9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 30th October, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Impact of Upcoming Census on Delimitation and Women’s Reservation
Source: The post impact of upcoming census on delimitation and women’s reservation has been created, based on the article “Why this Census is crucial for delimitation, women’s quota, what’s the legal roadmap” published in “Indian Express” on 30th October 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-polity- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
Context: The article discusses the upcoming Census in India, expected to start next year and finish by 2026. This will affect delimitation, which redraws constituency boundaries, and women’s reservation in elections. Both processes depend on the Census results and legal amendments.
For detailed information on Delimitation Exercise read this article here
What is the expected timeline for the census and its impact on Delimitation?
- The Indian government aims to begin the Census next year and complete it by 2026, aligning it with preparation for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
- Delimitation, or redrawing constituency boundaries, depends on Census data. It last happened in 2002, using data from the 1971 and 2001 Censuses.
- Currently, Lok Sabha has 543 seats and all state Assemblies together have 4,123 seats, based on older Census figures when India’s population was 54.81 crore (1971) and 102.87 crore (2001).
- With the expected 1.5 billion population in the upcoming Census, seats in the Lok Sabha and Assemblies are likely to increase significantly.
What legal changes are needed for delimitation?
- For delimitation to happen before the next Lok Sabha election in 2029, Article 82, along with Articles 81, 170, and 55, will need to be amended.
- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 froze delimitation until after the 2001 Census, and it was extended for 25 years in 2001.
- Now, any adjustment must wait until the Census after 2026. Southern states with controlled population growth worry they might lose seats if only population data is considered.
What role does the Census play in women’s reservation?
- The Constitution (128th Amendment) Act, passed in 2023, reserves 33% of seats in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies for women.
- This reservation will only be implemented after the Census and subsequent delimitation. Currently, with 545 seats in Lok Sabha, 182 would be reserved for women, leaving 363 for men, which could challenge current male representatives.
- However, if the strength of Lok Sabha increases to 770 seats, as projected, there would be 257 seats for women, with 513 for men, easing the transition for male politicians.
For detailed information on Political Empowerment of Women read this article here
Question for practice:
Discuss how the upcoming Census in India is expected to impact delimitation and the implementation of women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act Amid Myanmar Civil War and ASEAN Struggles
Source: The post India’s diplomatic balancing act amid Myanmar Civil War and ASEAN struggles has been created, based on the article “A collective effort towards peace in Myanmar” published in “The Hindu” on 30th October 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Context: The article discusses Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, ASEAN’s struggle to mediate peace, and India’s delicate position balancing security and diplomacy. ASEAN faces internal divisions, while India focuses on regional connectivity and stability amid Myanmar’s political turmoil and humanitarian crisis.
For detailed information on India-Myanmar Relations Amid Myanmar Civil War read this article here
What is the crisis in Myanmar?
- Since a military coup in 2021, Myanmar is in crisis.
- A brutal civil war rages between the junta, Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), and the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs).
- Armed resistance groups hold large territories, even controlling six major border trade routes.
- The junta’s violent suppression has displaced hundreds of thousands, creating a humanitarian emergency.
- The United Nations estimates 18.6 million people need aid, including 6 million children.
How has ASEAN responded to Myanmar’s crisis?
- ASEAN responded to Myanmar’s 2021 coup by breaking its non-interference policy, acknowledging the violation of ASEAN’s Charter on rule of law.
- ASEAN created the Five-Point Consensus for peace, including violence cessation and humanitarian aid, yet implementation has been limited.
- To pressure Myanmar, ASEAN excluded its military leaders from summits for non-compliance.
- For the 44th ASEAN Summit, Myanmar sent a senior official, signaling slight engagement.
- Thailand proposed informal talks involving ASEAN Troika (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia) for diplomatic progress.
For detailed information on ASEAN’s Initiative to End Political Crisis in Myanmar read this article here
What are the challenges within ASEAN?
- Internal Divisions: ASEAN members like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines advocate stronger actions, while others, such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, maintain closer relations with Myanmar’s military government.
- Non-Interference Policy: ASEAN broke its traditional non-interference stance in response to Myanmar’s 2021 coup, reflecting internal tensions over governance and rule of law.
- Consensus-Based Decision-Making: ASEAN’s consensus model slows responses, as decisions require unanimity, weakening the bloc’s reaction to Myanmar’s crisis.
- Limited Stakeholder Engagement: Thailand’s proposed talks focus on the junta and lack involvement from Myanmar’s National Unity Government and ethnic groups, limiting inclusivity.
- Humanitarian Challenges: Thailand’s humanitarian corridor operates only in areas controlled by Myanmar’s junta, limiting effective aid distribution.
What is India’s stance on Myanmar?
- Support for ASEAN’s Role: India endorses ASEAN’s centrality and its Five-Point Consensus for peace in Myanmar, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi at recent ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits.
- Strategic Importance for Act East Policy: Myanmar is essential for India’s Act East Policy, serving as a land bridge to other ASEAN countries, with a 1,643 km shared border.
- Regional Connectivity Projects: India is involved in projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway to boost trade and connectivity.
- Developmental Assistance: India recently signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Myanmar under the Quick Impact Projects framework, backed by a $250,000 grant for agriculture, vocational training, disaster management, and education.
- Border Security Measures: Concerns over regional stability and refugee influxes led India to fence its Myanmar border and discontinue the Free Movement Regime.
- Broad Engagement Approach: India aims to engage with various stakeholders in Myanmar to safeguard its strategic interests while promoting peace.
Question for practice:
Examine how India balances its strategic interests and humanitarian concerns in Myanmar amid the ongoing civil war.
GS PAPER - 3
India’s concerns related to low levels of investment
Source: The post India’s concerns related to low levels of investment has been created, based on the article “Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: India’s economic credibility challenge” published in “Indian Express” on 30th October 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Economy-mobilisation of resources, growth, and development.
Context: The article critiques India’s economic situation, noting that despite government optimism and some reforms, private and foreign investments are slow. It highlights gaps in credibility, regulatory challenges, over-concentration of capital, and reliance on empty statements to inspire growth.
For detailed information on Decline in India’s FDI and an increase in disinvesting read this article here
What Is the Current State of Investment in India?
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed concerns about low levels of domestic and foreign investments in India, despite favorable growth figures and government incentives like tax breaks.
- However, investments continue to lag, and the expected boom in private investment has not materialized despite optimistic projections over the years.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notes some positive signs in private investment but acknowledges significant ongoing weaknesses.
- Corporate growth is slowing, and companies are cautious with spending, affecting investments in new capacities.
What Are the Major Credibility Gaps?
- Epistemic Gaps: There are conflicting reports about consumer confidence and economic conditions, making it difficult to gauge the real economic situation.
- Regulatory Issues: India is perceived as having a challenging business environment due to unpredictable regulations and increased compliance burdens.
- Concentration of Capital: Economic power is increasingly concentrated among a few large firms, which harms competition and may deter smaller enterprises and new entrants.
- General Economic Credibility: Frequent reliance on optimistic statements (termed “Open Mouth Operations”) by officials fails to convincingly address underlying economic issues, leading to a lack of trust in the government’s economic management.
For detailed information on Challenges and Opportunities in Indian Economy read this article here
How Does Lack of Credibility Affect Economic Growth?
- For sustainable growth, credibility in governance is crucial.
- While India showcases large infrastructure projects, issues like urban flooding indicate gaps in basic governance.
3.Statements without actions create a perception that India’s economic management lacks clarity and consistency, weakening trust among investors.
Question for practice:
Discuss how credibility gaps in governance impact India’s economic growth and investment climate.
EAC-PM Report about state-wise economic performance
Source: The post EAC-PM report reveal about state-wise economic performance has been created, based on the article “A picture of a growing economic divide in India” published in “The Hindu” on 30th October 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3 -Economic- growth, development and employment; Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Context: The article discusses economic disparities among Indian states. It highlights that richer states attract more investment, leading to growing inequalities. To address this, it suggests improving governance and focusing on the unorganised sector in poorer states to boost their growth and federal unity.
For detailed information on Economic divide among India’s States read Article 1, Article 2
What does the EAC-PM Report reveal about state-wise economic performance?
1. The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) released a report on the economic performance of Indian states from 1960-61 to 2023-24.
- It compares each state’s share in the national income and their per capita income against the all-India average. The report highlights significant disparities among states, with Maharashtra as the top contributor to the national economy. However, Maharashtra also has regions like Vidarbha, which face severe poverty and farmer distress, showing inequality within states.
- The report notes that western and southern states consistently outperform eastern states, and most northern states perform poorly, except for Haryana and Delhi.
- This widening gap leads to a federal divide, with wealthier states like Kerala questioning resource allocation by the central government. Similar protests occurred in 2000 against the Eleventh Finance Commission’s decisions.
What role does investment play in state development?
1. Investment drives economic output.
- Richer states generally attract more investment due to higher returns, stronger infrastructure, and better governance.
- Private investment, comprising 75% of total investment, favors well-developed areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, where market potential is high. In contrast, poorer states see less investment due to weaker infrastructure and governance, further widening regional inequalities.
- Coastal areas, including Odisha in the east, benefit from easier export access and lower import costs, attracting investment.
- Urban centers such as Delhi and Bengaluru are preferred due to larger markets and better facilities.
- Additionally, rich states have more efficient governance and educational facilities, attracting companies seeking productive labor.
How has liberalisation affected investment trends?
1. Post-1991 liberalisation reduced public sector investment in backward regions and increased private sector dominance, directing more funds to already developed states.
- Consequently, savings from poorer states have moved to wealthier regions offering higher returns, worsening the credit-deposit ratio gap between rich and poor states.
- Poorer states have larger unorganised sectors with low productivity and income. NEP policies favor the organised sector, and projects like freight corridors and highways extend this sector’s reach, benefiting richer states at the expense of poorer ones.
Why do some states face unique economic challenges?
- West Bengal and Kerala have strong labor movements, which discourage private investment.
- Border states receive less public investment due to strategic and security concerns, while opposition-led states allege the central government favors “Double Engine” (same-party) states, impacting investment flows.
- In poorer states, weak governance, high black-market activity, and policy failures discourage investment, limiting growth potential.
- Cronyism in investment decisions benefits select companies, raising overall investment risk, especially in less developed states.
How can India address these economic disparities?
- To strengthen federalism and reduce inequalities, states need to improve governance and invest in social services.
- The central government should focus on the unorganised sector to boost demand in poorer states, encouraging private investment.
- Reducing regional disparities would support balanced growth across India.
Question for practice:
Examine how investment patterns contribute to economic disparities among Indian states and the potential solutions to address these inequalities.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG)
Source: This post on Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG) has been created based on the article “New guidelines promote Ayurveda, regulate use of antibiotics in veterinary treatment” published in The Hindu on 28th October 2024.
Why in news?
The Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry recently released the Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG).
About the guidelines
1. About: It is the first comprehensive set of guidelines covering nearly all animal and bird diseases. It is designed to lower residues of antibiotics, hormones, and other drugs in animal-source foods (ASFs), contributing to safer food and better soil health.
2. It is envisioned as a tool to achieve consistent health standards in animals, prevent excessive medication, and enhance food safety.
3. Developed by: Ministry of Animal Husbandry
4. Objective: To regulate and reduce antibiotic use in treating diseases in livestock and poultry.
5. Aims:
i) To minimize antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by promoting regulated and effective treatments.
ii) Incorporates detailed information on drug usage, including dosages, treatment duration, predicted drug requirements, withdrawal periods, and potential side effects.
6. Integration of Ayurvedic and Ethnoveterinary Medicine: It includes ethnoveterinary practices and Ayurvedic drugs to provide cost-effective treatment alternatives for marginal and small-scale farmers.
7. Economic and Environmental Impact: It is expected to reduce treatment costs for farmers by encouraging the use of more affordable medicines.
8. It also aims to support veterinary professionals, animal health workers, and farmers by providing precise, quality treatment options.
9. SVTG emphasizes rational drug use, particularly for managing bovine mastitis, where validated herbal treatments have shown effectiveness. It is expected to significantly reduce AMR risk and contribute to better health management practices across the livestock and poultry sectors in India.
UPSC Syllabus: Governance
Launch of CRS Mobile App
Source: This post on Launch of CRS Mobile App has been created based on the article “Shah unveils mobile app for birth and death registration “ published in The Hindu on 30th October 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, the Union Home Minister launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app.
About the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app
1. About: CiviThe l Registration System (CRS) was developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
2. Aim: To integrate technology into governance for improved service delivery.It aims to make the registration process seamless, reducing time and hassle for users.
3. Features:
i) The app allows citizens to register births and deaths at any time, from any location, and in their respective State’s official language.
Note: Under the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, all births and deaths reported from October 1, 2023, must be registered digitally via the central portal (dc.crsorgi.gov.in).
ii) Digital Birth Certificate: The app generates a single, comprehensive digital birth certificate. This document serves as official proof of date of birth for multiple uses, including educational admissions, government jobs, and marriage registrations.
iii) Centralized Database Benefits: The app’s centralized system aids in updating national databases, such as the National Population Register (NPR), and facilitates management of ration cards, property registration, and electoral rolls.
Note: NPR data was initially gathered in 2010 and updated in 2015, includes records of 119 crore residents, forming a foundational step for creating the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
UPSC Syllabus: Nation and polity
Health Coverage Expansion Under PM-JAY
Source: This post on Health Coverage Expansion Under PM-JAY has been created based on the article ” PM rolls out health cover for persons aged 70 and above “published in The Hindu on 30th October 2024.
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced a significant extension to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
About the extension
1. The extension to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) now includes:
i) Eligibility for Senior Citizens: The scheme will now cover all individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of income, ensuring they can receive free hospital treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
ii) Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card: Senior citizens will receive an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, which will help reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
2. Several health-related projects were also inaugrated:
i) Health Sector Investments: New projects amounting to ₹12,850 crore were launched at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Delhi.
ii) Global Appeal of Ayurveda: Celebrations for Ayurveda Diwas took place in over 150 countries which reflected the growing global interest in Ayurveda.
Read more: Expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes
Israel’s Ban on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
Source: This post on Israel’s Ban on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has been created based on the article “UNRWA: What is the UN agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has banned?” published in Indian Express on 30th October 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, Israel’s parliament passed two Bills, effectively banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Additionally, the agency is now classified as a “terrorist organization” under Israeli law, and Israel has cut all formal ties.
About United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
1. Establishment: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was founded in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
2. Mandate: It was established with a mandate to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees.
3. Its mandate, renewed periodically by the United Nations General Assembly, extends to millions of registered Palestine refugees, primarily in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
4. Funding: It is primarily funded by voluntary donations from countries like the United States, Germany, and the European Union, with limited UN support for administrative expenses.
4. Key Services and Operations
i) Education: UNRWA operates hundreds of schools, offering free primary and preparatory education to Palestinian children. These schools are notable for focusing on equality and inclusivity and frequently rank among the highest for academic performance in the Middle East.
ii) Healthcare: UNRWA provides primary healthcare services to refugees through a network of health centers, offering medical treatment, maternal and child health programs, and disease prevention initiatives. The agency also promotes mental health and psychosocial support to address the trauma associated with conflict.
iii) Social Services and Relief: The organization provides targeted support to the most vulnerable groups, such as food aid, financial assistance, and livelihood programs. This assistance has become particularly crucial as refugees face poverty, high unemployment rates, and limited access to resources.
iv) Emergency Relief and Infrastructure: During times of crisis, such as armed conflicts or natural disasters, UNRWA mobilizes resources to offer emergency food, shelter, and health services. The agency also works on rebuilding and maintaining infrastructure, including housing, roads, and sanitation facilities in refugee camps.
5. Current Reach: It supports approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, many of whom are descendants of the original displaced population.
UPSC Syllabus: International organisation
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
Source: This post on MHA Warns Against Illegal Payment Gateways and Mule Accounts has been created based on the article “MHA warns against illegal payment gateways running through mule accounts” published in The Hindu on 30th October 2024.
Why in news?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a significant alert concerning illegal payment gateways established through mule bank accounts through its Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). These accounts are being exploited by transnational cybercriminals for large-scale money laundering operations.
About Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
1. About: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs in India, launched in January 2020 to address the growing concerns of cybercrime within the country.
2. Objective: The objective of I4C is to create a centralized system for the detection, prevention, and investigation of cybercrimes, which have been on the rise with increased digitization.
Key Functions and Features of I4C
1. Nationwide Cybercrime Reporting Portal: I4C has set up a cybercrime reporting portal which allows citizens to report incidents of cyber fraud, financial scams, harassment, and other online crimes.
This centralized platform helps law enforcement agencies receive complaints and respond swiftly. The portal also categorizes cyber complaints, making it easier to address urgent cases, such as child abuse material or financial fraud.
2. Coordination Across Jurisdictions: Cybercrime often crosses state and international borders, necessitating strong coordination among agencies. I4C acts as a bridge among different law enforcement agencies and state police departments, helping coordinate efforts to investigate and tackle cyber threats that require cross-jurisdictional cooperation.
3. Capacity Building and Skill Development: I4C emphasizes training by organizing workshops, certification programs, and seminars to build the capacity of officers across states.
4. National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (TAU): This unit under I4C is responsible for real-time threat assessment and analysis. By gathering data on evolving cyber threats and attack patterns, the TAU provides intelligence that law enforcement agencies can use to preempt cyberattacks.
5. Collaboration with Private Sector: I4C collaborates with technology companies, financial institutions, and cybersecurity firms recognizing that the private sector plays a critical role in the digital ecosystem. Through these partnerships, I4C gains insights into technological advancements and can respond to emerging threats more effectively.
6. Public Awareness and Outreach: I4C also emphasizes raising awareness about cyber hygiene among citizens. Through social media campaigns, workshops, and public service announcements, I4C educates people about safe online practices, such as strong password usage, recognizing phishing scams, and securing personal devices.
7. Cyber Crime Research and Innovation Centre: I4C includes a research division focused on innovations in cybersecurity to keep pace with rapid technological changes, . This center explores the latest tools, techniques, and frameworks to protect against cyber threats and constantly seeks to enhance India’s cyber defense capabilities.
Significance of I4C
i) I4C’s establishment marks a substantial step toward creating a robust national cybersecurity framework in India.
ii) I4C provides a structured approach to addressing these issues and also reinforces India’s commitment to cybersecurity, which is crucial for digital trust and economic stability.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Land Port Authority of India (LPAI)
Source: This post on Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) has been created based on the article “Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates the Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal, built at a cost of ₹487 crore by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI)” published in PIB on 30th October 2024. Land Port Authority of India
Why in news?
Recently, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and a Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal constructed by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI).
About Land Port Authority of India (LPAI)
1. The Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) is an agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. It is responsible for establishing, managing, and administering Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) along India’s land borders.
3. It was established in 2012 through the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
4. The LPAI plays a crucial role in facilitating smooth and efficient trade, travel, and people-to-people connectivity across India’s land frontiers with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nepal.
5. Objectives: The LPAI was established to create a unified management structure for cross-border infrastructure, replacing the fragmented and often inefficient arrangements that existed prior.
6. Key functions include:
i) Management of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): LPAI operates ICPs, which serve as organized entry and exit points with modern infrastructure for cargo, passengers, and customs. These ICPs streamline immigration, customs, and security processes under one roof, expediting trade and travel.
ii) Security and Surveillance: The authority ensures that ICPs have up-to-date security and surveillance mechanisms, aiding national security while minimizing illegal trade and unauthorized movement.
iii) Trade Facilitation and Infrastructure Development: The LPAI promotes trade efficiency and cross-border commerce, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing logistical convenience by developing infrastructure such as warehousing, cold storage, and cargo handling facilities.
7. Major Integrated Check Posts: Some of the prominent ICPs managed by the LPAI include:
i) Attari-Wagah (Punjab): India’s only ICP on the Pakistan border, crucial for trade and movement between the two countries.
ii) Raxaul (Bihar) and Jogbani (Bihar): Key ICPs on the India-Nepal border, facilitating trade and movement with Nepal.
iii) Petrapole-Benapole (West Bengal): The busiest land port on the India-Bangladesh border.
iv) Moreh (Manipur): The main ICP with Myanmar, serving as a vital link for the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
UPSC Syllabus: International relations, geography