Daily Current Affairs

Why in News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-powered task force, headed by former UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani, to make India’s examination system leak-proof and technology-driven. This follows widespread protests over the NEET paper leak.   Key Facts to Memorize (Prelims Focus) 1. The Task Force: Head: Nandan Nilekani (Former UIDAI Chairman). Mandate: Recommend steps to make the examination system leak-proof, transparent, tech-driven, and revamp the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) examination system. Members (Multidisciplinary Panel): S. Somanath: Former ISRO Chairman. Tapan Deka: Former IB (Intelligence Bureau) Director. V. Kamakoti: Director, IIT-Madras. Anita Karwal: Former Education Secretary. Amrit Lal Meena: Logistics expert.   2. Administrative & Political Changes: Former Union Education Minister: Dharmendra Pradhan (resigned following NEET paper leak protests). New Union Education Minister: Pralhad Joshi (also holds Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy).   3. Government Legislative/Judicial Steps: Formation of fast-track courts to punish those responsible for exam leaks. Introduction of a stringent law in Parliament regarding examination paper leaks.   4. Opposition’s Criticism: Jairam Ramesh (Congress): Stated that the Centre has not yet implemented the 101 recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee (formed after the 2024 examination leaks).   Probable Prelims Questions (MCQs) Q1. With reference to the recent task force constituted for exam reforms, consider the following statements: The task force is headed by former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath. It aims to revamp the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) examination system. Former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka is a member of this panel. How many of the statements given above are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None   Answer: B (Only two) Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The task force is headed by former UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani, not S. Somanath. Statements 2 and 3 are correct based on the provided text.   Q2. According to the opposition, the recommendations of which of the following committees regarding examination leaks are yet to be implemented by the centre? A) K. Radhakrishnan Committee B) Nandan Nilekani Committee C) Anita Karwal Committee D) Yash Pal Committee   Answer: A   Mains Preparation (Descriptive Focus) Probable Question: "The recent paper leak incidents have severely compromised the credibility of India's examination system. In light of this, discuss the steps taken by the government to restore trust. Also, examine the role a multidisciplinary technology-driven approach can play in reforming the National Testing Agency (NTA)."

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its flagship World Health Statistics report, offering a comprehensive look at the global health landscape post-pandemic. This report is a vital resource for understanding Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) progress. 1. The COVID-19 Impact (2020–2023) Excess Deaths: The pandemic is linked to 22.1 million excess deaths globally. The "Hidden" Toll: This figure is 3 times higher than the officially reported deaths, accounting for both direct infections and indirect deaths caused by strained health systems. Life Expectancy: The report highlights a "lost decade," noting that the pandemic reversed 10 years of gains in global life expectancy. 2. Positive Milestones (2010–2024) Despite the pandemic, significant progress was recorded in specific sectors: Infectious Diseases: Global HIV infections dropped by 40%. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): People requiring interventions fell by 36%. Public Services (2015–2024): 961 million people gained access to safe drinking water. 1.2 billion people gained access to improved sanitation. Lifestyle: A steady decline was noted in both tobacco and alcohol consumption worldwide. 3. Regional Achievements WHO African Region: Outperformed global averages with a 70% reduction in HIV and a 28% reduction in Tuberculosis (TB). South-East Asia Region: On track to reach the 2025 Milestone for Malaria reduction. 4. Major Challenges & Red Flags Malaria: Contrary to other gains, malaria incidence increased by 8.5% since 2015. Women’s Health: Anaemia: Affects 30.7% of women of reproductive age, with no improvement in 10 years. Violence: Intimate partner violence still affects 1 in 4 women globally. 💡 Exam-Oriented Snippets (Quick Revision) Topic Key Statistic / Fact Total Excess Deaths 22.1 Million (2020-2023) HIV Progress 40% Global decline Sanitation 1.2 Billion new users since 2015 Life Expectancy Reversal of 10 years of progress Malaria Trend 8.5% Increase since 2015 📝 Potential MCQ Points: Which region achieved a 70% reduction in HIV infections according to the report? (Ans: WHO African Region) Which women's health issue has shown zero improvement over the last decade? (Ans: Anaemia) Study Tip: Relate this report to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). It provides excellent data for mains-level answers regarding the resilience of global health infrastructure.