UPSC Current Affairs July 15: Dynamic Insights for Effective Preparation:
1) Fertilizers Flying Squad: Combating Diversion and Adulteration
Relation to UPSC Syllabus:
- Prelims: Agriculture-related schemes and policies.
- Mains: GS Paper 3 – Issues related to the agricultural sector.
Why in News: The Department of Fertilizers has instituted a dedicated officer known as the ‘Fertilizers Flying Squad’ to curb the diversion, black marketing, and adulteration of fertilizers. This step aims to address the issue of around 10 lakh tonnes of agriculture-grade urea, worth around 6000 crore, being diverted for industrial use annually.
2) Centre Relaxes Norms for Adjusting States’ Off-budget Borrowings: Boosting Capital Expenditure
Relation to UPSC Syllabus:
- Prelims: Government budgeting and resource mobilization.
- Mains: GS Paper 2 – Government policies and schemes for development and resource management.
Why in News: The Centre has relaxed norms allowing states to adjust their off-budget liabilities against borrowing ceilings for the next four years. This move provides states with additional resources to fund their capital expenditures and development projects. Off-budget borrowings have witnessed a significant increase due to constrained revenue growth and higher fiscal deficits.
3) Right to Repair: Empowering Consumers and Promoting Sustainability
Relation to UPSC Syllabus:
- Prelims: Science and Technology-related developments.
- Mains: GS Paper 3 – Conservation, environmental pollution, and waste management.
Why in News: The government is working on a “Right to Repair” framework that allows consumers to independently repair goods such as consumer durables, phones, and cars. This framework aims to address concerns related to planned obsolescence, monopoly on spare parts, and limited access to repair services. It promotes consumer choice, reduces electronic waste, and encourages sustainability.
4) The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): Strengthening Internal Security
Relation to UPSC Syllabus:
- Prelims: Indian polity and governance.
- Mains: GS Paper 3 – Internal security challenges and countermeasures.
Why in News: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been invoked in the arrest of a college student expressing support for a banned organization. The UAPA aims to prevent unlawful activities, particularly related to terrorism. It includes provisions to charge both Indian and foreign nationals, regardless of the offense committed outside India.
5) I2U2 Virtual Summit: Strengthening International Relations
Relation to UPSC Syllabus:
- Prelims: International relations and bilateral/groupings.
- Mains: GS Paper 2 – India’s foreign policy and international relations.
Why in News: The first-ever I2U2 Virtual Summit took place, involving the heads of India, Israel, the UAE, and the US. The summit aimed to enhance economic partnerships, discuss common areas of interest, and explore cooperation in sectors such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.
6) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Safeguarding Farmers’ Interests
Relation to UPSC Syllabus:
- Prelims: Government schemes and policies related to agriculture.
- Mains: GS Paper 3 – Issues related to agriculture, insurance, and welfare schemes.
Why in News: Andhra Pradesh has decided to rejoin the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop insurance scheme. PMFBY provides insurance coverage against natural risks, stabilizes farmers’ income, promotes innovative agricultural practices, and ensures credit flow to the agriculture sector.
7) India’s First-ever 3D-printed Rocket Factory: Advancing Space Technology
Relation to UPSC Syllabus:
- Prelims: Science and technology developments.
- Mains: GS Paper 3 – Space technology, research, and development.
Why in News: Chennai-based startup Agnikul Cosmos inaugurated India’s first factory capable of manufacturing 3D-printed rockets called Agnibaan. This facility, in collaboration with ISRO and IN-SPACe, signifies a significant milestone in India’s space technology development and aims to boost the country’s space industry.
Stay updated with the latest UPSC Current Affairs! Our dynamic updates offer a comprehensive insight into significant topics. Share these concise “UPSC Current Affairs July 15” with your friends and help them stay informed in a quick and efficient manner. Stay ahead in your preparation with our valuable content!
Read More: Upsc Special