9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 25th, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
On politicization of bureaucracy – Crossing a line
Contents
Source: This post on politicization of bureaucracy has been created based on the article “Crossing a line” published in The Hindu on 25th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance — Role of civil services in a democracy.
News: This article discusses the recent government decision to showcase its achievements across the country by deploying government officials, which has raised concerns around it
What is politicization of bureaucracy?
It refers to the dilution of the principle of non-partisanship and implies a politically committed bureaucracy.
The bureaucracy loses its public-orientation and becomes subservient to one political party/ideology.
What is the recent incident regarding politicization?
The Central government has requested all ministries to assign officials to present its accomplishments nationwide, reaching even the rural areas, under an initiative called the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.
The outreach is about the achievements of the last 9 years under the present ruling party.
Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries will be appointed Rath Prabharis (chariots in-charge) for the roadshow.
The government has been criticized by opposition parties for politicizing the bureaucracy and the military.
What can be the possible effects of politicization of bureaucracy?
1) Separation of power: Goes against the spirit of Indian Constitution’s separation of power among the three arms of the state — the executive, the judiciary and the legislature.
2) Non-partisanship of bureaucracy: It also goes against the line of separation between the bureaucracy and the military from the political executive. These directives compel civil and military officials to assume partisan positions.
3) Undermines Impartiality of Elections: It can undermine the election process in India, which has largely retained its credibility because of bureaucratic impartiality.
4) Irreversible damage to institutions: Disregarding norms in pursuit of electoral gains leading to undermining of institutions may lead to irreversible damage.
What should be done to avoid politicization of bureaucracy?
1) Merit-based appointments and promotions in bureaucracy.
2) Transparent transfer policies.
3) Legal and institutional measures to strengthen the autonomy and independence of the bureaucracy. For instance, Whistleblower protection.
4) Code of Conduct: Adherence to Code of Conduct by civil servants.
5) Moral education: Strengthening ethics and values through training.
6) Code of Ethics: Enforcing a Code of Ethics for both the civil servants and the political executive.
7) Strengthening civil society: Civil society organizations can play a crucial role in holding bureaucrats and politicians accountable.
Question for practice:
In recent years, there have been rising concerns about the “politicization of bureaucracy” in India. What do you understand by the term? What are its consequences for India’s democracy?
On Pakistani artists in India – Bombay High Court’s ‘salaam’ to art without borders
Contents
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Bombay High Court’s ‘salaam’ to art without borders” published in The Indian Express on 25th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — India and its neighborhood- relations.
News: This article discusses the recent Bombay High Court decision to lift the ban on Pakistani artists performing in India and its impacts on the Indo-Pakistan relations.
What were the events leading to the ban on Pakistani artists?
1) 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 disrupted Indo-Pakistan cultural exchanges.
2) In 2015, Shiv Sena protested Ghulam Ali’s concert in Mumbai and led to its cancellation.
3) After 2016’s Uri attack, there was a blanket ban on Pakistani artistes working in the Indian film industry. Pulwama attacks in 2019 reinforced it.
What were the observations of the Bombay High Court in this matter?
The Bombay High Court quashed a plea to ban Indian companies, citizens and associations from working with Pakistani artistes – including actors, singers, musicians, lyricists, and technicians – in India.
The court also observed that art, music, sports, culture, and dance can truly bring about peace, tranquility, unity and harmony in the nation and between nations.
Art has the capacity to evoke a sense of community, solidarity and self-awareness, and get through people’s hearts. The recent camaraderie between the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams – both men’s and women’s – has proven it.
What are the rules regarding entry of Pakistani artists in India?
Officially, as per the India-Pakistan Visa agreement 2012, “Reputed Pakistani artistes, including actors, musicians etc., who desire to visit India for giving commercial performances in India on remuneration basis may be granted visitor visa for a period not exceeding one year subject to the condition that each stay in India shall not exceed three months and with a special endorsement ‘Commercial performance permitted’.”
These cross-border exchanges were put to an end by the September 2016 Uri attack leading to resolutions by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, preventing Pakistani artists from working in the Indian film industry.
In 2019, the Pulwama strikes brought forth a resolution by the All-Indian Cine Workers Association, upholding the 2016 ban.
What should be done?
Both countries must show the ability to rise above differences to find ways to collaborate.
Question for practice:
“Confidence-building measures like the welcoming of Pakistani artists in India are required to put Indo-Pakistan relations on a positive trajectory.” Discuss.
On Blood Transfusion in India – Bloody mess
Contents
Source: This post on Blood Transfusion in India is based on the article “Bloody Mess- Patients infected via transfusion in UP hospital tells larger all-India story of poor regulation” published in The Times of India on 25th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus: GS2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
News: In Kanpur, 14 thalassemia children received infected blood, causing HIV and hepatitis. India has many thalassemia cases. Blood transfusions are essential but risky. Blood management in India is poor. Stronger regulations are needed.
What is blood transfusion?
According to the American Red Cross Society, blood transfusion is generally the process of receiving blood or blood products intravenously. Transfusions are used for various medical conditions to replace lost components of the blood.
What is the system of blood transfusion in India?
The system of blood transfusion in India is structured and regulated to ensure the safety, quality, and availability of blood and blood components to those in need. Here’s an overview:
- NACO’s Role: The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) has been pivotal since 1992 in ensuring the provision of safe blood across the country.
- Network of Blood Banks: India has a network of 1131 blood banks, spread across over 600 districts, primarily supported by NACO.
- National Blood Policy: Introduced by the Government of India in April 2002, this policy aims to guarantee easy access to adequate, safe, and high-quality blood.
- Regulatory Body: The National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), formed as per a Supreme Court mandate in 1996, serves as the apex policy-making body for issues related to blood and plasma.
- Modernization and Quality Control: NACO has undertaken numerous steps to modernize blood banks, ensuring that the country’s blood supply is safe.
Why is blood transfusion becoming important in India?
Thalassemia Prevalence: India has 1-1.5 lakh children with thalassemia. These patients require a lifelong regimen of blood transfusions.
Chronic Conditions: The country has a growing number of people with chronic diseases like cancer. For such patients, transfusions are integral to treatment.
Maternal Health: Studies indicate that 25% of maternal deaths result from haemorrhaging. A report by The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) highlighted that 70% of deaths from postpartum haemorrhage occur due to a lack of available blood.
Health Issues: High demand for blood is driven by preventable health problems, including complications from malnutrition, anaemia, and pregnancy-related issues.
What are the issues with blood management in India?
Shortage of Safe Blood: Blood is consistently a health emergency. High demand is driven by conditions like malnutrition, anaemia, and complications from pregnancy. However, supply often falls short.
System Mismanagement: Blood and its components are among India’s most mismanaged resources, with issues ranging from collection, safety, storage, to distribution.
Inadequate Regulation and Oversight: Despite having testing and screening regulations, there is minimal monitoring. This permits the operation of fraudulent blood banks with outdated testing facilities.
Illicit Blood Trade: A concerning grey market for blood exists, taking advantage of desperate families and patients.
What should be done?
Investigation and Accountability: India’s haemovigilance programme should thoroughly investigate incidents like the one in Kanpur to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
Strengthen Regulations: Clearer and stricter regulations are essential. This includes rigorous testing and screening standards for blood and its components.
Enhanced Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood banks, especially for their testing facilities, is crucial. This will help weed out spurious blood banks with outdated methods.
Empower NACO: NACO should be granted more authority. It should be able to mandate audits, set strict standards, and most importantly, penalize mismanaged blood banks and hospitals.
Collaborative Effort: State authorities must invest more resources and collaborate with agencies like NACO to streamline procedures and improve blood management.
Public Awareness: There’s a need for campaigns to educate the public about the importance of safe blood donation and the risks of the grey blood market.
Terminology used:
The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO):
The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) was established in 1992.
It is the nodal organization for National AIDS response in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
National AIDS Control Programme is a fully funded Central Sector Scheme implemented through State/ UT AIDS Control Societies (SACS) in States/Union Territories (UTs) and closely monitored through District AIDS prevention and control unit (DAPCU) in 188 high priority districts.
Questions to practice:
How can the integration of stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced monitoring mechanisms improve the safety and efficacy of blood management in India, especially in preventing tragedies like the one in Kanpur?
GS PAPER - 3
On Air Pollution in Mumbai – Climate change has made it harder to breathe in Mumbai
Contents
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Climate change has made it harder to breathe in Mumbai” published in The Indian Express on 25th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment — Environmental pollution and degradation.
News: This article discusses the causes behind the recent degradation of air quality in Mumbai. It also suggests steps to tackle the rising challenge aggravated by climate change.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai has registered “moderate” or “poor” during the post-monsoon period for the second consecutive year.
What is Air Quality Index?
Notified by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI considers 8 pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb). There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
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Read more on AQI here: https://forumias.com/blog/air-quality-index-aqi-2/
How does Mumbai’s geography affect its air quality?
The coastal city has a natural cleaning mechanism.
Strong surface winds lead to faster dispersal of pollutants, and the strong sea-breeze sweeps away these particles from the land.
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What are the reasons behind rising air pollution in Mumbai recently?
It is a result of a combination of factors. These include:
1) “Triple dip” La Niña:
Last winter, Mumbai experienced record-breaking particulate pollution, which was related to the unusual “triple dip” La Niña conditions— linked to climate change.
This had led to hardly any wind reversal from across the Arabian Sea, which would otherwise occur every 2 to 3 days and disperse pollutants in the air.
What is La Niña?
The weather pattern known as La Niña brings warmer-than-normal sea-surface temperatures (in red) to the southern Pacific Ocean around northern Australia, New Guinea, and the islands of Indonesia. The cooler sea-surface temperatures of La Niña (in blue) occur in the southern Pacific off the coast of South America.
A “triple-dip” La Niña is a multi-year cooling of the surface temperature of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. It’s called a “triple-dip” because it lasts for three consecutive northern hemisphere winters.
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2) Delay in the withdrawal of monsoon:
The withdrawal of the monsoon was delayed till October. It plays a critical role in Mumbai’s air quality.
The withdrawal is always followed by an anti-cyclonic circulation above Mumbai leading to weak ventilation in the city.
3) Role of transport winds:
At the same time, the transport level winds (a measure of the average rate of the horizontal transport of air) transported pollutants towards Mumbai.
These winds encountered warmer winds which were laden with local dust. This dust-filled cloud pushed towards Mumbai and was halted because of the calm winds, deteriorating the city’s air quality.
4) PM10 pollution due to anthropogenic emissions:
PM10 stands for particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. It continues to be the major pollutant in the city. These coarser particles are largely a result of dust emissions.
Many development and construction activities are being undertaken across the city — these include the coastal corridor, the Metro and other digging activities.
What should be done to tackle this?
1) Prioritizing long-term mitigation planning: This should be based on mapping airsheds — areas where pollutants get trapped.
2) Tackling climate change: It is leading to extreme and unusual weather events leading to changes in the ecosystem.
3) Addressing anthropogenic emissions (root cause of air pollution)
4) Data- and science-driven approach: Data from reliable scientific sources should be taken into account.
5) Using green curtains: in construction sites to reduce dust.
6) Regular spraying of water: Dampens dust particles and prevents them from becoming airborne.
7) Fossil fuel-less transportation: Ensuring transitioning to electric vehicles.
8) Waste Management: Addressing solid waste management, cleaning up dumping grounds and industrial toxin management can improve air quality in the medium term.
Question for practice:
Climate change has worsened air pollution in India. Discuss with reference to the deteriorating air quality of Mumbai in recent years. What steps should be taken in order to tackle this challenge?
On FRBM Act – Either repeal or revise the country’s fiscal law
Source: The post is based on the article “Either repeal or revise the country’s fiscal law” published in “Live mint” on 25th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus: GS3: Economy- Fiscal policy
News: The article discusses India’s fiscal position and its deviation from the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act’s 3% deficit cap. Despite exceeding this limit, the economy hasn’t faced severe inflation or high lending rates post-COVID. The article suggests reconsidering the FRBM Act’s relevance and possibly adjusting the government’s spending approach.
Write about FRBM Act?
FRBMA stands for the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act enacted in 2003, aims to promote fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in the management of the India’s finances.
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 is regulated by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act ,2003 ensures intergenerational equity in fiscal management and long-term macro-economic stability by reducing fiscal deficit. It further ensures effective conduct of monetary policy and prudential debt management consistent with fiscal sustainability.
Read for more details: FRBM Act
What is the current fiscal position of India?
Fiscal Status: India’s fiscal position is termed ‘solid’ by the Union finance ministry.
Revenue and Expenditure: There has been consistent revenue growth, and the Centre has prudently rationalized its spending.
Deficit Target: The goal is to reach a 5.9% deficit for the fiscal year 2023-24.
Comparison to FRBM Act: This 5.9% deficit stands out as it’s nearly twice the 3% cap mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act of 2003.
Economic Repercussions: Post-COVID, even with such deficits, neither high inflation nor soaring lending rates have been observed.
Economic Recovery: There’s a robust recovery in commercial activity, and consumer demand is bouncing back.
Central Bank’s Role: The central bank has played a pivotal role in ensuring stability, monitoring monetary conditions amidst the increased deficits, and fostering an environment for economic recovery.
What is the relevance of the FRBM Act in the present situation?
FRBM Act’s Original Intent: The FRBM Act of 2003 set a 3% deficit cap for India.
Current Scenario: India aims for a 5.9% deficit in the fiscal year 2023-24, surpassing the FRBM’s stipulation.
Act’s Modern Relevance: Many consider the 3% cap outdated in the current economic environment.
Provisions for Crises: The Act has flexibility for extraordinary situations, like the COVID pandemic.
Government’s View: The government’s deviation suggests they might see the Act more as a guideline than a strict rule.
Need for Policy Flexibility: Economic experts believe fiscal policy should have room to adjust, especially when state intervention can stabilize the economy.
Post-COVID Economic Impact: Despite exceeding the FRBM’s limits after COVID, India hasn’t experienced high inflation or lending rates, raising questions about the Act’s strictness in today’s context.
Questions to practice:
Evaluate the effectiveness of the FRBM Act in the context of India’s current ‘solid’ fiscal scenario and its deficit target for 2023-24.
On Migration from India – Movers Are Shakers
Contents
Source: The post on the topic migration from India is based on the article “Movers Are Shakers- OECD data shows Indians continue to be world champion economic migrants. Good for West and good for us” published in “The Times of India” on 25th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus: GS3- Economy- migration
News: This article discusses the recent trend of increased migration from India to OECD countries, particularly for work in the tech industry. It highlights the economic benefits for India, including a boost from remittances. It also emphasizes the need for India to focus on improving education, employment, and the quality of life to continue this positive trend and achieve developed country status by 2047.
What is Human Migration?
Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, often over long distances. Throughout history, humans have migrated for various reasons, such as seeking better opportunities or escaping danger. For example, people may move within their country or to a different country, either by choice or force. Migrants can be called emigrants, immigrants, or settlers, depending on the situation.
Depending on the goal and reason for relocation, people who migrate can be divided into three categories: migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
What is the difference between immigration and emigration?
Immigration: It refers to the act of coming to a country to live there permanently. For example, if a person moves from India to the United States to live, that person is immigrating to the United States.
Emigration: It refers to the act of leaving one’s own country to settle permanently in another. Using the same example, that person is emigrating from India.
What is the migration trend between India and OECD?
In 2020, India surpassed China as the largest source of migrants to OECD countries.
By 2022, 6.1 million permanent-type migrants moved to OECD, a 26% increase.
Most migrants went to the Anglosphere, especially the US, UK, and Singapore.
80% of these migrants were working, contributing to the economies.
The tech industry absorbed a significant number of these migrants.
How does India benefit from this migration?
Economic Boost: India received a significant economic boost through remittances. In 2022 alone, remittances to India totaled $111 billion, representing 3.3% of its GDP.
Leading Remittance Recipient: With this migration trend, India positioned itself as the world’s largest recipient of remittances.
Skilled Migrant Earnings: The World Bank highlighted that 36% of these remittance inflows were from high-skilled Indian migrants based in prominent destinations like the US, UK, and Singapore.
Tech Industry Collaboration: The tech industry, particularly in countries such as the US, UK, and Singapore, has employed a vast number of these migrants. This creates a bridge for both skills and investments between India and these developed nations.
Intellectual and Economic Dynamics: The migration trend amplifies the economic and intellectual connection, fostering collaborations and transfer of skills back to India.
What should India focus on for future growth?
Enhancing Education: India should invest in improving its educational institutions beyond the elite schools to ensure quality education for all.
Boosting Employment: By creating more and better job opportunities, India can retain its skilled workforce and contribute to the global labor market.
Improving Quality of Life: Enhancing living standards will make India an even more attractive place for its citizens, potentially slowing down emigration.
Aiming for Developed Status: With these improvements, achieving developed country status by 2047 becomes a realistic goal.
Capitalizing on Human Capital: Recognizing that the world is always in need of top-notch talent, India should continue to nurture and produce highly skilled individuals.
Terminology used:
OECD:
Read here: OECD
Questions to practice:
How will the outflow of high-skilled migrants to OECD countries affect India’s goal of achieving developed status by 2047?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
CBI launches Operation Chakra-II: What it is and why Microsoft and Amazon are part of this
Source: The post is based on the article “CBI launches Operation Chakra-II: What it is and why Microsoft and Amazon are part of this” published in “TOI” on 25th October 2023
What is the News?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched Operation Chakra-II.
What is Operation Chakra-II?
Launched by: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Aim: To fight against transnationally organized cyber-enabled financial crimes in India.
For the operation, CBI has partnered with Microsoft and Amazon as well as with national and international agencies to combat and dismantle infrastructure of illegal call centers.
Why Microsoft and Amazon are part of Operation Chakra-II?
Most of the illegal call centers raided by CBI posed as Microsoft and Amazon customer support.
These call centers target vulnerable individuals and defraud thousands annually.
That is why, Microsoft and Amazon have collaborated with CBI to share critical information and help Indian law enforcement agencies in their investigations.
Delhi govt to use dust suppressants to combat poor AQI: what are they and do they work?
Source: The post is based on the article “Delhi govt to use dust suppressants to combat poor AQI: what are they and do they work?” published in “Indian Express” on 25th October 2023
What is the News?
Dust suppressants are being used in Delhi to reduce pollution from dust.
What are Dust suppressants?
Dust suppressants are used to reduce pollution from dust.
They are typically salts of calcium or magnesium.They have the ability to absorb moisture.
In Delhi, dust suppressant powder would be mixed along with water and sprayed on roads to keep dust levels lower.
Are Dust suppressants effective in reducing pollution from dust?
CPCB Study: In 2019, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had found that using dust suppressants along with water is more effective in controlling pollution compared to just spraying water.
– It conducted a study which showed a 30% reduction in dust concentration (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) for up to six hours when dust suppressants were used on construction sites and roads.
Delhi PWD Advisory: In 2019, the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) had issued an advisory supporting the use of dust suppressants.
– It said that using dust suppressants with bio-additives can reduce dust for five to six hours, compared to plain water sprinkling which is effective for only 15 to 30 minutes.
Food labels to have QR code to help the visually disabled
Source: The post is based on the article “Food labels to have QR code to help the visually disabled” published in “The Hindu” on 24th October 2023
What is the News?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) has recommended the use of Quick Response(QR) codes on food products.
What is Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations,2020?
Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations,2020 has comprehensively outlined the information to be included on the labels of food products.
This includes product name, shelf life, nutrition facts, vegetarian/non-vegetarian logos, ingredient lists, allergen warnings, and other product-specific labelling requirements.
The information is aimed at empowering consumers to make informed choices when selecting food products.
Why has FSSAI recommended the use of QR code on food products?
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 recognises the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.It emphasizes on the accessibility and the promotion of health for persons with disabilities.
One effective means to achieve this on food products is by incorporating Quick Response(QR) codes on product labels.
These QR codes will have comprehensive details about the products ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, manufacturing date among others.
Note: The inclusion of a QR code for the accessibility of information does not replace the requirement to provide mandatory information on the product label.
Understanding the components of a SIM card, its functions and working
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Understanding the components of a SIM card, its functions and working” published in “The Hindu” on 25th October 2023
What is the News?
Over the years, the SIM card has shrunk from the SIM to the mini SIM to the micro SIM to the nano SIM.The latest on this path is the eSIM card.
What is a SIM Card?
SIM stands for ‘subscriber identification module’.It is an integrated circuit or a microchip that identifies the subscriber on a given network.
In order for a mobile phone to connect to any cellular network that follows the Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM) standard, a SIM card is mandatory.
This relationship is established using a unique authentication key — a piece of data that you need to ‘unlock’ access to the network.
Every SIM card stores this data and it is designed such that you can’t access it through your phone.
Instead, signals sent by your phone into the network are ‘signed’ by the key and the network uses the signature to understand whether your phone’s connection is legitimate.
Note: It is possible to duplicate a SIM card by accessing its key and putting it into another card.This is known as SIM cloning.
What information does a SIM card store?
The SIM card contains important information that identifies the user to the mobile network and allows the device to connect to the network.
This information includes its own ID number (the integrated circuit card identifier), the International mobile subscriber identity(IMSI), the subscriber’s location area identity (i.e. their current location), a list of preferred networks (to whom the subscriber can connect when roaming) and emergency numbers.
What is eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM is a digital or electronic SIM card that is built into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, rather than being a physical, removable card.
It serves the same purpose as a traditional SIM card, which is to identify a user to a mobile network and enable connectivity.
Advantages of eSIM:
Firstly, it is considered to be environmentally friendlier than a physical SIM.Its reprogrammability means no need for more plastic and metal for a new SIM.
Secondly, if a malicious person gains access to your phone, they won’t be able to separately access the SIM application nor be able to duplicate it.
Disadvantages of eSIM:
Firstly, in some countries, including the U.S, eSIMs can be programmed by subscribers themselves.But this process might be difficult for those with low digital literacy such as the elderly.
Secondly, an eSIM can in theory allow network operators to track subscribers data including inside apps on the device, especially in the absence of data privacy laws.
Centre to introduce DNA, face matching systems at police stations across country
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Centre to introduce DNA, face matching systems at police stations across country” published in “The Hindu” on 25th October 2023
What is the News?
The Government of India is all set to implement the “DNA and face-matching” systems at 1,300 police stations across the country.
Which act allows the government to implement DNA and face matching systems at police stations?
The Government of India is implementing DNA and face-matching systems at police stations across the country as per Criminal Procedure Identification Act,2022.
The act allows the police and the Central investigating agencies to collect, store and analyze physical and biological samples including retina and iris scans of arrested persons.
This Act replaced the Identification of Prisoners Act,1920 whose scope was limited to capturing finger impressions, footprints and photographs of convicted prisoners and a specific category of arrested and non-convicted persons under the orders of a Magistrate.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has been given responsibility to implement this act.
How is the government implementing DNA and face matching systems at police stations?
The Union Home Ministry has established a Domain Committee with representatives from state police, central law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Act.
Some police stations have started recording measurements such as thumbprints, finger impressions, and photographs of accused individuals using existing methods.
The National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) is also being integrated with the Criminal Procedure Identification Act.
Note: NAFIS has created a central database of fingerprints of criminals which can be accessed by users from all States, Union Territories and Central Agencies.
What are the challenges in implementing DNA and face matching systems at police stations?
Lack of Training of Police Officials
Lack of funds and resources in police departments
Tools and systems used by the police should be technologically, legally and forensically sound.
Telangana’s law under scanner: How preventive detention works
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Telangana’s law under scanner: How preventive detention works” published in “The Hindu” on 25th October 2023
What is the News?
The Supreme Court has expressed concerns about the Telangana government’s use of Preventive Detention law in three different cases.
What is Preventive Detention?
Preventive detention means detention of a person by the state without trial and conviction by court, but merely on suspicion.The detention could be up to a year unless extended.
In countries such as Britain, United States and Canada, preventive detention is a wartime measure.In India, the Constitution itself allows for preventive detention.
Article 22 of Part III of the Constitution, which deals with fundamental rights, grants the state the power to suspend these rights for preventive detention.
Under what laws can the state order preventive detention?
The state can order preventive detention under various laws. At the national level, examples of such laws include the National Security Act and the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA).
Additionally, around 25 states have their own laws that allow for preventive detention.
What is the procedure for Preventive Detention?
First, the district magistrate would issue an order to detain a person when it is necessary to maintain “public order.”The state can delegate this power to the police as well.
If the detention ordered is for more than three months, such a detention requires the approval of an Advisory Board.
These Advisory Boards are set up by states and normally consist of retired judges and bureaucrats.A detainee is generally not allowed legal representation before the Board. If the Board confirms the detention, the detainee can move Court challenging the detention order.
The detainee is entitled to know the grounds of his detention.However, the state may refuse to divulge the grounds of detention if it is in the public interest to do so.
The detaining authorities must also give the detainee earliest opportunities for making representation against the detention.
How do courts assess detention orders?
For preventive detention, there are very narrow grounds of judicial review because the Constitution emphasizes the state’s “subjective satisfaction” when ordering a detention.
Judicial review in such cases is often limited to whether the Advisory Board applied its mind, considered all material facts and whether the state showed malicious intention in ordering detention.
However, courts have also invalidated detention orders based on technical issues.These could include delays in the Advisory Board’s decision, timely communication of detention grounds and ensuring that the detainee understands these grounds.
Minister of Cooperation inaugurated IFFCO’s Nano DAP (Liquid) plant at Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Source: The post is based on the article “Minister of Cooperation inaugurated IFFCO’s Nano DAP (Liquid) plant at Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat” published in “PIB” on 24th October 2023
What is the News?
The Union Minister of Cooperation has inaugurated IFFCO’s Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant at Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
What is Nano DAP?
Nano-DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) is a nanotechnology-based agri-input developed by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO).
It will have 8% nitrogen and 16% phosphorus compared to 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus contained in the conventional granular bag.
Comparison with conventional DAP: A 500 ml bottle of nano-DAP is equal to a 50kg bag of regular DAP. The cost of a bottle of nano-DAP is ₹600 (without subsidy) while conventional DAP is priced at ₹1,350 per bag (with fertilizer subsidy).
Patent and Royalty: IFFCO has obtained a 20-year patent for nano-urea and nano-DAP, entitling them to receive a 20% royalty for global usage of these products.
What are the benefits of Nano DAP?
Nutrient use efficiency is more than 90 percent under optimum field conditions.
Enhances Crop Growth and Quality.
It is cheaper than conventional DAP and is economical for the farmers
Reduces pollution of soil, air and water due to excessive use of phosphatic fertilizers.
Reduced production cost and increased output will also boost the annual income of Indian farmers.
It is eco friendly as nano DAP will minimally contaminate the land.
Losses from extreme events over 31 years were $3.8 trillion
Source: The post is based on the article “Losses from extreme events over 31 years were $3.8 trillion” published in “The Hindu” on 25th October 2023
What is the News?
The Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) has released a report titled ‘The Impact of Disaster on Agriculture and Food Security’.
What are the key findings of the report?
Warmest Decade: In 2023, we saw the end of the warmest decade on record with a lot of extreme weather and disasters.These disasters were made worse by conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rising Disaster Frequency: Over the past 50 years, the number of extreme disaster events has increased significantly.
– In the 1970s, there were about 100 disasters per year, but in the last 20 years, it’s gone up to about 400 annually globally.
Impact on Agriculture: Agricultural activities and livelihoods depend on environmental conditions, natural resources, and ecosystems.
– But the agriculture sector is facing threats from hazards such as flooding, water scarcity, drought, and environmental degradation.
– For instance, in Pakistan, exceptional monsoon rainfalls in 2022 led to nearly $4 billion in damages to the agricultural sector.
Agriculture losses due to disasters: Over the last 31 years, extreme events have caused around $3.8 trillion in losses to agriculture.
– Droughts are the biggest threat to agriculture, causing over 65% of losses.
– Floods, storms, cyclones, and volcanic activities each account for around 20% of losses.
Region wise differences: Asia has the highest economic losses from disasters (45%). Oceania experienced the lowest losses from disasters.
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana(PM-AJAY)
Source: The post is based on the article “Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana(PM-AJAY)” published in “PIB” on 24th October 2023
What is the News?
This article talks about Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana(PM- AJAY).
What is Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM- AJAY)?
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Combination of Three Schemes: The scheme is a merger of 3 Centrally Sponsored Schemes namely: Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan ( SCA to SCSP) and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).
Aim: To reduce poverty within Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by creating additional job opportunities through skill development, income-generating initiatives, and more.
– To enhance socio-economic development indicators by providing necessary infrastructure and essential services in SC-dominated villages.
Components: The Scheme has three components:
1. Development of SC dominated villages into an “Adarsh Gram”: It aims to ensure integrated development of SC majority villages so that they have adequate infrastructure.
2. Grants-in-aid’ for District/State-level Projects: It offers financial support for district or state-level projects with the aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of SC communities.
– This may include the construction of infrastructure in SC-dominated villages, including those chosen under the Adarsh Gram component as well as the establishment of hostels and residential schools.
3. Construction of Hostels in
– higher educational institutions which are top-ranked as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of Government of India and are funded by the Centre/State/UT Governments either fully or partially.
– schools which are either fully or partially funded by the Centre/State/UT Governments and recommended by the Ministry of Education