9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 1st, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

On groundwater extraction – UN report on groundwater extraction: Every drop counts

Source: The post on groundwater extraction is based on the article “UN report on groundwater extraction: Every drop counts” published in “Indian express” on 1st November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Geography – Distribution of key natural resources across the Indian sub-continent

News: The article discusses India’s severe groundwater crisis. Many of the country’s aquifers are depleting fast. Reports have warned about this for years. A program called Atal Bhujal Yojana was started to address the issue.

What is India’s groundwater status?

Depletion Rate: As per United Nations University, 27 out of 31 aquifers are depleting faster than they can be replenished.

Global Comparison: India extracts more groundwater than China and the US combined.

Primary Source: About 70% of India’s water usage comes from groundwater.

Regional Impact: In Punjab, 78% of wells are overexploited.

Climate Concerns: In southwest India, increasing temperatures might hinder groundwater replenishment.

What are the existing legal and regulatory frameworks for groundwater?

Indian Easement Act, 1882:

Historically determined groundwater rights.

Linked rights to land ownership.

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): It was established in 1970. It develops groundwater policies and programs.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: It empowers the CGWA. It recognized groundwater as a public resource.

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA): It was formed under the Environment Act. It Can declare ‘notified areas’ with strict regulations.

Model Groundwater Bills: It was first introduced in 1970. Then revised in 2011, 2016, 2017. It empowers state boards to create laws and manage water.

National Green Tribunal (NGT): It directs CGWA to regulate extraction. It mandates permission for extraction.

Public Trust Doctrine:

Establish by 2004 Supreme Court judgement. Doctrine emphasizes public access to groundwater.

Polluter Pays Principle:

Groundwater contamination addressed case-by-case. According to this principle, Poluters bear remediation costs.

What is Atal Bhujal Yojana?

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL): A scheme launched by PM Narendra Modi on December 25, 2019, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to address groundwater management and conservation.

Objective: To ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources in the country by combining both top-down (government-driven) and bottom-up (community-driven) approaches.

Budget & Funding:

It’s an Rs. 6000 crore initiative with funding being equally split between the Government of India and the World Bank.

Key Features:

1. Encourage community participation, such as through the formation of Water User Associations.
2. Emphasize monitoring and data dissemination.
3. Focus on water budgeting and panchayat-level plans.
4. Engage in Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities.

Main Components:

Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building: This involves fortifying institutional arrangements for sustainable groundwater management in states. This includes enhancing monitoring networks, capacity building, and the strengthening of Water User Associations.

Incentive Component: This aims to reward states for achievements in better groundwater management practices, like data dissemination, preparing water security plans, integrating management interventions with existing schemes, and implementing demand side management practices.

Achievements of Atal Bhujal Yojana: Groundwater extraction decreased by 6 billion cubic metres from 2020 to 2022.

What are the possible solutions?

Water-Efficient Crops: The government is promoting the growth of less thirsty crops, especially millets, to reduce water consumption in agriculture.

Efficient Watering: Emphasis is being placed on using water-saving irrigation techniques to minimize wastage and over-extraction.

Technology Adoption: Introducing technologies that allow individuals to monitor the water levels in their borewells can help raise awareness and promote responsible usage.

Awareness and Education: Since borewells and tubewells are covered structures, people often don’t perceive the crisis. Educating them on the real-time status can help in water conservation.

Institutional Innovations: As pointed out by the Shah Committee, there’s a need to innovate institutionally in the water sector to ensure sustainable water management.

Demand-Side Management: Addressing the connection between power subsidies and excessive groundwater extraction, especially in states like Punjab, can help in resource conservation.

For more details on groundwater use and governance in India read here

Question for practice:

How can the Atal Bhujal Yojana positively impact the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources in India?

GS PAPER - 2

On the challenges faced by the Infromation Commission – Rescue RTI

Source: The post on the challenges faced by the Infromation Commission is based on the article “Rescue RTI- Long-unfilled vacancies in information commissions are a sureshot way to kill a good law” published in “The Times of India” on 1st November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

News: The Supreme Court criticized governments for not filling vacancies in information commissions. This makes the Right to Information Act ineffective. Despite past instructions, many commissions remain understaffed. This threatens the Act’s role in promoting transparency and exposing scams.

What directives did the Supreme Court provide in its 2019 judgment to the Centre regarding the appointment of Information Commissioners?

SC has directed the Centre on Appointments of Information Commissioners:

Start Early: Begin the appointment process 1-2 months before a vacancy arises.

Comparable Terms: Appoint CIC and Information Commissioners on terms similar to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

Transparency Measures: Clearly state appointment criteria in advertisements and on websites.

Advance Advertisement: Promote vacancies well before the incumbent’s retirement.

Selection Criteria: Make the selection criteria and the search committee’s decisions public on the website.

Diverse Qualifications: Appointees should be eminent individuals from varied fields like law, journalism, public service, etc.

Bias Observation: The court noted a trend of appointing only government employees and stressed broader representation.

What are the changes to Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commission (SIC) under the RTI Amendments Act 2019?

Term Changes:

Central Government will decide the term for Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner.

The term for State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioner will also be set by the Central Government.

Salary and Conditions:

Central Government will now determine the salary, allowances, and service conditions for the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner.

Similarly, the pay and conditions for State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioner will be set by the Central Government.

Why did the Supreme Court say that the RTI Act has become a dead letter law?

The Supreme Court said the Right to Information Act has become a “dead letter law” because:

1) Governments haven’t filled vacancies in information commissions.

2) 7 out of 11 commissioner posts in CIC are vacant.

3) Commissions in Telangana, Tripura, and Jharkhand are defunct.

4) Despite a 2019 judgment ordering timely filling of vacancies, governments haven’t complied.

5) The RTI Act’s role in promoting transparency and exposing scams might be undermined.

6) The RTI, born from a grassroots movement, risks subversion by the government’s inaction.

What is the government’s view on the Supreme Court remark?

Official Stance: Despite the vacancies, the government continues to highlight the importance of the RTI Act to democracy.

MoS Statement: Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel and Public Grievances, spoke favorably about the RTI Act.

He described the law as crucial for ensuring transparency in governance.

He emphasized the RTI Act’s role in nurturing trust between citizens and the state.

Question for practice:

The Right to Information Act has been described as the ‘Master Key to Good Governance.’ However, it has not been able to achieve its full potential. Analyse.

On the working of the IMF – Act with urgency to reform the international monetary system

Source: The post on the working of the IMF is based on the article “Act with urgency to reform the international monetary system” published in Live mint on 1st November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

News: The global economy faces challenges like climate change, pandemics, and debt. To address this, the article suggests reforming the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposed changes focus on making the IMF fairer, updating its responsibilities, and improving its decision-making process. This will help stabilize the global financial system.

Why is there a need to reform the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?

Limited Resources: The global economy’s challenges, from climate change to debt burdens, require more resources than are currently available.

Addressing Inequalities: Current IMF practices risk increasing global inequalities and shortages, necessitating reforms for a fairer system.

Quota Discrepancies: Quotas in the IMF don’t reflect the current economic significance of member countries. For example, China’s quota (6.40 % of total) is disproportionately small compared to its economic stature, while the U.S. (17.43 % of total) enjoys outsized influence. Whereas India’s quota is (2.75 % of total).

Decision-making Power: An 85% majority is needed for crucial IMF decisions, effectively giving the U.S. a veto. This was highlighted as an issue by the Palais Royal Initiative.

Special Drawing Rights (SDR) Allocation: The $650 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation in 2021 was distributed based on quotas, benefiting richer countries more than those in need.

Uneven Surveillance: Currently, the IMF’s scrutiny is primarily on countries seeking its funds, leaving influential nations unchecked.

What are the reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?

1) Fairness:

Quotas: Adjust to reflect true economic importance. Example: Increase China’s quota for accurate representation.

Composition of Board of Directors: Modify for a balanced representation. Propose reducing the 85% majority, currently granting the U.S. a de facto veto power.

Distribution of Special Drawing Rights (SDR): Change the system for fairness. For instance, earmark 20% of future SDR allocations for the poorest countries, contrasting the 2021 $650 billion distribution based on quotas.

In IMF Surveillance: Focus on countries with significant external reserves or systemic influence, ensuring an even-handed approach.

2) Mandate:

Surveillance of Capital Flows: Monitor capital movements closely to manage economic stability.

Role of a Global Central Bank: Use SDRs to manage global liquidity, effectively functioning as a global central bank.

Role of Lender-of-Last-Resort: Explicitly recognize this role, providing security against capital-flow fluctuations.

3) Governance:

Strengthen the Decision-Making Role: Empower the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) for enhanced decision-making.

Review the G20’s Composition: Ensure universal and equitable representation. Example: Steps taken under India’s G20 presidency for broader representation.

Terminology used:

Special Drawing Rights (SDR):

The SDR is an international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement the official reserves of its member countries.

The SDR is not a currency. It is a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members. As such, SDRs can provide a country with liquidity.

A basket of currencies defines the SDR: the US dollar, Euro, Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, and the British Pound.

Palais Royal Initiative:

The Palais-Royal Initiative is a response to the global financial crisis.

A group of 18 experts wanted to understand if the international monetary system caused the crisis. They met at the Palais Royal in Paris. They wrote papers and sought advice from institutions like the IMF. They made proposals to improve the global finance system.

These were given to the G-20 president in 2011.

The initiative is private and aims to promote international cooperation.

Question for practice:

Critically analyse the role, potential and performance of the International Monetary Fund in tackling the challenges in the global economy.

On cash for query case – Ethics, parliamentary conduct and the Indian MP

Source: This post on cash for query case has been created based on the article “Ethics, parliamentary conduct and the Indian MP” published in The Hindu on 1^st November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Parliament—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

News: This article discusses the recent allegation of taking money for putting up questions in Parliament by a Lok Sabha MP. It also highlights the issues with the procedure followed in this case.

Recently, a complaint was lodged with the Lok Sabha Speaker alleging that an MP had received money from a businessman for putting questions up in Parliament with a view to promoting the person’s business interests.

The Speaker in turn referred the complaint to the Ethics Committee for examination. The committee’s proceedings have resulted in much public debate.

A detailed article on Questions in Parliament can be read here.

What is the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee?

Read in detail about the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee here

What is the procedure followed in the case of an MP taking money for putting up questions in Parliament?

If an MP takes money for putting questions up in Parliament, they will be guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the House.

Such complaints are usually referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigation. The committee submits its findings in a report along with the recommendation for action against the MP.

If a case involving illegal gratification for conducting parliamentary work is proven, the MP may even be expelled from the House.

What are the various issues in this case?

1) Referring to the Ethics Committee instead of the Privileges Committee: Complaints of MPs accepting money for parliamentary work are usually referred to the privileges committee or special committees appointed by the House for that purpose.

2) Lack of rules and regulations regarding submission of questions: The Lok Sabha has not framed any rules to regulate the online submission of questions.

3) Freedom of speech under Parliamentary Privileges: Article 105 of the Constitution gives the freedom to say “anything” in the House. This right can be extended to using any source for information for putting questions up. Therefore, an investigation into the sources of information of an MP may not have legal sanction.

4) Issues with the Ethics Committee’s functioning: The term ‘unethical conduct’ has not been defined anywhere. It is left entirely to the committee to examine a particular act of conduct and decide whether it is unethical or not.

How does a parliamentary probe differ from a judicial probe?

The differences between the two include:

Judicial probe	Parliamentary probe
1) A judicial probe is conducted by judicially trained persons. 2) A judicial body probes a matter as in the statutes. 3) The rules of evidence under the Indian Evidence Act are applicable to a judicial probe.	1) Parliamentary committees consist of Members of Parliament who are not experts. 2) Parliament does the investigative work through its committees which function under the Rules of the House. 3) The Indian Evidence Act is not applicable to a probe by a parliamentary committee. The question of the relevance of the evidence is finally decided by the Speaker.

Question for practice:

What is the parliamentary procedure followed in case of a breach of privilege? How is it different from a judicial probe?

On issues faced by urban local bodies – Staff shortage, financial dependency plague local governance

Source: This post on issues faced by urban local bodies has been created based on the article “Staff shortage, financial dependency plague local governance” published in The Hindu on 1^st November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Evolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

News: This article discusses the various issues plaguing the efficient working of urban local self-government bodies.

A detailed article on Local Governments in India can be read here.

What is the constitutional basis of urban local bodies?

The Indian Constitution provides a clear mandate for Democratic Decentralisation through the 73rd and 74th Amendments which seek to create an institutional framework for grassroot democracy through self-governing local bodies in both urban and rural areas of the country.

The 74th Amendment Act pertaining to urban local government was passed in 1992. It came into force on 1st June, 1993.

This added Part IX -A and consists of provisions from Articles 243-P to 243-ZG.

It also added 12th Schedule to the Constitution. It contains 18 functional items of Municipalities and deals with Article 243 W.

What are the various issues with local governments?

1) Issues regarding Funds:
i. A majority of local governments are financially dependent on their State governments.
ii. Except 5 States, all others have to get approval from the State before borrowing money.

2) Issues regarding Functionaries:
i. They also have limited control over who to hire and how to distribute work. Due to this, they are not able to build a strong organisation and ensure accountability from the workers.
ii. Mayors and councils have limited power over staff appointments and promotions. No city has complete power over its staff.

3) Lack of transparency:
i. There is a lack of transparency in publishing cities’ civic information which citizens can access easily.
ii. Only 11 of the 35 States/Union Territories have enacted the Public Disclosure Law that mandates publishing of key civic data.

4) Lack of financial transparency:
i. Data shows that no city publishes a quarterly financial audited statement.
ii. Only 28% of the capital cities disseminate their annual audited financial statements.
iii. None of the major capital cities publish their internal audit information.

5) Vacancies:
i. Due to poor control over the appointment of staff, there is a high level of unfilled posts.
ii. Data shows that 35% of posts in India’s municipal corporations are vacant.

6) Irregular Elections:
i. Elections to the local bodies are often delayed. For a long period of time, there have been no functional local governments in various states.

7) State Finance Commissions not established:
i. SFCs are not established every 5 years as per Constitutional requirements.
ii. Not all recommendations are accepted by State governments.

8) Excessive State Control:
i. There is also strict control exercised by the state government over urban bodies.
ii. Instead of providing guidance and support through the control mechanism, the control turns out to be negative, restricting the functioning of these bodies.

9) Corruption:
i. Corruption, favouritism and nepotism are rampant.

10) Lack of coordination:
i. Poor coordination among centre, state, and various departments at local level leads to poor implementation of urban policies.
ii. Inability to coordinate leads to administrative inefficiency and thus poor urban governance.

Question for practice:

According to various estimates, India’s urban population is expected to grow to upto 60% in the coming decades. However, issues in urban governance are a major roadblock in achieving the desired outcomes. Highlight these issues and suggest ways to tackle them.

GS PAPER - 3

On the challenges of mobilising Climate Finance – On Stocktaking climate finance

Source: This post on the challenges of mobilising climate finance has been created based on the article “Stocktaking climate finance — a case of circles in red ink” published in The Hindu on 1^st November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.

News: This article discusses the challenges associated with mobilising climate finance. It also highlights in brief the purpose and amount of climate finance required.

A detailed article on Climate Finance can be read here.

What is Clie finance?

According to the UNFCCC, Climate finance refers to “local, national or transnational financing, drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing, that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change“.

In simpler words, climate finance relates to the money which needs to be spent on the activities (like renewable energy generation) which will contribute to slowing down climate change and help the world to reach the target of limiting global warming to an increase of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Under the Paris Agreement, developed countries have to meet the goal of a mobilisation of $100 billion climate finance per year to fund the climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts of the developing world.

However, at the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference in 2021, the developed countries could mobilise only a total of ~$80 billion.

What are the issues related to mobilising climate finance?

1) Inadequate amount: The sum of $100bn per year is inadequate in terms of switching over to a low carbon development path and climate resilient development.

2) Lack of strong political will and sense of urgency in the Global North.

3) Lack of a clear criteria: Without any mandatory formula for collecting money, it is difficult to predict how climate finance will be mobilised. Neither the UNFCCC nor the Paris Agreement mention the criterion for mobilisation.

4) Lack of agreement on division of financial burden: There is no agreed approach among developed countries to share the burden of this goal.

What is the legal backing of climate finance?

Providing finance to developing countries is the operationalisation of the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.

The developed countries are required, in accordance with the decision accompanying the Paris Agreement, to collectively mobilise $100 billion through 2025.

After this, a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is to be set at the end of 2024. Read more about NCQG here.

What are the institutional mechanisms for climate financing?

1) Global Environment Facility (GEF): UNFCCC-designated funding agency providing grant and concessional loan to developing countries.

2) Green Climate Fund (GCF): It is also within the ambit of UNFCCC. It administers a portion of the $100 billion for developing country parties to switch over to low-emissions and climate resilient development path.

What is the quantum of climate finance needed?

1) Global South: Going by the needs of countries in the Global South expressed in their NDCs, the amount required touches close to $6 trillion until 2030.

2) India: Its financial needs derived from its NDCs for adaptation and mitigation purposes for 2015-30 are $206 billion and $834 billion, respectively.

Why is climate financing required?

1) Most of the financial needs are required in transitioning towards low-carbon, cleaner energy systems from traditional systems.

2) Alternate livelihood for people involved in the fossil fuel economy through direct or indirect jobs related to the coal mining and power sector.

Question for practice:

“Climate finance can be a potent tool to mitigate and adapt to effects of climate change and ensure climate justice”. Discuss. Also highlight the challenges associated with mobilising climate finance.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Akhaura-Agartala rail link to be inaugurated virtually by PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina

Source: The post is based on the article “Akhaura-Agartala rail link to be inaugurated virtually by PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina” published in “The Hindu” on 1st November 2023

Why in the News?

The Indian and Bangladesh Prime Minister will jointly inaugurate the Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project.

What is Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project?

Aspect	Details
Countries Involved	It is a railway line between India and Bangladesh
Connects	Agartala in Tripura and Akhaura in Bangladesh
Distance	12.24-kms rail link (5.46 km in India and 6.78 km in Bangladesh)
Historical Connection	Akhaura used to be the railway link for Agartala during the colonial era

Who’s funding the project?

The final project cost is estimated at Rs 1255.10 crore, with Rs 862.58 crore allocated for works on the Indian side alone.The entire project cost is being funded by India.

What is the significance of Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project?

1.Shortened Routes: The rail link will significantly reduce the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka. 

– At present, the rail route from Agartala to Kolkata is around 1600 kilometers and takes 38 hours.Once the rail link opens, the travel time will be reduced to roughly 10 hours. 

2.Trade Boost: Expected to boost India-Bangladesh trade in various goods such as agriculture products, tea, sugar, construction items, iron and steel, and consumer goods.

3.People-to-People Connections: Will help foster closer relationships between people from India and Bangladesh.

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

Reliance Jio demonstrates its satellite-based gigabit internet in India

Source: The post is based on the article “Reliance Jio demonstrates its satellite-based gigabit internet in India” published in “Indian Express” on 1st November 2023

Why in the News?

Reliance Jio has successfully demonstrated JioSpaceFiber at the India Mobile Congress.

What is JioSpaceFiber?

JioSpaceFiber is India’s first satellite-based gigabit internet service.

It uses medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite technology to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas. 

Partnered with: Jio has partnered with SES to access the world’s latest medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite technology. 

How is JioSpaceFiber different from Starlink?

Orbit: JioSpace Fiber uses medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites while Starlink uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

– MEO satellites orbiting at a greater distance from the planet will have higher latency (latency is the time that data takes to transfer across the network) than LEO satellites.However, MEO satellites can cover larger areas with fewer satellites.

Availability: JioSpaceFiber is currently only available in India while Starlink is available in over 30 countries.

What is Satellite Internet?

Aspect	Description
Technology	Utilizes communication satellites in orbit around the Earth to provide internet connectivity to users
Working	(1) Internet service providers send an internet signal to a satellite in space which then comes back to the users and is captured by their satellite dish. (2) The dish is connected to the user’s modem, which finally connects their computer to the internet signal.This process then reverses back to the internet service provider and is repeated every time.
Advantages	Accessibility of internet in remote regions, quick deployment, potential alternative when other internet options are limited
Disadvantages	Higher latency, potential for service interruptions due to weather and usually higher costs

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

India’s 800-year-old connection with Jerusalem: Baba Farid’s lodge, now a rest stop for Indian travellers

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s 800-year-old connection with Jerusalem: Baba Farid’s lodge, now a rest stop for Indian travellers” published in “Indian Express” on 1st November 2023

Why in the News?

India’s connection with Jerusalem dates back to 800 years to the establishment of Baba Farid’s lodge.

Who was Baba Farid?

Aspect	Details
Birth	1173 (Talwandi, Punjab, present-day Pakistan)
Occupation	Sufi Saint
Belongs to	Chishti Sufi Order
Contribution	Prominent Punjabi Sufi poet; His works are part of the Sikh scripture Granth Sahib
Philosophy	Emphasized love, devotion, and unity with God; Simplicity in life
Famous Disciple	Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325). He was responsible for making Delhi an important centre of the Chishti silsilah.

What was Baba Farid’s connection with Jerusalem?

Shrine: Baba Farid is said to have meditated at a place in Jerusalem for 40 days. 

– Indian Muslims on their way to Mecca started coming to the walled city of Jerusalem to pray at this location. 

– Over time, this spot transformed into a shrine and a significant historical and religious site for Indian travelers.

Lodge: Baba Farid during his travels to Jerusalem prayed at the Al-Aqsa mosque and stayed at a lodge.

– This lodge later came to be known as Zawiya Al-Hindiya, meaning “the Lodge of Hind.” After Baba Farid’s departure, the lodge maintained its association with India.

– The medieval traveller Evliya Chelebi described Zawiya Al-Hindiya as one of the largest Zawiyas in the city in 1671. 

– This lodge is currently under the ownership of the Waqf Board of India and is accessible only to individuals of Indian citizenship or heritage.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and Culture

What has caused the recent thaw in U.S.-Venezuela ties? | Explained

Source: The post is based on the article “What has caused the recent thaw in U.S.-Venezuela ties? | Explained” published in “The Hindu” on 1st November 2023

Why in the News?

The U.S government has agreed to relax the sanctions imposed on Venezuela’s oil, gas and mining industries on the condition that the Venezuelan President will hold free and fair elections in 2024.

Where is Venezuela?

Aspect	Details
Located in	South America.
Bordered by	Colombia, Brazil, Guyana and the Caribbean Sea
Capital	Caracas
Economy	Relies heavily on oil exports.Faced economic challenges due to sanctions
Significance	It has the world’s largest oil reserves

What are the reasons for the present thaw in relations between the US and Venezuela?

1.Oil and Ukraine Crisis: The U.S. wants better ties with Venezuela after Russia’s Ukraine invasion. This is because the ban on Russian oil has created an energy crisis. Venezuela’s large oil reserves could help in mitigating this crisis.

2.Geopolitical Concerns: US has concerns about Russia aiding Latin American allies, impacting regional safety.

3.Venezuela’s Strategic Role: Venezuela can give Russia a spot in the Western Hemisphere, challenging the U.S.-dominated world and its power.Hence, making friends with Venezuela helps isolate Russia from its Latin American allies, aligning with U.S. interests.

4.Ending Isolation and Help for Economy: Improving relations aims to end Venezuela’s isolation caused by past U.S. sanctions.

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations

PM participates in program marking culmination of Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign’s Amrit Kalash Yatra

Source: The post is based on the article “PM participates in program marking culmination of Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign’s Amrit Kalash Yatra” published in “PIB” on 1st November 2023

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister has participated in the programme marking the culmination of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign.

What is the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign?

Aspect	Details
Nodal Ministry	Ministry of Culture
Aim	To honour the brave freedom fighters and bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Activities under the campaign	Shilaphalakams (memorial plaques): It will be built in every village or panchayat to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives during the freedom struggle or defence personnel who lost their lives.
	Veeron Ka Vandan: It will felicitate freedom fighters and the families of deceased freedom fighters.
	Vasudha Vandhan: Under this, every gram panchayat is encouraged to plant 75 saplings of indigenous species.
	Amrit Vatika: Volunteers have been tasked with collecting “mitti” from each of the panchayats or villages and bring them to the block level.From each block, a “mitti kalash”, will be carried to Delhi. – The soil will be utilized to develop a unique garden, called Amrit Vatika.
	Taking the Panch Pran Pledge with focus to make India a developed country, eliminate the mentality of slavery, be proud of our rich heritage, uphold unity and solidarity, fulfill duties as citizens, and respect those who protect the nation.
Significance	The campaign will inspire the nation, foster unity and gratitude for the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and security forces.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes/Programmes

WHO post: India to choose Bangladesh or Nepal nominee

Source: The post is based on the article “WHO post: India to choose Bangladesh or Nepal nominee” published in “The Hindu” on 1st November 2023

Why in the News?

India has to decide between the candidates of Bangladesh or Nepal for the post of Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO).

What is the World Health Organization (WHO)?

Aspect	Details
Established in	1948
Type	United Nations’ specialized agency
Aim	To promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable
Membership	194 member states
World Health Assembly (WHA)	Highest decision-making body of WHO and comprises representatives from all member States. They meet yearly.
Regional Offices	WHO also has six regional offices: Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific.
Funding: Two sources	(1) Assessed contributions (AC): These are a percentage of a country’s gross domestic product (the percentage is agreed by the United Nations General Assembly). (2) Member States approve them every two years at the World Health Assembly.They cover less than 20% of the total budget.
	Voluntary contributions (VC): They are largely from Member States as well as from other United Nations organizations, intergovernmental organizations, philanthropic foundations, the private sector, and other sources.
Secretariat	Geneva, Switzerland.

UPSC Syllabus: International Organisations

What is Lockdown Mode and why does Apple recommend it after “state-sponsored attackers” alert?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is Lockdown Mode and why does Apple recommend it after “state-sponsored attackers” alert?” published in “Indian Express” on 1st November 2023

Why in the News?

Multiple opposition leaders and a few journalists have reported receiving a notification from Apple about “state-sponsored attackers” remotely trying to compromise their iPhones.

Apple has advised them on adopting protective measures such as activating the ‘Lockdown Mode’ feature on their iPhones for added security.

What is Lockdown Mode?

Lockdown Mode is a special feature that Apple introduced in its latest software updates.

Purpose: It protects users from sophisticated spyware attacks that could compromise their devices and data.

Security Functions: When you activate Lockdown Mode, your device will enter a state of high security, where many of the usual functions will be restricted or disabled. 

– For example, you won’t be able to send or receive attachments, links, or link previews in messages, to prevent attackers from accessing your personal information.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

Only the Gir indigenous cow breed is being promoted under Rashtriya Gokul Mission; here is why

Source: The post is based on the article “Only the Gir indigenous cow breed is being promoted under Rashtriya Gokul Mission; here is why” published in “Down To Earth” on 1st November 2023

Why in the News?

Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been promoting only one indigenous variety, the Gir cow breed across the country.

What is Gir cow breed?

Gir is an Indigenous cow breed originating in the state of Gujarat.

Other names of Gir include Bhodah, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi and Surti.

Why is Rashtriya Gokul Mission focusing more on Gir cow breed?

Rashtriya Gokul Mission primarily promotes the Gir cow breed due to its high milk yield and adaptability to various environments.

Due to this, the population of Gir cows increased to 2.3 million in 2019, marking a substantial 70% growth from the 2013 estimate.

What are the issues with the Rashtriya Gokul Mission focusing more on Gir cow breed?

Rashtriya Gokul Mission’s focus solely on Gir breed risks threatening the purity of other indigenous breeds.

Hence, suggestions have been made for the identification and breeding of genetically superior cows from various indigenous breeds to uphold regional traits and maintain diversity.

India boasts several indigenous cattle breeds apart from the Gir such as Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Hallikar and more.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Prime Minister launches ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ platform on the National Unity Day

Source: The post is based on the article “Prime Minister launches ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ platform on the National Unity Day” published in “PIB” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister has launched ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ platform for youth of the country.

What is Mera Yuva Bharat?

Aspect	Details
Initiative of	Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Type	Autonomous Body
Purpose	It is a mechanism powered by technology for youth development and youth-led development.
Objectives	1.Leadership Development in the Youth 2.Better alignment between the aspirations of the youth and the community needs 3.Enhanced efficiency through Convergence of existing programmes 4.Act as a one-stop shop for young people and Ministries 5.Create a centralized youth database 6.Improved two-way communication to connect youth government initiatives and activities of other stakeholder that engage with youth 7.Ensuring accessibility by creating a Phygital Ecosystem – a blend of physical and digital experiences.
Target Group	(1) It will benefit the youth in the age group of 15-29 years.This is in line with the definition of ‘Youth’ in the National Youth Policy. (2) However, the beneficiaries of programme components aimed specifically at youths between the age group of 10 and 19.
Significance	The program will empower and engage young people, encouraging them to become leaders and active citizens within their communities. It also offers various tools, resources and opportunities for youth to upgrade their skills and participate in social impact projects.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programs