16 October 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

1. CEC slams exit polls, trends on TV channels; calls for corrective steps

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

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar criticised the distortion caused by exit polls, highlighting the gap between expectations and actual results. He called for transparency in exit poll methodology and self-regulation by media bodies. He also condemned news channels for flashing voting trends prematurely, creating unnecessary public confusion before official results are declared.

Analysis of the News

Exit polls

Exit polls in India are conducted after voters cast their ballots to predict election outcomes. Various media agencies and survey organizations carry out these polls. Exit polls estimate trends by sampling voters across different regions and constituencies. They often provide insights into voting patterns but may not always be accurate. Exit polls have sometimes sparked debates due to discrepancies between their predictions and actual election results.

Impact of Wrong Exit Polls

• Creates False Expectations: Mismatched exit poll results raise public expectations, leading to frustration when actual results differ.
• Undermines Election Credibility: Discrepancies between exit polls and real outcomes can cast doubt on the fairness and accuracy of the electoral process.
• Influences Voter Perception: Misleading polls might sway voter behaviour, altering their expectations of certain candidates or parties.
• Erodes Trust in Polling Agencies: Repeated inaccuracies reduce public confidence in pollsters and their methodologies.
• Political Tension: In cases of significant deviation, exit polls can fuel political unrest and disputes over election results.
• Media Accountability: Lack of transparency in polling methods weakens journalistic responsibility, potentially distorting public discourse.

Use of Artificial Intelligence for Influence in Elections

• Targeted Misinformation: AI-driven bots can rapidly spread misinformation to manipulate voter opinions and decision-making.
• Micro-targeting of Voters: AI enables campaigns to precisely target specific voter groups with tailored ads, influencing electoral outcomes.
• Deepfake Technology: AI can generate deepfake videos, spreading false narratives or damaging reputations of political figures.
• Data Mining: AI uses vast voter data to predict preferences and devise strategies to exploit emotional and cognitive biases.
• Social Media Manipulation: AI can create and operate fake social media accounts to amplify biassed content and sway public opinion.
• Real-time Monitoring: AI tools can monitor trends and adjust campaign strategies dynamically, affecting voter behaviour during critical phases of elections.

Practice Question:  Discuss the potential implications of inaccurate exit polls on the electoral process and public trust in democratic institutions. How can the use of artificial intelligence influence elections, and what measures can be taken to prevent its misuse? (250 Words /15 marks)

2. A Nobel for explaining why nations fail

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS3 – Economy

Context

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their work on the role of institutions in economic prosperity. Their research highlights how inclusive institutions contribute to long-term growth, while extractive institutions lead to poverty. This recognition emphasises the importance of institutional quality in economic development.

Understanding Economic Disparities

• The question of why some countries are rich and others are poor has puzzled economists for a long time.
• Currently, the richest 20% of countries have an average income that is 30 times greater than that of the poorest 20%.
• Since the Industrial Revolution caused a significant gap in living standards between the East and West, various theories have emerged to explain these differences.

Theories Behind Economic Success

• Some theories attribute wealth in the West to the effects of colonialism, while others cite disparities in natural resources.
• Some scholars even suggest that intelligence or random historical events could determine a nation’s economic fate.

Importance of Institutions

• Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson argue that the quality of economic and political institutions is the main factor explaining the economic outcomes of countries.
• This idea is extensively detailed in their 2012 book, Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty, and their 2004 paper, “Institutions as a Fundamental Cause of Long-Run Growth.”
• Institutions that protect property rights encourage hard work, leading to economic growth, while those that permit expropriation can cause stagnation.

Types of Institutions

• The Nobel laureates categorise institutions as either “inclusive” or “extractive.”
• Inclusive institutions promote secure property rights and democracy, while extractive institutions are characterised by insecurity and lack of political freedom.
• They demonstrated that inclusive institutions foster long-term economic growth, whereas extractive ones result in poverty.

Historical Context of Institutions

• The researchers studied how colonisation influenced the types of institutions established in different regions.
• In areas where colonists were unwilling to settle due to high mortality risks, extractive institutions were created, leading to long-term economic challenges.
• In contrast, colonists who settled aimed to establish inclusive institutions that supported investment and economic growth, as seen in the U.S.

Challenges in Implementing Inclusive Institutions

• The Nobel laureates explored why more countries have not adopted inclusive institutions.
• They argue that rulers may prefer extractive institutions that allow for personal gain, thereby resisting reforms that would benefit the broader population.
• These extractive institutions can persist until there is a significant threat of rebellion, prompting some rulers to create more inclusive systems to promote growth.

PYQ: COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2020)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of inclusive institutions in fostering economic prosperity, as highlighted by the 2024 Nobel laureates in Economics. Analyse the factors that hinder the establishment of such institutions in various countries. (250 Words /15 marks)

3. India Introduces New Guidelines to Combat Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims       

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 17)

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context:

The Indian government, aiming to curb misleading environmental claims by companies, introduced new guidelines mandating businesses to back their green claims with scientific evidence. Issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), these regulations target deceptive environmental advertising, enhancing consumer protection and curbing false claims.

Analysis of News:   

Definition of Greenwashing

• Greenwashing refers to companies, organizations, or countries making dubious claims about their products, services, or activities being environmentally friendly.
• This practice often involves exaggeration or misrepresentation of the actual environmental impact, as seen in high-profile cases like Volkswagen’s emissions scandal.

Broader Impact and Concerns

• Greenwashing practices are pervasive across sectors, from corporations like Shell and Coca-Cola to carbon trading mechanisms and offset programs. Countries are also accused of greenwashing, particularly in forest carbon claims.
• The UN has been proactive in addressing these practices, advocating for stricter measures, especially regarding net-zero commitments.

CCPA’s Advertising Guidelines to Prevent Greenwashing

• The CCPA’s guidelines define greenwashing as deceptive practices that exaggerate or conceal relevant environmental information.
• The guidelines permit the use of puffery or hyperbole in advertising but mandate companies to substantiate specific environmental claims (e.g., “eco-friendly” or “carbon-neutral”) with verifiable evidence, certifications, and disclosures.

Enforcement and Applicability

• These guidelines apply to all manufacturers, service providers, traders, advertising agencies, and endorsers involved in promoting products with environmental claims.
• The CCPA aims to ensure accountability and transparency, making it mandatory for companies to provide accurate qualifiers and clear explanations in advertisements.

What is the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)?

CCPA is the regulatory body established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2019, it regulates matters related to consumer rights violations and unfair trade practices. The act empowers the CCPA to prevent false or misleading advertisements and ensure consumer rights are protected. It operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Section 21 of CPA Act: Section 21 of CPA, 2019 grants the CCPA the power to issue directions and penalties against false or misleading advertisements. It provides definition of Misleading Advertisement, Powers of the CCPA and Penalties (imprisonment of up to 2 years and a fine of up to Rs. 10 lakh). Benefits to Consumers: Informed Consumers: CCPA empowers informed consumer decisions by deterring deceptive marketing. Transparent Ads: CCPA interventions promote truthful advertising practices. Trustworthy Claims: CCPA discourages misleading claims, boosting consumer trust. Fair Competition: It ensures competition based on product merit, not deceptive claims.

PYQ: With reference to ‘consumers’ rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct ? (2012)   1) Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing. 2) When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid. 3) In case of death of consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/ her behalf. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:   (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3   Ans: C

Practice Question:  Examine the significance of India’s new guidelines to prevent greenwashing in advertisements. How will these regulations enhance consumer protection and promote transparency in environmental claims? (150 words/10 m)

4. Bone Ossification Test: A Key Tool in Age Determination for Juvenile Justice Cases     

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 17)

Topic: GS3 – Science & Technology

Context:

The article discusses the use of bone ossification tests in determining the age of accused individuals in criminal cases, particularly in the context of the Juvenile Justice Act in India.

Analysis of News:   

What is a Bone Ossification Test?

• A bone ossification test involves X-rays of certain bones, primarily the hands and wrists, to estimate the skeletal maturity of an individual.
• Ossification is the natural process of bone formation, which begins in the fetal stage and continues through adolescence.
• Experts analyze the images to compare bone development with standard maturation charts to determine an approximate age.

Why is Age Determination Significant?

• In the criminal justice system, age determination is crucial since individuals under 18 are treated as minors.
• They fall under the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, which emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment.
• Minors cannot be imprisoned with adults and are instead sent to observation homes. For serious offenses committed by minors over 16, courts may assess whether they should be tried as adults.

Court’s Stand on Bone Ossification Tests

• Courts prioritize documentary evidence such as birth certificates for age verification.
• The Juvenile Justice Act stipulates that bone ossification tests are used only when official documents are unavailable. Courts have emphasized that these tests provide an age range and must not override valid documentary evidence.

Reliability and Accuracy of Bone Ossification Tests

• Bone ossification tests come with a margin of error, as bone maturation varies between individuals.
• Courts often face the challenge of deciding whether to consider the lower or upper end of the age range provided by the test.
• Recent rulings suggest applying a two-year margin of error when interpreting results, especially in cases under laws like the POCSO Act.

What are the other Different Age Determination Techniques?

Wisdom Teeth: The presence, absence, and eruption of wisdom teeth can be used as a method of estimating the age of an individual. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth and they usually appear in the late teenage years or early adulthood. This method is based on the fact that the eruption of wisdom teeth follows a predictable pattern and can be used to determine the age of an individual within a range of a few years. However, it is important to note that this method is not completely accurate and should not be used as the sole basis for determining age. Factors such as genetics, oral hygiene, and overall health can all influence the eruption of wisdom teeth and may cause variations in the expected pattern. Epigenetic Clock Technique: It measures DNA methylation levels to estimate the chronological age of the subject. DNA methylation is a process by which methyl groups are added to the DNA molecule, typically to the promoter region of a gene, resulting in the repression of gene transcription. This primarily occurs on cytosine that precedes a guanine nucleotide (CpG sites). Cytosine is a chemical compound that is used to make one of the building blocks of DNA and RNA. However, the use of this technique is yet to be explored by Indian forensic scientists. Radiographic Techniques: X-ray and CT scans can be used to assess the maturity of bones, as well as to look for signs of degeneration or disease.

Practice Question:  Critically analyze the significance and reliability of bone ossification tests in determining the age of individuals in the context of the Juvenile Justice Act in India. (150 words/10 m)

Prelims Facts

1. India, U.S. conclude $3.5-billion deal for procurement of 31 armed UAVs

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

Context

India and the U.S. finalised a $3.5-billion deal for 31 MQ-9B armed drones, enhancing India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The procurement includes UAVs for the Navy, Army, and Air Force, with advanced missiles and logistics support.

MQ-9B Armed Drones:

• Manufacturer: Developed by General Atomics.
• Type: Armed high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft system.

• Purpose: Designed for military applications, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and precision strikes.
• Payload Capacity: Capable of carrying a variety of munitions, such as small missiles and Small Diameter Bombs.
• Endurance: Can fly for up to 40 hours, allowing operations over extensive areas without refuelling.
• Operational Conditions: Functions effectively in all weather conditions.
• Advanced Sensors: Equipped with sophisticated sensors for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare missions.

2. ‘Global public debt to hit $100 trillion’

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

Context

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that global public debt will reach $100 trillion in 2024, nearing 100% of global GDP by 2030. This rise is attributed to increased spending pressures and overly optimistic debt forecasts following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis of the news:

• Global public debt is projected to reach a record $100 trillion in 2024, according to the IMF.
• The IMF reports that global public debt will be approximately 93% of global GDP this year and could approach 100% by 2030.
• This figure is 10 percentage points higher than in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• IMF deputy director, warns that the debt outlook could be worse than expected due to spending pressures from climate change and overly optimistic debt projections.
• A worst-case scenario could see global public debt rise to 115% of GDP by 2026.
• Fiscal adjustments needed to control global public debt range from 3.0% to 4.5% of GDP, nearly double past adjustments.

3. China Unveils Ambitious 2050 Space Plan: Manned Lunar Mission, Lunar Station, and Extraterrestrial Exploration

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The World)

Context:

China revealed plans to significantly expand its space program, focusing on a manned lunar mission, the construction of a lunar space station, and exploring habitable planets and extraterrestrial life. This expansion is set to unfold over the next few decades.

Analysis of News:        

Space Program Roadmap (2024-2050)

• China’s top space bodies, including the China Academy of Sciences (CAS), China National Space Administration (CNSA), and the China Manned Space Agency, presented a detailed mid- and long-term space science development program that will guide the country from 2024 to 2050.

Achievements and Capabilities

China is already recognized as a major space power. Recent achievements include:

• The construction and operation of its own space station.
• Successful lunar missions, including a probe that collected samples from the far side of the Moon.

Future Goals (Three-Phase Plan)

• The program outlines 17 priority areas across five key scientific themes. A significant milestone will be the construction of an International Lunar Research Station, expected in the second phase (2028-2035).

Long-Term Vision

• The roadmap extends through 2050, aiming to advance China’s position in space science, with continued focus on human space exploration, space station development, and scientific research on extraterrestrial life and habitable planets.

 4. India’s Transition from Coal to Green Energy to Cost Over $1 Trillion: iForest Study    

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Govt & Politics; Page: 07)

Context:

India will need over $1 trillion (₹84 lakh crore) over the next 30 years to transition from coal mining and thermal power plants, according to a study by environmental think tank iForest. The estimate covers the costs of phasing out coal mines producing 1,315 million tonnes annually and shutting down 237.2 gigawatts of coal-based thermal power capacity.

Analysis of News:   

Excluded Costs

• The estimated transition cost does not include investments for setting up green energy plants or infrastructure, which would also be in the trillions of dollars.
• Excludes costs for industries like steel and cement that directly use coal.

Additional Costs of Coal Transition

Beyond closing coal mines and power plants, costs will include:

• Rehabilitation and repurposing of 343,504 hectares of coal mining land.
• Repowering 124,789 hectares of thermal power plant sites for clean energy.
• Supporting nearly 60 lakh workers dependent on the coal economy, providing alternative livelihoods, and promoting economic diversification.

Green Energy and Non-Energy Costs Breakdown

• Green Energy Costs (52% of total): Include building new green energy plants, repowering existing thermal plants with alternative energy, and upgrading the electricity grid.
• Non-Energy Costs (48%): Focus on “just transition costs,” such as worker support, community livelihood alternatives, and creating green jobs.

Case Study Insights

• The study’s findings are based on research in coal-dependent districts like Korba, Angul, Bokaro, and Ramgarh.
• These areas represent a mix of increasing and decreasing coal use, providing a basis for extrapolating costs nationwide.