Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Indian gig workers ought to get a well-crafted social security net
• Rap on the knuckles: Supreme Court has tried to hold States and Centre to account on mob violence
• States’ lax response to lynching
• Express View on India-China ties: Riding on hope

GS Paper 3

GS Paper 4

• A crisis of academic ethics in India

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Indian gig workers ought to get a well-crafted social security net

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian gig workers ought to get a well-crafted social security net” published in Mint on 31^st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation

Relevance: concerns with the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act 2023

News: Rajasthan Government has enacted the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act 2023. It aims at regulating the gig economy in the state.

It is a positive step for gig workers as Niti Aayog expects 200% growth in gig employment by 2030.

What are the key features of the Act?

Read Here: Rajasthan’s move spells some hope for gig workers

What are the concerns with the Act?

Implementation: The Act establishes a statutory framework for the protection of gig workers. However, adequate execution is required for it to be effective.

Lacks Architecture on the Social Security System: The Act emphasizes inclusive governance and financial assistance for welfare goals.

However, it lacks information on the specific architecture of the social security system as well as actual implementation, leaving design and execution to bureaucracy.

Centralizes Welfare Fund: It centralizes welfare contribution into a single fund, administered by a government-appointed welfare board. Hence, instead of empowering the individual worker, the Act empowers appointed government authorities and other board members.

A more effective approach would have been to transfer funds directly into individual gig worker welfare accounts through separate accounts created by the welfare board.

The fund should not only be used for long-term returns but also to buy group insurance (life, term, health, and accident) for its members.

The fund could also be used to alleviate the impact of gig income volatility by providing discounted micro-overdraft loans through the already implemented Open Credit Enablement Network.

Funding the Social Security System: The Act intends to support the social security system by levying a 2% tax on aggregators.

However, social security is the responsibility of society and should be financed by the state’s exchequer, using taxes from individuals and corporations.

The government could also offer matching grants to encourage voluntary contributions.

What can be the way ahead?

India requires a national, multi-contributor social security system that leverages the existing digital public infrastructure. It is also necessary to create a system that combines various government schemes to benefit gig workers.

Rap on the knuckles: Supreme Court has tried to hold States and Centre to account on mob violence

Source: The post is based on the article “Rap on the knuckles: Supreme Court has tried to hold States and Centre to account on mob violence” published in “The Hindu” on 31st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections

News: The Supreme Court criticized the Union and State governments for not acting against mob violence and lynchings, especially targeting Muslims and marginalized groups by “cow vigilantes”. Despite guidelines from a 2018 judgment, such incidents continue, with political influences playing a role.

What is Supreme Court view on mob violence and lynchings?

1. Criticism of Governments: The Supreme Court has criticized the Union and State governments for their “consistent failure” to act against mob violence and lynchings over the past five years.
2. Duty of the State: In the 2018 case, Tehseen S. Poonawalla vs Union of India, the Court emphasized that it’s the state’s “sacrosanct duty” to protect its citizens. They should prevent any form of “vigilantism”.
3. Guidelines Issued: The Court provided guidelines in 2018. This included:

Appointing a nodal police officer in every district.

Identifying areas with recent mob violence.

Using police intelligence to tackle such incidents.

Sensitizing law enforcement.

Warning the public about the consequences of mob violence.

What should be done?

1. Implement Guidelines: Governments should follow the 2018 Supreme Court guidelines, which include appointing nodal police officers and identifying violence-prone areas.
2. Sensitization: The Home Ministry and State governments should sensitize law enforcement and the public about the repercussions of mob violence.
3. Civil Society Action: Communities need to promote understanding and prevent the stereotyping of minorities. This will help curb mob violence and vigilantism.
4. Political Accountability: In regions like Tamil Nadu, where secular movements are active, political leaders face backlash for any communal incidents. This level of accountability should be adopted everywhere.

States’ lax response to lynching

Source: The post is based on the article “States’ lax response to lynching” published in “The Hindu” on 31st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections

News: This article discusses the Supreme Court’s request to several Indian states to respond to a petition by the National Federation of Indian Women. This petition addresses the states’ alleged inaction against mob violence targeting Muslims and seeks justice for the victims based on a previous court judgment against vigilantism.

About National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) petition.

Concern: NFIW raised issues regarding inaction against mob violence targeting Muslims.

Highlighted Incidents: Examples include the lynching of a man in Haryana for transporting a cow and two men attacked in Odisha on suspicion of smuggling beef.

Court Response: The Supreme Court asked various states to address these concerns, referencing a past judgment against vigilantism.

Desired Outcomes: NFIW seeks police examination, constitutional violation checks, compensation for victims, and consistent support for affected individuals.

What was major judgment related to mob violence and lynching?

Tehseen Poonawala vs. Union of India case (2018):

Key Points:

The state has a “sacrosanct duty” to protect citizens’ lives.

Vigilantism, whether cow-related or otherwise, was condemned, with warnings against anarchy and chaos.

State authorities must prevent any form of vigilantism.

What were the seven remedial directions given by the SC to States?

Seven Remedial Directions by the Supreme Court

1. Nodal Officer Appointment: States must appoint a nodal officer, not below the rank of Superintendent of Police, to address bias-motivated crimes.
2. Immediate FIR Lodging: For any lynching or mob violence incident, local police must promptly file an FIR.
3. Informing the Nodal Officer: The officer registering the FIR must inform the district’s nodal officer.
4. Victim’s Family Protection: Measures should be in place to protect victims’ families from further harassment.
5. Investigation Monitoring: The nodal officer should personally oversee crime investigations.
6. Compensation Scheme: States should establish schemes to financially support victims.
7. Official Accountability: Officials failing in their duties regarding lynching incidents will face disciplinary action, potentially leading to departmental actions.

How are States responding to the contempt petition?

Status Report: States are directed to provide year-wise data from 2018 detailing lynching incidents, FIRs registered, and actions taken.

Compliance Measures: The court accepted the Attorney General’s suggestion for the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss the compliance steps with State department heads, based on the Tehseen Poonawala judgment.

Central Role: The Supreme Court asked the Centre to report on the outcome of this meeting.

Next Steps: The case will be revisited in October, with the states and Centre providing more insights into their measures and actions.

Read more: Committee to suggest necessary amendments in IPC, CrPC to curb mob lynching

Express View on India-China ties: Riding on hope

Source– The post is based on the article “Express View on India-China ties: Riding on hope” published in the “The Indian Express” on 31st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements

Relevance: Bilateral relationship between India and China

News- The Chinese President Xi Jinping might visit Delhi in September for the G20 summit.

Why are some strategic experts optimistic over the Xi visit?

Xi’ presence in Delhi is an opportunity to end the current stalemate in bilateral relations that began with China’s aggression in Ladakh in the summer of 2020.

There was a meeting between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, in Johannesburg on the margins of a BRICS forum.

A Chinese statement issued after the meeting referred to the “Bali Consensus” between Modi and Xi on the need to “stabilize bilateral relations”.

Why are the prospects of resolving the stalemate in the relationship during Xi’s visit weak?

There was not much interaction between Modi and Xi at the G20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia, last November.

The Modi government has consistently emphasized that a return to normalcy in bilateral relations will not occur until Beijing restores peace and tranquillity along the border.

In contrast, Chinese officials have urged India to set aside the border issue and focus on cooperating in other domains. However, Delhi has maintained its stance that the condition of the border reflects the overall state of the relationship

China is reluctant to address the territorial disputes with its neighbouring countries, such as Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, and India.

Despite this, Xi’s diplomatic representatives try to present a positive outlook on the discussions with these neighbours and assert progress, even when there is none

Recently, Beijing issued “stapled visas” to Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh participating in World University Games in Chengdu, China. Beijing uses the stapled visas to assert its territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh.

Territorial sovereignty is the major cause of multiple disputes between Delhi and Beijing. The PLA’s aggressive behaviour on the disputed border has undermined the efforts to manage these issues.

GS Paper 3

Incentivising fiscal prudence for states

Source: The post is based on an article “Incentivising fiscal prudence for states” published in Business Standard on 31^st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy – Public Finance

Relevance: measures needed to reduce debt of states.

News: The article explains the increasing debt of state governments and measures needed to reduce it.

What is the present situation of debt?

States, at 28 percent of GDP, account for nearly a third of the total debt of Indian governments. The central government accounts for the rest.

There is also variation among states holding debts. For example, debts of Gujarat and Maharashtra remain below 25 per cent of their respective GDP.

Whereas, debts of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Kerala as a proportion of their state GDP have exceeded 40 per cent at the end of 2020-21.

What is the predicted situation for states’ debt?

The debt-to-GDP ratio of the states is projected to increase on average. The states with the highest levels of debt now are also those where debt is expected to rise the greatest.

For example, Punjab’s debt is expected to rise sharply from its present level of about 48% of state GDP to almost 55% in 2027-28.

What are the differences between states with high levels of debt and states with low burdens of public debt?

The primary budget deficits and contingent liabilities of more indebted states are more than twice as high as those of less indebted states. Higher indebted states also show slower GDP growth.

However, one thing that doesn’t vary across high- and low-debt states is borrowing costs.  Gujarat and Punjab, despite differences in the level of debts, issue debt at the same interest rate.

What are the concerns with the same borrowing cost for all the states?

Due to the absence of interest rate variation, there is absence of market discipline because states with higher debts are not prohibited from borrowing by paying higher interest rates.

Even though the RBI implements measures to keep interest rates stable, it grants some flexibility to states with higher debt to avoid the perception of debt distress spreading to other states. This, in turn, leads to a loosening of market discipline.

Further, the horizontal devolution of taxes among states, awarded by the Finance Commission, mandates to allocate more resources to states with larger revenue deficits.  This again gives an advantage to states that have higher debts.

What can be done to strengthen state finances?

First, states could increase revenue mobilization through expanding digitization, widening the tax base, raising property taxes, implementing new taxes, and increasing privatization receipts.

Second, states should redirect their spending towards capacity- and infrastructure-building investments, which promise to improve state GDP and income.

Third, states should pursue fiscal-management reforms to reduce the dangers that contingent liabilities pose to their public finances.

Fourth, the RBI should oblige states that vary with their present and future debt levels to pay market interest rates.

Fifth, there is a need to strengthen the finance commission. The commission gets dissolved after they submit the report and there is no parallel institution or body to monitor states’ finances. Hence, there is a need to establish a permanent fiscal or expenditure council to monitor state finances.

Sixth, fiscal experts and the media need to scrutinize the budgetary processes of the states.

Hurdles to overcome before becoming ‘Digital India

Source: The post is based on the article “Hurdles to overcome before becoming ‘Digital India’” published in “The Hindu” on 31st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

News: In this article author discusses how UPI has grown rapidly in India, outpacing other digital payment methods. Despite this growth, many bank accounts remain inactive, and digital transactions are not widespread across all demographics. Comparing to other countries, India’s digital adoption, especially among women and rural areas, lags.

About UPI payments in India

Growth: UPI payments have seen rapid growth, with its share in digital retail payments rising from under 20% in 2021 to 27% in 2023.

Comparison: UPI’s growth outpaces other methods like NEFT, IMPS, and debit card payments. For instance, from June 2021 to April 2023, UPI payments grew at an average monthly rate of 6%. The corresponding figures for NEFT, IMPS, and debit card payments were 3%, 3%, and 1.5%, respectively.

Financial Inclusion: While 80% of Indians have bank accounts, only 35% conducted digital transactions in 2021 (22% in 2014 and 29% in 2017).

Gender Gap: More men (41%) than women (28%) made digital transactions in 2021. Comparatively, in Vietnam, 48% of men and 44% of women did. Brazil had 80% men and 73% women, China saw 87% men and 85% women, and Kenya reported 82% men and 74% women.

What are the benefits of UPI payments?

Rapid Adoption: Since its introduction in 2016, UPI transactions have shown consistent growth. By March 2023, UPI accounted for 27% of digital retail payments in India.

Speed and Efficiency: UPI is a real-time payment systems, unlike NEFT. This means faster and instant transfers, making it preferable for many users.

Push for Financial Inclusion: The rise of UPI payments has the potential to enhance financial inclusion. As of 2021, 80% of the Indian population had bank accounts, with UPI simplifying transactions for them.

Wider Acceptance: The reach of UPI is evident when even local shops or “kirana” stores adopt it, showcasing its ease and accessibility.

Shift from Traditional Methods: The increasing UPI usage led to a decrease in NEFT transactions from 64% in mid-2021 to less than 54% by 2023.

What are the challenges of UPI payments?

Inactive Accounts: While 80% of Indians had bank accounts in 2021, 38% of these were inactive. This high rate of inactivity could hinder the broader use of UPI.

Limited Use: Only 35% of the population carried out any digital transaction in 2021, showing limited UPI penetration despite its growth.

Gender Disparity: A significant gap exists between men (41%) and women (28%) using digital transactions, indicating potential barriers for women to access or trust UPI.

Rural-Urban Divide: Digital payment adoption is lower in rural areas (30%) compared to urban areas (40%).

Global Comparison: India’s digital adoption lags behind countries like Vietnam, Brazil, China, and Kenya, both in overall usage and gender parity.

Feroze Varun Gandhi on cities’ flooding: Perils of unplanned urbanisation

Source– The post is based on the article “Feroze Varun Gandhi on cities’ flooding: Perils of unplanned urbanisation” published in “The Indian Express” on 31st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Urbanisation. GS3- Disaster management

Relevance: Issues related to flooding in cities

News – In the past few weeks, three major cities — Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai — have been flooded.

Why has damage and disruption caused by flooding have increased after independence?

Due to unplanned urbanisation and population growth, there has been a surge in construction, particularly in low-lying areas. It has resulted in the depletion of water bodies.  

The process of concretization has reduced rainwater percolation. It has led to an increase in stormwater run-off.

Most Indian cities are situated on the bank of rivers, having extensive floodplains and wetlands. India has lost 40% of its wetlands in the last three decades.

For instance, Baroda experienced a 30% decline in its wetlands between 2005 and 2018. This loss of natural “blue infrastructure” has heightened the risks of flooding.

What should be done to stop flooding?

Understand the gravity of the problem- It is essential to conduct studies in all cities to assess the catchment area and flooding risks associated with urban water bodies and land use.

Comprehensive lake and river management plans need to be developed. Active involvement from the local community is needed to ensure proper maintenance and the removal of encroachments.

Geographic information systems can be utilised to tag local water bodies. It will aid in the monitoring of encroachments and understanding their seasonal variations.

There is a need to enhance early warning systems for providing real-time updates on local weather patterns. Local rainfall data should be integrated with the Central Water Commission and regional flood control efforts to improve flood preparedness.

As rainfall patterns change, simulations will be essential. These simulations can be incorporated into flood risk maps and insurance products.

City-wide databases should also be established to facilitate immediate relief efforts in the event of a flooding-related disaster.

Improve drainage and stormwater networks– Most of India’s cities and towns lack a well-functioning sewerage network. In Delhi, the drainage system has a limited capacity. Its stormwater drains are quite old.

In Delhi, there are areas where the drainage slopes are incorrectly positioned, leading to issues against gravity. In other places, there is no clear distinction between drainage and stormwater drains.

To address these issues, most cities need to develop comprehensive drainage master plans.

It is essential to conduct surveys of existing pipelines to identify locations prone to waterlogging.

There is a need to ensure that stormwater networks remain separate from the drainage network.

Improving urban planning-

In Delhi, the city drainage system is managed by a range of civic agencies. It leads to coordination challenges. Information is not shared or shared with delay. It leads to a lack of transparency. Coordination between agencies and institutions must improve.

Awareness generation– Furthermore, there is a need to enhance awareness about wetland and water body conservation.

The efforts made by the Central government, such as promoting the National Mission for Clean Ganga, conducting a Census on Pan-India water bodies, are encouraging steps. However, a well-defined urban water policy is necessary.

Regulatory bodies like the Central Wetland Regulatory Authority should be granted statutory powers to enforce conservation measures. Additionally, involving local communities in the conservation efforts would be beneficial.

Identify and replicate local examples-

1. Mangalore– Earlier, wastewater flowed through open drains and into the city’s water bodies, polluting the freshwater sources.

The Mangalore City Corporation established wastewater treatment plants and created connections for end-users, particularly for industries. These industries faced challenges due to a limited and irregular water supply.

To address this, the MCC proposed supplying treated effluent to industries to fulfil its industrial water requirements. Private entities within MSEZL contributed to 70% of the operations and maintenance costs for the pumps and sewage treatment plant.

2. Kaikondrahalli Lake in Bengaluru – It suffered from sewage inflow and eutrophication. There was encroachment on the lake bed.

BBMP went for a community-driven approach to revive the lake in a phased manner. BBMP demarcated the lake’s boundaries.

Pollution was tackled by diversion of sewage flow through tapping pipelines.

Development of inlets and outlets for the lake was carried out. Embankments and a pathway around the waterbody were created. All of this was done with local participation.

Manmohan Bahadur writes: Soldiers in the digital age

Source– The post is based on the article “Manmohan Bahadur writes: Soldiers in the digital age” published in the “The Indian Express” on 31st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Security

Relevance: Issues related to armed forces

News- The article explains the issues of impact of social media on armed forces recruits

What are issues faced by armed forces due to increasing use of social media in recent times?

There is a significant lack of research on how the modern-day recruit, influenced by social media, differs from his counterpart of twenty years ago upon entering service.

Recently the Army has issued a directive suggesting the potential suspension of pension for veterans whose remarks on social media spoil the Army.

There is the attraction of consumerism and the irresistible desire to move ahead quickly. Combined with the allure of social media fame, it is causing a shift in the standards of political and social norms, values, and ethics.

There is the growing trend of polarisation based on cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious differences.

Social media platforms are filled with videos showcasing the divisions that have seeped down to even the school level. The armed forces recruit their personnel from this environment.

Way forward-

There is a need to detoxify the mass that enters at the training institution level. They need to be taught that in the armed forces, all Indians are seen as just Indians.

Existing organised and structured training programs should be thoroughly reviewed. The actions of junior leaders play a crucial role as effective training tools in this regard.

The reduced training duration for enlisted Agniveers presents a new challenge in this regard. Their four-year engagement period is not sufficient to assimilate the values and norms of their service.

Pathways for digital inclusion

Source– The post is based on the article “Pathways for digital inclusion” published in The Indian Express on 31st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – e-governance. GS 3 – Inclusive growth

Relevance: Issues related to flooding in cities

News- The article explains the Indian DPI and issues related to it.

What are some facts about DPI in India?

DPIs replicate physical infrastructures. These DPIs are digital pathways for seamless provision of essential services.

The Indian DPI ecosystem is envisioned as “India Stack”. India Stack is interconnected yet independent “blocks of a stack”. Each block ensures financial and social inclusion across sectors and benefits a diverse population.

It has multiple use cases. It generates novel solutions that drive innovation, inclusion and competition in the digital space.

What are successful examples of DPI in India?

Aadhaar has facilitated financial inclusion.

The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile trinity has ensured the direct benefit transfers of welfare subsidies to bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

Unified Payments Interface has enabled citizens to transfer money from one bank account to another bank account digitally.

Future of India’s DPI involves sector specific DPIs such as account aggregators, Open Network for Digital Commerce, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and Agristack.

What should be done?

Placing users at the forefront-

User-centric design is needed to reduce the risks related to use of technology and reduce the inequalities amongst rural and urban populations, genders or economic groups.

For DPI usage, compatible protocols for feature phones, assisted-tech models and Interactive Voice Response System should be implemented. These should provide support to consumers with limited smartphone access or low digital literacy.

The RBI’s launch of UPI123Pay is an example of inclusivity. It gives feature phone owners an app that enables them with most UPI features.

Inclusion– It should be a key policy objective for DPI participants. It must be embedded within the regulatory framework.

Several countries like Nigeria, the UK and Brazil, have adopted open banking for financial inclusion within the regulatory framework. Estonia’s information policy emphasises avoiding information disparities between regions or communities.

There is a need to identify the underserved target segments and develop use cases that caters to their needs for promoting inclusion.

For instance, MSMEs have limited access to formal sources of credit. The account aggregator ecosystem can ensure access to low-cost, low-ticket-size, collateral-free sources of credit by utilising the digital trail of all consented transactional data.

For the successful implementation of any digital public infrastructure on a large scale, it is essential to establish meaningful engagement with the DPI. Digital connectivity and literacy are big challenges in India, and addressing these issues becomes crucial.

Offline channels should be considered, alongside efforts to enhance institutional capacity for generating trust and awareness. This approach not only ensures access to the last mile for vulnerable consumers.

For example, business correspondents play a crucial role as intermediaries that banks rely on to expand access to and usage of financial products.

GS Paper 4

A crisis of academic ethics in India

Source: The post is baased on the article “A crisis of academic ethics in India” published in “The Hindu” on 31st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS4- Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Work culture

News: In this article author discusses India’s potential in academic and scientific research but highlights prevalent unethical practices like data manipulation and plagiarism. Many Indian institutions lack ethical codes, and unethical behavior often goes unchecked. This harms India’s global academic reputation. Leadership must address and prioritize ethical conduct for India to truly excel in the global research arena.

What are the reasons for the prevalence of unethical practices in academic and scientific research?

Absence of Ethical Code: Many institutions lack guidelines to handle misconduct.

Easy Data Manipulation: Software makes data manipulation and plagiarism simpler.

Authoritarian Behavior: Those in power can misuse authority, discouraging genuine complaints.

Defensive Academics: Instead of investigating, academics often defend accused colleagues.

Cultural Perspective: Some students see cheating as “helping” rather than dishonesty.

Fear of Losing Control: Leaders see roles as power sources, not responsibilities. Leaders fear getting exposed for misconduct.

Mishandling Opinions: Leaders punish faculty for expressing opinions, curbing independent thinking.

What are the implications of the prevalence of unethical practices in academic and scientific research?

Untrustworthy Research: Manipulated data can’t be trusted, risking technologies and medicines.

Global Perception: India’s academic culture is seen as dishonest internationally.

Student Opportunities: Dishonest image affects students’ global competitiveness.

Leadership Quality: Ethical issues might come from top leadership’s approach.

Suppressing Voices: Faculty face consequences for sharing opinions, limiting free thought.

Emigration of Talent: Unethical environment may push researchers to work abroad.

Compromised Future: India’s potential as a global research leader is at risk if ethics aren’t prioritized.

What should be done?

Implement Ethical Code: Institutions should adopt clear ethical guidelines.

Ethical Training: Provide modules for students and faculty on ethics.

Transparent Investigations: Address misconduct allegations impartially.

Encourage Reporting: Ensure students and faculty can report unethical behavior without fear.

Change Leadership Perception: Promote leaders as responsible guides, not power sources.

Prioritize Ethics: Institutions should communicate expected ethical standards clearly.

Protect Expression: Safeguard faculty’s rights to express opinions without retaliation.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Two Indian military aircraft visit Australia’s strategic Cocos Islands

Source: The post is based on the article “Two Indian military aircraft visit Australia’s strategic Cocos Islands”  published in The Hindu on 31st July 2023.

What is the News?

Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 transport aircraft have visited Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) in the Southern Indian Ocean.

What is Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI)?

Cocos Islands also called Keeling Islands is an external territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean.

It comprises a small archipelago approximately midway between Australia and Sri Lanka and relatively close to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. 

The islands were discovered in 1609 by the British sea captain William Keeling, but no settlement occurred until the early 19th century

The island consists of two atolls made up of 27 coral islands, of which only two – West Island and Home Island – are inhabited.

What is the strategic significance of Cocos (Keeling) Islands for India?

Cocos can be an important base for refuelling and operational turnaround for the Indian military, especially once the runway there is expanded to accommodate large aircraft like the P-8 long range maritime patrol aircraft.

Apart from military cooperation, Cocos Islands had been a point of cooperation between the space agencies of the two countries for India’s Gaganyaan human space flight mission. 

Australia is in discussion with India on the establishment of a temporary ground station at Cocos (Keeling) Islands for the Gaganyaan missions.

PM hails fight against drugs, says a record 10 lakh kg destroyed

Source: The post is based on the article “PM hails fight against drugs, says a record 10 lakh kg destroyed”  published in The Hindu on 31st July 2023.

What is the News?

During Man ki Baat, Prime Minister has said that India had created a unique record of destroying 10 lakh kg of drugs worth ₹12,000 crore in the past year.

He also talked about the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which had so far reached more than 11 crore people.

What is Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)?

Launched on: 15th August 2020 

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Aim: To create awareness about ill effects of substance abuse among the youth, women, children with special focus on higher education institutes, university campuses, schools and reaching out into the community and garnering community involvement and ownership of the Abhiyaan.

Implementation: The initiative is implemented in 372 identified vulnerable districts identified based on the findings of the first Comprehensive National Survey and inputs from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Significance: The abhiyaan has targeted and involved stakeholders that might be directly or indirectly affected by substance abuse and those who are vulnerable to it. 

– The major stakeholders and beneficiaries of NMBA are Youth, Women, Children, Educational Institutions, Civil Society and Community at large.

– Hence, there has been a shift from an earlier approach of organizational involvement to community involvement in the issue of substance abuse.

What is the example given by the Prime Minister on the successful fight against substance abuse?

About 25 years ago, Bichharpur village in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh was infamous for illicit liquor. 

Despite limited resources, Raees Ahmed, a former national player and coach, started teaching football to the local youth. Within a few years, football became popular in the village, now known as “Mini Brazil”.

More than 40 national and State-level players have emerged from Bicharpur village.

GOBARdhan Initiative Begins Reaping Good Results & Stimulating Investments In Biogas Sector in India

Source: The post is based on the article “GOBARdhan Initiative Begins Reaping Good Results & Stimulating Investments In Biogas Sector in India”  published in PIB on 29th July 2023.

What is the News?

Union Minister for Jal Shakti has launched the Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan.

What is the GOBARdhan Initiative?

Launched in: 2018

Full Form: Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) 

Aim: To convert waste to wealth with the aim of promoting a circular economy.

Nodal Ministry: Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti

Part of: Gobardhan is an integral part of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II under Solid Waste Management.

Objectives: To support villages safely manage their cattle and agricultural waste, and make the villages clean.

– To support communities in converting cattle and organic waste into wealth using treatment systems.

– To convert organic waste, especially cattle waste, to biogas and organic manure for use in rural areas.

– To promote environmental sanitation and curb vector-borne diseases through effective disposal of waste in rural areas.

– To promote rural employment and income generation opportunities by involving entrepreneurs, SHGs and youth groups in setting up, operating and managing GOBARdhan units.

Financial incentive: For every district, the Government of India provides technical assistance as well as financial support of up to 50 lakhs to achieve the safe disposal of cattle and organic waste.

What has Budget 2023-24 announced for the GOBARdhan scheme?

As per Budget Announcement 2023-24, 500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants under GOBARdhan scheme will be established for promoting the circular economy. 

These will include 200 compressed biogas (CBG) plants, including 75 plants in urban areas, and 300 community or cluster-based plants.These plants will be established primarily by the private sector with support from stakeholder Ministries/Departments.

What are the benefits of the GOBARdhan scheme?

Room-temperature superconductor: Is the Holy Grail within grasp?

Source: The post is based on the article “Room-temperature superconductor: Is the Holy Grail within grasp?”  published in Livemint on 31st July 2023.

What is the News?

Korean researchers have claimed to have developed a superconductor that can operate at room temperature and ambient pressure.

What is a Superconductor?

A superconductor is a material that achieves superconductivity, which is a state of matter that has no electrical resistance and does not allow magnetic fields to penetrate. An electric current in a superconductor can persist indefinitely.

Superconductors have important applicability in our daily lives, too. In 1933, Walther Meissner and Robert Ochsenfeld discovered that superconductors are also perfect diamagnets (they repel magnetic fields, known as the Meissner effect), making them ideal for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

However, superconductivity can only typically be achieved at very cold temperatures.

Researchers are now trying to find and develop superconductors that could operate at room temperature.

How will the room temperature superconductors help?

The temperature of a superconductor known as the critical temperature, is typically below 10 Kelvin (-263 degrees Celsius). Room temperature is 20-22°C.

Hence, superconductors at room temperature can cut the cost of electricity grids, computer chips, magnets for maglev trains, energy-storage devices and fusion reactors by saving electricity and money on coolants.

What have the researchers developed?

Researchers have claimed to have developed a superconductor called LK-99, that works at room temperature and ambient pressure.

LK-99 is a mix of powdered compounds of lead, oxygen, sulphur and phosphorus. When heated at very high temperatures, it forms a dark grey solid. 

If these results can be replicated in other labs, it could be a monumental discovery.

However, other researchers are skeptical as this research is not peer-reviewed and the results need to be replicated by others.

How can computing get benefitted from this research?

Computers process information with bits—ones and zeroes. But two bits can only represent one of four possible states at one time.

Superconductors are the building blocks of quantum computers that use quantum bits, or qubits, to process ones and zeroes at the same time — it’s like running four computers in one. The physical qubits are typically super-cooled to avoid errors.

This research could get them to work at room temperature and ambient pressure without the need for elaborate cooling systems.

What is Sam Altman’s biometric project?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is Sam Altman’s biometric project?”  published in The Hindu on 31st July 2023.

What is the News?

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has formally re-introduced the Worldcoin Project. 

What is the Worldcoin Project?

Worldcoin is an iris biometric cryptocurrency project developed by Tools for Humanity. This organization was founded in 2019 by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, Max Novendstern, and Alex Blania.

Purpose: It is an initiative to create a digital network in which everyone can claim some kind of stake, and join the digital economy.

Working of the project: The Worldcoin project uses a straightforward model: Worldcoin volunteers known as “Orb operators” scan a person’s iris pattern with a device called “Orb” to collect their biometric data and issue them with a World ID through the World app.

– With the World app, the members can claim the World Coin(WLD) crypto, which they may use for transactions or hold on to the asset in the hope that its price might rise.

– In return for signing up more people to the Worldcoin network, Orb operators get WLD, which is a token based on the Ethereum blockchain.

Has Worldcoin come to India?

Worldcoin has deployed Orb operators in various locations, particularly in Delhi, Noida, and Bangalore, where people’s irises are scanned to join the network.

Why does Worldcoin scan irises?

Worldcoin explained that it wanted to include everyone in its network and that using biometric information to avoid duplication was a valid method for this.

The company claimed that it ensures privacy of users through zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and claims full compliance with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Why is the Worldcoin Project facing criticism?

Experts have questioned the necessity of using the iris as a digital identifier, as it is a sensitive and unalterable biometric data that could be used for malicious or discriminatory purposes.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about Worldcoin storing user data on a centralized server, which could potentially facilitate unauthorized access or data leaks.

Bill to amend Forest (Conservation) Act clears Lok Sabha: objections, concerns around it

Source: The post is based on the article “Bill to amend Forest (Conservation) Act clears Lok Sabha: objections, concerns around it”  published in Livemint on 31st July 2023.

What is the News?

 Lok Sabha has passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023.

What is the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023?

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What are the objections raised against the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023?

States objections: The Bill aims to expedite projects of strategic importance, national security, and public utility within 100 km of international borders and in Left Wing Extremism affected areas.

– Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh sought clarity on defining ‘National importance and National Security’ and specifying security-related infrastructure and user agencies.

– Mizoram expressed concerns that any linear project could be labeled as of national importance or security, potentially impacting activities in states with international borders. 

– Sikkim objected to the 100 km exemption range, fearing it would affect the entire state and pristine forest areas suggesting a reduction to 2 km.

– The BRO and Arunachal Pradesh wanted the exemption range extended to 150 km to reduce infrastructure differences with China.

Restricting applicability: The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 provides for the conservation of forests by putting certain restrictions on the use of forest land.  

– The Bill amends the Act to cover specific forest lands, and exclude certain forest lands. Land that will be covered under the Act is: (i) land declared/notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law; (ii) land recorded as a forest in a government record on or after October 25, 1980.  

– This implies that any land that was recorded as a forest before this date, but not notified as one by the state government, will be excluded from the purview of the Act.  

– The Bill also exempts from its purview forest land that was changed to non-forest purpose on or before December 12, 1996 by any state/UT authority.  

– These exclusions may be going against a Supreme Court judgment in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India and others, 1996, on the prevention of deforestation.

Focus on Plantations: The Government had earlier agreed that natural forests, lost from the diversion, cannot be replaced with the plantation. But the proposed Bill encourages plantations in private lands to enhance the carbon sink.

Education Minister launches the mobile application of ULLAS

Source: The post is based on the article “Education Minister launches the mobile application of ULLAS”  published in PIB on 30th July 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Education has launched the mobile application of ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram on the occasion of three years of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

What is the ULLAS Initiative?

ULLAS stands for Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society.

Aim: To revolutionize education and literacy across India by fostering a learning ecosystem that reaches every individual, bridging the gaps in basic literacy and critical life skills.

– To impart basic education, digital and financial literacy and critical life skills to citizens aged 15 and above who lost the opportunity to go to school.

Focus areas: It will focus on promoting functional literacy, vocational skills, and many important life skills like financial literacy, legal literacy, digital literacy, and empowerment of citizens to involve in nation-building of the country. 

Implementation: The initiative operates through volunteerism. It encourages volunteers to participate as DUTY or Kartavya Bodh towards nation-building.

– Student volunteers will be incentivised with credits in school/university and appreciation through certificates, letters of appreciation, felicitation, among other means.

Significance: According to government data, as many as 12.5 lakh students are out of school in the year 2022-23 with the number of boys greater than girls. 

– The ULLAS initiative has the potential to bring these students back to learning by providing them with an open source learning platform.

BSIP scientists discover new species of flower from Sikkim

Source: The post is based on the article “BSIP scientists discover new species of flower from Sikkim”  published in The Times of India on 28th July 2023.

What is the News?

Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Prayagraj Centre have discovered a new plant species in the state of Sikkim named Pedicularis Revealiana.

Note: Sikkim is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. This state alone accounts for 45 percent of the total plant diversity in the Indian Himalayan region.

What is Pedicularis Revealiana?

Pedicularis Revealiana is a plant belonging to the Pedicularis species group. It is commonly known as a perennial herb.

This plant thrives in remote forests, which remain snow-covered for most of the year.

It is a hemi-parasitic species meaning it is partially parasitic, setting it apart from all other known Pedicularis species.

This plant not only produces its own food but also demonstrates the remarkable ability to draw nutrients from the roots of neighboring trees and plants.

What is a stapled visa, and why does China issue these to Indians from Arunachal and J and K?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is a stapled visa, and why does China issue these to Indians from Arunachal and J&K?”  published in Indian Express on 28th July 2023.

What is the News?

India has withdrawn its eight-athlete wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games beginning in China after China issued stapled visas to three athletes from the team who belong to Arunachal Pradesh.

What are Stapled Visas?

A stapled visa is simply an unstamped piece of paper that is attached by a pin or staples to a page of the passport and can be torn off or detached at will. 

This is different from a regular visa that is affixed to the passport by the issuing authority and stamped.

The Chinese government began issuing ‘stapled visas’ to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh in 2009.It says the visas are valid documents but the Government of India has consistently refused to accept this position.

Why does China issue Stapled Visa?

Passports and visas reinforce the concept of a nation-state’s sovereignty. It ensures that its citizens can travel with legal protection across borders.

China disputes India’s unequivocal and internationally accepted sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. It challenges the legal status of the McMahon Line, the boundary between Tibet and British India that was agreed at the Convention Between Great Britain, China, and Tibet at the Simla Convention of 1914. 

Hence, in this context, China makes periodic efforts to assert its unilateral claim over Indian territory and undermine the sovereignty of India over its territory by taking steps such as issuing stapled visas,

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

7 PM Editorial of the day: Tiger conservation in India: Explained, pointwise