9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 29th June, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Discrimination in employment

Source: The post discrimination in employment has been created, based on the article “Foxconn and married women: Dear men, what did your wives give up so that you could shine at work?” published in “Indian express” on 29th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-social justice and GS paper3- Employment

Context: The article discusses discrimination against married women in employment, particularly at Foxconn, where they are not hired due to assumed family and pregnancy commitments. It criticizes societal expectations that limit women’s careers and calls for policy changes and better support systems to enable true workplace equality.

For detailed information on Challenges Of Female Labour Force Participation (LFP) read this article here

Why do women face discrimination in employment?

1. Discriminatory Hiring Practices: Companies like Foxconn reportedly avoid hiring married women due to concerns about their family responsibilities, potential pregnancies, and perceived higher absenteeism, which unfairly assumes they are less dedicated to their jobs.
2. Societal Expectations: There’s a prevalent bias that women are more focused on family duties. Examples include criticisms of women bosses who are perceived as not inspiring because they prioritize family, which can affect their professional opportunities and advancements.
3. Inequitable Workload: Women often manage both professional roles and domestic responsibilities. Despite their ability to multitask, they are not given the same opportunities for career advancement or compensation as men, who are typically freer to pursue professional growth without the same level of domestic distraction.

What should be done to address these issues?

1. Implement Comprehensive Training Programs: Educate men about sharing domestic responsibilities equally, so women can have more opportunities to focus on their careers, similar to their male counterparts.
2. Enforce and Strengthen Discrimination Laws: Strengthen existing laws like the Equal Remuneration Act, making them more comprehensive and closing loopholes that allow discrimination in hiring practices.
3. Create Supportive Workplace Policies: Introduce policies such as flexible working hours, onsite childcare facilities, and safe accommodation to help women balance work and family life more effectively.
4. Establish Paternity Leave: Advocate for comparable-length paternity leaves to encourage shared parental responsibilities, allowing women to return to their careers with less strain postpartum.

For detailed information on Supreme Court’s decision on women’s employment read this article here

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced by married women in employment and suggest potential solutions to promote workplace equality.

GS PAPER - 2

Criticisms of new criminal justice system

Source: The post criticisms of new criminal justice system has been created, based on the article “New criminal codes from July 1: A threat to citizen liberty, justice under the guise of a decolonisation project” published in “Indian express” on 29th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-governance-Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: The article discusses the introduction of new criminal laws in India, from 1st July 2024, which replace old laws but retain many old provisions. It criticizes these laws for not being a true reform, increasing police powers, and risking civil liberties. It also highlights concerns about whether institutions are prepared to implement these changes effectively.

For detailed information on new criminal law reforms read Article 1, Article 2

What are the new criminal justice systems replacing the old ones?

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA), respectively. These laws aim to update and decolonize India’s criminal law system.

What are the criticisms of the new criminal justice system?

1. Retention of Old Provisions: The new laws retain about 75% of the existing provisions from the old laws such as the IPC and CrPC. This calls into question the claim that the laws have been decolonized since a significant part of the legislation remains unchanged.
2. Increased Police Powers: Specifically, Section 187 of the BNSS increases the maximum police custody duration from 15 days to either 60 or 90 days. This represents a substantial extension compared to the limits set under previous laws like the UAPA, POTA, and TADA.
3. Vague Definitions of Crimes: The article mentions the introduction of vague offenses such as “false and misleading information” and “acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.” These sections lack clarity and could lead to discretionary enforcement by police, risking abuse of power.
4. Trials in Absentia: The BNSS allows for the prosecution and adjudication of trials against proclaimed offenders in their absence, which severely restricts the accused’s right to defend themselves—a drastic change from the previous system where only evidence could be recorded in the absence of the accused.
5. Ambiguity in Transitional Provisions: Section 358 of the BNS states that the IPC will continue to apply to offenses under the IPC, but it remains unclear if this only pertains to offenses committed before July 1 or also to ongoing proceedings, investigations, or remedies related to IPC offenses as of that date. This lack of clarity could lead to legal confusion and inconsistent application in transitional cases.
6. Handling of Ongoing Legal Proceedings: Sections 531 of the BNSS and 170 of the BSA clarify that ongoing appeals, applications, trials, inquiries, or investigations at the time the new legislation takes effect will be governed by the old laws (CrPC or IEA). This provision is crucial for ensuring continuity and fairness in ongoing cases but also introduces potential for interpretative challenges among different courts and jurisdictions, given the major legal shift.

Question for practice:

Examine the criticisms of India’s new criminal justice system reforms.

GS PAPER - 3

Concerns related to the “Washington Consensus” approach

Source: The post concerns related to the “Washington Consensus” approach has been created, based on the article “A new paradigm for creating jobs” published in “Business standard” on 29th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy

Context: The article discusses the need for India to shift its focus from solely aiming for GDP growth to actively creating jobs through state intervention and smart policies. It criticizes the reliance on free markets and suggests adopting strategies similar to East Asian countries to boost industrial growth and employment.

For detailed information on “Washington Consensus” read this article here

What are the concerns related to the “Washington Consensus” approach?

1. Limited Job Creation: Despite high GDP growth rates post-1991 reforms influenced by the “Washington Consensus,” job creation has been inadequate. The focus on free markets didn’t lead to the expected employment benefits.
2. Comparison with China: In 1991, India’s per capita income and technological status were similar to China’s. However, unlike India, China used state-driven policies for industrialization and export success, now being significantly ahead economically.
3. Market Forces Limitations: Relying solely on market forces has shown limitations, as seen in India’s underperformance in job creation compared to its potential and historical economic strategies.

What should be done?

1. Intervene in Currency Markets: Reserve Bank of India need to intervene in currency markets to prevent the appreciation of the real exchange rate, which harms domestic value addition and job creation.
2. Reduce Business Costs: Address high logistics costs, which are about 50% higher than those of competitors, and rationalize high diesel taxes that nearly double the highest GST rates.
3. Implement Sector-Specific Policies: Follow the successful example of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which turned India into a significant manufacturing hub for Apple, creating approximately 150,000 jobs.
4. Identify labor-intensive sectors in manufacturing and services where India can compete globally. Governments can help firms create competitive advantages and attract foreign direct investment.
5. Implement sector-specific measures that yield results within two to three years. Use tools like concessional finance, cheap land, public investment, and import duty adjustments as needed.
6. Focus on a few sectors initially to achieve a critical mass and self-sustaining growth. Avoid spreading resources too thinly. Success in the domestic and export markets should move together.
7. Favor producers who create jobs and workers over consumers and traders. A balanced approach in the globalized economy is necessary for job creation and economic growth.

Question for practice:

Discuss the criticisms of India’s reliance on the “Washington Consensus” approach and propose alternative strategies for job creation and economic growth.

Decision of Recent GST Council

Source: The post decision of recent GST Council has been created, based on the article “A fresh start: The GST Council must not lose sight of broader reforms” published in “The Hindu” on 29th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy- mobilisation of resources

Context: The article discusses the recent GST Council meeting, which addressed various tax issues, provided exemptions, and aimed to simplify the GST system. It also mentioned plans for future reforms, including rationalizing tax rates and incorporating excluded items like petroleum and electricity.

For information on GST Council read this article here

What did the GST Council decide in the recent meeting?

1. Exemption Decisions: The GST Council exempted hostel accommodation up to ₹20,000 per month and railway services from GST, reducing costs for students and rail passengers.
2. Rate Unification: A uniform GST rate of 12% was set for packing cartons, milk cans, and solar cookers, eliminating inconsistencies in tax rates based on materials or technology.
3. Interest and Penalty Waivers: Interest and penalties on tax dues from the first three years of GST implementation will be waived if paid by March 2025, providing relief to taxpayers.
4. Appeal Pre-deposits: The required pre-deposits for filing appeals were lowered, making the appeals process less burdensome for businesses.

What changes will affect industry and tax administration?

1. The anti-profiteering clause was removed, which had required companies to pass on tax cut benefits to consumers.
2. The Council also plans to implement Aadhaar authentication for GST registrations to prevent fraud and make the process more efficient.

What future plans were discussed?

1. Review of GST Rate Structure: The Council discussed plans to review the GST rate structure, particularly the multiple-rate system that was last planned for rationalization in 2021 but has been inactive since.
2. Extension to Excluded Items: Plans to bring previously excluded items like petroleum and electricity under the GST umbrella were mentioned, indicating a significant expansion of the GST net.

3.Tax Rate Adjustments: There is an intention to possibly adjust tax rates in the future, aiming to better align them with economic needs and simplifications.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key decisions and future plans outlined by the GST Council in its recent meeting regarding tax exemptions, rate unification, and reforms for it.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)

Source-This post on the National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)  portal has been created based on the article “Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches two Geoportals namely ‘Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)” portal for rural land record and “National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)” developed by Indian Space research Organization (ISRO)” published in “PIB” on 29 June 2026.

Why in the news?

Recently, two Geoportals namely ‘Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)” portal for rural land records and “National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)” launched at Prithvi Bhavan.

About National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)

1.The National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0) is a geo-portal designed to disseminate crucial space-based information and services related to natural disasters across India and neighboring countries.

2. The database provides comprehensive geospatial data essential for addressing emergency situations and disaster management efforts nationwide.

3. Purpose: NDEM serves as a centralized repository for space-based inputs, aimed at enhancing disaster management and reducing risks associated with natural calamities.

4. It covers a wide spectrum of natural disasters, extending its services beyond India to neighboring countries.

5. Key Features:

i) Comprehensive Data: NDEM offers a structured, multi-scale geospatial database covering the entire nation.

ii) Situational Assessment: It supports informed decision-making during emergencies by providing up-to-date situational assessments.

iii) Early Warning System: NDEM plays a crucial role in establishing an early warning system, helping to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and safeguarding citizens from unpredictable natural events.

6.Technology and Scope: NDEM leverages advanced geospatial tools to monitor and manage emergencies effectively.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programmes

New Compact Utility Tractor

Source– This post on the New Compact Utility Tractor has been created based on the article “New Compact Utility Tractor – can help in socio-economic upliftment of marginal and small farmers” published in “PIB” on 29 June 2024.

Why in the news?

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI) has developed a new Compact Utility Tractor.

About New Compact Utility Tractor

1. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI) has developed a compact, affordable and easily manoeuvrable tractor of low horsepower range.

2. CSIR developed the tractor with support from the Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division of the Department of Science & Technology (DST).

3. Features and their benefits:

i) This tractor is equipped with a 9 hp diesel engine, 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds, and a PTO with 6 splines @540 rpm.

ii) The tractor weighs around 450 kg, with front and rear wheel sizes of 4.5-10 and 6-16, respectively. It has a wheelbase of 1200 mm, ground clearance of 255 mm, and a turning radius of 1.75 m.

iii) This compact tractor can significantly speed up farming, completing tasks in hours rather than the several days required by bullock carts.

iv) It reduces the capital and maintenance costs for farmers.

v) The tractor is designed to be affordable and efficient potentially replacing bullock-driven plows for small and marginal farmers.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology, agriculture 

How a Key Enzyme VEGFR1 Prevents Cancer?

Source– This post on How a Key Enzyme Prevents Cancer has been created based on the article “Camouflaging as a dead enzyme VEGFR1 holds key to medical solutions for colon and renal cancers” published in “PIB” on 29 June 2024.

Why in the news?

Researchers have found the molecular mechanism by which a cell surface receptor which is a part of a family of enzymes that bind to growth factors helps prevent cancer. This enzyme VEGFR1 plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, survival, metabolism, and migration.

About VEGFR1

1. VEGFR1 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1) is a type of cell surface receptor known as a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK).

2. RTKs are essential for converting external signals (like growth factors) into cellular responses. These responses include cell growth, development, and immune functions.

3. When a ligand (such as a hormone) binds to VEGFR1, it activates an enzyme inside the cell that triggers a series of reactions necessary for these functions.

Key Findings of the Research

1. Autoinhibition of VEGFR1: VEGFR1 can keep itself inactive (autoinhibited) when there is no ligand present. This self-inhibition prevents unwanted cell growth and division, which is crucial for preventing cancer.

2. Difference Between VEGFR1 and VEGFR2: The study highlighted the difference between VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. Unlike VEGFR1, VEGFR2 can become spontaneously active without a ligand, which can lead to problems like uncontrolled cell growth. However, VEGFR1 remains inactive even when overexpressed, making it a safer option for controlling cell functions.

3. Ionic Latch Mechanism: The research team discovered a unique ionic latch in VEGFR1. This latch keeps the enzyme inactive by stabilizing its auto-inhibited state. The latch hooks a part of the enzyme called the juxtamembrane segment onto the kinase domain, preventing unwanted activation.

4. Role of Cellular Tyrosine Phosphatase: The study proposed that cellular tyrosine phosphatase plays a crucial role in modulating VEGFR1 activity. By regulating this activity, it’s possible to control the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is essential in cancer treatment.

Significance of the Research

1. Potential Cancer Treatments: By understanding how VEGFR1 stays inactive, scientists can explore new ways to treat cancer. They can develop therapies that use special molecules to keep VEGFR1 in its inactive state. This can help treat cancers like colon and kidney cancer, where VEGFR1 is often too active.

2. Preventing Uncontrolled Cell Growth: Keeping VEGFR1 inactive is important because it helps prevent unwanted cell growth. When VEGFR1 gets activated without control, it can lead to cancers, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Controlling VEGFR1 helps maintain healthy cell functions.

3. New Treatment Methods: The research shows that using molecules called phosphatase modulators to control VEGFR1 activity could be a promising treatment. This method can help manage conditions caused by VEGFR1 getting activated on its own, leading to better treatments for these diseases.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0) Portal

Source– This post on Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0) has been created based on the article “Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches two Geoportals namely ‘Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)” portal for rural land record and “National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)” developed by Indian Space research Organization (ISRO)” published in “PIB” on 29 June 2026.

Why in the news?

Recently, two Geoportals namely ‘Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)” portal for rural land records and “National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)” launched at Prithvi Bhavan.

About Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)

1. The geoportal is an advanced online platform developed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

2. Purpose: This portal serves as a comprehensive WebGIS (Web Geographic Information System) which is designed to support “Space-based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SISDP)” and empower citizens at the grassroots level in Panchayats across India.

3. Features: It provides high-resolution satellite imagery at a scale of 1:10K, enabling visualization and planning for infrastructure development, land use, and disaster risk reduction.

4. Benefits: By digitalizing rural land records and improving land revenue management, Bhuvan Panchayat aims to reduce corruption, enhance transparency, and promote ease of living by giving citizens direct access to real-time data.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology, Schemes and Programs

Performance of India in FATF’s Mutual Evaluation Report

Source – This post on the Performance of India in FATF’s Mutual Evaluation Report has been created based on the article “India achieves ‘outstanding outcome’ in FATF evaluation” published in “The Hindu” on 29 June 2026.

Why in the news?

Recently, India has achieved an outstanding outcome in the mutual evaluation conducted during 2023-24 by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

About Mutual Evaluation Report of India

1. The Mutual Evaluation Report of India is released by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

2. It was adopted at the FATF plenary held in Singapore.

3. India is now in the ‘regular follow-up’ category. It is a prestigious group that includes only four other G20 countries.

Key highlights of the report:

As per the report, India has achieved “high level of technical compliance”, against the requirements put forward by FATF for fighting money laundering.

1. Reducing ML/TF Risks: India has effectively tackled the dangers of money laundering and terrorist financing, including crimes related to corruption, fraud, and organized crime.

2. Moving to a Digital Economy: India has made a big shift from cash to digital transactions. This change helps reduce the risks of Money Laundering and Terror Funding.

The use of the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) Trinity and strict rules on cash transactions have increased financial inclusion (more people using banking services) and made transactions easier to track.

3. Increased Financial Inclusion: With more people using digital transactions thanks to the JAM Trinity, ML and TF risks have decreased.

Benefits for India’s Economy:

i) It shows that India’s financial system is stable and trustworthy, which helps attract investors and improves access to global financial markets.

ii) This also supports the expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) which is India’s fast payment system worldwide.

Suggestions for further improvements by FATF

i) India needs to address delays related to concluding money laundering and terrorist financing prosecutions and ensure counter terrorist financing measures are implemented.

ii) Better Supervision in Non-Financial Sectors: India needs to improve how it monitors and enforces anti-ML and TF rules in non-financial sectors, like real estate and precious metals.

iii) Faster Prosecutions: There are delays in concluding cases related to Money Laundering and Terror Funding, which need to be addressed to ensure justice is served promptly.

iv) Protecting Non-Profit Organizations: India needs to make sure that measures to protect NPOs from being used for Terror Funding are effective. This involves educating NPOs about the risks and how to avoid being exploited for Terror Funding.

UPSC Syllabus: International organisation, Internal Security

New Mobile Number Portability Regulation 2024

Source– This post on New Mobile Number Portability Rules has been created based on the article “Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth Amendment) Regulations, 2024 comes into force from July 01” published in “PIB” on 22 June 2024.

Why in the news?

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently issued the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth amendment) Regulations, 2024. New Mobile Number Portability Regulation 2024

About New Mobile Number Portability Rules

1. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced new rules for mobile number portability on March 14, 2024.

2. These new rules, called the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth Amendment) Regulations, 2024, will start on July 1, 2024.

3. The new regulations aim to stop fraudulent SIM swaps or replacements. This will help prevent people from illegally porting mobile numbers.

4. Under the new rules, a Unique Porting Code (UPC) will not be given if the request is made within seven days of a SIM swap or replacement. This means you have to wait seven days after getting a new SIM before you can request a porting code.

Read more: The Telecommunications Act 2023

UPSC Syllabus: Governance