21 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
21-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu and Indian Express.
1. SC ‘deeply disturbed’, orders Centre, Manipur govt. to act.
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity. GS3 – Women Safety
Context:
- Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud summoned the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General on Thursday.
- The court was “deeply disturbed” by a video showing two women being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur.
- The Chief Justice gave the Union and Manipur governments an ultimatum to bring the perpetrators to book or step aside for the judiciary to take action.
- The court emphasized that using women as instruments of violence is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.
What’s the news:
- Two women from the Kuki-Zo community were allegedly paraded naked and molested by a mob in B. Phainom village, Kangpokpi district, Manipur.
- The incident took place after a picture of a woman wrapped in a plastic sheet was circulated on social media, with the claim that she had been raped and murdered.
- The police later arrested four people in connection with the incident.
Issue of women’s safety in India:
Women’s safety in India has been a pressing and complex issue, garnering significant attention and concern both within the country and internationally. Despite progressive legal frameworks and efforts to address gender-based violence, women continue to face various forms of harassment, assault, and discrimination, which raises serious questions about their safety and security in the country.
- Gender-Based Violence: Incidents of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, and eve-teasing, remain prevalent in different parts of the country. Such acts not only violate women’s fundamental rights but also instill fear and insecurity in them, limiting their participation in public spaces and daily life.
- Cultural Norms and Gender Stereotypes: Deep-rooted cultural norms and gender stereotypes contribute to the perpetuation of violence against women. Patriarchal attitudes often dictate social norms and behavior, leading to the normalization of violence and discrimination against women.
- Inadequate Law Enforcement: Delays in legal proceedings, lack of sensitivity among law enforcement officials, and the prevailing social stigma discourage many women from reporting incidents of violence.
- Lack of Safe Public Spaces: Safety concerns deter women from freely accessing public spaces. Instances of harassment and fear of assault in public transport, streets, and public facilities restrict women’s mobility and economic participation.
- Digital Safety: With the rise of technology and social media, online harassment and cyberbullying have become significant concerns for women. Violent threats, cyberstalking, and non-consensual distribution of intimate images further add to the challenges women face in the digital realm.
Way Forward:
- Strengthening Law Enforcement: Ensuring effective implementation of existing laws and introducing stricter measures to punish offenders.
- Creating Safe Spaces: Improving safety measures in public spaces, public transport, and workplaces to enable women’s participation and mobility.
- Promoting Gender Sensitization: Conducting awareness campaigns and gender sensitization programs to challenge deep-rooted gender norms and stereotypes.
- Empowering Women: Providing opportunities for education, skill development, and economic empowerment to enhance women’s agency and independence.
- Encouraging Reporting: Establishing confidential and safe reporting mechanisms to encourage women to come forward and report incidents of violence.
- Digital Safety Measures: Formulating policies and mechanisms to address online harassment and protect women’s digital privacy and safety.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in promoting gender equality and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for women.
Model question: “Discuss the challenges and measures to improve women’s safety in India. Analyze the role of societal norms, law enforcement, and public awareness in addressing the issue. Suggest policy interventions to create a safer environment for women and promote gender equality.”
2. 16 killed, many missing due to landslips triggered by heavy rains in Raigadh, Maharashtra
Topic: GS3 – Disaster management
Context:
- Landslip incident in Irshalwadi, Raigad district, resulted in at least 16 deaths and 21 injuries.
- More than half of the 48 homes in the hamlet were buried by the rockfall caused by incessant rain.
- Only about 100 out of the village’s population of 228 have been accounted for, and the death toll is expected to rise.
- Lack of proper motorable road to the village delayed rescue operations, and manual efforts were made by rescue teams.
- Rescue operations were hampered by poor visibility, gusty winds, intense downpour, and potential dangers of more mudslips.
Reasons for frequent landslides in western Ghats:
- Geological and Topographical Features: The Western Ghats are characterized by steep slopes, fragile rock formations, and loose soil, making the region susceptible to landslides during heavy rainfall or seismic activity.
- Heavy Monsoon Rains: The Western Ghats receive heavy and prolonged monsoon rains, which saturate the soil and destabilize the slopes, leading to landslides.
- Deforestation and Human Activities: Rampant deforestation, land-use changes, and unscientific construction practices disrupt the natural stability of the hills, increasing the chances of landslides.
- Construction and Road Development: Improper construction practices, including cutting into hillsides for roads, buildings, and infrastructure projects, weaken the slopes, making them prone to landslides.
- Climate Change: Climate change can intensify rainfall patterns and lead to more extreme weather events, potentially exacerbating landslide occurrences in the region.
- Geological Faults: The presence of geological faults can trigger landslides.
- Soil Erosion: Soil erosion due to deforestation, agricultural activities, and improper land management reduces soil stability and contributes to landslides.
Disaster preparedness for landslides:
- Early Warning Systems: Implementing effective early warning systems that can detect signs of potential landslides, such as soil moisture levels and slope instability, and disseminate timely warnings to vulnerable communities.
- Hazard Mapping: Conducting detailed geological and topographical surveys to identify landslide-prone areas and creating hazard maps.
- Public Awareness and Education: Conducting awareness campaigns to educate communities living in landslide-prone areas about the risks and necessary safety measures to be taken during a landslide event.
- Emergency Evacuation Plans: Developing and practicing emergency evacuation plans to ensure that residents can quickly and safely evacuate to designated safe areas in the event of an imminent landslide.
- Training and Capacity Building: Providing training to local authorities, first responders, and community members on how to respond to landslide emergencies, including search and rescue operations.
- Disaster Relief and Shelter: Establishing temporary shelters and relief centers to provide immediate assistance to those affected by landslides, including food, water, medical care, and other essential supplies.
- Communication and Coordination: Ensuring effective communication and coordination among government agencies, disaster response teams, and local communities to streamline disaster response efforts.
Model question: “Discuss the significance of disaster preparedness measures for landslides in mitigating the impact of natural hazards and safeguarding vulnerable communities. Highlight the key strategies and challenges involved in implementing effective landslide risk reduction initiatives.”
3. Raise Katchatheevu, Tamils’ issue during Sri Lankan President’s visit, CM tells PM.
Topic: GS2 – International relations.
Context:
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issues of the retrieval of Katchatheevu and the aspirations of Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his visit to India.
The conflict over Katchatheevu Islands – Explained:
The conflict over Katchatheevu Islands revolves around the territorial ownership and fishing rights of the islet situated in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. Here are the key points regarding the conflict:
- Historical Background: Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island, was traditionally used by fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka for centuries. It was under the control of the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu in India. However, in 1974, India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement known as the “Katchatheevu Treaty,” which ceded the island to Sri Lanka.
- Controversial Transfer: The transfer of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka was a contentious issue in India, especially among Tamil Nadu politicians and fishermen. They argued that the island’s transfer was done without the consent of the State government and without considering the impact on Indian fishermen’s livelihoods.
- Fishing Rights: One of the main points of contention is the fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the surrounding waters of Katchatheevu. After the transfer, Indian fishermen claimed that they faced increased harassment from the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing in their traditional fishing grounds near the island.
- Impact on Fishermen: Tamil Nadu fishermen have raised concerns that the loss of Katchatheevu has restricted their access to fishing grounds, affecting their livelihoods and causing economic hardships.
- Political Demands: Over the years, various political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the DMK and AIADMK, have consistently demanded the retrieval of Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka. They argue that the island’s transfer was unconstitutional and that the interests of Indian fishermen need to be safeguarded.
- Diplomatic Tensions: The conflict over Katchatheevu has at times strained India-Sri Lanka relations, with both countries engaging in diplomatic discussions to address the issues related to fishing rights and territorial disputes.
Model question: “Discuss the historical and contemporary issues surrounding the conflict over Katchatheevu Islands between India and Sri Lanka. Analyze the implications of the 1974 Katchatheevu Treaty on fishing rights and livelihoods of Indian fishermen.”
4. Handcrafted with dignity
Topic: GS1 – Woman empowerment.
More information about the news:
- Ruhi Jan and 30 other women artisans travel to Zaevyul, a unique karkhana, to revive the hand-made exquisite Kashmiri Pashmina shawls and re-energize the handicraft industry in Srinagar.
- Traditionally, women were adept at spinning in the shawl industry, while men worked as weavers. However, low wages and poor working conditions led many women to quit
- The initiative resulted in over 90% of artisans being women, who now earn ₹14,000 per month and receive a cut from the profits.
- Better wages, work environment, and social security have encouraged artisans to stay in the industry and preserve the art of hand-spun Pashmina shawls.
Significance of the news: Information can be added as a case study in mains answer and essays.
5. Social media platforms told to censor posts on viral video
Topic: GS3.
Context:
- The Union government has ordered social media platforms to censor all posts featuring the viral clip of two women being sexually abused in Manipur.
- Twitter, Google, and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) immediately complied with the orders and deleted posts that included discussions, even those with blacked-out or blurred screenshots where the victims were not identifiable.
- The government cited the need to prevent further inflammation of the situation in Manipur as the reason for the censorship.
Responsibility of social media in such incidents:
- Content Moderation: Platforms must monitor and control harmful content.
- Reporting Mechanisms: Users should report inappropriate content.
- Swift Response: Prompt action to remove harmful material.
- Privacy and Dignity: Protect individuals’ privacy and dignity.
- Collaboration with Authorities: Support investigations.
- Safety Features: Implement tools to control sensitive content.
- Transparency and Accountability: Clear policies and actions.
- NGOs and Experts: Work with them for effective strategies.
- User Education: Raise awareness about responsible online behavior.
6. Centre-mandated health spending has positive impact: study.
Topic: GS3 – Health sector.
What is the news?
- The National Health Mission (NHM) has positively impacted India’s health sector over the past 15 years, according to a study in the Public Health For All journal.
- The NHM provided central funding to states only if they complied with the Central government’s schemes and encouraged states to invest more in primary health care.
- States gradually increased their allocation to health budgets, but they have not yet achieved the target of allocating 8% of the total state budget, as envisioned in the National Health Policy of 2017.
- In the year 2018-2019, states spent an estimated 5.2% of the total budget on health.
- The positive impact of NHM’s conditional allocation is evident from the steady decline in the country’s infant mortality rate.
- The disparity in per capita public spending across states has reduced, but health departments still face challenges related to the underspending of allocated funds.
Importance: The factual data can be added to mains answer.
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