UPSC
SAHAS IAS ACADEMY
THE HINDU — UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS
Daily Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination — important developments, GS Paper mapping, key facts and Mains-oriented questions for aspirants.
1India–China Relations: Challenges Along the LAC
Why in the News?
Developments concerning the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have renewed attention on border management, bilateral dialogue and the maintenance of peace between India and China.
Key Highlights
- The LAC is the de facto line separating areas controlled by India and China; it is not a mutually settled international boundary.
- Border tensions can affect diplomatic relations, trade and regional stability.
- Dialogue, military-level discussions and confidence-building measures remain important for reducing tensions.
Analyse the major challenges to lasting peace along the India–China border. Discuss the role of diplomatic and military dialogue.
2Labour Survey to Track Gig Workers and Unpaid Household Work
Why in the News?
Reports have highlighted proposed changes in labour surveys to improve the measurement of gig work and unpaid household work.
Key Highlights
- Gig work commonly involves temporary, task-based or platform-mediated employment.
- Traditional employment measures may not fully capture some informal and platform-based activities.
- Unpaid household work contributes to social and economic well-being but is not directly valued in conventional GDP calculations.
- Better labour statistics can support employment policy, social protection and worker welfare.
Discuss the need for reliable employment data and social protection in the context of India’s expanding gig economy.
3AI-Based Attendance Verification in Rural Employment Schemes
Why in the News?
Technology-based attendance verification in employment programmes has drawn attention to the potential benefits of digital monitoring and the risks of excluding eligible workers.
Key Highlights
- Digital verification can help reduce fraudulent records and improve transparency.
- Poor connectivity, power shortages and limited access to devices can hinder implementation in remote areas.
- Technical errors may prevent genuine workers from being correctly recorded.
- Effective systems need human review, alternative verification and accessible grievance redressal.
AI can improve transparency in welfare schemes but may also cause exclusion. Critically examine.
4Voters’ Rights and Electoral Accountability
Why in the News?
Legal discussions concerning alleged incorrect disclosures by election candidates have highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Key Highlights
- Accurate candidate disclosures help voters make informed choices.
- Transparency and accountability are central to democratic governance.
- Candidate affidavits and election-related disclosures support informed voting.
- The precise legal position in any specific case should be checked against the original court order and applicable law.
Evaluate the role of voter awareness, legal accountability and electoral institutions in strengthening electoral transparency in India.
5Net FDI and the Indian Economy
Why in the News?
A report citing RBI Bulletin data stated that India’s net foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at US$3.3 billion in August and remained positive for the third consecutive month.
Key Highlights
- FDI involves investment that establishes a lasting interest in an enterprise in another economy.
- Net FDI accounts for direct investment inflows and outward direct investment.
- Positive net FDI can indicate favourable investment flows, although one figure alone does not establish the overall health of the economy.
- Investment can influence employment, technology transfer, productive capacity and the balance of payments.
Examine the role of FDI in India’s economic growth. Suggest measures to attract investment while strengthening domestic capacity and employment.
6Cyclonic Storm Threat Along the North Andhra Pradesh Coast
Why in the News?
A weather report indicated that a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm, with a possible impact near the north Andhra Pradesh coast around 28 October. This is a forecast, not confirmation that the event has occurred.
Key Highlights
- Low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal can intensify under favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions.
- Strong winds, heavy rainfall, high waves and storm surges can threaten coastal areas.
- Fishermen advisories, timely evacuation and local preparedness can reduce losses.
- Coordination between IMD warnings and district disaster-management plans is essential.
Explain the role of early-warning systems, community preparedness and resilient coastal infrastructure in reducing cyclone-related losses in India.
7Malaria Vaccine Price Reduction
Why in the News?
A report stated that a Gavi-supported UNICEF agreement would reduce the price of Bharat Biotech’s Mosqivac malaria vaccine from €9.30 to €5.50 per dose, with the new price expected to apply from early 2027.
Key Highlights
- Lower vaccine prices may improve access in lower-income countries.
- The reported agreement is expected to generate savings and help extend vaccination to more children.
- Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
- Vaccination must complement vector control, testing, timely treatment and public-health awareness.
Analyse the role of vaccines, affordable healthcare and international cooperation in controlling infectious diseases such as malaria.
8Helium Recognised as a Critical Material by the United States
Why in the News?
A report stated that the US Department of Energy had designated helium as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020, highlighting its industrial importance and supply risks.
Key Highlights
- Helium is used in medical equipment, scientific research and industrial processes.
- It is important for certain semiconductor applications and cryogenic systems.
- Supply disruptions can affect industries that depend on its specialised properties.
- The issue highlights the importance of secure sourcing and diversified supply chains for critical materials.
Why is secure access to strategically important raw materials essential for India’s technological and economic security?
9India–Azerbaijan Relations
Why in the News?
News coverage linked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Azerbaijan with efforts to ease bilateral tensions following Operation Sindoor.
Key Highlights
- Diplomatic engagement can provide a channel for addressing bilateral differences.
- The wider West Asian and Eurasian regions matter to India’s energy, trade and connectivity interests.
- Foreign policy requires balancing national-security priorities with economic and regional cooperation.
- The outcomes of any diplomatic initiative should be assessed through official statements and subsequent actions.
Explain the importance of diplomatic engagement and strategic autonomy for India in a changing geopolitical environment.
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION
GS Paper 3 | Governance, Economy and Technology
India faces emerging challenges in digital governance, labour markets and disaster management. Discuss how technology can be used effectively while ensuring inclusion and accountability.