9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 22nd, 2023

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Analysing the Post Office Bill, 2023

Source: The post concerns related to the Post Office Bill, 2023 has been created on the article “Analysing the Post Office Bill, 2023” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- governance- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

News: The Post Office Bill, 2023 replaces the colonial-era Indian Post Office Act, 1898, aiming to update the legal framework for postal services in India.

What are the key provisions of the Post Office Bill, 2023?

Read here

What are the major concerns related to the Post Office Bill, 2023?

Privacy Violation: Critics argue the Bill infringes on the fundamental right to privacy, as it permits the interception of postal articles without robust safeguards. This will increase the risk of unauthorized state surveillance and abuse.

Vague Terms: The term ’emergency’ is not clearly defined, leading to potential misuse of interception powers.

Broad Powers: The Bill allows officials to detain and open mail, raising concerns about unchecked government authority and potential for misuse.

What are the Supreme Court rulings related to these concerns?

People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) vs. Union of India (1996): The Supreme Court acknowledged telephone tapping as an infringement on privacy. It mandated safeguards against arbitrary state surveillance, ensuring any interception aligns with the right to privacy under Articles 19(1)(a) and Article 21.

Justice KS Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017): The Court declared the right to privacy as a fundamental right. It set forth six conditions for any state measure impacting privacy: legality, legitimate goal, suitability, necessity, proportionality, and procedural safeguards.

This ruling highlighted that privacy and procedural safeguards cannot be overlooked, even for national security concerns. It underscored judicial oversight’s critical role in upholding rights amidst state security measures.

What is the way forward?

To address concerns, the government needs to establish clear, transparent rules for mail interception, ensuring these are fair and include procedural safeguards. Additionally, defining vague terms and setting up a strong grievance redressal mechanism are crucial. This approach would balance national security needs with citizens’ right to privacy, responding to the criticisms raised by legal experts and parliamentarians.

Question for practice:

Discuss the major concerns related to the Post Office Bill, 2023, and the Supreme Court rulings related to these concerns.

GS PAPER - 3

Supreme Court’s observations on the PMLA – Questionable searches under the Money Laundering Act

Source: The post Supreme Court’s observations on the PMLA has been created on the article “Questionable searches under the Money Laundering Act” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- security- money-laundering and its prevention

News: Supreme Court (SC) of India’s narrowing interpretation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has sparked criticism due to the perceived overreach of the Enforcement Directorate. This overreach is particularly noted in opposition-governed states, raising significant concerns about the impact on federalism and democratic values.

What is the PMLA Act?

Read here

What are the Supreme Court’s observations on the PMLA?

  1. Proceeds of Crime definition: In Vijay Madanlal Choudhary vs Union of India (2022), the Supreme Court noted that only property derived from criminal activity related to a scheduled offence qualifies as “proceeds of crime” under Section 2(1)(u) of the PML act 2002.
  2. ED’s style of functioning: a) ED’s Overreach- Criticism of the Enforcement Directorate’s overreach was especially noted in the case Pankaj Bansal vs Union of India, where the Supreme Court highlighted issues with the ED’s approach, b) Need for Fairness- In the same case, the Court emphasized the need for the ED to act with fairness, highlighting inconsistencies and lack of transparency in its operations.
  3. Violations of Procedure: Judicial Misuse- In the handling of cases like Pavana Dibbur vs The Directorate of Enforcement, 2023 INSC 1029, the Supreme Court observed procedural violations and misuse, pointing out the need for strict adherence to legal standards by the ED and other authorities.

For more information on SC Judgment on various Sections of the PMLA read here

What are the concerns related to the misuse of the PMLA Act?

Impact on Federal Structure: Actions perceived as biased or overreaching by central agencies like the ED are seen as eroding the federal structure and democratic principles of the country.

Question for practice:

Discuss the concerns related to the misuse of the PMLA Act and its impact on the federal structure and democratic principles of India.

IMF’s annual report on India’s Economy

Source: The post IMF’s annual report on India’s economy has been created on the article “IMF’s message” published in Indian Express on 22nd December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – Economy – Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

News: The article discusses the IMF’s annual report on India’s economy, highlighting its currency stability and government debt. The IMF changed India’s currency regime classification and advised fiscal consolidation to manage debt risks, while India defends its economic policies and stability.

What is the IMF’s observation on India’s currency and government debt?

  1. Observation on India’s currency

IMF Observation: The IMF observed the Indian rupee’s stability against the dollar, noting a narrow fluctuation range between 81.04 and 83.29 per US dollar (a 2.8% band), compared to the Euro-dollar rate band of 7.3%. Consequently, it reclassified India’s exchange rate from “floating” to a “stabilized arrangement” for the period between December 2022 and October 2023.

India’s Response: India, particularly the Reserve Bank of India, asserts the rupee is market-determined with interventions only for excessive volatility, contesting the IMF’s short-term view.

  1. Observation on Government Debt

IMF’s Warning: The IMF warns that if past economic shocks recur, debt could exceed 100% of GDP in the medium term. It also warns that long-term risks are high because considerable investment is required to meet India’s climate change mitigation targets.

India’s Position: India counters, India argues that the sovereign debt risk is low since it’s predominantly in domestic currency, b) Despite various economic shocks, India maintains that its general government debt level has been relatively stable, barely increasing from 81% in 2005-06 to around 81% in 2022-23, c) India suggests that the IMF’s assessment might be overlooking the broader historical stability and resilience of India’s debt management.

For more information on IMF’s annual report on India’s economy read here.

Why did the Indian currency decline narrowly between December 2022 and October 2023?

Internal Factors:

Trade Deficit improved: India’s trade deficit averaged $20 billion a month during the period, a slight improvement from the previous year’s $22.1 billion.

Current Account Deficit: The current account deficit was $27.3 billion, nearly half of the previous year’s $53.5 billion.

Foreign Investment: Net foreign investment increased to $30.7 billion, despite a decrease in FDI (by almost $22 billion), offset by a surge in FPI.

Forex Reserves: Forex reserves modestly rose from $563 billion to $586 billion, indicating improved currency health.

External Factors:

Global Dollar Strength: The relentless increase in the US Federal Reserve’s policy funds rate strengthened the dollar, impacting other currencies including the Rupee.

Rupee Volatility vs. Dollar: Rupee’s movement was narrower (2.8%) compared to other major currencies like the Euro (7.3%), indicating active central bank management to stabilize it amidst global volatility.

Question for practice:

Examine the IMF’s observations regarding India’s currency and government debt, and provide an overview of India’s counterarguments in response to the IMF’s warning.

The fall and fall of the country’s logistics cost

Source: The post is based on the article “The fall and fall of the country’s logistics cost published in “Mint” on 22nd December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure – Improvements in the Logistics Costs

News: Recently, a study was conducted by the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) commissioned by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on India’s logistic cost.

What are the findings of the study?

The study shows a decrease in India’s logistics costs from 8.6%-9.8% of GDP in 2013-14 to 7.8%-8.9% in 2021-22. This contrasts with the earlier estimates, which placed logistics costs at 13-14% of GDP.

This decrease has been due to investments in infrastructure like roads, ports, and airports, along with the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and digitization of export-import processes.

However, experts argue that the NCAER calculation is not comprehensive as it excludes outsourced logistics costs.

What measures have been taken by India to reduce its logistic costs?

National Logistics Policy 2022: Read Here

PM Gati Shakti Plan: It aims to integrate existing and planned infrastructure projects and leverage technology for efficient movement of people and goods.

Read More: Logistics Sector in India and National Logistics Policy – Explained

Where does India stand globally in the logistic cost?

Read Here: India up 6 places on WB’s logistics index

What more measures are needed by India to reduce its logistic costs?

Increase Investment: India needs significant infrastructure investment to reduce its logistics cost.

Port, airport, and railway improvement: Improving throughput at ports, airports, and railways are crucial points for boosting logistics efficiency.

Outsourcing: Outsourcing logistic services can further enhance efficiency and cut costs.

Question for Practice: Analyze the steps undertaken by India to decrease its logistic costs. Suggest further measures required to address the issue.

Positive outlook – High public debt remains a risk

Source: The post is based on the article “Positive outlook – High public debt remains a risk published in “Business Standard” on 22nd December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Economy – Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

News: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently released ‘Article IV Consultation Report’. The report provides positive outlook for the Indian economy, raises some concerns and provide recommendations.

For a detailed reading on the IMF report: Click Here

What are the positive findings of the report on India’s economy?

India has shown strong growth in the last year, despite global challenges.

This has been due to the resilience of India’s financial sector characterized by low non-performing assets, an increase in domestic credit, and adequate capital and liquidity buffers.

What are some of the concerns highlighted by the report?

High Public Debt: The report raises concerns about high public debt levels projected to reach 82.3% of GDP by 2024-25. This has been mainly due to pandemic relief efforts. This poses a risk to both growth and financial stability.

Moreover, additional investments needed to achieve India’s net-zero target by 2070 could further increase public debt.

RBI’s Frequent Interventions: The IMF has highlighted concerns about the RBI’s frequent interventions in the currency market. It suggested that the rupee’s stable trading range indicates a “stabilized arrangement” rather than a “floating” exchange rate.

However, the RBI has stated that its policy avoids targeting specific exchange rate levels and intervenes only to control excessive volatility.

What recommendations have been provided by the IMF in its report?

Fiscal Reforms: The IMF recommends reviewing the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act and implementing a medium-term fiscal framework (MTFF) to manage debt and rebuild buffers.

In this regard, balancing public investment for growth with overall fiscal sustainability will be crucial.

Adequate Foreign Exchange Reserves: Adequate foreign exchange reserves have proven crucial in preventing pressure on the rupee during global interest rate hikes in 2022.

Hence, the IMF has emphasized that it is important for the RBI to maintain adequate foreign exchange reserves.

Question for Practice: India is experiencing high public debt and it is expected to increase in the future. Evaluate the necessary measures that India should adopt to tackle this growing concern.


Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

7 PM Article - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 – Explained Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

China bans export of rare earths processing tech over national security

Source– This post is based on the article “China bans export of rare earths processing tech over national security” published in “Reuters” on 22nd December 2023.

Why in the News?

China expanded its export ban by including technology for manufacturing rare earth magnets, in addition to the existing prohibition on technology for extracting and separating these critical materials.

What is the Decision by China to ban export of Rare Earth Processing Technology?

1) China has added these technology to its “Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export“. The list aims to restrict exports of certain technologies in order to protect national security and public interest.

2) The list also includes a ban on technology for producing rare-earth calcium oxyborate and rare earth metals, in addition to the previous prohibition on the production of rare earth alloy materials

3) Earlier in August 2023, it also implemented export permits for chipmaking materials like gallium and germanium and later similar requirements were extended to various types of graphite.

4) Such restrictions by China, the world’s top processor of rare earths, raises concerns over supply chain disruptions in the availability of these critical minerals.

What are the rare earth magnets?

1) Rare earth magnets are powerful permanent magnets made from alloys of rare earth elements.

2) These magnets, particularly neodymium magnets and samarium cobalt magnets, are known for their exceptional strength and magnetic properties.

What are Rare Earths?

Rare earths consist of 17 metals employed in creating magnets that convert power into motion, essential for applications in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronics.

For more information on Rare earth Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/ Science & Technology

Pompeii’s ancient art of textile dyeing revived

Source– This post is based on the article “Pompeii’s ancient art of textile dyeing revived to show another side of life before eruption” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2023.

Why in the News?

A new project within the Pompeii archaeological site is showcasing ancient textile dyeing techniques. This will reveal a different aspect of daily life before the city’s destruction by a volcano in A.D. 79.

What is Pompeii Archeological site?

Pompeii archeological site
Source- Pompeii tours

1) Pompeii is an ancient Roman city near Naples, Italy, buried under volcanic ash in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

2) The site was preserved remarkably well, providing valuable insights into daily life in the Roman Empire.

3) Excavations have revealed structures, artifacts, and even human remains, frozen in time by the volcanic eruption

4) It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists and researchers interested in ancient Roman history and archaeology.

What is the Project on the Pompeii’s ancient art of textile dyeing?

Pompeii ancient art
Source- The Hindu

1) The project aims to highlight the ancient art of textile dyeing in Pompeii that involved preparing dyes from plants.

2) With the Pompeiian color palette, scarves will be dyed with motifs taken from the House of Vetti frescoes. The profits from the sale of these scarves will be used for further restoration of the city.
Note– Frescoes are artistic creations painted on wet plaster, commonly located on walls or ceilings. They are renowned for their vibrant colors and lasting durability

UPSC Syllabus -Art & Culture/Places in News

Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Source– This post is based on the article “Bihar: Reduced human activity, including mining bans, helped increase tiger numbers in Valmiki reserve” published in “DownToEarth” on 20th December 2023.

Why in the News?

The increase in tiger numbers in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar was facilitated by diminished human activity, including bans on mining.

What is the status of Tiger Conservation in VTR?

1) A complete prohibition of sand and stone mining within VTR, coupled with stringent restrictions on mining in its eco-sensitive zone, helped increase grassland cover.

2) As a result, tiger numbers in the protected area rose to 54 in 2023, up from 31 in 2018 and 28 in 2014.

3) The Reserve received National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) acclaim for the 75% rise in tiger numbers, also earning a ‘Very Good’ categorization.

Note– Bihar aims to establish its second tiger reserve in the Kaimur district by 2024.

What are the Key Features of Valmiki Tiger Reserve?

Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Source- ResearchGate
Specifications  Details
Location 1) Located at the India-Nepal border in the West Champaran district of Bihar.
2) It is situated on the bank of river Gandak, in the Gangetic Plains.
3) It is surrounded by the Royal Chitwan National Park of Nepal in the north.
4) It is the sole tiger reserve in Bihar.
Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan, and Bhapsa flow through various parts of the reserve.
Vegetation Moist mixed deciduous, open-land vegetation, sub-mountainous semi-evergreen formations, freshwater swamps, riparian fringes, alluvial grasslands, high hill savannah, and wetlands.
Flora Sal, Karam, Asan, Bahera, Asidh, Simal, Jamun, Gular, Satsal, etc.
Fauna 1) Large Animals- Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic elephants, Asiatic black bears, Indian sloth bears, otters, Indian leopards, wild dogs, wild water buffalo, Indian bison (Gaur), Nilgai etc.
2) Currently, VTR hosts 241 bird species, notable birds include the Nepal kalij pheasant, three-toed quail, and paradise flycatcher.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment/Geography and Places in News

Protection of Black Tiger

Source- This post is based on the article “Protection of Black Tiger” published in “PIB” on 21st December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently the  Union Minister of State for Environment filed a reply in the parliament regarding the conservation efforts of the Black tigers.

What are Black Tigers?

Black Tiger
Source- The Indian Express
Aspect Details
What is it? 1) Black Tigers are a rare colour variant of the Bengal tiger and are not a distinct species or geographic subspecies.
2) Also known as Melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger.
IUCN status Endangered
Population in India 1) Recorded only in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha.
2) In the 2022 All India Tiger Estimation, Similipal Tiger Reserve reported 16 tigers, with 10 being melanistic.
What causes the black colour? 1) The broadened or spread black stripes in these tigers is caused by a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene.
2) As the phenomenon is related to mutation and not the high deposition of melanin, it is considered pseudo-melanism.
3) Since this mutation is caused by a recessive gene, it is rare. But the geographical isolation of these tigers in Simlipal Tiger Reserve has led to inbreeding, offering the recessive gene frequent chances to show up.

What are the Conservation Efforts taken by the Government for Black Tigers?

1) The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) issued a Standard Operating Procedure for active management of tiger rehabilitation in source areas.

2) Recognized as a unique genetic cluster, Similipal Tiger Reserve obtains funding through Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH) for conservation of tigers, raising awareness on tiger & other wildlife conservation, habitat management, etc under the Tiger Conservation Plan.

What is Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)?

1) Its a centrally sponsored scheme to provide technical and financial states to states for protection of wildlife habitat.

2) The scheme has following three components:
a. Support to Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves).
b. Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Areas.
c. Recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats.

About Similipal Tiger Reserve

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

Monuments of National Importance

Source: The post is based on the article “Monuments of National Importance” published in “PIB” on 21st December 2023

Why in the News?

There are 3697 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared as Monuments of National Importance in India.

What are Monuments of National Importance?

1) Monuments of National Importance (MNI) are declared by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

2) They are declared under section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remain Act, 1958.

3) Criteria: As per the ASMR Act, 1958, ancient monuments or archaeological sites and remains which are of historical, archaeological or architectural interest and have been in existence for not less than 100 years may be declared by the Central Government as of national importance.

4) ASI undertakes conservation, preservation and maintenance of MNI throughout the country. In addition, basic amenities and visitor facilities like pathways, signages, visitor benches, facilities for divyangs, etc. are provided at monuments.

5) States with highest sites: Uttar Pradesh (745 monuments/sites), Karnataka (506) and Tamil Nadu (413) have the highest number of ASI-maintained sites.

What is Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

1) Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is the premier organisation for archaeological research, scientific analysis and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and preservation of protected monuments.

2) Founded in: 1861 by Alexander Cunningham. 

3) It functions as an attached office under the Ministry of Culture.

4) Headquarters: New Delhi.

5) It regulates all archaeological activities as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and Culture

Bengaluru airport wins award at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles

Source: The post is based on the article “Bengaluru airport wins award at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd December 2023

Why in the News?

Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been awarded the Special Prize for an Interior at the UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles Awards.

Note- Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is the only Indian airport to receive this award.

What is the Prix Versailles Awards?

1) The Prix Versailles awards were established in 2015. It is announced each year at UNESCO.

2) The award is given for outstanding achievements in architecture and design on a global scale.

3) The award focuses on intelligent sustainability as a cultural driver, acknowledging innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency and values of social interaction.

Why was Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) given this award?

Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA)
Source: TOI

1) T2 called a “Terminal in a Garden” was inaugurated in 2022. The terminal can accommodate 25 million passengers annually.

2) The terminal features a spacious indoor garden with waterfalls and hanging planted bells enhancing its aesthetics.

3) It had previously earned the prestigious IGBC platinum certification from the Indian Green Building Council.
Note- Green building rating brings together a host of sustainable practices and solutions to reduce the environmental impacts.

4) It is also the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council (UGBC) even before commencing operations, reflecting its sustainable design.

UPSC Syllabus: Awards in News

Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill passed by Lok Sabha

Source: The post is based on the article Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill passed by Lok Sabha published in “PIB” on 22nd December 2023

Why in the News?

The Lok Sabha has passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023. Rajya Sabha had already passed this bill in the previous session.

What is the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023?

Replaces: Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.

Key Provisions of the bill:

1) Grant of title allotment and Certificate of Registration Periodicals: The Bill provides for an online mechanism to apply for title verification and grant of certificate of registration from the Press Registrar General.

2) Limited Role of District magistrate/ local authority: The publishers would no longer be required to file a declaration. Furthermore, printing presses would also not be required to furnish any such declaration; instead only an intimation would be sufficient.

3) Facsimile edition of a foreign periodical can be printed in India with prior approval of the Central Government and its registration with the Press Registrar General.

4) Books which were part of the Act have been taken away from the purview of the bill as books as a subject are administered by the Ministry of Education.

5) Substantially decriminalized: Now, the maximum jail term of six months applies only in extreme situations. For example, if a publication continues printing without a registration certificate despite a six-month warning from the Press Registrar General.
Moreover, for certain violations, financial penalties have been proposed instead of conviction as earlier.

6) Restrictions on who can bring out periodical: A person who has been convicted by any court for an offence involving terrorist act or unlawful activity or having done anything against the security of the State shall not be permitted to bring out a periodical.

7) Cancellation of registration: In the 1867 Act, only the DM could cancel the declaration of a periodical. The Bill empowers the Press Registrar General to suspend/cancel the Certificate of Registration.

8) Press and Registration Appellate Board: It is headed by Chairperson, Press Council of India. It will deal with issues related to registration.

UPSC Syllabus: Bills in News

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