall safety for passengers and goods.
Impact on Infrastructure Development:
Upgrading the signalling systems is part of the broader efforts by Indian Railways to modernise its infrastructure, which includes track electrification, station redevelopment, and the introduction of high-speed trains.
Importance for UPSC:
Infrastructure Development: Modernisation of railway infrastructure, especially safety measures, is crucial for Prelims and Mains.
Technology in Governance: The use of technology in enhancing safety and efficiency in public transport is a key area in GS Paper III.
Prelims
What are the main challenges associated with the current signalling system in Indian Railways?
How does the European Train Control System (ETCS) improve railway safety and efficiency?
Mains
GS Paper III: "Discuss the importance of modernising the signalling systems of Indian Railways. How can technological upgrades enhance safety and efficiency in railway operations?"
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