15 June 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Dividing a culture

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS1 –  History –  Indian Culture

Context

The division of cultural artefacts between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including Buddha relics and historical manuscripts, follows the bifurcation plan post-Hyderabad’s status change. This process aims to distribute heritage based on acquisition time and provenance, impacting museum collections and historical narratives.

Significance of the Buddha Relics

• Inside the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Museum in Hyderabad, The Buddha relics are a central attraction, drawing visitors worldwide who come to pay homage.
• The relics include gold objects, precious beads, and a small golden container that has retained its shine for nearly 2,000 years.
• These items were discovered in 1993 during excavations near Bavikonda by the Andhra Pradesh Department of Archaeology and Museums.

Plan for Artefact Division

• The relics and other artefacts are set to return to Andhra Pradesh as part of the bifurcation plan between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• The division of objects is based on their provenance and the time of acquisition.
• Objects acquired before 1956 will remain with Telangana, while those acquired between 1956 and 2014 will be divided between the two States based on population ratio, with 52% going to Andhra Pradesh and 48% to Telangana.

Impact of Hyderabad’s Status

• Hyderabad, no longer the capital of Andhra Pradesh, houses numerous treasures belonging to Andhra Pradesh.
• These include Buddha relics, jade objects, brass statuettes, and manuscripts located in various museums and archives in Telangana.
• These antiquities are now at the center of a contentious division process.

Historical and Cultural Conflicts

• The 1993 Bavikonda excavation, which revealed important Buddhist relics, transformed the understanding of Hinayana Buddhism’s spread along the Krishna River basin.
• Post-division, Telangana has showcased several Buddhist sites, creating heritage precincts and theme parks.
• Statues from these sites have been exhibited internationally, highlighting the significance of these artefacts.

Developing and Showcasing Museums

• Telangana is focusing on developing its museums and enhancing the display of objects.
• The division of artefacts is aimed at returning them to their places of origin, which some believe will diminish the importance of the original excavation sites.
• Scholars advocate for in situ museums to maintain the significance of these sites and their artefacts.

Modern Artefacts and Distribution Concerns

• Among the artefacts to be transferred to Andhra Pradesh is a jade dagger with a unique design and historical significance.
• Books from the Telangana State Museum Library and other institutions have also been divided, with some concerns over the digitization process not being fully implemented.
• The division adheres to the rule that objects acquired before 1956 stay in Telangana, while those after 1956 are split.

Challenges in Dividing Cultural and Historical Assets

• Scholars argue that culture and history cannot be bifurcated like property.
• Manuscripts and documents often have origins and significance that span current State boundaries, complicating their division.
• Some suggest a centralised repository for certain types of manuscripts to facilitate scholarly research.

Repatriation and Preservation of Artefacts

• The division of artefacts between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh mirrors global efforts at repatriation of cultural objects to their places of origin.
• Important site museums, like those developed in Phanigiri, provide context and pride for local communities.

Concerns Over Missing Artefacts

• Some prized assets have disappeared over the years, such as a painting now found in the San Diego Museum of Art.
• The division and preservation of cultural objects raise questions about the best methods to maintain and understand the shared history of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion

• The exchange of artefacts, books, and manuscripts according to provenance and acquisition time offers a unique case study in cultural preservation.
• The ongoing division process aims to respect the historical significance of these objects while addressing the practical challenges of shared heritage between the two States.

2. Law Ministry plans to place report on simultaneous polls before Cabinet at the earliest

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

The Law Ministry plans to present a committee report led by former President Ram Nath Kovind on simultaneous elections (“one nation, one election”) to the Union Cabinet. This initiative is part of the government’s 100-day agenda, aiming for synchronised polls at various levels of governance.

Analysis of the news:

• Former President Ram Nath Kovind led a committee that submitted a report on “one nation, one election” or simultaneous elections to the Union Cabinet.
• Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the submission of the report, indicating it will be part of the Law Ministry’s 100-day agenda.
• The report suggests simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies initially, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.
• It recommends 18 constitutional amendments, requiring two-thirds majority in Parliament, though facing opposition from many political parties.
• The Law Commission is also poised to propose simultaneous elections for all three tiers of government starting from 2029, with provisions for a unity government in case of hung Houses or no-confidence motions.

Feasibility of simultaneous elections:

Pros: Reduced Expenditure: Simultaneous elections would lower costs associated with frequent polls. Stable Governance: Ensures uninterrupted governance without frequent disruptions. Enhanced Efficiency: Officials can focus on governance rather than election preparations. Reduced Political Polarisation: May mitigate intense election-driven polarisation.Environmental Benefits: Lower environmental impact from reduced campaign activities. Cons: Constitutional Challenges: Requires significant constitutional amendments. Logistical Challenges: Complex coordination among Election Commission and states. Dominance of National Issues: Local issues may be overshadowed by national narratives. Increased Centralization: Potential for greater centralization of political power. Impact on Federalism: States may lose autonomy in setting election schedules for local body elections.

PYQ: ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017)

Practice Question:  Discuss the feasibility of implementing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in India. Examine the potential advantages and challenges associated with this proposal. (250 Words /15 marks)

3. U.S. Navy faces its most intense combat since Second World War against Houthis

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

The U.S. Navy, traditionally prepared for conflicts with major global powers, now faces intense sea battles against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. This unexpected challenge highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the Navy’s strategic role in protecting international maritime interests.

Conflict Background:

• The U.S. Navy, originally prepared for major powers like Russia and China, is now engaged in intense sea battles with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
• Houthi attacks, intensified since November, target both commercial vessels and warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Military Operations:

• U.S.-led efforts include airstrikes inside Yemen to target Houthi positions, aiming to weaken their capabilities.
• Recent strikes by U.S. and British forces on May 30 resulted in significant casualties among the rebels.

Naval Operations:

• Daily attacks by the Houthis include missiles, drones, and other weaponry, posing constant threats to ships navigating critical waterways.
• The Navy’s response involves constant vigilance and rapid deployment of defensive measures to intercept incoming threats.

Strategic Significance:

• The conflict underscores the Navy’s ongoing role in safeguarding international shipping routes vital for global trade, despite the unexpected adversary.
• Iranian support for the Houthis, including training and intelligence, complicates the security landscape in the region.

4. Survey Reveals Alarming Levels of Financial Fraud Among Urban Indians

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Economy; Page: 11)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy

Context:

A recent survey by LocalCircles highlights the alarming prevalence of financial fraud in urban India. According to the survey, as many as 47% of urban Indians reported that either they or someone in their family had been a victim of financial fraud in the last three years. This statistic underscores the significant risk and impact of financial crimes on urban households.

Analysis of News:

Types of Financial Frauds Experienced:

• Among those who experienced financial fraud, 43% were victims of credit card fraud, while 30% experienced fraud through UPI transactions.
• The survey revealed that nearly half of the credit card fraud victims faced unauthorized charges by domestic and international merchants and websites.
• In the case of UPI frauds, a common method involved fraudulent links or QR codes that, when used, resulted in money being debited from the victim’s account instead of crediting it.

Need for Enhanced Safeguards:

• The survey results indicate a pressing need for enhanced safeguards by financial institutions and regulatory bodies.
• The RBI, UPI platforms, and credit card-issuing banks must implement more robust security measures to prevent such frauds.
• The findings suggest that current security protocols may not be sufficient to protect consumers from sophisticated fraud tactics.

Consumer Awareness and Education:

• Increasing consumer awareness is critical to preventing financial fraud. The survey emphasizes the importance of educating users about safe practices when using credit cards and UPI systems.
• Recommendations include ensuring that no Indian credit cards can be charged without OTP (One-Time Password) authentication and promoting awareness about secure transaction practices.

Role of Local Law Enforcement:

• The survey also highlights the need for better sensitization and training of local police stations.
• Many victims of online financial fraud face challenges when attempting to report incidents due to a lack of guidance from local police staff.
• Training law enforcement personnel to effectively assist victims in filing online complaints swiftly could improve the response to financial fraud and enhance overall consumer protection.

Conclusion:

• The survey by Local Circles sheds light on the widespread issue of financial fraud in urban India, particularly involving credit cards and UPI transactions.
• It calls for urgent action from regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies to implement stronger safeguards and raise consumer awareness.
• By addressing these areas, the risk and impact of financial fraud on urban households can be significantly reduced.

Practice Question:  Critically analyze the findings of the LocalCircles survey on financial fraud among urban Indians. Discuss the types of fraud reported, the implications for consumer safety, and the recommendations for regulatory and law enforcement agencies to mitigate such risks effectively. (250 words/15 m)

Prelims Facts

1. Prerna Sthal will be inaugurated tomorrow

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Context

The relocation of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statues from their prominent positions near Parliament to Prerna Sthal has sparked controversy. Opposition parties criticising it as an attempt to stifle democratic protests, while the Lok Sabha Secretariat cites redevelopment plans as justification.

What is Prerna Sthal:

• Prerna Sthal is an area within the Parliament complex in India.
• It houses key statues, including those of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
• These statues were relocated from their earlier prominent positions near Parliament.
• The move has drawn criticism from the opposition, alleging it restricts democratic protests.
• The Lok Sabha Secretariat defends the relocation as part of a broader redevelopment plan for the parliamentary precincts.
• Prerna Sthal is set to be inaugurated amid ongoing debates about its symbolic and political implications.

2. CIC upholds response of Rashtrapati Bhavan on RTI query on Presidential assent

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)

Context

The Central Information Commission (CIC) upheld Rashtrapati Bhavan’s response to an RTI query, confirming no records exist on instances where former President Ram Nath Kovind returned decisions by the Prime Minister/Union Council of Ministers for reconsideration. This decision followed appeals challenging the completeness of information under the RTI Act, emphasising transparency in governmental actions.

Instances where President’s consent is required:

• Ordinance: The President’s consent is required for promulgating ordinances by the Union Cabinet during parliamentary recess, which have the same force as laws passed by Parliament.
• Appointments: Certain key appointments such as the Chief Election Commissioner, Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission, and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts require the President’s approval.
• Legislation: Bills passed by Parliament must receive the President’s assent to become laws. The President can either give assent or withhold it, which may necessitate reconsideration by Parliament.
• Emergency Provisions: During a national emergency, the President exercises special powers, including the suspension of fundamental rights and the promulgation of ordinances, subject to parliamentary approval.
• Dissolution of Lok Sabha: If there is a deadlock in forming a government after elections or if no party has a clear majority, the President decides whether to dissolve the Lok Sabha and call for fresh elections.
• Foreign Treaties: The President ratifies international treaties and agreements negotiated by the Government of India, ensuring they align with national interests and constitutional provisions.

3. Kavli Prize 2024: Celebrating Trailblazing Scientists in Astrophysics, Nanoscience, and Neuroscience

Context:

The Kavli Prize, awarded biennially, honors achievements in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience, celebrating breakthroughs in the largest, smallest, and most complex realms of scientific exploration. Named after Norwegian-American scientist and philanthropist Fred Kavli, the prizes carry significant recognition and prestige in the scientific community.

Analysis of News:

Origin and Purpose of the Kavli Foundation:

• Fred Kavli, founder of Kavlico Corporation, established the Kavli Foundation after selling his company for $340 million in 2000.
• In partnership with the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, the foundation aims to promote and reward scientific excellence across the globe through the Kavli Prize.

Distinctions from the Nobel Prize:

• Unlike the Nobel Prize, which recognizes achievements made “during the preceding year,” the Kavli Prize acknowledges a broader scope of contributions over time. Since its inception in 2008, 73 scientists from 19 countries have been honored, with ten subsequently receiving Nobel Prizes, highlighting its significance as a precursor to Nobel recognition.

2024 Winners and Their Contributions

Astrophysics:

• David Charbonneau of Harvard University and Sara Seager of MIT were recognized for their pioneering methods in exoplanet detection and atmospheric characterization.
• Their contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of planetary atmospheres and infrared emissions.

Nanoscience:

• Robert Langer of MIT, Armand Paul Alivisatos of the University of Chicago, and Chad Mirkin of Northwestern University received the prize for their transformative work.
• Langer’s innovations in nano-engineering for drug delivery, Alivisatos’s development of quantum dots for bio-imaging, and Mirkin’s creation of spherical nucleic acids have revolutionized medical diagnostics and therapy.

Neuroscience:

• Nancy Kanwisher of MIT, Winrich Freiwald of Rockefeller University, and Doris Tsao of UC Berkeley were honored for their groundbreaking research on facial recognition and brain mapping.
• Kanwisher identified the brain’s face-processing center, while Freiwald and Tsao utilized advanced imaging techniques to explore the neural architecture underlying facial recognition.