9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – August 14th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

A scientific survey at Gyanvapi, its limits”

Source: The post is based on the article “A scientific survey at Gyanvapi, its limits” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- The salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

News: The article discusses the Supreme Court of India’s order for a non-invasive survey of the Gyanvapi mosque to check if it’s built over a temple. It explains the science behind the methods used, their accuracy, and potential errors, emphasizing the sensitivity and significance of the findings due to the emotional and political implications involved.

What scientific methods are employed for a non-invasive survey of the Gyanvapi mosque?

Geophysical Mapping for Archaeological Prospecting: Techniques are adapted from geophysical mapping, which can be either:

Active Methods: Inject energy into the ground and measure the response. Examples include seismic and electromagnetic techniques.

Passive Methods: Measure existing physical properties like magnetometry and gravity surveying.

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR): ASI plans to use GPR to create a 3-D model of buried structures. It sends a radar impulse and records return signals from subsoil contrasts.

Data Analysis: Acquired data is processed to determine physical parameters. This requires a strong understanding of physical processes and advanced software.

Modeling: The archaeological object is simplified into a representative model with defined parameters for analysis.

What limitations exist in the scientific methods used for a non-invasive survey of the Gyanvapi mosque?

Ambiguity in Interpretation: Different earth materials can have similar physical properties, leading to uncertain results.

False Imaging with GPR: As the radar beam spreads in a cone shape, objects can reflect parts of the beam prematurely, creating incorrect images.

Data Limitations: Ideal methods expect infinite, error-free data. However, real data is limited and contains measurement errors.

Reconstruction Difficulties: Geophysical tools might not always perfectly reconstruct target images.

Contradictory Interpretations: Even sophisticated systems can have different interpretations, as seen with lunar penetrating radar systems.

Reliance on Supplementary Info: Due to data limitations, extra information is often added, which might lead to inaccurate results.

Dalit Christians — exclusion by society, church, state

Source: The post is based on the article “Dalit Christians — exclusion by society, church, state” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. & GS2- Mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections

News: In thisarticle author discusses the challenges faced by Dalit Christians in India, highlighting their struggle for equality and identity. He also argues for amending the 1950 Presidential (SC) order to include them in the Scheduled Caste (SC) list.

What challenges do Dalit Christians face in India?

1. Lack of Scheduled Caste Status: Dalit Christians are not recognized as Scheduled Castes (SC) despite commissions, such as the Justice Ranganath Misra Commission in 2007, recommending their inclusion. This deprives them of certain reservation benefits.
2. Discrimination in Christianity: Though many Dalits converted to Christianity to escape caste-based discrimination, they still face prejudices. Non-Dalit Christian converts continue to practice age-old untouchability, bringing these practices into churches.
3. Intersectional Discrimination: Using the ‘Theory of Intersectionality’, Dalit Christians face unique discrimination due to their dual identity as Dalits and a religious minority. They experience exclusion by society, church, and the state.
4. Identity Struggles: Despite converting, Dalit Christians haven’t fully realized the expected social upliftment. This leads to ambiguity in their identity, as they’re caught between being ‘Dalits’ and ‘Christians’. The state sees them only as “Christians”, pushing them into “intersectional invisibility”.
5. Inadequate Legal Protection: The single-axis framework of Indian law doesn’t provide ample protection for groups with overlapping identities like Dalit Christians. In the Soosai vs Union Of India case (1985), a Dalit Christian’s plea was dismissed, indicating the state’s narrow viewpoint.
6. Assumptions and Prejudices: Some argue that the Constitution sees Christianity as a “foreign import”, questioning the legitimacy of Dalit Christian citizenship.This perception further excludes them from certain benefits and protections.

What steps should be taken to address these issues?

1. Amend the 1950 SC Order: The government should modify the 1950 Presidential (SC) order, as suggested by the Tamil Nadu Assembly, to include Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste list.
2. Church Reforms: Churches should actively work against caste-based discrimination, ensuring equality among all members.
3. Intersectional Recognition: Understanding the unique ‘Dalit Christian’ identity is crucial. The state should consider their dual discrimination as both Dalits and a religious minority.
4. Legal Framework Revision: India’s legal system should move beyond the ‘single-axis framework’, which further marginalizes overlapping identities, to recognize the intersectionality of identities.
5. Promote Inclusivity: Public awareness campaigns can educate society about Dalit Christians’ struggles, fostering greater acceptance and inclusion.
6. Strengthen Evidence: Collect and present compelling evidence to show that discrimination continues post conversion, urging for policy changes.

GS PAPER - 2

Glaring omission – on appointment of Election Commissioners

Source– The post is based on the article “Glaring omission” published in “The Hindu” and “Let us retain structural neutrality on EC chiefs” published in the “mint” on 14th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Appointment to various constitutional posts

Relevance: Issues related to appointment of Election Commissioners

News– The Union government has proposed a three-member selection panel consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and a Union Cabinet Minister.

This runs counter to a recent judgment of a Constitution Bench that envisaged an independent selection committee that included the Chief Justice of India.

Why is the SC ruling on appointment of Election Commissioner significant?

The verdict also aligned with the suggestions of the Dinesh Goswami Committee in 1990 and the Justice Tarkunde Committee in 1975. Government dominant role in the selection process will contradict the essence of the Court’s suggestions.

Maintaining a balance of power in the appointment process would ensure that process remains impartial to political ties. It will be important for upholding democracy, which places the equality of every citizen as a fundamental principle.

Why is it important to have an independent Election Commissioner?

The Election Commission of India is a constitutional entity with responsibilities for organizing elections. It performs quasi-judicial functions as well. Therefore, it’s reasonable that the selection process safeguards against excessive executive influence.

The Election Commission of India has played a crucial role in facilitating periodic elections.

Nonetheless, concerns have arisen.

For instance, prior to the 2019 general election, there was a one-month delay in announcing elections between February and March. The government inaugurated multiple projects during that time.

The application of the Model Code of Conduct was uneven. It favored the ruling party, which led to dissent by one of the commissioners.

The independent V-Dem Institute in Sweden downgraded India to an “electoral autocracy” due to the perceived decrease in the ECI’s autonomy.

To preserve the stability of our constitutional framework, it is necessary that citizens perceive electoral procedures as independent, impartial, and beyond partisan influences.

Indian voters are not concerned about manipulated elections. It’s imperative that we fortify this track record.

What are issues with the Bill?

The legislation permits the appointment committee to “govern its own process with transparency.” So, the methods employed by this committee are likely to remain undisclosed. The Selection Committee also retains the option to evaluate individuals beyond those initially listed by the Search Committee. This would grant the Selection Committee complete authority in determining the Election Commissioners.

Curing Medicine – On new rules by the National Medical Commission

Source– The post is based on the article “Curing Medicine” published in “The Times of India” on 14th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues related to development and management of health

Relevance: Issues related to regulation of healthcare sector

News– The National Medical Commission’s new rules on registered medical practitioners have tackled doctors’ irresponsible use of social media for the first time.

What are the new rules by the National Medical Commission on registered medical practitioners?

On Twitter, doctors share detailed accounts of their patients’ conditions, treatments, and results. However, this practice has been prohibited.

NMC has introduced a requirement for ongoing “continuous professional development” throughout a doctor’s career.

Conferences or workshops eligible for CPD cannot receive sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies.

New regulations reiterate that doctors must prescribe generic medicines.

What are issues with the implementation of these rules?

The Indian government needs to confront the concerns related to generic medications available in the public market. In situations where a recommended generic drug is unavailable, the substitution is frequently proposed by the pharmacist.

The Jan Aushadhi stores under the government’s supervision often have inadequate supplies. Therefore, the success of the regulations introduced will depend on the formulation of appropriate penalties.

Pharmaceutical firms and diagnostic chains have nurtured a strong connection with hospitals and medical professionals.

Historically, pharmaceutical companies have been instrumental in supporting the professional growth of doctors. As these companies withdraw their financial support for workshops, there are questions regarding fulfilment of this role by someone else.

The success of overseeing medical engagements on Twitter by regulatory bodies is still something that needs to be witnessed.

Personal data protection – A thinking person’s guide

Source: The post is based on the article “Personal data protection – A thinking person’s guide” published in Business Standard on 14^th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Relevance: About Digital Personal Data Protection law

News: Recently, the Parliament passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023.

What is the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023?

Read Here: Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023: Explained

Why was the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 needed?

Previously, privacy meant personal matters like income, caste, and health issues and the debate on data protection law usually revolved around these problems.

However, the negative uses of digital data went unquestioned for years until the Cambridge Analytica Scandal in 2018.

This scandal revealed that the British company had gathered data from 87 million Facebook users for aiding Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign.

Hence, government around the world expressed worries about the potential misuse of the digital data. This made India to enact Digital Personal Data Protection law.

What are the issues being faced by the government worldwide in implementing Digital Personal Data Protection Law?

First, governments face challenge with balancing the interests of businesses and citizens regarding personal data usage.

Second, governments find themselves competing with other nations in leveraging their citizens’ data for national defense and geopolitical objectives.

What lies ahead?

With the enactment of Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, India has taken a great step. Other countries should also consider taking similar steps while considering the concerns of all stakeholders.

Arun Prakash writes: Delhi and Taipei, just friends – on India Taiwan relations

Source: The post is based on the article “Arun Prakash writes: Delhi and Taipei, just friends” published in “The Indian express” on 14th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests,

News: In this article author discusses the recent visit of retired Indian military chiefs to Taiwan, and its implications for Sino-Indian relations. The history of Taiwan (RoC) and its strained relationship with China (PRC) is explored. The author highlights mutual interests between India and Taiwan, especially given China’s aggressive stance, but advises caution for India in deepening ties due to Taiwan’s historical stances on territorial issues.

What is the background of Taiwan (RoC) and China (PRC)?

Formation of Taiwan (RoC) and China (PRC):

The Republic of China (RoC) was established in 1912 after the fall of the Qing Dynasty.

In 1927, a civil war began between the Kuomintang (KMT) party of RoC and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The Japanese invasion in 1937 led to a truce, with both parties joining forces against Japan.

The civil war resumed post-WW II, concluding in 1949 with the CCP’s victory.

Relocation to Taiwan:

After their defeat, the RoC government under Chiang Kai-shek retreated to Taiwan.

International Recognition:

Originally, RoC had a seat on the UN Security Council.

In 1971, the UN replaced RoC with PRC as the recognized China.

Today, only 13 countries, including small Pacific islands and the Vatican, officially recognize Taiwan.

How has the US responded to Taiwan and China?

“One China” Policy:

Following their 1972 meeting, Nixon and Mao issued the “Shanghai Communique”, which acknowledged Taiwan as a part of “one China”.

Defense Support for Taiwan:

In 1979, the US passed the Taiwan Relations Act, committing to supply Taiwan with “defensive weapons”.

US’s Ambiguous Stance:

Despite the “one China” policy, the US has maintained relations with both PRC and Taiwan. Through diplomacy and military postures, the US deters China without a clear commitment to defend Taiwan militarily.

How has the relationship between Taiwan and India changed over time?

Before Independence:

During WW II, the Chinese Expeditionary Force was deployed for Burma’s defense and retreated to India after facing defeat by the Japanese.

In 1942, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek of the RoC visited India. During his visit, Chiang expressed solidarity with India against Japanese aggression and supported India’s freedom struggle.

After Independence:

India recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1950 and initially maintained a “one China” policy, recognizing PRC over Taiwan.

Fall in Relationship:

For years, India’s recognition of the PRC wasn’t reciprocated by China when it came to territories like J&K and Arunachal Pradesh.

Due to concerns about China’s reaction, India kept its relations with Taiwan under the radar for many decades.

Rise in Relationship:

In 1995, despite the overarching “one China” policy, India and Taiwan initiated trade and cultural ties.

Both nations posted diplomatic representatives in New Delhi and Taipei, marking an unofficial yet significant recognition of each other.

Post the 2020 Galwan incident, with a drop in India-China relations, the bond between India and Taiwan has seen a renewed interest, especially in light of mutual security concerns and Taiwan’s leadership in semiconductors.

What caution should India exercise with RoC?

India should approach its relationship with the Republic of China (RoC) or Taiwan with caution due to past territorial disputes. Historically, Taiwan introduced the contentious 9-Dash Line in the South China Sea.

Moreover, the RoC has not recognized the McMahon line and claims “Southern Tibet” as part of China, which could be a concern for India.

GS PAPER - 3

Small With Smarts – On Air Pollution

Source– The post is based on the article “Small With Smarts” published in “The Times of India” on 14th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology

Relevance: Issues related to research and innovation

News– The article explains the recent developments regarding reducing the air pollution in Delhi.

What are some recent developments regarding the tackling of air pollution in NCR?

Around half of Punjab’s paddy cultivation area has been sown with the short-duration variety, PR-126. Punjab Agricultural University released it in 2017. It matures early and produces less stubble. This paddy variety will lower air pollution.

A startup mentored by IIT-Delhi has tested a device that reduced PM2. 5 and PM10 in its reach area by up to 86% within two hours in the pilot project.

This device has been validated by the atmospheric science department of IIT-Delhi. It ionises the air to make particle pollutants heavier and removes them from the air. It holds a low-cost promise for traffic junctions and other hotspots.

What can be inferred by these developments on air pollutants?

There exists a vast world beyond prominent research and development initiatives.

Startups, equipped with proper access to funding and guidance, can provide cost-effective solutions across diverse sectors.

Recognizing that not every entrepreneurial idea proves successful in practical applications is crucial. Such outcomes are inherent to the process of innovation. They are entirely acceptable as long as peer review procedures continue to be efficient and rigorous.

China’s economic slump may yet wash up on foreign shores

Source: The post is based on the article “China’s economic slump may yet wash up on foreign shores” published in Live Mint on 14^th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Economy – Growth & Development

Relevance: About the global economic scenario

News: The current situation raises concerns over global imbalances arising out of China’s declining economy.

What are the concerns with the Chinese economy?

China is facing multiple challenges. Recent reports indicate setbacks in its economic recovery, with notable declines in exports and imports, and even consumer prices falling in July, raising concerns over deflation.

There is also a lack of demand in China which raises worries about the overall health of global economic conditions. The real estate sector is also a significant cause for concern, with Country Garden, once a major sales leader, now facing instability.

The solution to this involves enhancements in fiscal measures and a reduction in interest rates. Meanwhile, the global economy relies on the US to sustain growth.

How is the US economy performing?

There are very less chances of recession or economic slowdown in the US. The job market in the US is doing well, and while prices are still higher than the goal set by the government, they might not go up much more.

Recently, JPMorgan also said that a big economic decline is unlikely. People are less worried about smaller banks now.

However, according to the chief US economist, the risk of the economy getting worse is still quite high. Hence, it would be a mistake if the current positive situation in the US led to overconfidence.

For instance, in the late 1990s the US experienced a technology-driven economic boom, low unemployment, and mild inflation. During that time, Japan, once seen as a major economic competitor to the US, was struggling, along with many East Asian countries.

This situation made people confident over the US economy. However, in 2001, the US experienced a recession, and this was followed by major European countries facing economic difficulties.

Hence, a key takeaway from this is that while the US economy is performing, the US should also be concerned about the possibility economic challenges witnessed in other parts of the world.

What is the way ahead?

Despite concerns about China, its central bank doesn’t seem to be taking strong action to deal with the problem. At the same time, in the US, prices for things are still quite high.

Hence, the global economic scenario raises worry and a suitable action is needed by both the countries to revive their economy.

How to make Urea more efficient as a fertiliser, and why that’s needed

Source: The post is based on the article “How to make Urea more efficient as a fertiliser, and why that’s needed” published in “The Indian express” on 14th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies

News: This article discusses the introduction of ‘Urea Gold’ in India, a fertilizer fortified with sulphur. This new fertilizer improves nutrient efficiency and reduces the need for frequent applications. Despite the benefits of such fortified fertilizers, pricing and government subsidies remain challenges, preventing widespread adoption.

What is ‘Urea Gold’?

Introduction of ‘Urea Gold’:

‘Urea Gold’ is a new fertilizer launched by Indian Prime Minister and developed by Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd.

Composition and Benefits:

It’s made up of 37% Nitrogen and 17% sulphur.

This combination addresses the sulphur deficiency in Indian soils, particularly beneficial for oilseeds and pulses.

It offers a more gradual release of Nitrogen, ensuring plants remain green longer. This means farmers might need fewer applications, possibly using two bags instead of three for crops like paddy or wheat.

Why is Urea consumption a concern in India?

Rising Urea Consumption Trends:

Urea consumption in India has increased from 26.7 million tonnes in 2009-10 to 35.7 million tonnes in 2022-23. Despite measures like mandatory neem coating and reduced bag sizes, there’s been a noticeable uptrend in consumption since 2017-18.

Dependency on Imports:

Out of the 35.7 million tonnes consumed last fiscal year, 7.6 million tonnes were imported.

Even domestically-produced urea relies heavily on imported natural gas as its primary feedstock.

To highlight the magnitude, India’s annual urea consumption is second only to China, which consumes 51 million tonnes, primarily coal-based.

Efficiency Concerns:

The Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of urea in India is worrying. Only 35% of the Nitrogen applied through urea is actually used by crops. The remaining 65% is lost, either released as ammonia gas or leached into the ground as nitrate.

This efficiency has decreased from an estimated 48% in the 1960s. As a result, farmers apply more fertilizer for the same yield, leading to increased costs and potential environmental issues.

What should be done?

Adopt Fortification Solutions:

Instead of plain fertilizers, India should use those coated with secondary and micronutrients. This enhances nutrient efficiency and delivers crucial nutrients to crops.

Yara International’s ‘Procote Zn’, which coats urea with zinc oxide, is a prime example. It’s more effective than conventional methods. In Yara’s trials, paddy yields using ‘Procote Zn’ exceeded those with traditional zinc sulphate.

Address the Pricing Challenges:

The current government subsidies for fortified fertilizers aren’t incentivizing companies. They can charge only an additional Rs 24 for a 45-kg bag of zinc-coated urea.

Yara International, for instance, sells urea and ‘Procote Zn’ separately. Farmers pay Rs 254 for a 45-kg bag of urea and an extra Rs 530-550 for ‘Procote Zn’. This combined price is slightly more than using traditional zinc sulphate.

Streamline Production and Pricing:

To ensure even nutrient distribution, coating should occur at factories. This will also ease the farmers’ work, eliminating the need for them to mix nutrients.

The government might consider revising the pricing structure. This could involve deregulating prices for fortified fertilizers while ensuring base products remain affordable.

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