UPSC Daily Current Affairs| One Liners 11-02-2026

One Liners 11-01-2026

Polity & Governance

Writs

The Supreme Court is examining if the Enforcement Directorate has writ jurisdiction to approach constitutional courts, after Kerala and Tamil Nadu challenged a Kerala High Court ruling.

• Kerala’s stance – The ED is merely a Union government department, not a legal entity, so it lacks standing; disputes should be addressed under Article 131 (Centre–State conflicts).
• Kerala High Court’s view – The ED qualifies as a statutory authority, and its officials exercise statutory powers, allowing it to seek relief under Article 226.
• Supreme Court (2003, Chief Conservator of Forests) – Criticized the practice of the Centre and States filing writ petitions against one another.
• Implications – Highlights the tension between Central and State powers, questioning ED’s independence versus its role as an arm of the Union.

Citizanship to Pepitha Seth

• She is British-born writer, photographer, and Padma awardee.
• Age – 84.
• Contribution – Documented Kerala’s culture and art; often referred to as “Kerala’s adopted daughter”.
• Indian Citizenship by – Naturalisation.
• Background – Interest in India sparked by her maternal grandfather’s diary; relocated to India at age 27.

Citizenship (Articles 5-11, Citizenship Act, 1955)

• The Citizenship Act of 1955 prescribes 5 methods for acquiring citizenship:
  • By Birth.
  • By Descent.
  • By Registration.
  • By Naturalisation.
  • By Incorporation of Territory.
• Naturalisation –
• The Central Government may grant Indian citizenship by naturalisation to a person (not an illegal migrant) who:
  • Is not from a country that bars Indians from naturalisation.
  • Agrees to renounce their existing citizenship if accepted.
  • Has lived or served in India for 12 months before applying.
  • Has lived or served in India for at least 11 years in the past 14 years.
  • Is of good character.
  • Knows a language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
  • Intends to reside or serve in India after naturalisation.
• Eminent service – The Government may waive these conditions for individuals who have rendered distinguished service in fields like science, art, literature, philosophy, world peace, or human progress.
• Oath – Every naturalised citizen must take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India.

Economy

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0

• Budget – 1000 Crore for FY 2026-27.
• Nodal ministry – Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Aim – To produce equipment and materials, design full stack Indian IP, and fortify supply chains.

Tax Holiday

• A tax holiday is a temporary fiscal incentive offered by governments, where businesses are relieved from paying certain taxes for a defined period.
• Introduced to – Stimulate economic activity in specific sectors that are considered vital for national development, such as infrastructure, manufacturing, or technology.
• Objectives –
  • Encourage investment.
  • Reduce startup costs.
  • Attract global players.
  • Boost competitiveness.
  • Accelerate economic growth.

RBI Compensation for Cyber Fraud

• Proposal – Compensation framework for victims of small-value frauds up to ₹25,000.
• Cost-sharing – Victim and bank cover 15% each; RBI pays the rest from the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund.
  • For ₹50,000 loss, victim gets ₹25,000 (85% or ₹25,000, whichever is less).
  • For ₹20,000 loss, victim gets ₹17,000.
• No questions asked – Applies even if OTP was shared, covering 65% of online fraud cases.
• Rationale – Small-value frauds form the majority (65%) of online frauds by number, though low in monetary value.

Security

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

Kerala Cabinet gave in-principle approval for the 583-km RRTS.

• A high-speed rail corridor operating at 160-180 kmph.
• Corridor – Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod.
• Model – An elevated viaduct helps cut down on land acquisition, preserves natural water flow, and reduces public opposition.

Science

Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Supreme Court held that stem cell treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder cannot be offered as routine clinical services.

• Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes sensory information.
• Symptoms –
  • It doesn’t show up in just one way.
  • One child might talk nonstop; another might not use words at all.
  • Some find deep comfort in routine, while others need room to explore and improvise.

Har Ghar Jal (under Jal Jeevan Mission)

• Survey – Functionality Assessment 2024 by IPSOS, covering 2.37 lakh rural households.
• Key findings –
  • Tap Access – 98% households had tap connections.
  • Water Supply – Only 83% received water at least once in the past week.
  • Regional Variation – High in Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh (>97%); low in Bihar (61%), UP (72%), Nagaland (74%).
  • Quantity – 80% received the mandated 55L/day; lowest in Sikkim (24%) and Gujarat (58%).
  • Quality – 76% met standards for e-coli, coliform, and pH.
  • Overall Functionality – Effective for only 76% households (regularity, adequacy, cleanliness).

Global CyberPeace Summit 2026

• Held in – New Delhi.
• Objective –
  • To focus on pressing digital challenges ranging from cybercrime, AI risks, misinformation, and critical infrastructure protection to digital governance.
  • To collectively address the challenges shaping the global digital ecosystem.

Health

Advisory Issued on Avian Flu Infection

• Detection – H5N1 avian influenza found in dead crows in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

• Transmission – Mainly bird-to-bird; human infection is rare.
• Human caution – Risk for those handling sick/dead birds or working in slaughterhouses; flu-like symptoms need medical care.
• Public advisory -
  • Report unusual bird deaths.
  • Practice hygiene and keep surroundings clean.
  • Avoid undercooked eggs/meat and outbreak areas.
  • Do not spread or believe rumors.
• Government action – Chennai authorities enhancing biosecurity, disinfecting affected areas, and burying carcasses; Forest Department increasing surveillance.
• Notes –
  • Biosecurity – To prevent spread of harmful organisms.
  • One Health approach - Linking human, animal, and environmental health.