4 August 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu and Indian Express.
4-August-2023
1. Over nine lakh trees likely to be axed for Great Nicobar Project.
Topic: GS2 – environmental degradation.
Context:
- The Great Nicobar Project is a massive infrastructure project proposed by the Indian government on the Great Nicobar island.
- In a response by Minister of State (Environment) Ashwini Kumar Choubey in the Rajya Sabha indicates that the number of trees to be axed may be 9.64 lakh.
- There is also a possibility that the number of trees to be cut may be lower than estimated.
What is Great Nicobar Project?
- The Great Nicobar Project is a major infrastructure development initiative proposed by the Indian government on the Great Nicobar island, which is the largest island in the Nicobar archipelago located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal.
- The project aims to transform the island into a major economic and strategic hub by developing various facilities and infrastructure.
- The project has received environmental clearance from an expert committee, but it has also faced challenges and scrutiny in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) following objections from environmental activists.
- Despite concerns, the project has been classified as of “strategic importance” by the Union Home Ministry, which has led to limited public disclosure of project details.
Importance of news: this can be used as a case study in mains answer related to environmental degradation and developmental needs.
2. Coups in Niger; causes and concerns
Topic: GS2 – International events.
Context:
- On July 26, a military coup took place in Niger, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum.
More about the news:
- The military justified the ousting by citing worsening insecurity and economic crisis in the country.
- The global response to the coup has been largely negative, with the UN, US, Germany, and France condemning it and imposing sanctions.
- External interests in Niger include its role as a partner in the fight against insurgency for the US and France, as well as its significant uranium exports to France and the EU.
- The regional response to the coup has been divided, with ECOWAS condemning it and imposing sanctions, while Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea expressing solidarity with the coup makers.
- Niger has experienced multiple coups over the years, often driven by frustrations with insecurity and economic crises and perceived ties between unpopular authorities and Western partners.
Importance: Not much important from exam perspective – however a question may be asked in prelims exam.
3. Why is the Biological Diversity Bill facing opposition?
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity.
Context:
- The Lok Sabha passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
More information about the news:
- The amendments were proposed to address issues in the 20-year-old Act and reduce the compliance burden on various stakeholders.
- The Bill seeks to exempt registered AYUSH medical practitioners and users of codified traditional knowledge from prior intimation to access biological resources for certain purposes.
- Environmental organizations argue that the amendments solely benefit AYUSH firms and may lead to “bio piracy.”
- The Bill decriminalizes certain offences under the Act and replaces them with monetary penalties.
Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021:
The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is a bill that amends the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Act provides for the conservation of biodiversity and sharing of benefits from access to biodiversity and associated knowledge with local communities.
Here are some of the key provisions of the Amendment Bill:
- Exemption for codified traditional knowledge and AYUSH practitioners: The Bill exempts users of codified traditional knowledge and AYUSH practitioners from sharing benefits with local communities. This means that these entities will not have to obtain prior informed consent (PIC) or benefit-sharing agreements (BSAs) from local communities before accessing biological resources or associated knowledge.
- Removal of research and bio-survey activities from the purview of benefit sharing:The Bill removes research and bio-survey activities from the purview of benefit sharing. This means that entities conducting research or bio-surveys will not have to obtain PIC or BSAs from local communities.
- Decriminalization of offences under the Act: The Bill decriminalizes all offences under the Act. This means that violations of the Act will no longer be punishable by imprisonment. Instead, violators will be subject to monetary penalties.
- Empowerment of government officials to hold inquiries and determine penalties: The Bill empowers government officials to hold inquiries and determine penalties for violations of the Act. This means that government officials will have the power to investigate and punish violations of the Act, without the need for a court order.
4. Three Bills passed in the Rajya Sabha in Opposition’s absence
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity.
Context:
- The Rajya Sabha passed three Bills without much discussion as the Opposition boycotted proceedings due to violence in Manipur.
- The Bills passed were the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, and the Advocates (Amendment) Bill.
Concerns about bypassing a position while passing a bill:
- Bills being passed without major discussions and opposition boycott raises concerns about lack of democratic debate and scrutiny.
- Bypassing proper discussions may lead to inadequate understanding of the implications and potential flaws in the legislation.
- It can undermine the role of the opposition in holding the government accountable and ensuring checks and balances.
- Passing bills without comprehensive discussions may result in hasty decisions that could have long-term consequences.
- It could lead to public discontent and undermine public trust in the legislative process.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Parliamentary Procedures: Reinforce the importance of parliamentary debates and discussions as essential components of the legislative process.
- Ensure Transparency: Make legislative proceedings more transparent by providing live streaming of parliamentary sessions and making the details of bills, amendments, and discussions readily accessible to the public.
- Enhance Committee Scrutiny: Empower parliamentary committees to thoroughly examine bills before they are presented in the House. Committees can analyze the merits, drawbacks, and potential impacts of proposed legislation, enabling a more informed debate.
- Strengthen Opposition Oversight: Empower the opposition to play a robust role in scrutinizing bills and holding the government accountable for its actions, ensuring a healthy balance of power.
- Review Existing Rules: Regularly assess and update parliamentary rules and procedures to ensure they are relevant, efficient, and conducive to informed decision-making.
- Uphold Democratic Values: Emphasize the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability in all legislative processes to promote responsible and responsive governance.
5. Endangered Himalayan vulture, bred in captivity for the first time in India
Topic: GS3 – environment conservation
Context:
- The Assam State Zoo in Guwahati, India, has achieved the first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in the country.
- The Himalayan vulture is classified as ‘near threatened’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
- The successful breeding was recorded on March 14, 2022, and the nestling was moved to an artificial brooding facility on March 15.
More about Himalayan vulture:
- Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) is a large bird of prey in the Accipitridae family.
- Categorized as ‘near threatened’ on the IUCN Red List, indicating conservation concern.
- Conservation breeding aims to protect vultures facing habitat loss and other threats.
- Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres in India focus on various vulture species.
- Vultures play a crucial role in the ecosystem as scavengers, maintaining ecological balance.
- Threats include habitat loss, food scarcity, and poisoning from toxic substances.
- International cooperation essential for biodiversity conservation efforts.
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Daily Current Affairs 4 August 2023 : Daily Current Affairs DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu and Indian Express.
4-August-2023
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