9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 21st, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Framework for spectrum
Source: The post is based on the article “Framework for spectrum” published in “The Indian Express” on 21st December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
News: The Lok Sabha recently passed the Telecommunication Bill, 2023. It will replace the Indian Telegraph Act 1885, The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act 1950.
What are the key provisions of the Bill?
Maintains TRAI’s Powers: The Bill maintains the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) powers in areas like tariffs and dispute resolution.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism: The Bill removes complex provisions regarding the insolvency of telecom companies and introduces a tiered structure for dispute resolution.
For a detailed explanation on the Bill – Click here
What is the way ahead?
The Bill addresses concerns about regulatory weakening, provides clarity on complex issues, and offers improved dispute resolution mechanisms. This would ensure a more stable and efficient telecom sector.
Question for Practice: Examine the provision Telecommunication Bill, 2023, in strengthening the telecom regulatory framework. Discuss implementation challenges and propose measures for an improved telecom landscape.
GS PAPER - 3
findings in the RBI bulletin on inflation-What causes inflation in India: Demand or supply issues?
Source: The post findings in the RBI bulletin on inflation has been created on the article “What causes inflation in India: Demand or supply issues?” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Indian economy- inflation
News: The article discusses the December bulletin from the Reserve Bank of India, focusing on how India’s inflation is affected by supply and demand. It explains that during COVID-19, supply issues caused inflation, but after the Russia-Ukraine conflict, demand factors became more significant,
What is inflation?
What are different types of inflation?
What are the major findings in the RBI December bulletin on inflation?
Data Analysis: Using the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy’s data, the bulletin categorizes inflation based on price and quantity shifts. If both rise, it’s demand-driven; if they move oppositely, it’s supply-driven.
Cause of supply driven inflation: a) COVID-19 Restrictions- Lockdowns caused production declines, leading to supply shortages, b) Excess Rainfall (2019-2020)- Resulted in supply disruptions, especially for agricultural products, c) Global Events: The onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 exacerbated supply chain issues, impacting global commodity prices.
Cause of demand driven inflation: a) Post-Lockdown Recovery– As COVID-19 restrictions lifted, there was a release of pent-up demand, outpacing supply recovery. b) Vaccine Distribution-Accelerated reopening of the economy, boosting consumer demand rapidly, c) Russia-Ukraine Conflict– Post-conflict, demand-side factors became more prominent, impacting prices.
Overall Inflation Trends: From January 2019 to May 2023, supply factors contributed to about 55% of CPI headline inflation. In contrast, demand factors dropped to 27.1% in 2020 from 41.5% in 2019 but rose again post-COVID-19 and during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Specific Categories: (from January 2019 to May 2023)
Supply Constraints item: Vegetables, oils, fats, milk, eggs, pulses, sugar.
Demand Influences item: Non-alcoholic beverages, personal care, health related goods.
Question for practice:
Discuss the major findings in the RBI December bulletin on inflation and how supply and demand factors have affected India’s inflation trends from January 2019 to May 2023.
Challenges faced by India’s defense – India’s defense budgeting and the point of deterrence
Source: The post challenges faced by India’s defense has been created on the article “India’s defense budgeting and the point of deterrence” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 -security- Security challenges & Science and technology-indigenization of technology
News: This article discusses the challenges faced by India in balancing its defense needs with budget constraints. It highlights the importance of indigenization in defense production. The article stresses the necessity of adequate defense budgeting, even amidst electoral pressures, to ensure national security against potential threats.
What is the current state of India’s defense?
What are the challenges faced by India’s defense?
Reduced Squadron Strength: The IAF’s current squadron strength is 32, far below the desired number, with a slow growth plan to reach 35 in ten years.
Budgetary Limitations: The defense budget is under pressure due to electoral commitments. For example, in 2023-24, the defense capital acquisition budget was short by ₹13,746 crore from the requested amount.
Low R&D Expenditure: India’s research and development spending in defense is low at 0.7% of GDP, compared to China’s 2.54%. Globally, India ranks 53rd in R&D spending, while China spent $421 billion in 2022.
Change in Military Strategy: Post the Russia-Ukraine war, India’s military strategy has shifted from preparing for short, intense conflicts to envisioning extended warfare scenarios.
What are the Government’s Initiatives?
Innovations For Defense Excellence (iDEX): A key initiative to foster innovation in defense, enhancing self-reliance.
Service-Specific Competitions: The IAF’s Baba Mehar Singh competition, for example, promotes the development of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Ordnance Factory Board Restructuring: This move is aimed at improving efficiency in defense manufacturing, a significant step in defense sector reform.
Private Sector Participation: Emphasizing on private sector involvement, with 25% of R&D funds dedicated to private companies.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Drive: It is promoting self-reliance in defense, includes restricting certain imports and boosting local manufacturing, leading to an encouraging rise in India’s defense exports. For example, in 2022-23, India’s defense exports reached a record high of approximately Rs 16,000 crore, a tenfold increase from Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17.
Way forward
India’s defense preparedness, essential for countering threats from the north and west, demands a balance between affordability and effectiveness. The modernization requirements of the Indian Air Force and the Army, coupled with naval strategies in the Indian Ocean, call for a judicious increase in budget allocation. This is crucial for maintaining a strong deterrent against potential adversaries, considering the ongoing geopolitical shifts in the Asia-Pacific region.
Question for practice:
Examine how India’s focus on indigenization and increased R&D spending can address its current defense challenges and enhance national security.
Evergreening” loans in India-Evergreening of loans still remains a bane of banking
Source: The post evergreening” loans in India has been created on the article “Evergreening of loans still remains a bane of banking” published in “Live min” on 21st December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3-Indian economy (banking)
News: This article discusses the issue of “evergreening” loans in India, where banks give new loans to prevent defaults on existing ones. It highlights the Reserve Bank of India’s concerns and actions against such practices, emphasizing the risks to the banking system and the need for regulatory vigilance.
What is the evergreening of loans?
Read here
What are the RBI’s findings on the practice of evergreening loans in India?
Banks’ Innovative Methods: Banks were found using creative ways to hide stressed loans, like, a) sale and buyback arrangements between two banks to reset the history of a stressed loan, b) Banks were extending loans to entities related to already stressed borrowers, using this to hide the actual stressed nature of the original loans.
Use of Alternate Investment Funds (AIF): Banks invested in AIFs, which then bailed out stressed entities, indirectly continuing the cycle of evergreening.
Note: Alternate Investment Funds (AIF) in India are investment vehicles that pool funds to invest in non-traditional assets like real estate, hedge funds, and derivatives. They are lightly regulated by the Securities and Exchanges Board of India (Sebi) and are typically subscribed to by high-net-worth individuals or entities, aware of the associated risks.
Use of Commercial Paper (CP): Mutual funds heavily invested in CPs issued by banks, which offered higher returns than government securities. Banks then used CP proceeds for short-term funding, contributing to indirect evergreening.
Rapid Growth of unsecured loan: Non-Bank Finance Companies (NBFCs) unsecured loan assets grew by 51% up to 2022-23, raising concerns about under-reported stressed loans.
What are the implications of evergreening loans in India?
Misrepresentation of Loan Quality: Banks using evergreening tactics distort the actual health of their loan portfolios.
Governance and Audit Failures: Such practices indicate lapses in the governance and audit mechanisms within banks.
Round-Tripping : The practice of mutual funds investing in commercial papers and returning funds to banks , this will lead to a) increases the correlation between bank and mutual fund performances, escalating market concentration risk, b) If banks face liquidity issues, mutual funds might be unable to redeem commercial papers, possibly triggering a liquidity crisis, c) Evergreening through such round-tripping hides the true credit risk, as commercial papers might be underpriced compared to the actual borrowing cost.
Regulatory Challenges: Continual adaptation of evergreening methods poses significant challenges for regulators like RBI to ensure financial stability.
Way forward
To tackle evergreening in India, it’s vital that regulatory bodies like the RBI and SEBI increase their oversight and seal regulatory gaps. Improving transparency in loan reporting, especially in fast-growing areas like non-bank financial companies, is key. Moreover, reinforcing governance and audit processes in banks and dealing with the complexities of cross-regulatory financial instruments is crucial to uphold the financial system’s integrity and stability.
Terminology used:
Commercial Paper (CP): It is an unsecured money market instrument issued in the form of a promissory note (legal instrument). It was introduced in India in 1990 with a view to enabling highly rated corporate borrowers/ to diversify their sources of short-term borrowings and to provide an additional instrument to investors.
Question for practice:
Discuss the concept of evergreening loans in India and its implications.
Security breach in Parliament that must lead to sweeping changes
Source: The post is based on the article “A security breach that must lead to sweeping changes” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security – Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
News: Parliament recently faced a security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack. It raises concerns about its security effectiveness and the risk of future incidents.
What were the reasons behind the security breach?
Shortcomings in the Screening Process: Standard screening procedures are used only for metal detection. It cannot detect non-metallic objects like the smoke canisters hidden in the shoes.
Inattentive Security Personnel: Inattentive security personnel in the visitor’s gallery allowed the intruders to jump down and enter the chamber. Even Marshals present on the Floor of the House were unprepared for such events.
Vacant Key Positions: The position of Joint Secretary, Security, responsible for Parliament’s overall security, is vacant. Similarly, leadership positions in the Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force are unoccupied.
Lack of Advanced Technologies: The Parliament’s security system lacks modern technology like backscatter or millimeter wave scanners used in the United States and Europe.
Further, the Parliament depends on the Ministry of Home Affairs for all security needs. However, both the MHA and Parliament Secretariat seem to have missed responsibility for introducing advanced technology.
Unclear Responsibility: In the absence of the Joint Secretary of Security, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have a Director Security. However, their role in seeking and implementing advanced security technology is unclear.
What measures can be adopted to prevent such mishappening in the future?
Merging Security: The Secretary of Security, who supervises the elite SPG, should also oversee Parliament security. This will enable the sharing of advanced technologies with Parliament.
Multi-partisan Committee: A committee of five MPs from different parties should be formed including security experts, for regular monitoring.
Dedicated Director General: The security setup should be led by a Director General, with full responsibility and accountability, to improve coordination among various guarding forces.
Cooperation by MPs: MPs should actively cooperate and adapt to enhance security measures for effective implementation.
For more measures: Read Here
Question for Practice: What factors led to the recent security breach in Parliament? Suggest measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:
7 PM Article - Suspension of MPs in Parliament – Explained PointwisePrelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
RAMP Programme: Union Minister launches three sub-schemes under it
Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister launches three sub-schemes under the RAMP programme” published in “PIB” on 20th December 2023
Why in the News?
Union Minister for MSME has launched three sub-schemes under the aegis of the RAMP programme.
What are the three sub schemes launched under RAMP Programme?
1) MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme): It aims to help MSMEs adopt green technology with interest subvention and credit guarantee support.
2) MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme): It aims to support circular economy projects through credit subsidy. This will lead to realizing the dream of MSME sector towards zero emissions by 2070.
3) MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments: It aims to synergise legal support with modern IT tools and Artificial Intelligence to address the incidences of delayed payments for Micro and Small Enterprises.
What is the RAMP Programme?
1) RAMP is a World Bank assisted Central Sector Scheme.
2) Aim- To provide support to the MSMEs by:
a. Improving access to market and credit
b. Strengthening institutions and governance at the Centre and State
c. Improving Centre-State linkages and partnerships
d. Addressing issues of delayed payments and greening MSMEs.
3) Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy/ Schemes and Policies
Lok Sabha passes Bills to replace British-era criminal laws
Source: The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha passes Bills to replace British-era criminal laws” published in “The Hindu” on 21sxt December 2023
Why in the News?
Lok Sabha has passed 3 bills to replace British-era criminal laws. These includes Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill (BNS), Bharatiya Sakshya Bill (BS) and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill (BNSS).
What is Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill (BNS)?
Replaces: Indian Penal Code, 1860
Key Provisions of the bill:
1) The Bill retains most offences from the IPC. It adds community service as a form of punishment.
2) Sedition is no longer an offence. Instead, there is a new offence for acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
3) The bill, for the first time, defines terrorism and adds it as a separate offence in general criminal law. It is defined as an act that intends to threaten the unity, integrity, security or economic security of the country, or strike terror in the people.
4) For the first time, capital punishment has been introduced for the offence of mob lynching
What is Bharatiya Sakshya Bill (BS)?
Replaces: Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Key Provisions of the bill:
1) Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872 provides for two kinds of evidence – documentary and oral. Documentary evidence includes primary (original documents) and secondary (that proves the contents of the original). The Bill retains this distinction.
2) The bill classifies electronic records as primary evidence. It expands such records to include information stored in semiconductor memory or any communication devices (smartphones, laptops).
3) The bill expands secondary evidence to include: (i) oral and written admissions, and (ii) the testimony of a person who has examined the document and is skilled in the examination of documents.
What is Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill (BNSS)?
Replaces: Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC)
Key Provisions of the bill:
1) The bill mandates forensic investigation for offences punishable with seven years of imprisonment or more.
2) All trials, inquiries and proceedings may be held in electronic mode. Production of electronic communication devices, likely to contain digital evidence will be allowed for investigation, inquiry, or trial.
3) If a proclaimed offender has absconded to evade trial and there is no immediate prospect of arresting him, the trial can be conducted and judgment pronounced in his absence.
4) The bill permits police custody of up to 90 days as against the 15-day custody allowed till now.
UPSC Syllabus: Bills in News
Elimination of child labour distant goal, need uniform definition of ‘child’ first: House panel
Source– This post is based on the article “Elimination of child labour a distant goal, country needs uniform definition of ‘child’ first: Parliamentary panel” published in “The Indian Express” on 20th December 2023.
Why in the News?
Recently, the 52nd report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour was tabled in the parliament. It highlighted the gaps that remain in achieving the objective of elimination of child labour by 2025.
What are the Observations made by the Committee?
1) The panel identified ambiguity in the definition of ‘child’ across multiple legislations. For example:
a. Under Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (CALPRA), as amended in 2016, a child is defined as someone between 14-18 years
b. But under Right to Education Act, 2009, child means between 6-14 years of age.
2) Non uniformity in employment of children being a cognizable offence– Employment of children in contravention of the CALPRA Act is a cognizable offence, whereas under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, it is a non-cognizable offence. This leads to ambiguity as well as delay in justice to the aggrieved children.
Note- Cognizable offence means
What are the Key Suggestions/ Recommendations of the Committee?
1) Bringing uniformity in the definition of ‘child’ under various laws.
2) The removal of hazardous occupations from the list of approved jobs and processes for adolescents.
3) Incorporating stricter punishments, such as license cancellation and property attachment, in addition to the three/four times increase in fines.
4) In instances of child labor deployment, accountability should be assigned not only to the employer but also to the principal employer and traffickers.
5) Ministry to formulate suitable guidelines for the utilization of the fund (collected as fine for child labour employer).
6) Recommended establishing a district-level fund as well for immediate relief and rehabilitation for child laborers.
7) It suggested incorporating provisions for taking action against the police for not registering FIRs in the CALPRA Act, similar to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
8) Steps should be taken to establish a National Level Child Tracking Mechanism to facilitate coordination among the states/Centre.
What is Child Labour in India and safeguards provided to deal with it?
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation(Bills and Acts)
Bihar to develop Sita’s birthplace
Source: The post is based on the article “Bihar to develop Sita’s birthplace: An expert explains the history and mythology of Mithila” published in “Indian Express” on 20th December 2023
Why in the News?
The Bihar Chief Minister has launched a Rs 72-crore development plan for Goddess Sita’s birthplace at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, Bihar.
What is Bihar’s Government plan for Punaura?
Punaura Development plan includes:
1) Renovate the existing temple dedicated to Sita and preparing a roofed pradakshina path (path for circumambulation) around it.
2) Developing the Luv Kush Vatika, Sita Vatika, and Sita Kund
3) Showcasing Sita’s life story through a 3D film experience.
4) The Sita temple within Sitakund will be built after the completion of the Ram temple in Ayodhya (January 2024).
Where is the birthplace of Sita?
1) Earlier, the Janaki temple in Sitamarhi was believed to be the birthplace of Sita. But now Punaura Dham is recognized as Sita’s birthplace in Sitamarhi by both the Centre and State.
2) Researchers have found that the Janaki temple is only about 200 years old, while Punaura Dham aligns with references in the Ramayana and has historical structures like Sitakund and dedicated gardens.
UPSC Syllabus: Art and Culture
SVEEP Programme: Electoral literacy in classrooms
Source: The post is based on the article “SVEEP Programme: Electoral literacy in classrooms” published in “PIB” on 20th December 2023
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Education and the Election Commission of India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to incorporate electoral literacy formally into the school and college education system.
What is the MoU to Achieve Electoral Literacy in Classrooms?
Objectives of the MoU:
1) To incorporate voter education and electoral literacy formally into the school and college education system.
2) To extend ECI’s flagship Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) in schools and colleges.
Activities to be undertaken:
1) School curriculum: Electoral literacy will be added to NCERT textbooks as part of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for classes 6-12.
2) College/University: Voter education will be integrated into existing courses.
3) Teacher training: Training to teachers will be provided by way of inclusion of the subject matter in teacher education course materials.
4) Beyond the classroom: Spread awareness among students through Electoral Literacy Clubs in schools/colleges and Democracy Rooms in every senior secondary school, administering a pledge to vote by students, organising mock polls, EVM-VVPAT demonstrations, etc.
What is Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)?
1) SVEEP is a flagship program of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
2) It is aimed at voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy in India.
3) SVEEP Strategy document (2022-25): It aims to a) Increase voter turnout to 75% in Lok Sabha elections 2024 and b) Enhance the quality of electoral participation in terms of informed and ethical voting through continuous electoral and democracy education.
What is Election Commission of India?
UPSC Syllabus: Polity
People with blood disorders not eligible for reservation in jobs
Source– This post is based on the article “People with blood disorders not eligible for reservation in jobs, says Centre” published in “The Hindu” on 19th December 2023.
Why in the News?
According to Ministry of Social Justice, people with blood disorders like thalassemia, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease are not eligible for job reservations in government roles under the Persons with Disabilities category.
What is the Issue?
1) The Right to Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD), 2016 provides for reservation of 4% of government jobs for people with specific disabilities, such as total loss of vision, low vision, complete loss of hearing etc.
2) While the three diseases were included in the list of disabilities under the RPwD Act, 2016, the government held that as per Section 34 of the Act, persons with blood disorders including Thalassemia are not eligible for reservation in government jobs.
Note- Under Section 34 of RPwD, 2016, each government establishment is required to set aside 1% of total vacancies for individuals with benchmark disabilities arising of autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and mental illnesses.
3) There are concerns that the exclusion of these blood disorders from job reservations undermines the intended purpose of the legislation.
What is the Right to Persons with Disabilities Act Act, 2016?
What are these blood disorders?
Specifications | Details |
Thalassemia | It is a genetic blood disorder causing abnormal hemoglobin production and anemia |
Haemophilia | It is a genetic bleeding disorder that hinders the blood’s clotting ability. |
Sickle cell disease | It is a genetic blood disorder involving abnormal hemoglobin, causing misshapen red blood cells. |
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation/Science & Technology
Himalayas Cool Amid Global Climate Crisis, Stumping Scientists
Source– This post is based on the article “Scientists stunned as Himalayas get cooler despite global climate crisis” published in “Wion” on 13th December 2023.
Why in the News?
According to a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, a surprising Himalayan phenomenon was highlighted that could slow down the impact of the global climate crisis.
What is this Phenomenon?
1) Scientists observed that in the Himalayas, when high temperatures hit high-altitude ice masses, ‘katabatic’ winds are triggered that blow cold air to lower-altitude areas.
2) The study shows that a temperature gap is created between the warmer mountain air and the cooler air in contact with ice masses, resulting in enhanced turbulent heat exchange.
3) As the warm air gets cooler and denser, it sinks, triggering the katabatic winds in neighbouring areas down the slope.
4) This phenomenon might mitigate the impacts of global warming in certain regions
What are Katabatic Winds?
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1) A katabatic wind, also known as a drainage wind or fall wind, is the movement of high-density air from higher to lower elevations down a slope under gravity’s force.
2) It occurs at night when the highlands radiate heat and are cooled.
3) Examples– bora in the Adriatic, Bohemian Wind in the Ore Mountains, Santa Ana in southern California, and piteraq winds in Greenland.
UPSC Syllabus- Geography/Environment
2024 is the International Year Of Camelids
Source– This post is based on the article “Why UN has declared 2024 the International Year Of Camelids” published in “Hindustan Times” on 18th December 2023.
Why in the News?
The United Nations has named 2024 the International Year of Camelids to emphasize their vital role in the lives of global communities.
What is the objective of The International Year of Camelids 2024?
1) To raise awareness about the untapped potential of camelids and advocate for increased investment in the camelid sector.
2) Promote research and capacity development as well as the adoption of innovative practices and technologies.
What are Camelids?
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Aspect | Details |
What is it? | 1) Camelids are a family of mammals belonging to the Camelidae family. 2) This family includes various species, notably Bactrian camels, dromedaries, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. |
Characteristics | 1) They are large animals with long necks, slender legs, and in some cases, a hump on their back. 2) They are strictly herbivores, feeding on vegetation. 3) They have a three-chambered stomach, split upper lips allowing separate mobility, and elliptical red blood cells, setting them apart from other mammals. 4) They are usually found in herds. |
What is the Importance of Camelids?
1) They help ensuring food security, nutrition and economic growth in more than 90 countries, particularly benefiting indigenous peoples and local communities.
2) They are instrumental in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supplying milk and meat for fighting hunger as well as fiber for clothing and shelter.
3) People use them for transportation and also benefit from the organic fertilizer they provide for agriculture.
4) They are are known to survive in harsh conditions. Inhabitants rely significantly on camelids for their livelihoods in the Andes mountain ranges, as well as in arid and semi-arid lands across Africa and Asia.
5) Camelids represent strength in adversity thus can be ambassadors to raise awareness about climate change.
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/ Environment
Sahitya Akademi announces awards
Source– This post is based on the article “Sahitya Akademi announces awards; Requiem in Raga Janki best English work” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2023.
Why in the News?
Sahitya Akademi has announced the annual Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023 in 24 languages.
The awards are for books published between January 2017 and December 31, 2021.
What are Sahitya Akademi Awards?
Specifications | Details |
What is it? | 1) It is a literary honour that is conferred annually by Sahitya Akademi. 2) Awarded to the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the 24 major Indian languages (22 languages of the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, Rajasthani and English.). 3) The awards are given to books first published during the five years immediately preceding the year of the award |
Purpose | To recognise and promote excellence in Indian writing and also acknowledge new trends. |
Instituted in | 1954 |
Prize | Consists of an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a prize money of Rs. 1 lakh. |
Criteria for awardee | 1) Author must be an Indian national. 2) The award is conferred to living writers and not awarded posthumously. 3) Eligible works must be outstanding contributions to their respective language and literature. 4) If books exhibit equal merit, criteria such as overall literary contribution and the standing of authors will be considered for the award. |
Key Features | 1) It is the second highest literary honour by the Government of India, after Jnanpith award. 2) Other Sahitya Akademi Awards: a. Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar- Awarded based on the author’s overall contribution to children’s literature. b. Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar- Applies to books published by authors aged 35 and below. |
What are Jnanpith award?
1) The Jnanpith Award is an Indian literary award presented annually by the Bhartiya Jnanpith to an author for their outstanding contribution towards literature.
2) The award was instituted in 1961.
3) It’s awarded exclusively to Indian writers in languages listed in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India and English, with no posthumous awards.
What is Sahitya Akademi?
UPSC Syllabus- Art & Culture/Miscellaneous