9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 23rd, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Awards for words – The Sahitya Akademi must do more to promote Indian literature

Source: The post is based on the article “Awards for words – The Sahitya Akademi must do more to promote Indian literature” published in “The Hindu” on 23^rd December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Art & Culture– Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

News: Sahitya Akademi has announced the annual Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023 in 24 Indian languages. This year’s award includes poems, novels, short stories, essays, and literary studies.

What is Sahitya Akademi Awards?

Read Here

What is the significance of the Sahitya Akademi Awards?

Linguistic Diversity: The awards recognize linguistic diversity in a country like India with numerous dialects and marginalized communities.

Empowers Writers: It provides encouragement, boosts sales, and provide educational recognition for writers.

Translation Opportunities: It facilitates translation of awarded works into other regional languages including English, expanding their reach and impact.

What are the concerns associated with the Sahitya Akademi Awards?

Limited Recognition: The Sahitya Akademi struggles with limited recognition compared to global counterparts like the Booker Prize or the Pulitzer.

Low Public Awareness: The Akademi organizes various literary activities, lectures, and workshops. However, there is a lack in its promotion, hindering public awareness of its programs.

Outdated Website and Social Media: The Akademi’s digital presence is inadequate, with an unmaintained website and minimal social media activity.

Limited Book Availability: Despite affordable publications, Akademi books are often difficult to find, hindering their reach and impact.

What can be the way ahead?

There is a need for Sahitya Akademi to enhance its promotional efforts, improve accessibility, and leverage its resources to fulfill its mission of celebrating and promoting India’s diverse literary landscape.

Question for Practice: Examine the Sahitya Akademi Awards’ acknowledgment of India’s linguistic diversity and discuss the challenges it encounters in gaining global recognition compared to other international literary awards.

GS PAPER - 2

Telecommunications Bill 2023 Controversial-Telecom law upgrades for a digital authoritarian state

Source: The post Telecommunications Bill 2023 Controversial has been created on the article “Telecom law upgrades for a digital authoritarian state” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd 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 article critiques the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in India for perpetuating colonial laws and increasing government control under the guise of cultural nationalism. It also highlights the bill’s failure to address the digital divide or introduce meaningful innovation.

What are the key provisions of the Telecommunications Bill 2023?

Read here

Why is the Telecommunications Bill 2023 Controversial?

Cultural Nativism: The renaming of the Universal Services Obligation Fund to “Digital Bharat Nidhi” exemplifies the Bill’s emphasis on national identity. However, this change does little to address the actual digital divide, as telecom user growth has stagnated and smartphone sales have declined for two consecutive years, according to reports by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the International Data Corporation.

Authoritarian Tendencies: The Bill’s vague definitions, such as rebranding “licensing” as “authorisation,” potentially extend government control over OTT platforms like WhatsApp and email services like Gmail. This could undermine encryption-based messaging security, leading to increased surveillance and interception without clear legal safeguards.

Favoring Corporations: Provisions allowing non-auction allocation of satellite spectrum and regulatory sandboxes are likely to benefit large corporations. This is exemplified by the potential market entry advantages for select firms, raising concerns about the fairness of these policies.

Lack of Transparency and Debate: The Bill’s rapid passage through Parliament, despite objections from opposition members, highlights a lack of thorough debate and scrutiny. This is evident from the suspension of opposition members and the dismissal of requests to send the Bill to a Standing Committee for detailed examination.

What are the implications of this controversy?

Cultural Nativity & Political Credit: The use of “Bharat” and crediting the ruling government’s vision reflects a strategy of cultural nativism and a branding tactic for political gain.

Constitutional Concerns: Critics argue that the Telecom Bill represents a shift from constitutional governance to rule by select doctrines, potentially undermining democratic principles.

Way forward

The future steps should focus on closely examining the Telecom Bill to ensure it benefits all Indians. This requires open discussions, involvement of experts, and consideration of the bill’s impact on digital rights and privacy. By doing so, we can create a telecom policy that truly bridges the digital divide and upholds democratic values.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key provisions and controversies surrounding the Telecommunications Bill 2023 in India.

GS PAPER - 3

Green Industrial strategy – No alternative to green industrial strategy

Source: The post Green Industrial strategy has been created based on the article “No alternative to green industrial strategy” published in “Business standard” on 23rd December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Economy- changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

News: The article discusses the need for a comprehensive Green Industrial Strategy. It emphasized the importance of sustainable development, innovation, and securing significant investment.

What is the Green Industrial strategy?

A Green Industrial Strategy is a coordinated approach to economic growth that emphasizes sustainability and innovation.

It aims to secure substantial funding, estimated at $5-7 trillion yearly globally, to meet environmental goals and promote sustainable development.

This strategy involves reorienting industries towards green technologies and practices, ensuring long-term investment in clean growth, and fostering inter-sectoral collaborations. It’s exemplified by Germany’s transition to a circular economy in its steel industry, driven by supportive public policies.

What are the benefits of a Green Industrial strategy?

Promoting Sustainable Development: It aims to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, requiring substantial investment in sustainable initiatives.

Economic Growth: Green industries are poised to be engines of growth, potentially worth over $10 trillion globally by 2050. It can drive innovation and create new industries and jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other green sectors.

Enhancing Competitiveness: By investing in green technologies and industries, countries can maintain and advance their competitive standing globally.

Energy Security: Shifting away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources reduces dependency on imported fuels and enhances national security.

What are the issues with Green Industrial strategy?

Financing Gap: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires an immense investment of $5-7 trillion per year, presenting a significant funding challenge.

Long-term Uncertainty: Investors need confidence in the stability of policies over decades, which is currently hindered by political and policy fluctuations.

Coordination Across Sectors: Effective strategy requires robust collaboration across different supply chains, which is complex and difficult to manage.

Need for a Just Transition: Ensuring the transition is fair to all workers and sectors is vital but challenging, requiring careful planning and execution.

What are India’s initiatives in green industrial strategy?

Renewable Energy Production: Increasing renewable energy with the aim to achieve 500 GW capacity by 2030.

Innovation and Infrastructure: Launched E20 fuel and emphasized biofuels, with development of waterways for greener transport logistics.

Green Credits and Policies: Implementing green credit, PM KUSUM Yojana, and vehicle scrapping policy to encourage sustainable practices.

Ethanol Blending and Incentives: Achieving 10% ethanol blending in petrol 5 months early, with a goal of 20% by 2025-26.

Way forward

To tackle worldwide climate and economic challenges, countries should adopt mission-driven industrial strategies centered on green innovation and sustainability across all sectors. This involves fostering public-private partnerships and channeling investments towards ambitious objectives. Ultimately, this approach unlocks a $10 trillion green industry potential, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and an equitable transition for everyone.

Question for practice:

Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of a Green Industrial Strategy.

Issue related to Credit rating – CEA’s concerns apart, India needs better data

Source: The post is based on the article “CEA’s concerns apart, India needs better data” published in “Indian Express” on 23^rd December 2023.

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

News: India has experienced substantial economic growth in recent years. However, credit rating agencies (CRAs) have not correspondingly raised its sovereign credit rating.

How have various credit rating agencies (CRAs) rated India’s sovereign credit?

S&P Global and Fitch: They both raised India’s sovereign credit rating to BBB, marking the lowest investment grade.

Moody’s: It initially upgraded India from the lowest investment grade (Baa3) to the next level (Baa2) in November 2017 but later reversed this upgrade to Baa3 in June 2020.

India receiving such ratings despite being the fifth largest economy raises concerns regarding the opaque methodologies used by CRAs.

What concerns exist regarding the methodologies employed by CRAs?

Focus on Subjective Factors: CRAs rely too heavily on subjective qualitative factors like good governance and democracy while neglecting objective measures of a country’s ability and willingness to repay debt.

Concerns with Governance Indicators: Governance indicators used by CRAs explain only 68% of India’s rating.

This is because a country’s macroeconomic fundamentals, like GDP growth, inflation, and debt levels, are ultimately the key determinants of its ability to pay debt.

Hence, even if India improves its economic fundamentals, it might not affect its credit rating significantly due to the heavy reliance of CRAs on subjective factor like “governance indicators”.

Read More: India’s Sovereign Ratings don’t reflect its fundamentals

What can be the way ahead for India?

Fiscal Consolidation: India needs to reduce the government debt-to-GDP ratio, currently at 82%, to levels seen in 2006 (77.2%) and 2010 (66.4%).

Data Quality: There are absence of Census or household consumer expenditure survey results post-2011-12. Hence, India needs to improve its data accuracy and transparency by conducting required surveys.

Question for Practice: Critically analyze the challenges associated with the comparatively low sovereign credit ratings assigned to India by Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs). Suggest necessary measures to alleviate these concerns.

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

7 PM Article - Yojana Summary December 2023 – Redefining Mobility: Transforming Land scape of Transport Sector

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Palna Scheme: Government aims to set up 17,000 creches across India

Source: The post is based on the article “Palna Scheme: Government aims to set up 17,000 creches across India” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd December 2023

Why in the News?

The Union Women and Child Development Ministry aims to establish 17,000 creches in Anganwadi Centres across the country. This is being done as part of Palna Scheme.

What is the Palna Scheme?

Specifications	Details
Nodal Ministry	Ministry of Women and Child Development
Earlier Name	National Creche Scheme
Type	Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Aim	1) To address the urgent need for quality day-care facilities /creches for the children of working women. 2) To improve nutrition and health status of children.
Component of	Samarthya which is a sub-component under Mission Shakti.
Focus of the scheme	The scheme focuses on two types of creches 1) Anganwadi-cum-Crèches: These centers combine existing Anganwadi services with dedicated crèche facilities. This approach aims to holistically address the needs of both mothers and children in one convenient location. 2) Stand-alone creches: The crèches which were running under the erstwhile National Creche Scheme have been included as Stand Alone Creches.
Target Group	The scheme focuses on children of 6 months to 6 years, of working women in rural and urban areas who are employed for a minimum period of 15 days in a month, or six months in a year.

What is Creche?

A crèche is a facility which enables parents to leave their children while they are at work and where children are provided a stimulating environment for their holistic development.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes in News

National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal

Source: The post is based on the article “National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal” published in “PIB” on 22nd December 2023

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Mines has launched the National Geoscience Data Repository Portal (NGDR).

What is the National Geoscience Data Repository Portal (NGDR)?

Specifications	Details
What is it	It is a comprehensive online platform for accessing, sharing and analyzing geospatial information.
Developed by	Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskarachaya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N)
Conceptualized by	Ministry of Mines (MoM) as part of the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP) 2016.
Key Features	1) Centralized Access: Provides a centralized repository of diverse geoscience datasets, including geological maps, mineral resources, seismic data and environmental information. 2) Open Access: The data on the portal is available in a public domain.
Significance	1) The portal is a significant step towards democratizing critical geoscience data in India. 2) It has the potential to revolutionize mineral exploration, empower various stakeholders and drive innovation across diverse fields.

What is the Geological Survey of India (GSI)?

Click Here to read

What is Bhaskarachaya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N)?

1)  It is an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).

2) Purpose- To provide services and solutions in implementing map-based GeoSpatial Information Systems.

3) Main areas of focus- Satellite Communication, Geo-informatics and Geo-spatial technology.

4) Located in- Gandhinagar, Gujarat

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy/ Science and Technology

DAY-NRLM SHGs: Ministry of Rural Development signs MOU with JioMart

Source- This post is based on the article “Ministry of Rural Development signs MoU with Reliance Retail’s JioMart, to on-board DAY-NRLM’s SHGs” published in “PIB” on 22nd December 2023.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JioMart to onboard DAY-NRLM’s Self Help Groups (SHGs).

What is the objective of this partnership?

1) This collaboration will enable SHGs operating under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to be on-boarded as sellers onto the e-commerce fold on JioMart.

2) Once on-boarded, all SHG sellers associated with the DAY-NRLM will also get to avail benefits and guidance in growing their businesses online.

3) Significance:
a. Amplify the visibility of their products and widen their market.
b. Increase the income of SHGs on sustainable basis.
c. Boost MoRD’s provision under the SARAS Collection to be available to a larger consumer base.
Note- the Saras Collection showcases daily utility products made by rural SHGs and aims to provide SHGs in rural areas with market access to Central and State Government buyers.

What is Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Schemes and Programmes

INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) 2023

Source- This post is based on the article “INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) – 2023” published in “PIB” on 22nd December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently the 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) held in Bangkok, Thailand.

What is Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)?

1) is a biennial forum conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008.

2) Purpose- It is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. It provides an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues.

3) The inaugural edition of IONS was held in Feb 2008 at New Delhi, with Indian Navy as the Chair for two years (2008 – 2010)

4) IONS strength is 34 (25 members and 9 observer states).

For more information on IONS Click Here to read

What are the Highlights of the IONS 2023 Conclave of Chiefs?

1) Conducted by Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand.

2) Thailand took over as the IONS Chair.

3) The flag designed by India was chosen as the official IONS Flag.

4) India assumed the co-Chair position for IONS Working Groups on Maritime Security and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) for the upcoming cycle.

5) Republic of Korea Navy was added as the latest observer.

Note- India is set to assume the role of Chair for IONS (2025-27) during the 9th CoC, scheduled to be held in India at the end of 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/Miscellaneous

PM-DevINE scheme: Ministry holds meet with CMs of northeast States over lag in scheme

Source- This post is based on the article “Centre calls North Eastern States meet after projects under Development Initiative for North East Region are stuck” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) convened a meeting with the Chief Ministers of the States in the region regarding the hurdles in implementation of the projects under the PM-Devine scheme.

What is PM-DevINE scheme?

1) The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East (PM-DevINE) Scheme is a central sector scheme (100 per cent funded by the Union Government) introduced in the 2022-23 Union Budget with an initial allocation of ₹1,500 crore.

2) Aim- The scheme is designed for the rapid and comprehensive development of the northeast region by funding infrastructure and social development projects, based on felt needs of the States.

3) It also aims to fill sectoral gaps without replacing current Central and State Schemes.

For more information on DevINE Scheme Click Here to read

What are the hurdles faced by North Eastern States in implementation of the projects under the scheme?

1) Delay in approvals- The total approved outlay for PM-DevINE scheme for the period 2022-23 to 2025-26 is ₹6,600 crore. But only nine projects worth ₹855.85 crore had been approved so far. Several project still pending for the approval from the centre.

2) Law and order situation– Prevailing law and order situation in north eastern states like Manipur has created hurdles in taking up new projects under the scheme.

What are the other initiatives taken by DoNER for development in the region?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Schemes & Programmes/ Polity and Nation

Macron for Republic Day 2024: Exploring India’s Criteria for Selecting the Republic Day Chief Guest

Source– This post is based on the article “Macron for Republic Day 2024: How India chooses its Republic Day chief guest” published in “The Indian Express” on 22nd December 2023.

Why in the News?

France’s President Emmanuel Macron will be India’s chief guest for its 2024 Republic Day celebrations.

How is the Republic Day Chief Guest chosen?

1) The process starts nearly six months in advance of the event.

2) The Ministry of External Affairs considers various factors before issuing the invitation.

3) The key factor is the relationship between India and the guest country, as the Republic Day Chief Guest invitation symbolizing the ultimate friendship gesture.

4) Decision-making is strongly influenced by India’s political, commercial, military, and economic interests, as the Ministry of External Affairs aims to enhance ties in these areas during the occasion.

5) Another factor that has historically played a role in the choice of the Chief Guest is the association with the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), initiated in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
For example, President Sukarno of Indonesia, a founding NAM member, was the inaugural Chief Guest in 1950.

6) After careful consideration, the MEA seeks approval from the PM and the President on a list of potential candidates.

7) Upon confirming the availability of potential chief guests, official communication takes place between India and the invitee’s country.

8) The planning of the visit involves the Government of India, state governments which the foreign dignitary might visit, and the government of the concerned country.

What is the Significance of being India’s Republic Day Chief Guest?

1) Being invited as the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations is the highest honour a country accords in terms of protocol.

2) The chief guest is front and centre in many ceremonial activities.

3) They are given the ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan followed by a reception hosted by the President of India.

4) The symbolism serves as a powerful tool to forge and renew ties between India and the nation of its invitee, having greater political and diplomatic significance as well.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation