July 3, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Uniform Civil Code (UCC) | Explained
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India seeks to replace diverse personal laws with a common set of civil laws. It aims for uniformity, gender justice, and national integration. However, implementing the UCC raises concerns about cultural diversity, individual rights, and practical challenges. Ongoing discourse involves constitutional perspectives, the judiciary's role, and stakeholder opinions. The UCC remains a complex topic with proponents advocating for its goals while considering India's diverse cultural fabric.
Highlights of the Day
1. Reserve Bank released the 27th Financial Stability Report:
The 27th Financial Stability Report released by the Reserve Bank highlights the strength and resilience of the Indian financial system amidst global uncertainties. Despite fragility in certain countries' banking systems, geopolitical tensions, and elevated inflation, the Indian economy continues to show robustness supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals. Key indicators such as capital adequacy ratios, non-performing assets, and stress tests demonstrate the soundness of scheduled commercial banks and their ability to meet minimum capital requirements even under severe stress scenarios. Overall, the report underscores the positive outlook for sustained growth in the Indian economy.
2. Expansion of BRICS ?
BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is an influential group that represents a significant portion of the world's population and global GDP. It was formed to promote cooperation and collaboration among emerging economies in the global south. BRICS serves as a platform for these countries to voice their interests and leverage their collective strength. While there are discussions about expanding the group, it is important to consider the potential implications and ensure that BRICS remains focused on its original objective of fostering development and cooperation among its member countries, rather than becoming dominated by any specific nation's interests.
3. Tightening GST regulations, Geo-tagging, Biometrics and more…
Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities in India are taking measures to tighten registration norms in response to the detection of approximately 12,500 fake entities. They plan to introduce biometric authentication and geo-tagging for both existing and new registrants, particularly those deemed risky and involved in fraudulent input tax credit claims. The authorities aim to verify the authenticity of addresses provided during GST registration and combat misuse of identification documents such as Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Aadhaar. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to curb tax fraud and strengthen the GST system.
4. India, China ramp up significant infrastructure in Ladakh region:
Both India and China are engaged in significant infrastructure development in the eastern Ladakh region, specifically around the Pangong Tso lake, following the violent clash between their forces in Galwan three years ago. China is rushing to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, while India is constructing a black-topped road on its side. These infrastructure developments have altered the status quo in the region. Both sides are awaiting further talks to resolve the ongoing dispute, while tensions persist at two remaining friction points. India has been allocating increased budgets for border infrastructure projects, including the construction of strategic roads along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is making progress in implementing the India-China Border Roads (ICBR) plan, which includes the construction of over 1,400 km of roads along the LAC.
5. WHO report: Unsafe WASH Conditions Responsible for 395,000 Child Deaths:
Unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) caused 395,000 deaths among children under five years old, mainly due to diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. Half of the world's population lacks adequate access to WASH, resulting in 1.4 million deaths and 74 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019. Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) and undernutrition are also linked to unsafe WASH conditions. Significant disparities exist between regions and income groups. Climate change affects WASH services, and improved infrastructure is crucial. Some progress has been made, but more action is needed to address WASH-related health issues.
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The Financial Stability Report is an important tool for policymakers and stakeholders in understanding the state of the financial system in India. Which organization releases the FSR?
a) Ministry of Finance
b) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
c) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
d) Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
Q2: What is the primary purpose of the BRICS grouping?
a) Political cooperation and military alliance
b) Economic cooperation and development
c) Cultural exchange and tourism promotion
d) Environmental conservation and sustainability
Q3: The concept of "reverse charge mechanism" under GST means:
a) The buyer is liable to pay the tax instead of the seller.
b) The seller is exempted from paying taxes on the sale of goods or services.
c) The tax liability is shared equally between the buyer and the seller.
d) The tax rate is higher for certain specified goods or services.
Q4: Which ancient monastery in Ladakh is famous for its collection of murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha?
a) Hemis Monastery
b) Thiksey Monastery
c) Alchi Monastery
d) Diskit Monastery
Q5: Which of the following waterborne diseases is caused by a parasite and is characterized by severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as prolonged diarrhea and abdominal cramps?
a) Typhoid
b) Hepatitis A
c) Giardiasis
d) Amoebiasis
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the impact of infrastructure development and geopolitical tensions on the strategic dynamics of Pangong Tso in Ladakh. Discuss the initiatives taken by India and China, their implications for the disputed border, and the challenges in resolving the ongoing dispute.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
Some static concepts in Indian Polity are repeatedly asked like the meaning of constitutionalism/constitutional form of government was asked in Prelims 2014, 2020, 2021, and 2023.
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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