Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Express View on UNAIDS report: AIDS and inequality
• First, Make All Polygamy Illegal – on Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
• An enlarged Nato does not enhance its appeal
• We can expect more turbulence ahead in Indian diaspora politics
• What connects India and Bangladesh

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Express View on UNAIDS report: AIDS and inequality

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on UNAIDS report: AIDS and inequality” published in The Indian Express on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

News: In this article, the author discusses the challenges in eradicating AIDS by 2030.

About current AIDS data

1. HIV affects 70% of people globally, but treatment suppresses the virus in most cases.
2. “Hyper-masculinity” inhibits many men from seeking HIV testing or treatment.
3. Women and children often do not receive optimal HIV treatment, with only 67% and 46% achieving viral suppression, respectively.
4. United Nations Member States committed to implementing a bold agenda to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

What are the major constraints in achieving the target of eliminating AIDS by 2030?

Poverty and marginalization: Poor and marginalized communities often lack access to the necessary healthcare and are subjected to stigma. As a result, HIV patients from these communities continue to suffer and are left behind in the fight against AIDS.

Gender inequality: Gender inequality is another major constraint. Men often avoid getting tested due to societal pressure, also known as “hyper-masculinity”, hindering early diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, women, particularly in low-income regions, do not receive optimal HIV treatment. According to UNAIDS, viral suppression is seen in 76% of male patients but only 67% of female patients.

Insufficient funding: Despite increasing overall health budgets, lower and middle-income countries heavily depend on external funds for AIDS related expenses. These funds are insufficient to effectively combat AIDS, especially in parts of West Asia and Africa.

Lack of prevention programs: There’s a significant gap in HIV prevention programs, especially for children and young women. The viral suppression rate amongst children is just 46%. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 40% of districts with high HIV incidence are covered by dedicated prevention programs.

Drug shortages: Countries like India have witnessed patient protests due to shortages in essential drugs. This indicates the urgent need for improved supply chains and local manufacturing capabilities to ensure the continuous availability of AIDS medication.

What should be done?

1. Efforts should focus on addressing poverty and gender inequality to improve access to AIDS healthcare.
2. Men should be encouraged to get HIV testing, and women’s treatment needs to be optimized.
3. Funding for AIDS in lower and middle-income countries needs to be increased. Prevention programs, particularly for children and young women, should be expanded.
4. Finally, governments must address drug shortages, possibly by boosting local production of AIDS medications.

First, Make All Polygamy Illegal – on Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Source: The post is based on the article “First, Make All Polygamy Illegal” published in Times of India on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 1- Society & GS 2 – mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

News: In this article, author argues that instead of focusing on a full Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, attention should be given to banning polygamy first. They believe dealing with other issues can come after polygamy is made illegal across all communities.

Why Polygamy should be a real target in the UCC debate?

Prevalence in communities: Even though the overall percentage is low, polygamy still exists in various Indian communities. For instance, about 1.9% of Muslims and 1.3% of Hindus practice polygamy.

Legal exceptions: Certain communities, like Scheduled Tribes and Muslims, are allowed to practice polygamy due to exemptions in the law. This discrepancy makes polygamy an important focus in the UCC debate.

Impact on gender justice: Addressing polygamy first can lead to improved gender justice. By banning polygamy, matters of inheritance and women’s rights can be better addressed, as demonstrated by the Hindu Succession Act following the Hindu Marriage Act.

Staged reforms: Tackling polygamy before other UCC issues allows for a systematic and sequential approach to social reform. This strategy proved effective with the Hindu Marriage Act and the Hindu Succession Act.

Minority rights protection: Focusing on banning polygamy prevents its misuse as a shield for other UCC issues. This way, the rights of the affected minorities, albeit small in number, can be better protected.

What are the challenges in implementing a full-fledged UCC?

Potential disruption to traditional practices: Implementing a complete UCC might disturb long-standing cultural practices. Some communities, like certain Scheduled Tribes, follow traditions like matrilineal descent or ultimogeniture, where the youngest sibling inherits property.

Taxation complications: The introduction of a UCC could impact the Hindu Undivided Family as a tax category. This might not be favorable for millions of Hindus who currently enjoy certain tax benefits under this category.

Multiplicity of socio-cultural norms: India is a diverse country with varied socio-cultural norms across communities. Harmonizing these into a UCC is a significant challenge due to resistance to change and the need to respect cultural diversity.

Reluctance in certain communities: There could be resistance from communities that are not ready for certain aspects of the UCC, such as the proposed ban on polygamy. As pointed out, only 1.9% of Muslims and 1.3% of Hindus practice polygamy, but the issue has been contentious in the UCC debate.

Balancing reform and respect for diversity: A full UCC must strike a delicate balance between implementing necessary social reforms and respecting the cultural diversity of India’s numerous communities. This makes the process of establishing a full-fledged UCC quite challenging.

An enlarged Nato does not enhance its appeal

Source: The post is based on the article “An enlarged Nato does not enhance its appeal” published in Live mint on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

News: In this article author discusses the geopolitical implications of Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, the tension between NATO and Russia, and the suggested role of India amidst these global political changes.

How will Ukraine’s NATO membership impact other nations?

Effects on Russia: Ukraine’s NATO membership would limit Russia’s power. As Ukraine is Russia’s neighbor, NATO’s presence could be seen as a direct threat by Moscow. This could further strain the already tense relations between Russia and NATO.

Impact on NATO Countries: NATO countries will be obliged to defend Ukraine under the alliance’s mutual defense pact. This might increase tensions as these nations could potentially face a direct confrontation with Russia.

Implications for Finland and Sweden: Finland and Sweden, recently joined NATO due to the Ukrainian conflict. Ukraine’s membership could reinforce their decision, as it would strengthen the NATO’s northern flank against Russia.

Effects on the Baltic states: The Baltic states, already NATO members, would likely feel more secure with Ukraine’s inclusion. This would establish a stronger front against potential Russian aggression.

What are the major concerns related to Ukraine’s NATO membership?

Risk of armed and nuclear conflict: Ukraine’s NATO membership could risk triggering an armed conflict with Russia. Due to NATO’s commitment to defend any member under attack, a dispute involving Ukraine could draw the entire alliance into a major confrontation. Given that Russia is a nuclear power, this situation further raises the stakes by increasing the risk of a nuclear conflict. The potential for such a high-level conflict is a significant concern associated with Ukraine’s possible NATO membership.

Uncertain support for Ukraine: NATO’s refusal to offer a schedule for Ukraine’s membership signals the alliance’s hesitation. This could be due to fear of antagonizing Russia or reluctance to become directly involved in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Impact on Non-NATO Countries: Ukraine’s NATO membership could also affect non-NATO countries like Moldova and Georgia. It could increase their aspirations to join NATO, which could exacerbate tensions with Russia.

What should be done by India in this scenario?

India should maintain its policy of strategic autonomy, making decisions that best serve its own national interests.

It should be cautious about aligning too closely with any major power bloc such as NATO. Despite the possibility of joining a ‘NATO+’, India must remember its longstanding principle of non-alignment. This stance has served India well in the past, allowing it to maintain good relations with different countries.

India should also continue its diplomatic engagements with all parties involved, ensuring that it doesn’t compromise its sovereignty or get drawn into conflicts not of its making.

We can expect more turbulence ahead in Indian diaspora politics

Source: The post is based on the article “We can expect more turbulence ahead in Indian diaspora politics” published in Live mint on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Indian Diaspora

News: This article discusses the increasing complexity of diaspora politics. It suggests that Indian leaders should carefully engage with the diaspora to avoid exacerbating these issues while prioritizing the interests of Indian citizens abroad.

What is the impact of immigrants?

Impact on local societies: Immigrants often maintain deep connections with their home countries’ politics. For example, Indians living in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have engaged in protests related to their homeland’s issues. However, this can lead to tension with local societies. Examples include communal violence in Leicester and inter-group clashes in Australia.

Effects on diaspora communities: These new immigrants may also upset social dynamics within the diaspora. An example is the tension between recent immigrants and older immigrants or second and third-generation members of the diaspora. The older generations worry about social equations with local societies being disturbed.

Political impact: The influence of immigrants can lead to radical political events. For instance, a 19-year-old Indian American attempted to attack the White House, expressing extreme political beliefs. This showcases the possible political risks related to immigrant populations.

Response from host nations: Host nations have started to respond to diaspora issues. For instance, Seattle City Council in the US outlawed caste discrimination after advocacy from diaspora civil society groups. This shows that immigrants can influence policy in their host countries.

What are the challenges created due to immigrants?

Increasing violence and unrest: Recent immigrants, staying engaged with their home countries’ politics, can cause incidents of violence and unrest in their host nations. For example, Pro-Khalistan protests in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia led to vandalism, arson, and rioting.

Inter-group conflicts: Inter-group conflicts between different generations or factions within the diaspora can occur. For instance, Hindu and Sikh communities in Australia got into fights due to political disagreements.

Potential for radicalization: There is a risk of political radicalization among immigrants. This was evident when a 19-year-old Indian American attempted an attack on the White House, showcasing the extreme ideologies he held.

Erosion of local societies: There is a concern that the actions of new immigrants may upset the social balance that older immigrants have established with local societies. This was a concern expressed by community leaders in Australia, Singapore, and the US.

Influence on host nations’ policies: Immigrants can have significant influence on the policies of their host nations. This was seen when Seattle City Council outlawed caste discrimination, responding to the advocacy of diaspora civil society groups, which could potentially cause tension in local societies.

What should be done?

Avoid conflation: Indian leaders should not conflate Indian origin with loyalty to India or sectarianism. They must respect individual identities of Indian-origin individuals in their adopted countries.

Careful engagement: Leaders engaging with the diaspora should move cautiously to avoid exacerbating community tensions.

Focus on citizens: The Indian government should prioritize the interests of its citizens abroad over any person with Indian heritage.

Awareness of risks: Leaders and civil society groups must stay alert to the potential risks involved with diaspora politics.

What connects India and Bangladesh

Source– The post is based on the article “What connects India and Bangladesh” published in “The Indian Express” on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements

Relevance: India and Bangladesh bilateral relationship

News- The article discusses the areas of potential cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

What are the areas of potential cooperation between India and Bangladesh?

Political ties– Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bangladesh in 2021 as a special guest to commemorate the centenary of Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

During the same year, Ram Nath Kovind, who was the President of India at the time, also visited Bangladesh to celebrate the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s victory in its War of Independence. In September of the previous year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh paid a visit to India.

Trade and investment– In the last financial year, there was a significant increase of 100% in Bangladesh exports to India. It was valued at $2 billion. India’s exports to Bangladesh have increased by 70 per cent and are currently at $16 billion.

Both countries are negotiating the Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to increase trade between the two countries.

Connectivity– Bangladesh currently imports 1,160 MW of electricity from India. There are ongoing discussions regarding the possibility of importing electricity from Nepal and Bhutan through India.

The distance of 350 miles between Kolkata and Agartala can be covered in approximately six to seven hours by passing through Bangladesh. In the coming months, the Akhaura-Agartala rail line will be inaugurated, and Shahjadpur-Kulaura line will be completed.

Experts believe that establishing connectivity between Petropol and Benapol, Gede and Darshana, as well as Birol and Radhikapur, will serve the interests of both countries.

Water resource management– Significant progress has been made in the field of water resources management. It generated hope for the long-anticipated Teesta water-sharing agreement.

The two nations have successfully signed a MoU pertaining to the equitable distribution of the Feni River’s waters.

They have also reached an agreement to share technical information and establish a framework for an interim water-sharing arrangement involving six rivers: Manu, Mahuri, Khowai, Gomti, Dharla, and Dudhkumar.

A MoU between India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Water Resources for allowing the withdrawal of up to 153 cusecs of water by both countries from River Kushiyara during dry seasons was signed.

Governments from various political parties are interested in finalising the Teesta Agreement.

Security– The government of Bangladesh has taken significant measures to ensure that no actions within its borders pose a threat to India’s territorial integrity or destabilise the northeastern states.

One of the prominent leaders of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), Anup Chetia, was extradited to India.

GS Paper 3

Why the govt has more cash, less grain to give

Source: The post is based on the article “Why the govt has more cash, less grain to give” published in The Indian Express on 17^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Agriculture – Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security

Relevance: About uncertainties over foodgrains production

News: The article describes the government’s food grain supply three years ago and its current situation.

What was the situation of foodgrains three years ago?

Three years ago, during the pandemic, both the center and the states did not have money to make large-scale cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households.

However, there was plenty of wheat and rice in the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) warehouses. Due to which, there was enough distribution of these foodgrains.

Along with distribution, the three years from 2020-21 also saw all-time-high grain exports from India. Thus, there was surplus grain not only to give out free, but even to export in record quantities.

What is the present situation?

The situation has reversed today. Governments have money, due to the resumption of economic activity, but there has been a shortage of grains.

The newly formed Karnataka government sought additional grains from FCI to fulfill its poll promise of providing 10 kg of free rice per month to all members of below-poverty-line (BPL) households. However, the FCI refused to provide it.

Hence, the government in Karnataka is transferring cash into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Thus, earlier there was grain but no money. Now, there’s not much grain, but governments have money to pay PDS beneficiaries.

Why is the FCI hesitant to provide additional grains?

The total stocks of wheat and rice in the Central pool on July 1, 2023, are at a five-year low. 

While these stocks are currently above the minimum required level, there are concerns regarding the monsoon and its potential impact on this year’s rice crop.

Although the country has experienced normal rainfall during the current monsoon season, major rice-growing areas, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, have faced significantly below-normal rainfall.

Additionally, the presence of El Niño, through the 2023-24 winter, raises concerns about the monsoon’s performance in the rest of the season. This can impact the production of not just the kharif rice, but even the upcoming rabi wheat crop.

Must Read: Protect rural incomes to tackle the current food security threat

What are the concerns present with exports?

Last year, due to a poor crop, the government banned wheat exports in May 2022. This was followed by a prohibition on exports of broken rice and the imposition of a 20% duty on non-parboiled non-basmati rice shipments in September.

However, despite these restrictions, the last two years registered record exports of rice and wheat.

However, with retail cereal inflation at 12.7% in June and monsoon-related production uncertainties, the government is considering additional curbs on rice exports.

What can be the way ahead?

India is the world’s largest rice exporter, with a 40.4% share of the global trade in the cereal. Therefore, given its position, it cannot import rice even for domestic production shortfalls; instead, it can only limit exports.

Moreover, if the FCI does not have surplus grain, it is possible that many states could follow Karnataka. However, from a macroeconomic perspective, opting for cash transfers has an inflationary effect, while distributing free grain is deflationary.

Speed and strategy – Indian Railways must get its priorities right

Source: The post is based on the article “Speed and strategy – Indian Railways must get its priorities right” published in Business Standard on 17^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Infrastructure

Relevance: measures needed to improve train services.

News: The recent launch of new Vande Bharat trains has dominated headlines. However, along with these trains, overall services of the railways need improvement.

What are the benefits and concerns associated with Vande Bharat trains?

The Vande Bharat trains have co-benefits – a) stimulating local manufacturing and b) offering an upgraded travel experience. However, two key issues need attention.

Firstly, despite their technological capabilities, the Vande Bharat trains do not represent a significant leap in speed for regular users. Their financial sustainability is also uncertain, particularly considering lower occupancy rates.

Secondly, improving the broader experience across regular trains is of far greater importance than ensuring that there are some aspirational, showpiece express services.

Must Read: Vande Bharat trains: Potential and Challenges – Explained

What measures can be taken to improve overall train services?

Although it is challenging to improve the overall experience due to the scale of the Indian Railways and the number of people it moves, improvement is still possible.

Reform like the one made by the past railway minister; Madhu Dandavate is notable. He introduced “two inches of foam” to second-class berths. Thus, improving conditions for long-distance travellers.

Similar modernized improvements should be identified and implemented. Some of them could be:

First, routes that are prone to overcrowding need to be identified, and the demand for additional general unreserved seats should be met.

Second, investing in capacity should be accompanied by investments in safety and track improvements. For instance, to achieve high-speed train transport, trains like the Vande Bharat need upgraded infrastructure.

Third, routes capable of accommodating speeds of 160 km/h should be prioritized for the introduction of multiple new trains in order to ensure the desired results from the investments.

Flood feud

Source– The post is based on the article “Flood feud” published in “The Hindu” on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Disaster Management

Relevance: Flood Management

News- The article emphasis that States must coordinate to evolve a joint strategy to combat floods.

What is the present flood situation across the country?

Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi have reported record rainfall and at least 60 deaths have been confirmed.

However, unusual inundation of Delhi has brought to national focus the disasters.

What are the reasons stated for floods in Delhi?

Delhi’s officials have attributed this to the flooding of the Yamuna in upstream States, particularly at Yamunanagar in Haryana.

But, there was no desilting of drains ahead of the monsoon in Delhi. There has been an accelerated large-scale concretisation of the city.

Delhi makes a case that huge amounts of silt due to riverbed mining from Haryana block the natural flow of the river.

What is the way forward?

Delhi should no longer consider itself immune from urban flooding given that its population and infrastructural needs are only going to expand.

The Air Pollution joint management strategy evolved by National Capital Territory can act as a model for flood management.

These States must set aside their differences and evolve a joint strategy on countering future floods

Monsoon havoc in India: How floods can be a valuable resource

Source– The post is based on the article “Monsoon havoc in India: How floods can be a valuable resource” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3 – Disaster Management

Relevance: Flood Management

News- The monsoon arrived in Mumbai and New Delhi and heavy rainfall immediately followed, causing flooding in many parts of India.

What are the methods for Better Flood Management?

The focus needs to shift from flood control to flood management as complete flood protection for citizens, properties, and infrastructure is not feasible in India.

Instead of considering flood flows as a nuisance and discharging them into the ocean quickly, conserving a significant portion of floodwater could help reduce damages and mitigate upcoming droughts.

What are the structural and non-structural measures for flood management?

Structural tools include storage reservoirs, embankments, and diversions. These measures help reduce flood hazards.

Storage reservoirs can store water during high-flow periods, moderating the flood peak, and provide water for irrigation, electricity generation, and water supply.

Non-structural methods, such as flood forecasting, warnings, and floodplain zoning, contribute to timely evacuation of people and regulate the use of floodplains.

What are the solutions?

Comprehensive approach for flood Management along with an appropriate mix of grey (man-made), blue (water bodies), and green (natural) infrastructure.

Flood management should adopt a river basin approach while considering the environmental aspects.

Upgrading hydro-infrastructure and implementing a comprehensive flood management program are necessary steps to address increasing climate change and flood variabilities.

Flood moderation, conserving flood water for future use, and adopting a combination of structural and non-structural measures are some steps.

India’s conglomerates are getting too big for comfort

Source– The post is based on the article “India’s conglomerates are getting too big for comfort” published in “The Hindu” on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

News- The article explains the increasing concentration of wealth in India and increasing closeness between business and state.

What shows the increasing concentration of wealth in India?

The Adani Group continues with its acquisitions even after the Hindenburg report. Financial markets are lending it more money, despite its over-dependent on debt.

Tatas and the Aditya Birla empire are also performing well. The biggest of India’s big businesses seem to be thriving.

But all the businesses in India are not making progress. The performance of a large number of informal enterprises is not good and they have not recovered from COVID-19-inflicted losses.

As per a report by a former Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor, the share of assets in the non-financial sectors owned by the Big-5 business groups has risen from 10% in 1991 to nearly 18% in 2021. While the share of the next five has fallen from 18% to less than 9%.

What are the dangers associated with a rapid rise in industrial concentration?

It uses market power to stifle competition. It leads to profit inflation or profiteering, through the manipulation of costs and prices. The result is extreme asset and income inequality.

Institutions of democracy are influenced by them through means such as the capture of the media. The role of civil society as a countervailing power is reduced in this process.

The ultimate result is corporate influence over political processes and the formulation of policy.

These tendencies are not stalled by competition in the ‘market’ but are a consequence of the functioning of markets.

Asset and income inequality increases, and therefore there is differential power among economic agents, the functioning of the ‘market’ favours the rich.

What are the emerging trends that show the narrowing of political distance between the state and big business?

1. Powerful voices within and outside the state have adopted neoliberalism. This implied adoption of the view that the role of the state is not to regulate private capital, but to facilitate its growth as means to all round economic progress.

Advocates of neoliberalism argue that the competition generated by a liberalised regime will counter concentration. The reverse has happened.

In areas such as telecommunications and civil aviation, there was the initial increase in the number of new players. But a few were finally left, with signs of collusion among them. The consumer will be the loser.

2. There is the propagation of the view that the state must help strengthen domestic big business against giant global competitors. State policy, diplomacy and public resources will be key instruments in this process.

Liberalisation opened Indian markets, induced global competition for Indian businesses. But the state is protecting and promoting sections of big business through large-scale subsidies and transfers.

3. State is not interested in reducing the influence of money in politics. Connections of politics with big business are necessary for resources needed to “manage” elections and win electoral support.

Over time, there has been a change in policy to legitimise corporate donations to political parties, including through the electoral bonds scheme.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

How safe is your car? All about BharatNCAP

Source: The post is based on the article “How safe is your car? All about Bharat NCAP”  published in Livemint on 17th July 2023

What is the News?

India will get its own crash safety star rating for four-wheelers called Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) from 1st October,2023.This will help make cars safer than they are today.

What is Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP)?

Bharat NCAP is a new safety assessment programme for passenger vehicles that can seat up to eight people and weigh less than 3.5 tonnes.

As part of the programme, cars will be crash-tested and given points which in turn would translate into stars. The safest of the lot will get five stars. 

How will the cars be tested?

Source: Livemint

There will be three types of crash tests — frontal, side and pole-side impact tests. Scoring would be done for both adult safety for front passengers and child safety at the rear. 

Out of a maximum 32 points for adult safety, a car would have to score at least 27 for a 5-star rating.

For child safety, a 5-star rating would be awarded for those cars that score a minimum 41 out of 49 points.

Will all cars come with star ratings from 1 October?

Bharat NCAP will be rolled out from 1 October but it will be voluntary, so cars will only be tested at the request of makers.

What’s the point if it is not mandatory?

Even in developed countries, NCAPs are mostly voluntary. They are aimed at nudging firms to offer more than the basic safety features by sparking competition. 

What is the significance of Bharat NCAP?

Firstly, it will bring India at par with other parts of the world like the US, Europe, Japan, Australia and Latin America that have NCAPs of their own.

Secondly, it will bring about more transparency, create awareness among consumers and help buyers choose cars based on their safety credentials.

Lightning not a natural disaster, says Centre

Source: The post is based on the article “Lightning not a natural disaster, says Centre”  published in The Hindu on 17th July 2023

What is the News?

The Union Government is not in favour of declaring Lightning a natural disaster as deaths caused by it can be prevented by making people aware of safety steps.

What is Lightning?

Click Here to read

Deaths due to Lightning:

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data show that 2,880 people died in lightning strikes in 2021.The deaths made up 40% of all accidental deaths caused by “forces of nature”.

The frequency of lightning was the highest in northeastern States and in West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar.

But the number of deaths is higher in the central Indian States of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Steps taken to prevent Lightning deaths: 

India is among only five countries in the world that has an early warning system for lightning — the forecast is available from five days to up to three hours.

Is Lightning categorized as a Natural Disaster in India?

Currently, Lightning is not categorized as a Natural Disaster in India.

Several states have been demanding that lightning deaths be covered as a natural disaster. Once this is notified, the victims will be entitled to compensation from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).The Centre makes 75% of the contribution to the SDRF.

Cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslip, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, frost and cold wave are now considered disasters under the SDRF.

Low-cost perovskite solar cells with superior thermal and moisture stability developed indigenously by Indian scientists

Source: The post is based on the article “Low-cost perovskite solar cells with superior thermal and moisture stability developed indigenously by Indian scientists”  published in Department of Science and Technology’s website. 

What is the News?

Indian scientists have indigenously developed highly stable, low-cost Carbon-based perovskite solar cells.

What is Perovskite?

A perovskite is a material that has the same crystal structure as the mineral calcium titanium oxide also known as Perovskite. 

It was first found in the Ural Mountains and named after Lev Perovski who was the founder of the Russian Geographical Society.

Because of their unique crystal make-up, perovskites often display a number of interesting properties, including superconductivity, giant magnetoresistance, and ferroelectricity.

What are Perovskite Solar Cells(PSC)?

Perovskite Solar Cells(PSC) is a type of solar cell that includes a perovskite-structured compound, most commonly a hybrid organic-inorganic lead or tin halide-based material, as the light-harvesting active layer.

Perovskite Solar Cells(PSC) offer a promising alternative to traditional silicon solar cells as they have higher efficiencies and very low production costs.

However, Perovskite solar cells face the problem of degradation during operation when they come in contact with heat, moisture, light, and other environmental factors. This long-duration stability is a major hindrance in the large-scale commercialisation of the product.

What have the scientists developed?

Scientists have indigenously developed highly stable, low-cost Carbon-based perovskite solar cells with superior thermal and moisture stability which can help overcome the challenges of degradation during operation. 

Government forms new panel to review all NSO data

Source: The post is based on the article “Government forms new panel to review all NSO data”  published in The Hindu on 17th July 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has replaced the Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) with a Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS).

Why has the government decided to replace the Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) with the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)?

The Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) was set up in late 2019.

It was tasked with examining economic indicators pertaining to the industrial sector, the services sector and the labour force statistics. 

This meant that their purview was limited to datasets like the Periodic Labour Force Survey, the Annual Survey of Industries, the Index of Industrial Production and the Economic Census.

Hence, that’s why SCoS has been set up with a broader mandate to review the framework and results of all surveys conducted under the National Statistical Office (NSO).

What are the functions of the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)?

Chairman: Pronab Sen, India’s first chief statistician and the former chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC), has been named as the chairman.

Members: The committee has 10 official members and four non-official members who are eminent academics. It can have up to 16 members.

Mandate: To advise the Ministry on technical aspects for all surveys, such as sampling, design, survey methodology and finalization of results.

– To identify data gaps that need to be filled by official statistics, along with an appropriate strategy to plug those gaps.

– To explore the use of administrative statistics to improve data outcomes.

Role of National Statistical Commission (NSC): The committee will help finalize survey results. But the NSC will have the ultimate authority to approve the publication of those results.

How gaps in cloud system configuration could expose sensitive user data

Source: The post is based on the article “How gaps in cloud system configuration could expose sensitive user data”  published in The Hindu on 17th July 2023

What is the News?

According to a 2023 survey by Thales Cloud Security, 35% of organizations in India note that their data was breached in cloud storage in 2022.

Moreover, 68% of businesses in India have said that more than 40% of data stored in the cloud is classified as sensitive.

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a method through which digital data including files, business data, videos or images are stored on servers in off-site locations. 

These servers may be maintained by the companies themselves or by third-party providers responsible for hosting, managing, and securing stored data. 

These servers can be accessed either by the public or through private internet connections, depending on the nature of the data. 

Why do companies use cloud storage?

Companies use cloud storage to store, access and maintain data so that they do not need to invest in operating and maintaining data centres. 

An added advantage of cloud storage is its scalability — organizations can expand or reduce their data footprint depending on its needs.

What are the benefits and risks associated with Cloud Storage?

Benefits: Most cloud providers offer security features like physical security at data centers, in addition to zero-trust architecture, identity and access management and encryption to ensure the security of data on their servers.

Risks: Deployment of incompatible legacy IT systems and third-party data storage architecture. 

– Use of weak authentication practices and easily guessable passwords can allow unauthorized individuals to access sensitive data.

– Data stored in the cloud also faces the risk of exposure due to insecure APIs, poorly designed or inadequate security controls, internal threats due to human error and inadequate encryption during transfer or storage.

Who is liable for data protection in the cloud?

The onus of ensuring data security lies with the companies even though they grant access to data to vendors and partners. 

If the data is sensitive in nature, it is the company’s responsibility to make sure that a selected vendor has all the right checks in place and has conducted due diligence. 

This includes checking cloud compliances like ensuring passwords have two-factor authentication, monitoring access to the database, ensuring it is encrypted and ensuring all firewall rules are set so that only access through certain places and certain departments is allowed.

SC Collegium’s quiet transparency is driving change

Source: The post is based on the article “SC Collegium’s quiet transparency is driving change” published in The Hindu on 17th July 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court Collegium under the present Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has quietly and transparently streamlined the appointment process of judges to the constitutional courts.

What are steps taken by CJI to ensure transparency in appointment of judges?

While recommending appointments to the Supreme Court, the collegium takes into consideration the following three aspects:

Seniority of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges in their respective parent High Courts as well as overall seniority of the High Court judges: 

The merit, performance and integrity of the judges under consideration: For this, the judgments of the judges are circulated among the members of the collegium, well in advance. 

– The Centre for Research & Planning of the court also prepares a compilation of relevant background material to assist the collegium.

– There is also a Judgment Evaluation Committee which goes through the judicial work of the candidates with a fine-tooth comb. The judgments are graded with the very best receiving an “outstanding” grade.

Need to ensure diversity and inclusion in the Supreme Court: It refers to the 1) representation of High Courts which are not represented or are inadequately represented in the Supreme Court 2) appointment of persons from marginalized and backward segments of society 3) gender diversity and 4) representation of minorities.

China event raises concern over India’s only ape

Source: The post is based on the article “China event raises concern over India’s only ape”  published in The Hindu on 17th July 2023

What is the News?

Global Gibbon Network (GGN) held its first meeting in China to discuss conservation of Hoolock Gibbon.

What is Hoolock Gibbon?

Hoolock Gibbon is the only ape found in India.

It is native to eastern Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Southwest China.

In India, they are confined to the seven states of northeast India with Brahmaputra as the distribution boundary. 

They form an arboreal species and prefer to live in canopies of the evergreen forests in northeast India. 

They traverse across the canopy using their very long forelimbs hanging and jumping from branch to branch. 

Along with this, they are famous for their loud holou calls (that inspires their name “Hoolock”) and duets which both male and female of a group indulge in. 

Threats: Hoolock gibbon faces threat primarily from the felling of trees for infrastructure Projects.

How many species of Hoolock Gibbon are there in India?

According to Zoologists, Northeast of India houses two species of the ape — the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) found in a specific region of Arunachal Pradesh and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) distributed elsewhere in the Northeast.

But a study led by Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in 2021 proved through genetic analysis that there is only one species of ape in India.It debunked earlier research that the eastern hoolock gibbon was a separate species based on the colour of its coat. 

However, the Red List maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) categorizes the Western hoolock gibbon as Endangered and the Eastern hoolock gibbon as Vulnerable.

India and Indonesia announce launch of the “India – Indonesia Economic and Financial Dialogue” (EFD Dialogue)

Source: The post is based on the article “India and Indonesia announce launch of the “India – Indonesia Economic and Financial Dialogue” (EFD Dialogue)”  published in PIB on 16th July 2023

What is the News?

India and Indonesia have announced the launch of the “India – Indonesia Economic and Financial Dialogue”. 

This platform was launched during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG).

What is India – Indonesia Economic and Financial Dialogue(EFD)?

Aim: To enhance collaboration on bilateral and international economic and financial matters by bringing together economic policymakers and financial regulators from both countries. 

Areas of cooperation include: macroeconomic challenges and global economic prospects, bilateral investment relations, and cooperation in G20 and ASEAN matters.

Significance: EFD Dialogue will not only deepen the bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia, but also contribute to the broader economic and financial stability of Southeast Asia and the world.

How much is the Bilateral Trade between India and Indonesia?

The evolution of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ in 1991, followed by the ‘Act East Policy’, has facilitated a rapid development in bilateral relations between India and Indonesia particularly in the commercial and cultural fields.

Indonesia has emerged as India’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region, with our trade seeing an eightfold increase since 2005, reaching an impressive $38 billion in FY 2022-23.

Western Ghats lost 5% evergreen forest cover, shows analysis

Source: The post is based on the article “Western Ghats lost 5% evergreen forest cover, shows analysis”  published in The Hindu on 14th July 2023

What is the News?

According to Western Ghats Spatial Decision Support System(WGSDSS), Western Ghats, which is among 36 global biodiversity hotspots, has seen a loss of 5% evergreen forest cover.

What is Western Ghats Spatial Decision Support System(WGSDSS)?

Launched by: Indian Institute of Science’s Energy and Wetlands Research Group 

Purpose: It is a web portal that has been designed as part of the ongoing ecological research in the Western Ghats.

What did this web portal find about the Western Ghats?

Loss of Forest Cover: Western Ghats has seen a loss of 5% evergreen forest cover with an increase of 4.5% built-up cover, and 9% agriculture area.

– The interior forest constitutes only 25% of the forest landmass, depicting the fragmentation pressure, impacting local ecology.

Ecological Sensitivity or Fragility: Ecological sensitivity or fragility refers to permanent and irreparable loss of extant life forms or significant damage to the natural processes of evolution and speciation with the alterations in the ecological integrity of a region. 

– Researchers have classified the vulnerability of the regions in the Western Ghats into four categories of Ecologically Sensitive Regions (ESR) — very high ecological fragility, high ecological fragility, moderate ecological fragility, and low ecological fragility.

– The ESR analysis of the Western Ghats depicts 63,148 square km area under very high ecological fragility, 27,646 square km under high ecological fragility, 48,490 square km as moderate, and 20,716 square km as low ecological fragility.

Recommendations: Western Ghats region witnessed large-scale land cover changes during the past century due to unplanned developmental activities with industrialisation and globalization.

– This necessitates implementing mitigation measures involving stakeholders to address the impacts through location-specific conservation measures. 

How India and UAE are planning to promote use of local currencies for cross-border transactions

Source: The post is based on the article “How India and UAE are planning to promote use of local currencies for cross-border transactions” published in Indian Express on 15th July 2023

What is the News?

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a pact to establish a framework to promote the use of the rupee and UAE Dirham (AED) for cross-border transactions.

What is the mechanism being setup by India and UAE to promote use of local currencies for cross-border transactions?

The mechanism for the use of local currencies for transactions between India and the UAE aims to put in place a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS).

This system would enable exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies.

India is likely to use this mechanism to pay for crude oil as well as other imports from the UAE, which is currently made in US dollars.

Note: Bilateral trade between India and the UAE was around $85 billion in FY23.India is also the third largest oil importer in the world and the UAE was its fourth biggest supplier of crude.

What are the expected benefits of this mechanism?

Firstly, it would enable the development of an INR-AED foreign exchange market.

Secondly, this arrangement would also promote investments and remittances between the two countries.

Thirdly, the use of local currencies would optimize transaction costs and settlement time for transactions, including for remittances from Indians residing in the UAE.

Why has India signed this mechanism with the UAE?

The move to ink the pact with the UAE is part of a concerted policy effort by India to internationalize the rupee to bring down the dollar demand as a means to insulate the domestic economy from global shocks. 

Government officials had earlier indicated that apart from Russia, countries in Africa, the Gulf region, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had also expressed interest in trading in rupee terms.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

1) Express View on PM Modi’s France visit: Duet in Paris

Source: Indian Express, Date: 17th July 2023

2) PM Modi’s France visit: Shaping a multipolar world

Source: Indian Express, Date: 17th July 2023

3) A qualified success – Absence of mega-defence deals dims the optics

Source: Business Standard, Date: 17th July 2023

4) Something special – India’s relationship with France is unique and multidimensional

Source: The Hindu, Date: 17th July 2023

7 PM Editorial of the day: India-France relations: significance and challenges – Explained, pointwise