9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 3rd, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Capturing the rains – on unpredictable weather events
Source: This post is created based on the article ‘Capturing the rains’, published in The Hindu on 3rd October, 2023.
Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1, changes in critical geographical features and effect of such changes
News: India recorded its first monsoon deficit since 2018. The mains reason is said to be El Nino effect this year.
From 2019-2022, the Indian monsoon was primarily influenced by La Niña, a cooling phase, which often correlates with above-average rainfall.
This year, monsoon was also irregular. North India faced unexpectedly heavy rainfall, while Cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh made life difficult. Whereas, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Karnataka reported extreme water stress.
What should be done?
First, the unpredictable nature of the monsoon underscores the need for more resilient infrastructure. It would help in tackling erratic global climate patterns.
Second, forecast models should be improved to predict significant weather changes more accurately.
GS PAPER - 2
Canada’s entrenched culture of self-righteousness is to blame for current crisis
Source: The post is based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Canada’s entrenched culture of self-righteousness is to blame for current crisis” published in “Indian express” on 3rd October 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
News: The article discusses the strained relationship between India and Canada due to historical nuclear issues and current concerns about Khalistan militant groups in Canada. It highlights Canada’s moralpolitik and suggests a fresh approach based on realpolitik to resolve the bilateral crises.
How has the relationship between India and Canada evolved?
Historically, India and Canada shared idealism, advocating for a normative global order up until the mid-1970s.
In the Cold War era, both nations collaborated on global issues, such as the Korean War and the Suez Crisis.
Canada played a pivotal role in India’s nuclear development, assisting with the CIRUS research reactor and CANDU power reactor projects.
Relations took a downturn after India’s 1974 nuclear test, which Canada criticized, viewing it as betrayal.
Canada’s domestic politics, particularly its association with Khalistani groups since the 1980s, added more strain.
The Conservative rule under Stephen Harper (2006-15) hinted at improved bilateral ties.
However, under Justin Trudeau’s leadership, India voiced concerns over Canada’s perceived soft stance on Khalistani extremists.
What are the current concerns in the India-Canada relationship?
Khalistan Extremist Groups
Canada has Khalistani militants operating on its soil, which is a significant concern for India. Ottawa has shown reluctance to address India’s worries about the criminal actions of these groups.
Political Stances and Moralpolitik
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s approach, involving “vote bank politics” and supporting Khalistani groups, troubles India. Trudeau’s administration does not seem to fully grasp or acknowledge India’s concerns, adhering instead to a kind of moral high ground in international affairs.
What should be done?
Address Khalistani Concerns: Canada should take a political look at the Khalistani militants’ activities, acknowledging India’s concerns about their operations on Canadian soil.
Reassess Political Strategies: Trudeau’s administration might need to rethink its “vote bank politics” and its soft stance on Khalistani groups to ensure a stronger India-Canada relationship.
Promote Collaboration: India suggests a path of cooperation, offering to work with Ottawa based on credible intelligence-sharing. This can serve as a foundation for enhanced bilateral ties.
Act Against Extremists: India’s expectation is clear; Canada should curb the empowerment of Khalistani extremists, address their political impunity, and put a stop to their violent activities.
Rebuild Trust: Both countries should work on rebuilding trust, moving past previous tensions, and focusing on shared interests and mutual benefits.
Criminal law Bills and a hollow decolonisation
Source: The post is based on the article “Criminal law Bills and a hollow decolonisation” published in The Hindu on 3rd October 2023.
Syllabus: GS 2 – Governance – Government Policies & Intervention
Relevance: concerns with new criminal Bills
News: In 2023, three new criminal law Bills were introduced in India to replace three existing criminal laws, but they do very little to decolonize Indian criminal law.
Instead, they indicate the continuation and intensification of colonial-style powers.
What are the differences between a colonial law and a post-colonial law?
Colonial Law: Colonial laws favor the colonial state over the colonized people, emphasizing state control. Colonial states fear being overthrown, so they create laws that give themselves more power and control.
For instance, the Indian Penal Code was created to maintain law and order, but it also serves to legitimize the colonial state’s fear of the Indian people.
Post-Colonial Law: Post-Colonial law should reflect the shift from citizens serving the state to the state serving its independent citizens. This change should influence the law-making process, its priorities, and its objectives.
However, the introduced Bills fail in this regard, as they seem to view citizens with suspicion and mistrust, leading to a sense of the state being in opposition to its citizens.
What are the concerns with the bill?
First, the Bills introduce significant changes that undermine the rights of the people and strengthen the state’s authority such as – a) they create new offenses that are overbroad and constitutionally questionable and b) they give the police more power to enforce these new offenses.
For instance, the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and gives the police more power, including longer detention periods and broader powers in provisions related to terrorist acts.
This expansion of police powers continues colonial practices instead of reversing them.
Second, the Bills do not go far enough in reforming the police and prison systems. These systems are still based on the colonial model.
For instance, the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) increases punishment durations and expands police powers, reflecting the logic of colonial criminal law. This is concerning as it is unclear how the police will use these new powers and India has already overcrowded prisons.
What lies ahead?
The narrative of decolonization in the Bills should be seen in the context of other changes to criminal law.
For example, the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, allows police to measure convicts, accused, and individuals in preventive detention, which increases surveillance and state control over the population.
Hence, it is necessary for the government to look into these issues and come up with laws that serve the interest of the citizen rather than the state.
Building BRICS for the future
Source: This post is created based on the article ‘Building BRICS for the future, published in The Hindu on 3rd October, 2023.
Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, international Relations
News: The article discusses the evolution and significance of the BRICS grouping, emphasizing its potential to challenge the dominance of established economic blocs like the G7.
BRICS has recently expanded. The GDP of BRICS is projected to account for 36% of the global GDP, and by 2050, its member countries will house 47% of the world’s population.
Read – BRICS expansion
Why countries have been looking for the alternatives of west dominated institutions?
First, The polarized stance of the U.S., especially against China and Russia.
Second, US and many western countries have been neglecting the World Trade Organization rules.
Third, the treatment of Africans in Europe and the increasing visa restrictions have made African nations lean more towards countries like China and India for trade and investment partnerships. Issues like Strait of Gibraltar crossing, intervention of France in Niger are other issues.
What is the significance of BRICS?
Economic Foundations: BRICS was formed out of economic compulsion and does not engage in military or security support, unlike NATO. Its GDP and population metrics highlight its potential to challenge the dominance of groups like the G7.
Main Players: India and China account for one-third of the global population, are among the fastest-growing economies. Despite political and diplomatic challenges, their trade relations have flourished, emphasizing that economic interests often surpass political differences.
Dollar dominance: The U.S. dollar’s dominance might be challenged by digital currencies, with India and China making significant advancements in this field. Both countries aim to promote their currencies as alternatives to the dollar, aligning their long-term interests.
Africa is viewed as the continent promising economic growth in this century.
Unlike west dominated institutions, in BRICS no single country is dominant. China has been counter-balanced by democratic countries such as India, South Africa and Brazil.
Counting deaths in India’s prisons
Source: This post is created based on the article ‘Counting deaths in India’s prisons, published in The Hindu on 3rd October, 2023.
Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, Social Issues, Criminal Justice System, prison reforms
News: The Supreme Court Committee on Prison Reforms has highlighted that suicides are the main cause of ‘unnatural’ deaths among Indian prisoners.
How deaths in the prisons are classified?
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) publishes the data related to prison deaths annually in Prison Statistics India (PSI) report. In 2021, a total of 2,116 prisoners died in judicial custody, with almost 90% of cases recorded as natural deaths.
The report classifies the prison deaths into 2 parts: 1) Natural deaths 2) Unnatural deaths
Natural Deaths: Natural deaths are due to ageing and illnesses, including heart conditions, HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer.
Unnatural Deaths: Unnatural deaths encompass a variety of causes, such as suicide, assault, negligence, and accidents.
What are the Challenges in prison system of India?
Ambiguity in classification: The Supreme Court has pointed out that the distinction between natural and unnatural deaths is unclear. For instance, if a prisoner dies due to a lack of timely medical attention, it’s uncertain whether it’s a natural or unnatural death. This ambiguity, combined with under-reporting and lack of investigation, often results in many deaths being labelled as ‘natural’.
Overcrowding: During the pandemic, prisons were overcrowded, with an occupancy rate of 118%.
Insufficient infrastructure and facilities: The sanctioned strength of medical staff was not sufficient, with one staff member catering to 219 inmates. There is a significant shortage of staff, with many positions vacant in several states.
Medical budget: Only 5% of the expenditure was on medical facilities, and funds allocated for inmates were underutilized.
Investigation of Deaths: Since 1993, the NCRB is mandated to report a custodial death within 24 hours. However, the process is often not stringent, with only one disciplinary action taken against an erring official between 2021-22.
As per the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) report, suicide rate among inmates was found to be more than twice the rate recorded in the general population.
Government initiatives for prison reforms
The Model Prison Manual of 2016 and the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 emphasize inmates’ right to healthcare.
The NHRC has issued advisories highlighting the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.
What should be done to reduce suicide cases in prisons?
First, allowing inmates to communicate with their families.
Second, giving prisoners with access to newspaper.
Third, there should be a strict check on tools that can be used for self-harm.
Fourth, mental health screenings should be done upon entry.
Fifth, CCTV cameras should be installed for monitoring.
GS PAPER - 3
A plan for the winter crop
Contents
Source: This post is created based on the article ‘A plan for the winter crop’, published in The Indian Express on 3rd October, 2023.
Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3, Agriculture
News: The Indian monsoon’s deficit has led to variations in crop cultivation. Now the issue at hand is the government approach towards balancing the price of agri-commodities.
What are the challenges in front of agriculture sector?
The Indian monsoon for the year ended with a 5.6% deficit compared to the long-period average.
However, the area planted under paddy and sugarcane has increased, while the area under pulses, especially arhar, has decreased.
The area under arhar saw a 4.9% fall, leading to a price inflation of 32% in August.
What are the steps that government is considering?
To control the rising tur prices, government is considering importing a million tonnes from African nations and Myanmar.
TO tackle the threats from heat waves, government departments have released heat-resistant wheat varieties.
What are the steps taken by the government and what are the issues associated with it?
Faulty government estimates: There’s a significant gap between the government’s wheat production estimates and trade estimates, leading to inflationary market expectations.
Regulating the prices by offloading: The FCI sold wheat below its economic cost to match the market prices with the MSP. It resulted in a loss for wheat farmers.
While the poor section of the country is benefitted by large-scale distribution of free wheat and rice under the PDS. The government’s approach of controlling market price seems to favor urban middle-class consumers over producers,
Export bans: To prevent further price hikes, an export ban on wheat was placed in May 2022. Yet, inflation kept increasing, reaching 25% in January 2023.
What steps should be taken?
First, government should upgrade the traditional production estimate system to a more technologically advanced one.
The system should be able to effectively monitor crop progress, settle insurance claims, and provide timely data to the government.
Second, shift from a purely “production-centric” approach to a more holistic “food systems” approach in agriculture.
The narrative of development and populism
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “The narrative of development and populism” published in The Hindu on 3rd October 2023.
Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy – Growth & Development
Relevance: About populism and large-scale development
News: In the upcoming state elections, political parties are making announcements and inaugurating a variety of projects and commitments to attract voters.
These announcements highlight the trend of emphasizing “development and populism” before elections, with voters urged to evaluate short-term versus long-term benefits.
What are the different types of populism?
Political populism: It claims to represent “the people”, mostly the majority, often against minorities or financial elites, and resists constraints on executive power, allowing the majority to ride over the rights of the minorities.
Economic populism: It also opposes economic policy restrictions, as they limit their options. However, the economic policy environment prefers rules and restraints to prevent short-term interests from dominating when economic policy is largely shaped by political considerations.
Rules and restraints are necessary to prevent populist abuse, but too many can hinder growth. Hence, a balance between rules and discretion is vital for economic policy.
What are the benefits of economic populism?
Conventional economic growth models assumed that economic growth would naturally benefit everyone through the “trickle-down effect,” but real-world evidence has proven otherwise.
In this regard, economic populism argues for government intervention to redistribute wealth and ensure that everyone benefits from economic growth.
Moreover, economic populism and inappropriate infrastructure-driven development have fiscal and environmental costs.
However, economic populism isn’t always detrimental as it can serve as a necessary counterbalance to an excessive emphasis on infrastructure-led development, which can be harmful.
What are the concerns with announcements made by the politicians for the upcoming state elections?
Politicians often prioritize visible infrastructure like roads and bridges, which is easily showcased and quantifiable, benefiting the ruling party.
However, to assess a project’s impact on well-being and the environment, it’s crucial to evaluate its progress and fairness.
Moreover, relying solely on large-scale infrastructure as a measure of development can be dangerous.
Why is it dangerous to focus on large-scale infrastructure projects as the only measure of development?
First, these projects are often not well-suited to the specific needs of the people or the environment they are being built in. They can also have negative long-term impacts on the environment and people’s livelihoods.
Second, the way that mega-infrastructure projects are financed is often unrealistic and can lead to financial problems for the government in the medium term.
For instance, recent natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand disasters of 2013 are examples of how promoting mega-infrastructure with unplanned urbanization can lead to environmental disasters and ongoing costs.
Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has a debt of ₹3,42,801 crore, and its debt servicing cost will cross ₹50,000 crore in FY28, requiring significant government spending on repayment and interest.
These are the fiscal risks associated with promoting mega-infrastructure projects.
India’s rise is the big story. So where’s the FDI?
Source: The post is based on the article “India’s rise is the big story. So where’s the FDI?” published in “Indian express” on 3rd October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy- Foreign direct investment (FDI)
News: The article discusses the drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) in India despite its strong economic growth and positive forecasts. While India is seen as a significant player in global growth, issues like policy uncertainty and not being part of major trading blocks may be deterring investors. The decrease in FDI is contrasted by steady investments in competitors like Vietnam and Indonesia, raising questions about the depth and universality of confidence in India’s economic future and its appeal to different types of investors.
Why there is drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) in India?
Economic Growth vs. FDI Trends: Despite a 7.8% growth rate in the first quarter, FDI decreased from $84.8 billion in 2021-22 to $71.3 billion in 2022-23. Equity flows also witnessed a drop from $59.6 billion to $47.6 billion.
Sectoral Declines: Not just tech-focused sectors, but FDI also fell in the automobile, construction, and metallurgical industries.
Comparison with Competitors: Vietnam and Indonesia, which is India competitors in the “China plus one” strategy, have steady or increasing FDI, with Vietnam at $18 billion and Indonesia at $10 billion in 2023.
Policy Uncertainty: Investors face challenges like an unpredictable business environment and fear of sudden policy changes.
Absence from Major Trading Blocks: India is not part of significant trade agreements like RCEP, which can deter investors seeking integrated markets.
Overall, despite its potential, multiple factors make India less appealing to certain foreign investors.
The Art Of Winning Without Fighting- on cyber security in India
Source: The post is based on the article “The Art Of Winning Without Fighting- India must take cognitive and cyber warfare more seriously by incorporating new tools and systems – as China takes the lead in this critical emerging domain” published in “Times of India” on 3rd October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Security- basics of cyber security.
News: The article discusses the rising importance of cognitive warfare, especially in cyber capabilities, among global powers like China and Russia. It highlights their strategies in information manipulation and suggests that India needs to rapidly enhance its defenses and strategies in this evolving cyber and cognitive battlefield.
What is cognitive warfare?
Cognitive warfare aims to impact decision-making by using tools like misinformation. It relies heavily on the cyber domain, using tools and strategies to manipulate, distort, and impede decision-making across various aspects of statecraft.
What are the various approaches used to wage cognitive warfare?
China’s Approach
PLA Strategic Support Force (PLASSF): China utilizes the PLA Strategic Support Force, created in 2015, for cognitive warfare.
Information Manipulation Abroad: China spends billions annually.
Disrupt Military Systems and Spread Confusion: The force can disrupt military systems and infrastructure and spread confusion via social media narratives.
Russia’s Strategy
Early Cyber Strategies: Russia employed early cyber strategies, disrupting financial sectors and allegedly U.S. elections.
Support for Oligarchs and Political Narratives: By using social media as a tool.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Utilizing cyber strategies for influencing and disrupting.
India’s Perspective
Accelerating Development in Cognitive Warfare: India needs to accelerate the development of defensive and offensive capabilities in cognitive warfare.
Recognizing Vulnerabilities: Inferred; considering the detailing about the growing influence and its resultant vulnerabilities.
Resilient Structures: Despite having resilient democratic and military structures, there’s a call for enhanced strategic communication and updated cyber structures.
Swift Integration and Avoidance of Delays: There’s a stress on swift integration and avoidance of delays in building comprehensive cognitive warfare capabilities.
Why is fast adoption and strategy evolution crucial?
Pervasive Impact:
China and Russia are spending notably on cognitive warfare, exemplifying its profound impact on geopolitics and security.
Maintaining Parity:
The example of the U.S. taking 58 years to transition from a space command to a space force underscores the risk of falling behind in rapid technological and warfare advances.
Competing nations are accelerating their capabilities and a delayed response can lead to vulnerabilities.
Preventing Exploitation:
The construction of China’s PLASSF demonstrates how countries are institutionalizing cognitive warfare, allowing them to potentially exploit adversaries’ societal, military, and infrastructural dimensions.
This structurized approach can mean a single-minded strategy targeted at exploiting vulnerabilities in opposing nations.
Ensuring National Security:
The increasing use of cyberspace for cognitive warfare necessitates rapid adoption and evolution of strategies to safeguard a nation’s security frameworks and societal structures against manipulative cyber activities and narratives.
Why India can’t live without dirty coal
Source: The post is based on the article “WHY INDIA CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT DIRTY COAL- Despite the bad optics, India needs to keep burning coal and open up more mines” published in “Live Mint” on 3rd October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy- Infrastructure (energy)
News: The author talks about India’s struggle to balance between using clean solar energy and dirty coal energy. Even with big solar projects, India can’t quit coal due to huge power demands, reliable energy needs, and jobs that coal industry provides.
What is the current scenario of energy in India?
Coal Energy in India:
India maintains significant reliance on coal, with plans to escalate production from 900 million tonnes to 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030.
Coal-based power is slated to rise, adding nearly 30GW this decade, totaling nearly 300GW by 2030.
Despite environmental concerns, it caters to robust energy demands, like the record 240GW demand in early September.
Renewable Energy in India:
Renewable Energy: Targeted to reach 500GW by 2030, with current reliance on solar energy at 71GW, yet reliability during peak demand and seasonal variations restrict its sole usage.
Natural Gas: Considered cleaner than coal, but health effects and NOx emissions, albeit minimal, still exist and it isn’t expanding in India due to factors like reduced production from the Krishna Godavari basin.
Even though renewables will have higher installed capacity, coal remains dominant in actual electricity generation, retaining about 55% share, versus solar’s 23% by 2030.
Why can’t India quit coal energy?
India can’t quit coal energy because:
High Energy Demand: The nation’s energy demand is soaring, with per capita electricity consumption doubling from 631 units in 2005 to 1255 units in 2022, and it’s projected to grow over 40% soon.
Dependable Energy: Unlike solar and wind energy, coal provides a steady and reliable power supply, crucial for maintaining economic growth and meeting consistently high energy demands.
Insufficient Renewable Capacity: Despite having a large installed capacity of renewables by 2030, the actual electricity generation from these sources will be significantly lower due to factors like weather and plant load factors.
Job Provision: The coal industry provides jobs to around 1.2 million people directly, which is crucial for employment in certain regions.
Expansion of Thermal Power: India plans to enhance its coal production to meet increasing energy needs, going from 900 million tonnes to 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030, underpinning its continued reliance on coal.
Economic Stability: Consistent coal power supports India’s rapidly growing economy, ensuring a stable energy supply even when renewables are inconsistent.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Toto Language: A dictionary to save a language from extinction
Source: The post is based on the article “Toto Language: A dictionary to save a language from extinction” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd October 2023
What is the News?
A dictionary titled “Toto Shabda Sangraha” is set to be released with the aim of preserving the Toto language.
What is Toto Language?
Toto is a Sino-Tibetan language.It is primarily spoken orally and is currently written in the Bengali script.
It is spoken by barely 1,600 people living in parts of West Bengal bordering Bhutan.
It is listed as a critically endangered language by UNESCO.
What is Toto Shabda Sangraha?
Toto Shabda Sangraha is a dictionary developed with the aim of preserving the Toto language.
The dictionary has been compiled by Bhakta Toto, a bank employee-cum-poet, and published jointly by the trust and Bhasha Samsad
Army’s Project Udbhav to rediscover ‘Indic heritage of statecraft’ from ancient texts
Source: The post is based on the article “Army’s Project Udbhav to rediscover ‘Indic heritage of statecraft’ from ancient texts” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd October 2023
What is the News?
The Indian Army in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), has recently concluded a hybrid-panel discussion as part of Project Udbhav
What is Project Udbhav?
Started in: 2021
Started by: Indian Army in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India, a defence think-tank.
Aim: To rediscover the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts derived from ancient Indian texts of statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy and grand strategy.
The project focuses on various aspects such as Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts and Kingdoms, Thematic Studies and intricate Kautilya Studies.
Objective: Project Udbhav seeks to bridge the historical and the contemporary.Its ultimate goal is to understand the profound depths of indigenous military systems, their evolution, strategies that have been passed down through the ages and integrate that age-old wisdom with modern military pedagogy.
– By reintroducing these classical teachings into contemporary military and strategic domains, the army aims to: nurture its officers to apply ancient wisdom in modern scenarios and allow a more profound understanding of international relations and foreign cultures.
Significance: This project stands testimony to the Indian Army’s recognition of India’s age-old wisdom in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy and warfare.
DRI saves 955 live baby Gangetic turtles in a crackdown on illegal wildlife trade in multicity Operation “Kachchhap”
Source: The post is based on the article “DRI saves 955 live baby Gangetic turtles in a crackdown on illegal wildlife trade in multicity Operation Kachchhap” published in “PIB” on 3rd October 2023.
What is the News?
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has rescued 955 live baby Gangetic turtles as part of Operation “Kachchhap”.
What is Operation Kachchhap?
Conducted by: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
Aim: To combat the illegal wildlife trade of Gangetic turtles.
Which are the Gangetic Turtles rescued in this Operation Kachchhap?
Brown Roofed Turtle: Brown roofed turtle (Pangshura smithii) is a common freshwater turtle.It is found in northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.
– The species is found in fast flowing rivers, streams, ponds and areas with good vegetation which provides a breeding ground for turtles.
– IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Black spotted/Pond Turtle: Black pond turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii), also known as the spotted pond turtle or the Indian spotted turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle endemic to South Asia.
– It is found in north and north-eastern Indian subcontinent primarily in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
– IUCN Status: Endangered
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) celebrates its Seventh Annual Day
Source: The post is based on the article “Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) celebrates its Seventh Annual Day” published in “PIB” on 3rd October 2023.
What is the News?
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India(IBBI) has celebrated its Seventh Annual Day.
What is the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India(IBBI)?
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is a statutory body established on 1st October, 2016 in accordance with the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code).
Purpose: The IBBI is one of the key pillars of the ecosystem responsible for implementation of the Code.
Functions: It is a unique regulator: regulates a profession as well as processes.
– It has regulatory oversight over the Insolvency Professionals, Insolvency Professional Agencies, Insolvency Professional Entities and Information Utilities.
– It writes and enforces rules for processes, namely, corporate insolvency resolution, corporate liquidation, individual insolvency resolution and individual bankruptcy under the Code.
– It has also been designated as the ‘Authority’ under the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation Rules), 2017 for regulation and development of the profession of valuers in the country.
Governing Board: The affairs of the IBBI are governed by a Governing Board constituted by the Central Government.
– The Governing Board consists of (a) Chairperson; (b) three members from amongst the officers of the Central Government not below the rank of Joint Secretary or equivalent, one each representing the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Law & Justice; (c) one member nominated by the Reserve Bank of India; (d) three whole-time members; and (e) two part-time members.
Headquarters: New Delhi.
Indian Coast Guard Pollution-Control Vessel Samudra Prahari visits Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Indian Coast Guard Pollution-Control Vessel Samudra Prahari visits Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia” published in “PIB” on 3rd October 2023.
What is the News?
Indian Coast Guard Ship(ICGS) Samudra Prahari has arrived at the port of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Why has ICGS ship Samudra Prahari been deployed in Indonesia?
The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, has embarked on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.
The initiative was announced during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting in Cambodia in November 2022.
During this deployment, the ship is scheduled to make port calls in Bangkok(Thailand), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Jakarta(Indonesia).
Moreover, the ship has aboard 13 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, who will participate actively in the “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” thereby giving the Abhiyan an international reach.
Significance: This initiative underscores India’s expertise and collaborative efforts in tackling regional maritime challenges, particularly those related to marine pollution threats.
– It also aligns seamlessly with India’s visionary approach, as outlined by the Prime Minister encapsulated in “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region”.
What is Samudra Prahari?
What is Puneet Sagar Abhiyan?
CRPF in collaboration with Ministry of Women and Child Development is organizing a cross-country bike expedition with “Yashaswini” to celebrate women power
Source: The post is based on the article “CRPF in collaboration with Ministry of Women and Child Development is organizing a cross-country bike expedition with “Yashaswini” to celebrate women power” published in “PIB” on 3rd October 2023.
What is the News?
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) collaborates with the Ministry of Women and Child Development for a cross-country bike expedition named “Yashaswini”.
What is Yashaswini?
Yashaswini is a cross-country bike expedition organized by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Under this, a total of 150 women CRPF officers will embark on a cross-country rally on bikes to celebrate women power or Nari Shakti of the country.
The rally will cover approximately 10,000 km, passing through 15 states and 2 Union Territories.
Along their routes, various events are planned, including interactions with groups associated with “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”(BBBP), such as school children, college girls, women self-help groups among others.
The women bikers will also proudly display the BBBP logo on their uniforms and banners, endorsing this cause throughout the country.
WHO approves use of malaria vaccine with adjuvant tech
Source: The post is based on the article “WHO approves use of malaria vaccine with adjuvant tech” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd October 2023.
What is the News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a new vaccine named R21/Matrix-M for the prevention of malaria in children.
What is R21/Matrix-M Vaccine?
R21/Matrix-M is a Malaria Vaccine.
Developed by: Jenner Institute at Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India with support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The vaccine contains R21 antigen developed by University of Oxford, specific to the malaria parasite, and Novavax’s Matrix-M, a saponin-based adjuvant that enhances the immune response, making it broader and more durable.
Key Features of R21:
– High efficacy when given just before the high transmission season: In areas with highly seasonal malaria transmission (where malaria transmission is largely limited to 4 or 5 months per year), the R21 vaccine was shown to reduce symptomatic cases of malaria by 75% following a 3-dose series.
– Cost-effectiveness is favorable, with a price range of $2 to $4 per dose, making it comparable to other recommended malaria interventions.
– Safety: The R21 vaccine was shown to be safe in clinical trials.
Significance: The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine recommended by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a WHO recommendation in 2021.
Medicine Nobel 2023 goes to duo who paved the way for mRNA COVID vaccines
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Source: The post is based on the article “Medicine Nobel 2023 goes to duo who paved the way for mRNA COVID vaccines” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd October 2023.
What is the News?
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their research that enabled the development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
What are mRNA vaccines?
Source: BBC
mRNA stands for messenger RNA.It is a form of nucleic acid which carries genetic information.
Like other vaccines, the mRNA vaccine also attempts to activate the immune system to produce antibodies that help counter an infection from a live virus.
However, while most vaccines use weakened or dead bacteria or viruses to evoke a response from the immune system, mRNA vaccines only introduce a piece of the genetic material that corresponds to a viral protein.This is usually a protein found on the membrane of the virus and is called spike protein. Therefore, the mRNA vaccine does not expose individuals to the virus itself.
However, a key challenge with mRNA vaccines is that they need to be frozen from -90 degree Celsius to -50 degree Celsius. They can be stored for up to two weeks in commercial freezers and need to be thawed at 2 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius at which they can remain for a month.
What work did Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman do for mRNA vaccines?
Source: Hindustan Times
A significant obstacle in the development of mRNA vaccines was early prototypes of synthetic mRNAs provoked inflammatory reactions making them unsuitable for medical use.
However, Karikó and Weissman found that by making slight chemical adjustments to the mRNA molecules, they could eliminate these inflammatory reactions and significantly boost the production of the desired protein.
This breakthrough became the basis for the development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
What is the potential of mRNA technology beyond Covid-19?
Early studies suggest mRNA technology shows promise as a treatment for cancers, including melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
Other avenues of ongoing mRNA research include exploring a new avenue to treat autoimmune diseases.And mRNA technology is also being checked out as a possible alternative to gene therapy for intractable conditions such as sickle cell disease.