Context The new CDF position replaces the earlier role of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).
Postal department considers UPI-like ‘labels’ for addresses
Context India Post has proposed an amendment to introduce DHRUVA, a digital addressing system that enables people to share UPI-like smart address labels instead of full physical addresses.It is built on DIGIPIN, a precise geolocation framework forming part of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure. DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) A digital, interoperable, virtual address system that lets users share smart address labels like name@entity. Key Features • Works like UPI for addresses → one label usable across platforms.• Users can grant time-bound access to firms for address verification.• Reduces repetitive typing of physical addresses in e-commerce/logistics. DIGIPIN (Foundational Layer) • A 10-character alphanumeric code representing a precise geolocation (lat + long). Key Facts • Each DIGIPIN = ~14 sq. metre land block.• Total capacity = ~228 billion unique pins for India.• Useful in rural areas where physical addresses are unclear.• Provides exact location for DHRUVA labels.
Discriminatory Leprosy Laws in India Explained | Leprosy Laws UPSC Current Affairs
Mains Enrichment — Leprosy • India reports ~57% of global leprosy cases.• Caused by Mycobacterium leprae.• One of the earliest known human infections — evidence from 2000 BCE.• Genetic predisposition + unsanitary living conditions raise susceptibility. Discriminatory Laws Data • 97 Central & State laws still discriminate against leprosy-affected persons. Restrictions include: • Access to public transport• Employment restrictions• Discriminatory terminology in statutes NHRC 2021 Report Recommendations • Early identification & timely treatment• Rehabilitation• Remove discriminatory laws• Replace derogatory terms• Use iris scans for Aadhaar (since leprosy affects fingerprints) What the Supreme Court has Done? 1. SC took suo motu-like corrective action • Heard petitions claiming Indian laws still discriminate against persons with leprosy. 2. Sought NHRC report • NHRC submitted that 97 laws still contain discriminatory provisions. 3. Directed Centre, States & UTs • To submit status reports on steps taken to remove these laws.• To take urgent remedial measures. Why This is Good?? • Promotes dignity, equality, and non-discrimination for a vulnerable group.• Aligns with constitutional rights — Article 14, 15, 21.• Corrects historical injustice and stigma rooted in fear and misinformation.• Encourages scientific, evidence-based policymaking.• Supports rehabilitation and mainstreaming of leprosy-affected individuals.
India’s Humanitarian Relief for Pregnant Woman in Bangladesh | Humanitarian Relief UPSC News
What is the Issue? • A pregnant Indian woman (Sunali Khatun) and her eight-year-old son were deported to Bangladesh by authorities despite her family claiming Indian citizenship.• Her father approached the courts arguing that the deportation was wrongful and that mother and child should not be separated.• The Supreme Court intervened, directing the Union government and West Bengal government to arrange medical care, safe return, and humanitarian assistance.• The Centre agreed to bring them back purely on humanitarian grounds, without affecting the merits of the deportation case. Mains Enrichment 1. Judicial Humanitarian Intervention SC ensured return and care of the woman and child purely on humanitarian grounds. 2. Protection Against Administrative Overreach SC checked arbitrary deportation actions and upheld due process. TDF “Despite scientific evidence proving leprosy is curable and non-infectious, discriminatory laws persist in India. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in correcting such legal inertia.” (150 words)
Why Volcanic Ash is a Threat to Aircraft Safety | Volcanic Ash UPSC Prelims Topic
Context • Hayli Gubbi volcano, northern Ethiopia erupted on 23 November after ~12,000 years.• Sent ash plumes up to ~14 km into the sky.• Ash cloud travelled across the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula and even reached India’s western border.• DGCA issued an advisory to airlines to steer clear of affected altitudes/areas. How Volcanic Ash Impacts Aircraft — Step by Step Other effects on aircraft • Ash abrades windscreens → poor visibility.• Can clog sensors and contaminate cabin/air filters.
States Must Follow Samagra Shiksha Guidelines for Funding | Samagra Shiksha UPSC Update
Context • Centre clarified that funds under Samagra Shiksha will be released only when States meet scheme conditions (utilisation certificates, audits, progress reports).• MPs asked whether States were being forced to accept NEP 2020 or PM-SHRI to receive funds.• Government said no — fund release is scheme-based, not political. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan — Prelims Essentials A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (launched 2018) integrating: Key Features • Holistic school education Pre-primary → Class 12• School infrastructure, teacher training, quality improvement• Strong focus on FLN (Foundational Literacy & Numeracy) Funding pattern • 60:40 → General States• 90:10 → NE & Himalayan States• 100% → UTs PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) — Prelims Points • Launched: 2022• 14,500 schools to be upgraded as model NEP schools• Emphasis on green schools & sustainability, smart classrooms, experiential learning• Voluntary — States join via MoU, not compulsory.
SC Highlights Gaps in Support for Acid Attack Survivors | Acid Attack Survivors UPSC News
Context The Supreme Court noted that acid attack survivors are still not receiving the mandatory ₹3 lakh compensation or free critical care at private hospitals, despite repeated SC orders (2006, 2013, 2015).SC asked why delays persist and directed State Chief Secretaries and NALSA to ensure compliance. UPSC Mains Notes 1. Key Issues Identified by SC • Delayed/incomplete ₹3 lakh compensation• Private hospitals refusing free treatment until victims pay first• Weak enforcement by district legal services authorities• Slow processing of claims 2. SC Directions (Recent + Past) • Minimum ₹3 lakh compensation; ₹1 lakh within 15 days, remainder in 2 months• Free treatment at private hospitals; refusal = criminal liability• District authorities to act as Criminal Injuries Compensation Boards• Survivors can approach State/DLSA for delays• NALSA to collect data and ensure compliance; orders to be sent to Chief Secretaries3. Why This Matters • Acid attack survivors = vulnerable group needing medical + legal protection• Shows implementation gap despite strong judicial framework• Highlights need for accountability, compensation, and victim-centric justice
Rupee Depreciation Amid Unclear Trade Deal | Rupee Depreciation UPSC Economy Update
Key Reasons for Rupee Depreciation RBI’s Lower Intervention • Current governor less interventionist; RBI selling fewer dollars → weaker defence of rupee.
EU to Ban Russian Gas Imports by 2027 | EU Russian Gas Ban UPSC IR Update
Quick Note • EU agreed to ban all imports of Russian gas by autumn 2027.• Goal: Cut off revenue funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.• Includes pipeline + LNG imports.• Part of EU strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on geopolitical adversaries.
Armed forces to procure additional Heron Mk II UAVs
Context • India is procuring additional Heron Mk II UAVs under emergency procurement.• Army & IAF already use them; Navy acquiring for the first time. Heron Mk II • Country: Israel (Israel Aerospace Industries).• Type: MALE UAV (Medium Altitude Long Endurance).• Feature: SATCOM-linked; used for surveillance.• Replaces older Searcher UAVs (Navy).Emergency procurement • Armed forces can procure systems up to ₹300 crore.
