Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• The lessons of Hiroshima must not drift away
• Express View on restrictions on laptop imports: Licence raj dot com
• Centre tables Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023: What it says and why it’s being criticised
• Bin This Law: SC’s Rahul call reminds why we must decriminalize defamation

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

The lessons of Hiroshima must not drift away

News–  The article explains the concept of nuclear taboo and nuclear deterrence.

What are some facts about the concept of nuclear deterrence and nuclear taboo?

With the increasing threat of nuclear weapons, it became evident that nuclear weapons will be a global problem. This led to development of taboo against their actual use.

Nina Tannenwald has defined the nuclear taboo as a collective norm that strongly opposes the use of nuclear weapons. These weapons are regarded as so morally reprehensible that there are very few circumstances in which their use can be considered justified

This strong aversion extends to all types of nuclear weapons, regardless of their explosive power. It advocates for a universal prohibition on their use.

However, this taboo lacks a legal foundation. Instead, it is rooted in notions of morality, proportionality, and accountability.

It is deeply entrenched in our perception of them as distinct and unique. As per Bernard Brodie, nuclear weapons are considered the ‘absolute weapon.’

The exceptional treatment given to nuclear weapons does not solely stem from their sheer destructive potentials. Instead, it is largely founded on the profound knowledge we have gained from the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The experiences of people affected by the bombings have shown that nuclear weapons are indiscriminate.

They leave lasting contamination on the environment for decades and have far-reaching effects on future generations due to radiation exposure. In Japan, people are still living with the consequences of the events that unfolded in August 1945.

How has the notion of nuclear taboo been tested in recent times?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has challenged our understanding of deterrence and the nuclear taboo. Throughout the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued various nuclear threats.

These threats have ranged from reminding the world of Russia’s nuclear weapons status to ordering Russia’s nuclear forces into a ‘special regime of combat duty’.

In September 2022, Putin declared Russia’s readiness to make use of all weapon systems. It raises concerns about the possibility of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons.

This had several dangerous implications. This speculation may create certain expectations that could influence the behavior of the Russian leadership.  It also undermines the long-standing nuclear taboo.

Furthermore, there is still no consensus on the definition of a tactical nuclear weapon. Battlefield or tactical weapons are delivered over shorter distances and are smaller in size.

However, the yield can significantly vary depending on the delivery method. For instance, the U.S. possesses tactical weapons with yields ranging from a fraction of 1kt to 170kt.

Why there is reason for optimism in the official reactions from the NATO and other nuclear weapons states concerning Mr. Putin’s aggressive posturing?

Washington made it unequivocally clear that any nuclear use would be met with a robust and proportionate response. it did not specify that this response would be nuclear.

On the contrary, it emphasized a carefully calibrated and conventional reaction to any nuclear adventurism at NATO’s borders.

Furthermore, the U.S. did not alter its nuclear preparedness, which prevented further escalation and nuclear speculations in Europe.

In November, even China’s President Xi Jinping called upon the international community to collectively oppose the use of nuclear weapons or any threats of their use.

Express View on restrictions on laptop imports: Licence raj dot com

News: The Indian government now requires licenses to import devices like laptops. This is like old restrictive policies. The aim is to boost local manufacturing and reduce imports, mainly from China. However, this can cause supply issues and higher prices. Recent policies show a return to past socialist approaches, which could harm economic progress made since the 1990s.

What are the benefits of imposing licenses to import devices like laptops?

Promote Domestic Manufacturing: The government aims to strengthen local industries and reduce dependency on imports.

Curb Chinese Imports: In 2022-23, personal computer imports stood at $5.3 billion, with China being the major contributor. Reducing these imports can balance trade.

Economic Strategy: By controlling imports, the government can influence the market, encouraging businesses to set up manufacturing units in India.

Job Creation: Boosting domestic manufacturing can lead to more jobs for the local population.

National Security: Reduced dependence on foreign tech may reduce potential cyber risks and protect sensitive data.

What are the limitations of imposing licenses to import devices like laptops?

Disruption: No prior warning to manufacturers can lead to sudden market disturbances.

Supply Shortages: Immediate licensing requirements can cause a lack of available products.

Price Surge: Limited supply often results in higher equipment prices for consumers.

Bureaucratic Hurdles: Licensing introduces more red tape, slowing down business operations, similar to pre-1991 era challenges.

Cost Disadvantages: Domestic manufacturing might not always be cost-effective, making products pricier.

Tech Ecosystem Impact: India’s IT services and startups, essential for “Digital India,” may suffer.

Regressive Approach: It reflects a return to older, restrictive policies, potentially hindering modern economic growth.

Global Trade Relations: Such policies might strain relations with trade partners like China.

Centre tables Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023: What it says and why it’s being criticised

News: This article discusses India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023. The bill outlines how businesses, and the government can use citizens’ data. Critics argue the government has too much power and exemption in this bill. The Indian government says these exemptions are necessary for national security and public health reasons. The article also compares data protection approaches in the EU, the U.S., and China.

About India’s New Data Protection Bill

Overview: India has introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023. This legislation guides how businesses, and the government can use citizens’ data.

Evolution of the Bill: Initially inspired by European privacy laws, it later adopted features from the U.S. and China models.

Key Criticisms: Critics are concerned about the bill’s exemptions. For instance, the government can appoint members to the data protection board and has more leniencies.

Government’s Defense: The Indian government believes these exemptions are vital. As Rajeev Chandrasekhar mentioned, carve-outs are necessary for national security and public health.

What are the major benefits of Data Protection Bill?

Guidelines for Data Collection: The bill sets clear rules for how corporations and the government can gather and use citizens’ data.

Balancing Security and Privacy: The government claims exemptions are crucial for addressing national security, law and order, and public health emergencies.

Learning from Others: Officials stated they’ve learned from Europe and Singapore’s mistakes, creating a bill suitable for India’s economic reality.

Equal Rules for Data Breaches: Both government and private entities are governed by the same rules regarding data breaches.

What are the major criticisms of the Data Protection Bill?

Major Criticisms of India’s Data Protection Bill:

Government Exemptions: The bill grants the government significant exemptions, allowing it to bypass some norms.

Data Protection Authority’s Role: There’s a weakening of the Data Protection Authority of India, the main regulatory body.

Government’s Control on Authority: The government can appoint members to the data protection board, raising concerns about potential biases.

Bypassing Consent: Provisions allow the government to skip seeking express consent from citizens for data collection.

What are the different global models for data protection laws?

Different Global Models for Data Protection Laws:

EU Model:

Based on the GDPR, focusing on comprehensive personal data protection.

Prioritizes individual’s right to privacy.

Contains clear exemptions like national security.

US Model:

Viewed as a “liberty protection” against government intrusion.

Lacks a comprehensive set of privacy rights.

It has sector-specific rules and legislation like the Privacy Act.

China Model:

Introduced laws like the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and the Data Security Law (DSL).

Emphasizes government control over data.

Firms like Didi faced heavy fines, showcasing strict enforcement.

Bin This Law: SC’s Rahul call reminds why we must decriminalize defamation

News: Rahul Gandhi was convicted by a Surat court of criminal defamation and given a two-year sentence, disqualifying him from Lok Sabha. The Supreme Court (SC) later stayed this conviction. This article criticizes the defamation law as outdated and misused. It suggests this law should be removed.

About criminal defamation law

Read here: Criminal defamation in India – Explained, pointwise

Why did the Supreme Court put a stay on the Surat court’s order for Rahul Gandhi on criminal defamation?

The Supreme Court put a stay on the Surat court’s order for Rahul Gandhi on criminal defamation for these reasons:

Abuse of Defamation Provision: The Supreme Court observed that the defamation law had been misused in this case.

Maximum Sentence without Reason: The trial judge gave Rahul the maximum two-year sentence without explaining why.

Impact on Representation: Rahul’s two-year sentence disqualified him from Lok Sabha, affecting not just him but his entire constituency.

Colonial Nature of Law: The article mentions the defamation law as having a “colonial sting”, hinting that it’s outdated.

Ambiguous Wording: The law’s vague terms allow it to be used against various speech acts, from dissent to satire.

What should be done?

Review Defamation Law: The criminal defamation provision has been misused, suggesting a need for review.

Clear Sentencing Guidelines: Judges should provide clear reasons when giving maximum sentences.

Protect Representation: Ensure that legal decisions don’t unjustly affect entire constituencies.

Clarify Law Wording: Make defamation law clear to prevent misuse against dissent, humor, or satire.

GS Paper 3

Cheetah deaths are a setback for the reintroduction project but they do not signal a failure

News– The cheetah was reintroduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2022, reinforcing the government’s commitment to conserving our natural heritage.

Which factors led to the reintroduction of cheetahs in India?

Unlike tigers, leopards and lions, the cheetah hunts by chasing its prey. Therefore, it removes the sick, old, as well as young from the population. It ensures the survival of the fittest and keeps the prey population healthy.

Several ecosystems in India do not have tigers. Cheetahs could serve as a flagship for conservation there.

What is the way forward for successful reintroduction of locally extinct species like Cheetahs?

There is a need to incentivize voluntary relocation of communities, similar to practices observed in tiger reserves.

These efforts require a sustained allocation of resources to at least three to five sites over the long term, spanning 25 to 30 years.

Most forest communities prefer to integrate into mainstream society, as it grants them access to various amenities and opportunities.

By implementing schemes prudently, the local people can benefit from community-based ecotourism, and an increase in real estate activities. These direct economic benefits can significantly contribute to the well-being of the local communities.

A scheme is needed which can compensate for livestock predation and is transparent. If people benefit economically from having cheetahs in their neighborhood, they will be more tolerant towards the animals. Example is Saurashtra.

India has approximately one lakh square kilometers of protected areas within the historic range of the cheetah.

However, individual protected areas alone are insufficient to support a viable cheetah population in the long run. There is a need to adopt innovative approaches and manage cheetah populations from these sites as a metapopulation.

This involves artificially moving animals between sites, ensuring demographic and genetic viability.

Once the cheetah population reaches a sustainable level, they will naturally disperse and expand into larger landscapes dominated by human presence.

This natural dispersal may lead to the exchange of individuals between various conservation sites. However, each of these sites would require significant investment, ranging from Rs 250 to 500 crore, for restoration as functional ecosystems.

Why is there reason for some hope regarding reintroduction of cheetahs?

Critics pointed out that Cheetahs will have difficulty in killing deer, they will be trapped by poachers, killed by leopards and village dogs. Cheetah mortality was anticipated. But, no cheetah has died of any of these causes.

Some deaths were management related within enclosed protected bomas.

Some cheetahs died due to septicemia caused by skin lesions that got infected by maggots. Southern Africa currently has a cold dry winter. Their physiological cycle is still tuned to the photoperiod of Southern latitudes.

In Kuno, they experienced a hot and humid climate. Their winter fur accumulated moisture and the radio collars aggravated the condition making their skin itchy and delicate. Scratching resulted in wounds that were infected by maggots.

Incremental injustice – on Places of Worship Act, 1991

News– Recently, the Varanasi District Court ordered the ASI survey of Gyanvapi mosque.

What is the stand of HIgh Court and Varanasi district court on right to worship certain Hindu deities inside Gyanwapi mosque?

Both the High Court and the Varanasi District Court had ruled that the lawsuit filed by certain Hindu devotees to assert their right to worship within the mosque precincts was not prohibited by the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

The courts justified their decision by stating that the lawsuit solely sought the right to worship and did not aim to declare the building as a temple.

What are the issues related to the Varanasi District court decision for ordering the ASI survey of Gyanvapi mosque?

The worshippers have filed applications requesting a scientific survey by archaeologists to determine whether the Gyanvapi mosque was constructed on the site of a demolished Hindu temple.

Both courts have endorsed the approach of acquiring official evidence through the Archaeological Survey of India.

The High Court has rejected all objections regarding the court’s ability to seek expert evidence before framing the issues for trial and its ability to collect evidence.

However, the courts have not addressed why it is necessary to establish the date of the structure when the main claim in the suit pertains to the right to worship deities.

The request for a survey and the intention to bring up the question of an earlier structure under the mosque suggest a plan to create circumstances that would enable a change in its status.

It is regrettable that the courts are facilitating motivated litigation specifically targeting Muslim places of worship.

Menaka Guruswamy writes on GST on online gaming: Taxing luck, not skill

News: The article discusses a court case where Gameskraft, an online gaming company, challenges a large tax demand. The main issue is whether online games like rummy are based on skill (and not taxable) or chance (taxable). The Karnataka High Court sided with Gameskraft, but the decision will be reviewed by the Supreme Court.

About Karnataka High Court’s decision in Gameskraft

Case Background: Gameskraft, an online gaming company, challenged a GST notice of Rs 21,000 crore.

Main Argument: Gameskraft stated they merely provide an online gaming platform. Prize money is held in a trust and not owned by them.

Key Distinction: The court differentiated between games of skill and games of chance.

Decision: Online games like rummy, which are based on skill, aren’t taxable like gambling activities.

How are games taxed in India?

Basic Principle: Games of skill aren’t taxed, while games of chance are taxable.

Relevant Law: The CGST Act lists lottery, betting, and gambling as taxable under Entry 6, Schedule III.

Finance Act Definition: Section 65B(15) of the Finance Act, 1994 defines “betting or gambling” as staking something of value, especially money, aware of the risk and hope of gain, based on game outcomes or chances of events occurring.

Court Interpretation: Supreme Court judgments have differentiated between gambling activities and games of skill.

For examples:

Rummy: Viewed as a skill game due to memorizing card sequences, so not taxable.

Horse Racing: Seen as a skill game because of trained horses and jockeys; betting is based on assessment.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

House panel proposes reducing minimum age to contest polls

Source: The post is based on the article “House panel proposes reducing minimum age to contest polls” published in Business Standard on 5^th August 2023.

What is the news?

The parliamentary panel has proposed lowering the minimum age for participating in national elections, especially Assembly elections, from 25 to 18 years.

Why has the committee come up with such a proposal?

Global Practices: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice cited examples from the UK, Australia, and Canada, where the minimum age to run for any elected public office is 18.

Even in most European countries, the minimum age for contesting national general elections is 18.

Inadequate Representation: In 2019, a report by PRS Legislative Research revealed that 47 percent of Lok Sabha MPs were over 55 years old. The panel found this troubling considering India’s median age was only 27.9 years.

The report also highlighted that only 2.2 percent of Lok Sabha MPs were under 30 years old. Hence, the panel has raised concerns over lack of representation.

Bridging the generation gap: The committee stated that global surveys indicate a significant political awareness among the youth. Hence, having younger candidates could help bridge the generation gap, promote dialogue, and foster cooperation. 

What has been the response of the Election Commission for the proposal?

The Election Commission (EC) has said that expecting 18-year-olds to have the required experience and maturity to serve as public representatives was unrealistic.

Hence, it advised the panel not to change the constitutional provision for the age requirement to contest in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assemblies, and Legislative Councils, unless compelling reasons exist. 

Govt. allows Indian companies to list on foreign exchanges through IFSC

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt. allows Indian companies to list on foreign exchanges through IFSC” published in The Hindu on 5^th August 2023.

What is the news?

The finance minister has said that Indian companies can now directly list their shares on foreign exchanges operating at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat’s GIFT City.

This move is aimed at enabling Indian companies to access global capital at better valuations.

FM has also inaugurated the Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC) mechanism called AMC Repo Clearing Ltd. (ARCL) and the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF) in Mumbai.

About Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC)

The LPCC has been established to facilitate clearing and settling corporate bond repo transactions and promote an active repo market. This initiative aims to enhance liquidity in the corporate bond market.

It will also enable market makers to obtain affordable funding for their inventory, assist bondholders in fulfilling their short-term liquidity requirements without selling their assets, and provide entities with short-term surpluses a secure and efficient way to utilize their funds.

About Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF)

During market dislocations, the CDMDF will have access to ₹33,000 crore in capital.

It will use this capital to buy and hold eligible corporate debt securities from participating investors, such as specified debt-oriented MF schemes, and subsequently sell these securities as markets recover. 

Source: The Hindu

Rare ‘Einstein cross’ warps light from one of the universe’s brightest objects in this stunning image

Source: The post is based on the article “Rare ‘Einstein cross’ warps light from one of the universe’s brightest objects in this stunning image” published in LiveScience on 5^th August 2023.

What is the news?

Astronomers have discovered a stunning, rare example of an “Einstein cross” splitting and magnifying light from the far depths of the universe.

About the Discovery

A foreground elliptical galaxy located about 6 billion light-years away from Earth has warped and quadrisected a bright beam of light from a background galaxy approximately 11 billion light-years away.

The resulting pattern was first predicted by Albert Einstein in 1915.

Source: LiveScience

It is a rare arrangement that astronomers will study to get a better understanding of the universe.

The background light emitted by a quasar, which is a young galaxy with a supermassive black hole at its center.

It consumes immense amounts of matter and blasts out enough radiation to shine more than a trillion times more brightly than the brightest stars.

What does Einstein’s theory of general relativity explain?

Einstein’s theory of general relativity describes the way massive objects warp the fabric of the universe, called space-time.

Einstein discovered that gravity is not an unseen force but rather a consequence of space-time curving and distorting in the presence of matter and energy.

Light, though usually traveling in a straight line, bends when passing through highly curved regions of space-time creating a halo-like effect.

In this case, Earth, the lensing galaxy and the quasar have aligned to perfectly duplicate the quasar’s light, arranging them along a so-called Einstein ring.

What is the significance of this discovery?

First, these rings magnify and reconstruct light, allowing astronomers to observe distant galaxies with enhanced details.

Second, the degree of light bending in Einstein rings provides a valuable tool for estimating the masses of galaxies and black holes on a cosmic scale.

Third, studying the distant light warping around these rings can help scientists to look at objects that would otherwise be too dark to be seen on their own, such as black holes or wandering exoplanets.

National Health Authority (NHA) extends its incentive scheme under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

Source: The post is based on the article “National Health Authority (NHA) extends its incentive scheme under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)”  published in PIB on 4th August 2023. 

What is the News?

The National Health Authority(NHA) has announced the extension of its Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) till 31st December 2023. 

What is the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS)?

Launched on: 1st January, 2023 as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

Aim: To give a further boost to digital health transactions in the country under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Under the scheme, the eligible health facilities and digital solutions companies shall be able to earn financial incentives of up to Rs. 4 crores based on the number of digital health records created and linked to ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) numbers of the patients. 

– This incentive can be availed by the health facilities (hospitals, diagnostic labs) and Digital Solution Companies registered with ABDM’s Health Facility Registry(HFR).

Significance: This scheme has proven to be a significant catalyst in promoting the adoption of digital health technologies and practices in healthcare delivery across the country.

Gamechanger for India’s vultures: Experts laud Centre’s move to ban aceclofenac, ketoprofen

Source: The post is based on the article “Gamechanger for India’s vultures: Experts laud Centre’s move to ban aceclofenac, ketoprofen”  published in Down To Earth on 3rd August 2023. 

What is the News?

Experts who work on vultures have welcomed the Centre’s decision to prohibit for animal use the manufacture, sale and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac. They said this move would be a gamechanger for India’s vultures.

What are Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac?

Ketoprofen and aceclofenac are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and manage various conditions.

Why has Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac been banned?

Ketoprofen and aceclofenac have been banned as they are harmful to cattle and can kill vultures too if they eat the carcasses of the animals that were administered with these two drugs.

What are the other steps taken for Vulture conservation?

During 1980’s,India had around 4 crore vultures and by the late 1990s, the vulture population started declining.

In 2004, it was found that diclofenac was the cause of vulture deaths and that 97% of the population had been lost till then.

That same year,, the Indian government along with other agencies came up with a Vulture Recovery Plan which recommended banning the veterinary use of diclofenac, finding its substitute and setting up conservation breeding centers for vultures.

In 2006 the Vulture Recovery Plan was incorporated into the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2006.

The use of diclofenac as a veterinary drug was banned in 2006.The Centre also restricted the vial size of diclofenac for human use to just three milliliters after it was found that people were using diclofenac meant for humans in cattle.

What are Vultures?

Click Here to read

Assam’s Manas Tiger Reserve 63% short of sanctioned staff, Environment Minister told

Source: The post is based on the article “Assam’s Manas Tiger Reserve 63% short of sanctioned staff, Environment Minister told”  published in The Hindu on 5th August 2023.

What is the News?

The All India Tiger Estimation 2022 has indicated that Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve is moving from a low to high-tiger-density area.

This is bad news for the Manas National Park as it is almost 63% short of staff.

What is Manas National Park?

Manas National Park is located in Assam. It is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve. 

Manas is located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.

Origin of name: The name of the park originated from the Manas River. The Manas river is a major tributary of Brahmaputra River, which passes through the heart of the national park.

It shares a common border with the Royal Manas National Park of Bhutan. 

Vegetation: The monsoon forests of Manas lie in the Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests ecoregion. 

– The combination of Sub-Himalayan Bhabar Terai region with riverine succession leading up to the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests makes it one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world.

Fauna: The Park is home to many endangered species like Assam roofed turtle, golden Langur, hispid hare, and pygmy hog. It is also famous for its wild water buffaloes. 

Village: There is only one forest village, Pagrang, in the core of the national park. Apart from this village 56 more villages surround the park.

Threats: Manas National Park faces threats such as encroachment (for farm activity), impact from upstream hydroelectric projects in Bhutan, improper protection and management of grasslands, invasive plants as well as some amount of poaching.

Union Minister introduces a Bill to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation in the Lok Sabha

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister introduces a Bill to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation in the Lok Sabha ”  published in PIB on 4th August 2023. 

What is the News?

The Union Science Minister has tabled the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill in the Lok Sabha.

What is the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill?

The Bill proposes to establish the National Research Foundation(NRF). It will replace the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

Purpose: NRF will be an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).

Functions: NRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions and create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries. 

– It will also focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on R&D.

Governing Board: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative Department of NRF which will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines.

– Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board 

– Union Minister of Science & Technology & Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents. 

– NRF’s functioning will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Significance of the bill: The bill will give a much-needed boost to the education sector in India.

– It will provide high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the fields of natural sciences including mathematical sciences, engineering, and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture.

– It will also cater to the vast amount of skilled human resources of the country, who otherwise seek opportunities outside the country. It will act as a significant element in strengthening India’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Cabinet okays draft telecom, postal bills

Source: The post is based on the article “Cabinet okays draft telecom, postal bills”  published in PIB on 5th August 2023. 

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has cleared the Draft Indian Telecommunications Bill,2022 and Postal Services Bill,2023.

What is Draft Indian Telecommunications Bill,2022?

Click Here to read

What is the Postal Services Bill,2023?

The Bill seeks to replace the Indian Post Office Act of 1898, which governs the functioning of post offices in the country.

The bill is aimed at bringing significant reforms in postal services.

The bill seeks to revamp the postal department, especially its parcel services, making them competitive with private players to generate revenue. 

It also seeks to enhance financial services in rural areas through the postal system.

Significance of the bill: At a time the postal department is facing several challenges from private players in the areas of dominance, the proposed new postal bill may help in revitalizing the department as well as its officials in scripting new success stories in the days to come.

Remove wheat import duty till Feb for food security: FCI

Source: The post is based on the article “Remove wheat import duty till Feb for food security: FCI”  published in Livemint on 5th August 2023. 

What is the News?

Food Corporation of India(FCI) has recommended the government to remove import duty on wheat till February 2024.

Why has the Food Corporation of India(FCI) asked the government to remove import duty on wheat?

Food prices have been on the rise globally against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war.

But the prices began showing signs of easing, thanks to the Black Sea grain deal under which Russia agreed to allow wheat to be exported from the three ports in the conflict-hit region.

However, prices have resumed the upward trend, with Russia pulling out of the deal last month, stating that the deal was only helping Western countries and not the African nations in need.

Soon after, India also restricted wheat exports to protect its own food supplies. 

However, Inflation in wheat is currently above 12% even as the government has taken multiple steps such as banning exports to conducting open market operations.

Hence, that’s why FCI has suggested the government to remove import duty on wheat till February 2024.

This is because Russian wheat is cheaper and can be imported. Harvest season in Russia is currently going on and this is the peak time for exporters to sign contracts.

Note: The current import duty on wheat is 40% and has been at this level since April 2019.

Lok Sabha passes Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha passes Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023”  published in PIB on 4th August 2023.

What is the News?

Lok Sabha has passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023.

What is the need of the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023?

Currently, members of the armed forces are governed by three separate laws: the Army Act of 1950, the Air Force Act of 1950 and the Navy Act of 1957.Only officers from the same service have the authority to discipline those who fall under their respective Acts.

This creates challenges in maintaining command, control, and discipline within groups that consist of members from different services.

To fix this problem, this bill is being brought. Its goal is to make things simpler and faster. It aims to maintain discipline and resolve cases more quickly, saving time and money for everyone involved.

Importantly, the bill seeks to achieve these goals without disrupting the unique service conditions or amending the existing service Acts.

What are the key provisions of Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023?

Central government will have the power to create new Inter-Services Organizations(ISOs) through official notification.

The head of these organizations will be the commander-in-chief or the officer-in-command. The central government will be responsible for these inter-services organizations and will have the authority to issue directions on matters related to national security or general administration.

The commander-in-chief, the officer-in-command or any other official explicitly empowered by the central government will have full disciplinary and administrative powers over individuals serving or connected to an existing or prospective inter-services organization.

The personnel serving in or attached to an inter-services organization will continue to be governed by their respective service Acts.

What is the significance of this bill?

The bill has various tangible benefits such as maintenance of effective discipline in inter-services establishments by the Heads of ISOs, no requirement of reverting personnel under disciplinary proceedings to their parent Service units, expeditious disposal of cases of misdemeanour or indiscipline and saving of public money & time by avoiding multiple proceedings.

The Bill would also pave the way for much greater integration and jointness amongst the three Services. It will also lay a strong foundation for creation of Joint Structures in times to come and further improve the functioning of the Armed Forces.     

A Rare Ureilite Meteorite Possibly Created Madhya Pradesh’s Famous Dhala Impact Crater, New Study Suggests

Source: The post is based on the article “A Rare Ureilite Meteorite Possibly Created Madhya Pradesh’s Famous Dhala Impact Crater, New Study Suggests”  published in Hindustan Times on 23rd July 2023

What is the News?

A team of scientists have found that the Dhala crater formed when an extraordinarily rare and ancient meteorite known as Ureilite crashed into India.

Note: In India, there are three meteor impact craters found. These are 1) Ramgarh in Rajasthan 2) Lonar in Maharashtra and 3) Dhala in MP

What is Dhala Crater?

Dhala crater is located in Madhya Pradesh. It has a diameter of 11 kilometers.

It is Asia’s largest and world’s seventh-largest impact crater.

What are Ureilites?

Ureilites belong to a scarce class of primitive meteorites, making up only a small fraction of all meteorites found on Earth. Comprising mostly olivine and pyroxene silicate rocks.

Ureilites also contain less than 10% of carbon (either in the form of diamond or graphite), metal sulphides and a few fine-grained silicates.

How was Dhala Crater formed?

Dhala crater was formed from an ancient meteorite known as Ureilite. The Ureilite was approximately one kilometre in diameter and crashed into Earth’s atmosphere at an extraordinary speed of 15 km/s about 2500 to 1700 million years ago.

Significance: With these findings, scientists hope to learn more about the rare meteorite crater and its potential role in Earth’s early history, including its impact on bringing water to the planet and the development of life.

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