17 August 2023 : Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs

17-August-2023

Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu and Indian Express.

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1. SC unveils handbook to eliminate gender stereotypes from law.

Topic: GS2 – Indian polity

Context:

• The Supreme Court of India has released a new handbook aimed at combating gender stereotypes in legal proceedings.
• The handbook identifies various gender-unjust terms that are often used in Indian courts and provides correct alternatives.

What about the news:

• Some of the terms identified include “career woman,” “fallen woman,” “faithful or obedient wife,” “eve-teasing,” and “hermaphrodite.”
• The correct terms recommended by the Supreme Court are “woman,” “woman,” “wife,” “street sexual harassment,” and “”
• Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted the importance of avoiding predetermined stereotypes in judicial decision-making and emphasized the duty of judges to decide each case independently and impartially.

Importance: information can be used in mains answer or essay.

2. Understanding the MoEFCC’s U-turn

Topic: GS2 – governance

Context:

• The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) proposed merging key environmental organizations, including the Forest Survey of India (FSI), National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and Central Zoo Authority (CZA), under its jurisdiction.
• Critics have raised concerns that the merger would weaken these organizations and render them ineffective.

NTCA’s Opposition:

• The NTCA opposed the merger, citing potential administrative confusion, loss of independence, and interference in decision making.
• The NTCA manages Project Tiger and Tiger Reserves, while FSI deals with forest data, WCCB enforces wildlife crime control, and CZA oversees zoos.
• The proposed merger raised concerns about the effectiveness of these organizations.
• The government’s plan to merge Project Tiger and Project Elephant sparked concerns about autonomy and implications for Project Elephant’s legal backing.
• Critics worried that Project Elephant’s significance might be undermined due to the merger.

MoEFCC’s Justification:

• The government’s justification for the proposed merger of key environmental organizations was primarily centered around the concept of “ease of doing business” and streamlining administrative functions.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) aimed to consolidate these organizations under one roof by establishing integrated regional offices.
• This was seen as an effort to create a more centralized and coordinated approach to environmental management and regulation.
• By having them operate under a common umbrella, the government may have believed that it could enhance efficiency, coordination, and communication among these organizations, leading to more effective decision-making and regulatory processes.

3. Congress questions PM’s silence over CAG reports that flag irregularities

Topic: GS2 – governance

Context:

• Congress responds to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s corruption allegations.
• Supriya Shrinate, Congress chairperson for social media and digital platforms, addresses a press conference.
• She highlights seven instances of irregularities pointed out by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports.
• Dwarka Expressway construction cost escalated from ₹18 crore to ₹250 crore per kilometre for two kilometres.
• CAG audit found NHAI collected ₹132 crore from road users due to non-implementation of revised fee at five toll plazas.
• Ayushman Bharat audit revealed 7.5 lakh beneficiaries registered with a single mobile phone number and insurance claims paid for deceased individuals.

About the position of CAG:

• Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is a constitutional authority in India.
• The role and position of the CAG are outlined in Article 148 to Article 151 of the Indian Constitution.
• It is an independent auditing body responsible for auditing the financial accounts of the government.
• CAG reports on various irregularities and financial mismanagement in government operations.
• CAG’s role is to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective use of public funds.

Importance of CAG’s report:

• Audit of Public Expenditure: CAG’s reports scrutinize government expenditures, ensuring that public funds are spent efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with established laws and regulations.
• Ensuring Accountability and transparency: CAG holds government agencies accountable for their financial decisions and actions, promoting responsible fiscal practices.
• Recommendations for Improvement: CAG’s reports include recommendations for improving financial management, policy implementation, and governance, aiding government agencies in enhancing their performance.
• Parliamentary Oversight: CAG reports are presented to the Parliament, and the Public Accounts Committees review them, enabling parliamentary oversight over government finances.
• Legal Compliance: CAG verifies whether government actions comply with legal requirements, preventing potential violations and ensuring adherence to regulations.
• Preventing Corruption: By highlighting instances of financial irregularities and corruption, CAG contributes to the prevention and detection of corruption within government entities.
• Enhancing Efficiency: The findings of CAG’s audits guide government agencies in optimizing resource utilization, leading to better efficiency in public service delivery.

Model question:  What is the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) as mentioned in the Indian constitution? Explain the significance of CAG reports in preventing financial mismanagement and promoting effective utilization of public funds.

4. Cabinet nod for 7 rail connectivity projects worth ₹32,500 crore

Topic: GS3 – infrastructure development

Context:

• The Union Cabinet has approved seven railway projects aimed at improving rail connectivity and enhancing travel convenience for commuters.
• These projects are estimated to cost around ₹32,500 crore and will span across 35 districts in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Significance of rail connectivity:

• Economic growth boost through efficient movement of goods.
• Enhanced trade and commerce by reducing transportation costs.
• Facilitation of industrial growth and timely supply of resources.
• Job creation in operations, maintenance, and related industries.
• Bridging development gaps and improving access to services.
• Infrastructure development and construction-related employment.
• National integration through physical connectivity.
• Affordable and convenient public transport option.
• Quick disaster relief and emergency response capabilities.

Drawbacks of rail connectivity:

• High initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs.
• Slow speed compared to air travel for long distances.
• Limited flexibility in reaching remote or specific locations.
• Susceptibility to delays due to factors like weather and maintenance.
• Challenges in upgrading or modernizing aging rail networks.
• Environmental impact from noise, emissions, and land use.
• Safety concerns, especially at railway crossings and accident-prone areas.
• Risk of accidents, derailments, or technical failures affecting operations. 

Model question: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rail connectivity as a mode of transportation. Provide examples and analyze how rail connectivity impacts regional connectivity and overall transportation infrastructure in a country

5. Cracks on Jagannath Temple’s Nata Mandap raises concern

Topic: GS2 – Indian art and culture

Context:

• An amicus curiae appointed by the Orissa High Court has reported evidence of wear and tear in the structures of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

About Jagannath Temple, Puri:

• The Jagannath Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha.
• It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds immense religious importance for Hindus, especially Vaishnavites.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.
• The temple’s construction dates back to the 12th century during the reign of the Ganga dynasty.
• The architecture of the temple is in the Kalinga style and is known for its towering spire.
• The temple complex covers a large area and includes various structures like the main sanctum (vimana), the Jagamohana, and the Nata Mandap.
• The annual Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival of the temple is famous worldwide, during which the deities are taken out on grand chariots.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the Jagannath Temple a protected monument, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

6. Textile exports continue to decline

Topic: GS3 – Indian economy

Context:

• Textile and apparel exports faced a decline in July, with textiles dropping by 1.9% and apparel by 17.4% compared to the same period last year.
• The cumulative export figures for textiles and apparel during April-July 2023 showed a significant decline of 13.7% year-on-year.

Reasons for declining textile exports:

• Reduced demand from international markets, particularly the U.S.
• Impact of global supply chain disruptions and trade uncertainties.
• Competition from other textile-exporting countries with lower production costs.
• Fluctuations in cotton prices affecting overall competitiveness.
• Trade restrictions and import duties in certain markets.
• Disruptions in transportation and logistics due to the pandemic.
• Challenges in maintaining consistent production and timely delivery.

7. Want to catch a supernova? There’s a new app for that

Topic: GS3 – Science and technology.

Context:

• An app called ZARTH (ZTF Augmented Reality Transient Hunter) has been developed that allows smartphone users to hunt for optical transients, which are cosmic events lasting fractions of a second to days.
• Developed by a team of researchers led by Ashish Mahabal, the app uses the open-source Sky Map and data from the Zwicky Transient Facility’s robotic telescope.

What is supernova?

• A supernova is a powerful and explosive event that occurs at the end of a massive star’s life cycle.
• It is one of the most energetic phenomena in the universe, releasing an immense amount of energy and light.
• There are two main types of supernovae: Type I and Type II, each caused by different processes.
• Type I supernovae involve the explosion of a white dwarf star in a binary system, triggered by accreting matter from a companion star.
• Type II supernovae result from the core collapse of a massive star, typically more than eight times the mass of the Sun.
• The explosion releases elements forged in the star’s core, spreading them into space, which can contribute to the formation of new stars and planets.
• Supernovae play a crucial role in cosmic evolution by enriching the universe with heavier elements and influencing the life cycles of galaxies.

7. PM e Bus Sewa scheme

Topic: GS2- Governance/Schemes

Context:

• In a move to promote green mobility across, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the PM e Bus Sewa scheme for operation of 10,000 electric buses in 100 cities, with priority to those without an organised bus service.

Benefits:

• It will redefine urban mobility.
• It will strengthen our urban transport infrastructure.
• Such steps would provide cleaner and efficient transport along with generating approximately 45000 jobs.
• Promote e-mobility and provide full support for behind the-meter power infrastructure.
• It will accelerate the proliferation of state-of-the-art, energy efficient electric buses along with fostering innovation in the e-mobility sector as well as development of a resilient supply chain for electric vehicles.

How will the scheme work?

• The procurement, maintenance and operation of these buses will be done in a PPP mode and through competitive bidding.
• According to Union Minister Anurag Thakur, of the Rs 57,613 crore allocated to the scheme in PPP (public-private partnership) mode, Rs 20,000 crore will be provided by the Centre while the rest will be borne by the states.
• In the Union Territories, hill states and the Northeast, 90% of the funding cost will be borne by the Centre.
• The scheme will support bus operations in the form of a “per kilometre aid” for 10 years and the Centre will also provide support for creating power infrastructure for the buses.

Which cities will be targeted?

• The scheme will be rolled out in 100 cities selected out of 169 cities with a population between 3 lakh and 40 lakh.
• The cities will be selected through a challenge method where the states and cities that scrap old buses will be given additional e-buses.

Green Urban Mobility Initiatives

• It is the second part of the scheme which will strengthen multi-modal interchange facilities, the National Common Mobility Card project and the charging infrastructure in cities.
• Cities will be selected through a “Green Mobility Challenge”.

9. Himachal Disaster

Topic: GS3-Disaster management

Context:

With the recent incidents of cloudburst and landslides taking a toll on the state’s infrastructure and human lives, it has become imperative to assess the reasons behind the same and how it can be prevented in the future.

Possible reasons

1. Faulty structural design is one of the reasons for such a havoc. People construct houses without applying scientific methods.
2. Poor drainage system in recently built buildings resulting in fragile hills and damaged roads.
3. Standards of structural engineering not followed.
4. Unavailability of local masons and architects who would have better knowledge about the terrain. Hence state is dependent on migrant masons and architects for construction work.
5. Faulty cutting of rocks to widen highways could be a reason for landslides.
6. Improper ways of cutting hills. Hills are always cut in slopes at an angle of 45degree, 60degree etc but not at 90degree, as was done at many locations between Kalka and Shimla.
7. Indiscriminate construction
8. Climate change. For ex; Areas like Lahaul and Spiti received extensive rainfall this year which is not the case otherwise.

Possible Solutions

1. Tougher building rules required.
2. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) should go for more tunnelling instead of widening the roads, and its engineers need to cut the mountains more scientifically.
3. Tunnels are the only viable and feasible way to tackle the vehicle pressure.
4. Change in central government norms for helping states that face natural calamities. The hill states and those in the North east should get more priorities through special packages.

10. Vishwakarma Yojana

Topic: GS2-Schemes/Governance

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his Independence Day address the launch of Vishwakarma Yojana which is the Rs 13,000- crore scheme, aimed at benefiting individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship for a period of five years up to 2027-28 financial year.

Aims of the scheme

1. The scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the “guru-shishya parampara” (teacher-pupil tradition) or family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.
2. It also aims to improve the quality and reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople.
3. Its objective is to also ensure that “Vishwakarmas” (craftspeople) are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.

Features of the scheme

1. The scheme would cover 18 traditional trades and is projected to reach out to 30 lakh artisan familie
2. The trades covered are carpenter, boat-maker, armourer, blacksmith, hammer and toolkit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor and stonebreaker, cobbler, mason, coir weaver, toymaker, barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor, and fishing-netmaker.
3. These artisans and crafts people will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and identity card.
4. They would also be extended a collateral-free credit support of up to Rs 1lakh (in the first tranche) and Rs 2lakh (in the second tranche)at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
5. The scheme will also provide artisans help to upgrade their skill-set and give incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.
6. A stipend of Rs 500 will be provided for skill training and Rs1,500 to purchase modern tools.
7. Registration for the scheme can be done at common services centres in villages.
8. Five lakh families will be covered in the first year and 30 lakh families over five years.

11. Digital India Phase 2

Topic:     GS2-Governance/Schemes

Context:

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved extension of the Digital India programme with an outlay of Rs14,903 crore to boost digital initiatives in skilling, cyber security, high performance computing and simplifying technology for masses, among other areas.

Features:

1. The outlay has been approved for a five-year period between 2021-22 to 2025- 26.
2. Under the extended programme, nine more super computers will be added under the National Supercomputing Mission (NCM).
3. The Digilocker app will be extended to micro, small and medium enterprises to help them avail credit and other services.
4. Under the approved programme, 6.25 lakh IT professionals will be reskilled and upskilled.
5. The extended programme has a provision for funding support to 1,200 startups based in tier2 and 3 cities.

12. India helps build consensus on key health priorities during G20 presidency

Context:

During its G20 presidency, India has managed to build consensus on two of the most contentious priority areas for the health track: creating a research and manufacturing network for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, and setting up a platform for sharing digital goods.

Pressing issues:

• Although sharing of intellectual property rights during future pandemics continued to be a sticking point, there was consensus on setting up an interim coordination platform on medical countermeasures.

Aims of the platform:

1. This platform will focus on creating an equitable research and development as well as manufacturing network for vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics, especially in the global South.
2. As most of the research and development [R&D] and manufacturing is currently restricted to a few countries. For example in case of diagnostics—it is found that 60% to 70% R&D comes from just three to five countries. So this platform will help in diversification.
3. The platform will also support logistics and distribution to ensure equitable access.
4. During Covid-19 pandemic, we saw resource-sharing through global platforms such as Covax but also vaccine inequity between the rich and the poor nations. Hence this platform will address such concerns.

Other outcomes of India’s G20 presidency so far

• New Delhi’s presidency of G20 has also managed to create a consensus on setting up a global initiative on digital health led by the World Health Organization (WHO) for sharing digital health platforms as public good.
• The portal, to be launched on August 19 during the ongoing meeting of health ministers in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar, will have provisions for investment tracker, ask tracker to create a database on digital needs of different countries, and a library of available platforms.

13. Protecting the reputation of Darjeeling Tea

Context:

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revealed that the practice of “mixing” Nepal tea with Darjeeling tea is “still continuing.”

What happened?

• In its audit report on the “Role of Tea Board of India in Development of Tea in India” tabled in the Lok Sabha last week, the CAG has asked the Board, which falls under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to take necessary steps to stop the “illegal blending” to protect the reputation of the Darjeeling tea.

Issues:

1. High elevation tea areas in Nepal mostly produce orthodox tea and such tea bear some similarities with Darjeeling tea as both areas share the same topography, soil, environment, weather, climate, temperature and rainfall.
2. The tea bushes of both the areas are of China clonal variety.
3. Nepal exported nearly 96 per cent of its total export of tea to India. The main purposes of importing Nepal tea are re-exporting up on value addition and for blending.
4. There were complaints that Nepal tea was mixed with Darjeeling tea having GI (geographical indication) tag for blending and reselling as Indian tea, which was creating problem in maintaining the quality of Darjeeling tea.

Steps taken to solve the issue

1. Circulars were issued where the tea board told all importers to ensure that the origin of imported tea is mentioned in all sale invoices.
2. The tea buyers were also directed not to blend imported tea with tea of Darjeeling/ Kangra/ Assam (orthodox)/Nilgiri (orthodox).
3. The tea importers were also required to take licences from the tea board. However, it was found that 90 out of 127 importers were not licensed by the Tea Board.
4. FSSAI (Food Standards and Safety Authority of India) was requested to allow the import of tea from Nepal from three land customs stations only — Jogbani, Panitanki and Raxaul.
5. FSSAI had also been requested to take up the matter with Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs for mandatory referral of all consignments of tea from Nepal for import clearance of FSSAI along with port restriction at these stations.

14. Chandrayaan closer to Moon, Lander set for separation today.

Topic: GS3-Science and tech

Context:

CHANDRAYAAN-3 came further close to the Moon on Wednesday as per ISRO with the spacecraft bringing itself into a near-circular 153x163km orbit and setting the stage for the separation of the Lander Module on Thursday.

Current Scenario:

• Wednesday’s was the fourth and the final orbit-reducing manoeuvre performed by the spacecraft, which comprises a Propulsion Module and the lander component, which includes the rover.
• After it separates from the Propulsion Module, the Lander will accomplish the rest of the journey to the Moon’s surface on its own.
• Following the activation and testing of its on-board instruments, including the three scientific payloads, the Lander will carry out two orbit-reduction manoeuvres: first, to get into the circular 100×100 km orbit, and then further closer to the Moon in the 100×30 km orbit.
• Itis from this 100x30km orbit that the Lander will, on August 23, begin its final descent for touchdown on the Moon.
• It was in this final phase of descent, a few seconds before touchdown, that the Chandrayaan-2 had malfunctioned, resulting in its crash landing.

About Chandrayaan 3 mission

• Chandrayaan is India’s 3^rd Lunar Mission
• It is a follow-on to the unsuccessful 2019 Lunar mission- Chandrayaan 2
• Launched on July 14, Chandrayaan-3 entered lunar orbit on August 5.
• With lessons learnt from Chandrayaan-2, the ISRO has made several changes to the Lander, with ISRO taking “failure-based approach” while designing it.

Way ahead

Although its main job now will be accomplished once the Lander separates, the Propulsion Module, equipped with one instrument, will however continue to collect data for a few months.

15. President approves Assam delimitation order

Topic: GS2-polity

Context:

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday approved the final delimitation order issued by the Election Commission of India with respect to the parliamentary and Assembly constituencies in Assam.

The need for such an exercise

• On December27, 2022, the ECI had announced a plan to carryout delimitation of the parliamentary and Assembly constituencies in Assam based on the 2001 Census after years of deferral.
• The last time the exercise was carried out in Assam was in 1976.
• It was deferred in Assam multiple times because political parties opposed it citing the ongoing updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Issues with the exercise

1. The delimitation order continues to be contested by opposition parties and different community organisations based on multiple issues, including the reduction of seats where minority voters will play a decisive role.
2. Lack of geographical contiguity and the reduction of seats in the Bengali dominated Barak Valley.

16. China appears to be building airstrip on disputed island.

Topic: GS2-International relations

Context:

China Appears to be constructing an airstrip on a disputed South China Sea island that is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, according to satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press.

Major issues:

• The work on Triton island in the Paracel group mirrors construction on seven human-made islands in the Spratly group to the east which have been equipped with airstrips, docks and military systems, although it currently appears to be somewhat more modest in scale.
• China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own, denying the claims of others and defying an international ruling invalidating its assertion.
• Satellite photos analysis shows construction on the airstrip first visible in August. The runway, as currently laid out, would over 600 meters in length, long enough to accommodate turbo prop aircraft and drones, but not fighter jets or bombers.
• Large numbers of vehicle tracks running across much of the island, along with what appears to be containers and construction equipments are also visible.

About Triton island

• Triton is one of the major islands in the Paracel group, which is roughly equidistant from the coast of Vietnam and China’s island province of Hainan.
• China has had a small harbor and buildings on the island for years, along with a helipad and radar arrays.
• Two large fields on the island sport a star from the Chinese flag and a hammer and sickle representing the ruling Communist Party.

China in denial mode

• China has refused to provide details of its island construction work other than to say it is aimed at helping global navigation safety.
• It has rejected accusations that it is militarizing the crucial waterway, through which an estimated $5 trillion in trade passes annually, and says it has the right to do as it wishes in its sovereign territory.

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