July 24, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
The Vedic Age | Explained
Explore the fascinating Vedic Age in ancient India, tracing the Indo-Aryans' arrival and the profound influence of the Vedas. This enlightening journey uncovers early societal structures, cultural richness, economic practices, and the lasting impact on spirituality. Witness the transition from tribal societies to powerful kingdoms during the Later Vedic Period, accompanied by profound shifts in religious beliefs and philosophical ideas found in the Upanishads. The Vedic Age holds immense significance in shaping India's cultural heritage and laying the groundwork for its social structure and spiritual thought process. Delve into this captivating era, unearthing the essence of ancient Indian civilization.
Highlights of the Day
1. Generic Access to TB Drug Remains Limited in High-Burden Countries Johnson & Johnson's patent on bedaquiline, a vital drug for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), has expired, allowing generic manufacturers to supply the drug. However, J&J has filed secondary patents in 66 low- and middle-income countries, including many with a high burden of TB, seeking to extend its monopoly on the drug. Tuberculosis remains a significant global health threat, and bedaquiline has become crucial in treating it. While India has rejected J&J's secondary patent, allowing generic versions of bedaquiline to be available domestically, 34 high TB burden countries are still excluded from accessing affordable generic versions due to patent barriers [1].
2. Banks Write Off Rs 2.09 Lakh Crore in Bad Loans During FY 2022-23 Banks in India wrote off bad loans worth over Rs 2.09 lakh crore in the year ending March 2023, totaling Rs 10.57 lakh crore in the last five years, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This loan write-off helped reduce gross non-performing assets (NPAs) to a 10-year low of 3.9% of advances by March 2023. However, recovery from these write-offs has been low, with banks managing to recover only 18.60% of the written-off amount in the last three years. Public sector banks accounted for the majority of write-offs. Loan write-offs continue to be a regular exercise by banks to clean up their balance sheets [2].
3. Zero FIRs: A Key Challenge for Manipur Police Amidst Ongoing Violence and Displacement The concept of "zero FIR" has become significant in Manipur amid the ongoing violence and displacement. A zero FIR can be filed at any police station by a complainant, irrespective of the location of the crime. It is later transferred to the relevant police station for investigation, making it easier for victims to register complaints without hassles. In Manipur, hundreds of zero FIRs have been filed, including cases of violence and sexual assault. However, due to the tense situation and community divisions, investigations into transferred FIRs have become challenging. With thousands of FIRs to process, police are struggling to conduct investigations effectively while dealing with the ongoing unrest [3].
4. New Ransomware Virus 'Akira' Targets Windows and Linux Systems, CERT-In Issues Advisory A new Internet ransomware virus named 'Akira' has emerged, targeting Windows and Linux-based systems. The cybercriminals behind Akira steal vital personal information from victims and encrypt their data, forcing them to pay a ransom to regain access. If the victim refuses to pay, the attackers release the stolen data on the dark web. The ransomware group gains access to victim environments through VPN services where multi-factor authentication is not enabled. They also utilize various tools like AnyDesk, WinRAR, and PCHunter during intrusions. The advisory by India's federal cyber security agency, CERT-In, urges users to maintain offline backups, update operating systems, enforce strong passwords, and use multi-factor authentication to protect against such attacks [4].
5. G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Holds Final Meeting in Chennai Under the Indian presidency, the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group is holding its final meeting in Chennai from July 24 to 26. This marks the first dedicated working group on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), highlighting India's commitment to addressing global challenges posed by disasters and climate emergencies. The meeting aims to draft a communique with shared commitments and key recommendations on priority areas such as Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems, Disaster and Climate Resilient Infrastructure, Financing Framework for DRR, Disaster Response System, and Ecosystem-based Approach to DRR. Notable dignitaries from G20 countries and international organizations are expected to participate, reaffirming their commitment to promoting DRR and fostering cooperation among nations [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the "Sariska Tiger Reserve":
I. Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Rajasthan, India. II. It is one of the largest and most biodiverse tiger reserves in the country. III. Sariska Tiger Reserve is known for its successful tiger conservation efforts.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) I and II only b) I and III only c) II and III only d) All of the above
Q2: The "Kandariya Mahadeva Temple" is an example of which architectural style in India? a) Dravidian Architecture b) Mughal Architecture c) Nagara Architecture d) Hoysala Architecture
Q3: Consider the following statements about the "Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (PAC)":
I. PAC is a standing committee of the Parliament of India. II. Its primary function is to scrutinize the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. III. The chairman of PAC is always from the ruling party.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) I and II only b) I and III only c) II and III only d) All of the above
Q4: The 'Bodo Accord,' signed in January 2020, aims to resolve the longstanding Bodo issue in which state of India?
a) Assam b) Jharkhand c) Odisha d) Manipur
Q5: Which of the following statements about the "Arctic Council" is/are correct?
I. The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum that addresses issues related to the Arctic region. II. India is a member of the Arctic Council. III. The Arctic Council consists of 10 member countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) I and II only b) I and III only c) II and III only d) I and III only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the impact of social media on modern society. Analyze how social media platforms have transformed communication, information sharing, and social interactions. Examine the positive aspects, such as connectivity and activism, as well as the negative consequences, such as misinformation and privacy concerns. (Word limit: 250 words).
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
A noticeable trend in recent UPSC prelims has been the inclusion of questions related to literature from the ancient period and authors associated with them.
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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