9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 4th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Circular migration: looking at both sides of the debate

Source: The post is based on the article “Circular migration: looking at both sides of the debate” published in “The Hindu” on 4th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- population and associated issues; urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.

News: The author discusses “circular migration,” where people move between countries for work and return home periodically, contrasting it with other migration types. They explore its impact, benefits, and challenges in countries and specifically within India, emphasizing its effects on economies, societies, and individuals, and suggest it as a potentially balanced migration policy.

What is circular migration?

Circular migration is defined by temporary residence, potential for multiple entries, and freedom of movement between origin and destination.

A circular migrant completes at least two loops between the origin and destination.

India experiences substantial internal circular migration, notably from rural to urban areas, often for jobs in sectors like construction.

What are the impacts of circular migration on India?

Economic Impact

Circular migration, especially from rural areas to cities like in India, has both advantages and disadvantages.

The construction sector in India notably employed a large number of rural males between 2004-2005 and 2011-2012 due to internal migration.

Social Impact

The migration influences family dynamics, sometimes increasing women’s decision-making power in the absence of men.

However, migrants can face exploitation and poor working conditions, especially when language barriers are present, like moving to southern states in India.

Infrastructural Impact

Urban areas may experience infrastructural strain due to the influx of migrants, like housing challenges, while rural areas may see economic dwindling.

The pandemic in 2020 highlighted the precarious nature of migrant jobs, as many had to return home during lockdowns, revealing a need for better migrant worker support and policies.

What are the challenges of circular migration?

Worker Exploitation

In India, circular migrants, particularly to southern states, can face exploitation and unsafe working conditions.

They sometimes work in unsanitary conditions, with limited protective equipment, and might deal with middlemen or brokers who may take advantage of them.

Economic Strain

Migrants often engage in low-skill jobs, earning just enough to support themselves and their families, with little room for savings or asset creation.

Although they may access higher-paying jobs in the destination, the work is often seasonal and irregular, leading to financial instability.

Social and Infrastructural Pressure

Both rural and urban areas can experience different kinds of strain: rural areas might see economic and demographic declines, while urban areas might face infrastructural breakdown due to the influx of migrants.

Migrants sometimes face resentment from indigenous wage groups in destination locations, as they’re seen as taking away jobs by working for lower wages.

What should be done?

Policy Formulation

Governments need to formulate policies that accurately comprehend and manage the scope of circular migration.

Ensuring thorough documentation and understanding of migrant patterns is crucial for effective policy-making.

Protecting Migrant Rights

Efforts must be intensified to safeguard the rights of migrants, particularly those moving to areas with language barriers like southern Indian states.

Ensuring that workers are not exploited and have access to fair wages and safe working conditions is pivotal.

Infrastructural Development

Addressing the infrastructural pressures in urban areas due to migrant influx and preventing economic dwindling in rural areas is essential.

Enhancing the capability of urban spaces to accommodate incoming populations without collapsing infrastructures is vital.

Health and Safety Provisions

States should introduce health provisions like Kerala’s health insurance scheme for migrant workers, ensuring their well-being and safety during employment periods in the destination regions.

The precarity and vulnerabilities of workers, as witnessed during the pandemic, should be particularly addressed in policy considerations.

GS PAPER - 2

Election of China-friendly Mohamed Muizzu could test Indo-Maldives ties

Source: The post is based on the article “Election of China-friendly Mohamed Muizzu could test Indo-Maldives ties” published in The Indian Express on 4^th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Relevance: India and Maldives Relations

News: Muizzu’s victory in the Maldives’ presidential election poses a challenge for India and Maldives relations because of his strong ties with China.

How has India and Maldives relations been?

Maldives and India have historically shared a close relationship due to their geographic proximity, aligned security interests, and cultural connections.

However, as China’s influence has grown in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region, Maldives has become a part of Beijing’s economic and strategic plans.

India has invested significantly in Maldives, particularly under the Neighbourhood First policy and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative, leading to increased security cooperation between the two nations.

India has also deepened its relationship with Maldives through initiatives like the Colombo Security Conclave and financial assistance for projects such as the Greater Male Connectivity.

Must Read: India-Maldives Relationship – Explained

What can be the way ahead for India?

India has a positive and expanding bilateral relationship with the Maldives. Hence, even with Muizzu becoming the President of the Maldives, India should strive to uphold a strong relationship with the new government.

Without a caste count, there can be no honest politics

Source: The post is based on articles

 “Without a caste count, there can be no honest politics” published in The Indian Express on 4^th October 2023 and

“This Doesn’t Count – India’s fast-growing economy must generate more social mobility for caste to lose its political appeal” published in The Times of India on 4^th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Governance – Government Policies & Intervention

Relevance: About caste-based census

News: Bihar’s recent release of comprehensive caste survey (CCS) data is historic as it’s the first time such results of large-scale exercise have been made public. However, the state is yet to release supplementary socio-economic data.

Why are governments reluctant to conduct caste surveys?

According to Max Weber, the modern state is a human community that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory.

However, today, states are defined by their control over both legitimate violence and social statistics/data.

This data is used by totalitarian regimes to control the media and to manage public opinion. They use this data to hide their failures in addressing societal disparities.

Therefore, governments are usually hesitant to conduct and disclose caste surveys because it might expose its shortcomings.

What are the arguments in favor of conducting caste census?

First, caste is a powerful determinant of life chances in India, and it is important to acknowledge and address these differences to achieve true political unity.

Second, caste-based census represents the essential initial step toward addressing the genuine differences and disparities rooted in caste.

What are the arguments against conducting caste census?

First, caste data falls into the category of social statistics and provides insights into the identities and groups that make up the larger national population. Hence, it can reveal social inequalities that may make ruling government accountable.

Second, caste enumeration might surpass the 50% reservation limit. A recent Supreme Court ruling approved a 10% reservation for EWS, raising concerns about the balance between equality and reservation rights.

Consequently, mixing caste with politics and development makes it hard for Indians to be seen as individuals. Thus, focusing on class instead of caste for political mobilization in economic development might yield better results.

Third, caste-based reservations may not effectively reduce economic inequalities, as lower-caste individuals haven’t seen substantial improvement even during economic growth.

Instead, we should work on larger-scale improvements for everyone, making caste-based census unnecessary.

Fourth, collecting caste data might strengthen caste divisions and slow down progress toward a casteless society.

Must Read: Caste Census Significance and Challenges- Explained

What are the challenges in conducting caste census?

Read Here: Complex count: On caste census

What lies ahead?

Faking unity in politics without addressing real societal differences is not genuine politics as it reduces accountability for politicians. Thus, accountable political representation across social differences is crucial, and the Bihar CCS might be a small first step toward achieving this goal.

At WTO, growing disregard for trade rules shows world is fragmenting

News: This post is created based on the article ‘At WTO, growing disregard for trade rules shows world is fragmenting’, published in Business Standard on 4^th October 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, International Relations and Organisations

News: The article discusses the trends of unilateralism and reduced functioning of WTO.

Since 2019, the WTO’s dispute settlement system has been severely impacted, with 29 cases left unresolved. This occurred after the US blocked the appointment of new judges to the WTO’s Appellate Body, citing concerns over judicial overreach. Countries that have submitted cases include China, India, the US, and several others.

What are the recent worrying trends in global trade, that necessitate the WTO’s existence?

First, the WTO warned that the rise in unilateral measures could fragment the global economy, potentially leading to a 5% reduction in global income.

Second, while import restrictions have decreased since 2018, export curbs have significantly increased. It was on an average 21 per year between 2016 and 2019, surging to 139 in the last year.

The rise in export curbs has led to an increase in “trade concerns” at the WTO. Examples include export restrictions on Indian rice and subsidies introduced by various countries, such as the US Inflation Reduction Act and subsidies for electric cars in China.

Third, The US’s local content requirements under the Buy American Act and the European Union’s subsidies to boost domestic supply of critical minerals indicate a shift in global trade dynamics.

The shutdown of the Afghan embassy

Source: The post is based on the article “The shutdown of the Afghan embassy” published in “The Hindu” on 4th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations.

News: The Afghanistan embassy in Delhi is closing, citing issues like lack of support from India. Although the embassy represented the now-overthrown Afghan government, it was still aiding Afghans in India. Meanwhile, consulates remain open, and unofficial ties between India and Afghanistan persist despite the closure.

What are the reasons for the closing of the Afghan embassy in Delhi?

Lack of Cooperation from India

The embassy pointed to a lack of cooperation from the Indian government as a major reason for the closure. The official statement expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing an absence of needed support.

Insufficient Resources

Operating further has become untenable for the embassy due to a lack of resources. This constraint has impeded its functioning and ultimately is a key factor in its closure.

Representation of a Deposed Government

Since the Taliban took over in August 2021, the embassy has symbolically represented the previous Afghan government, not the current rulers. The ambassador of the old regime, Farid Mamundzay, left India and hasn’t returned, leaving a leadership void.

Request to Maintain Afghan Flag

Despite the closure, the embassy asked India to keep flying the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and eventually hand the mission to a “legitimate” Afghan government in the future.

How does this impact Afghan-Indian relations?

Closure of the Symbolic Embassy

The embassy in Delhi, representing the ousted Afghan government, has announced its closure. It’s symbolically significant as it represented the previous Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, not the Taliban, which now controls Afghanistan since August 2021.

Ambiguous Diplomatic Relations

India does not recognize the Taliban, causing diplomatic relations to be complex and challenging. The embassy had been acting as a “stateless mission,” aiding Afghan citizens and travelers in India without representing the current rulers of Kabul.

Consulates’ Continuation

Despite the embassy’s closure, consulates in Hyderabad and Mumbai will stay open, and Zakia Wardak, the Consul General, has committed to continuing services to help Afghan students, refugees, and traders in India. This helps maintain some level of connection and support between the two nations.

Technical Team in Kabul

India sustains a unique connection through a “technical team” in Kabul that provides visas to Afghan traders and travelers to India, indicating that, despite the closure, ties in some form continue, albeit informally.

Using AI for audit techniques

Source: The post is based on the article “Using AI for audit techniques” published in “The Hindu” on 4th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Governance- e-governance

News: The article discusses the challenges faced by India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in auditing AI systems, emphasizes ethical use of AI in audits, and highlights the need for AI regulations and standardized data for accurate and fair auditing. It also briefly discusses global AI regulations and frameworks.

What challenges does AI present to auditing?

Ensuring Ethical AI Use: The CAG, Girish Chandra Murmu, emphasized that utilizing AI for auditing must be done ethically and responsibly to avoid inaccurate findings.

Data Integrity and Bias: It is crucial that AI uses data that are complete, timely, and relevant, and auditors must be cautious of inherent data bias, especially when data are obtained from unauthorized sources like social media.

AI Regulation and Standardization: The challenge for the CAG involves not only regulating AI use but also ensuring standardized data across varied government entity platforms.

International Audit Framework: The  Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of the G20 conference highlighted a need for a shared international audit framework related to AI to address audit challenges comprehensively.

Adopting Existing Frameworks: Currently, auditors must adopt and adapt existing frameworks and regulations related to IT and communicate with all stakeholders due to the absence of explicit AI auditing guidance.

Data Management Complexity: Managing data, ensuring its integrity, and integrating it from diverse platforms and sources become challenging in AI audits.

Consulting Experts: AI audit assignments might need the involvement of various specialists, such as data scientists and architects, due to the intricacy of AI technologies.

What regulatory actions have been taken regarding AI?

Global Level Regulatory Action

EU AI Act: The European Parliament approved the act, creating new rules and scrutiny for AI tools like ChatGPT. Developers need to get their systems reviewed and approved before they can be used commercially. It also restricts real-time biometric surveillance and prohibits “social scoring” systems.

UK’s AI Safety Regulation Intent: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants the UK to be the “geographical home” of AI safety regulation, signaling a direction towards detailed AI regulatory practices.

AI Auditing Frameworks: Various frameworks for AI audit, like the COBIT framework and the COSO ERM Framework, are in place globally. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office also published draft guidance on an AI auditing framework.

Indian Level Regulatory Actions

Digitalization of Audit Process: The CAG in India will implement “One Indian Audit and Accounts Department One System,” a web-enabled IT application, to digitalize the audit process from April 1, 2023.

Need for AI Regulation: India perceives a need to establish AI regulation, inspired by initiatives from global counterparts like the EU. However, specific Indian regulatory actions regarding AI are not detailed.

The triumph of Vachathi over a hostile state

Source: The post is based on the article “The triumph of Vachathi over a hostile state” published in The Hindu on 4th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Governance- Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; Role of civil services in a democracy.

News: On September 29, 2023, the court acknowledged large-scale repression by authorities in Vachathi, Tamil Nadu in 1992. The court convicted 215 government personnel, highlighting their violence and illegal actions against villagers.

What happened in Vachathi in 1992?

Incident in Vachathi

In 1992, Vachathi, a village in Tamil Nadu, experienced horrifying violence from about 300 government officials. They violently attacked the village, using the pretext of searching for smuggled sandalwood.

Atrocities Committed

The officials mistreated 18 women, including a pregnant woman, and many other villagers. Around 90 women, 28 children, and 15 men were illegally held in the Forest Ranger’s office. Villagers were forced to undergo physical and mental abuse, leading to widespread trauma and displacement.

Initial Government Response

Despite the reporting of these atrocities, Tamil Nadu government officials, ignored the complaints, denying the need for investigation or any substantial action for years.

What legal steps were taken years later?

Public Interest Litigation: In 1995, A. Nallasivan filed a public interest litigation highlighting the Vachathi atrocities.

Role of Ms. Bhamathi’s Report: The High Court, using the detailed findings from former IAS officer Ms. Bhamathi’s report, recognized the gravity of the crimes.

High Court’s Directive: The court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the Vachathi incident, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry.

Madras High Court’s Judgment in 2023: After a long legal battle, the court, in September 2023, convicted all 215 accused government and law enforcement personnel for their roles in the Vachathi atrocities.

Compensation and Accountability: The court mandated the state to provide a compensation of ₹10 lakh for each rape survivor and ensure jobs for them, reaffirming the state’s responsibility in the incident.

Broader Implications: This landmark verdict drew attention to the need for legal amendments, especially in cases involving state-orchestrated violence.

What are the broader implications of the Vachathi verdict?

Highlighting State-Orchestrated Violence: The verdict underscores the occurrence and consequences of organized, large-scale violence by government forces, spotlighting an issue that isn’t isolated to Vachathi alone.

Need for Command Responsibility: The case brought attention to the absence of legal structures to hold superior officers and political leaders accountable for the actions of their subordinates, which is critical in state-organized crimes.

Gaps in Criminal Law: It highlighted deficiencies in the criminal justice system in handling crimes committed by state agents, showing a need for specialized processes and evidentiary principles for such cases.

Compensation and State Responsibility: By assigning the state responsibility for compensation and support to survivors, the verdict underscored the principle that governments should be accountable for the actions of their personnel.

Empowering Survivors: The judgment not only provides justice to Vachathi’s survivors but also sets a precedent for other victims of state-orchestrated violence, illustrating the possibility of overcoming lengthy and challenging legal battles.

GS PAPER - 3

Thermal geoengineering trials must exercise caution

News: This post is created based on the article ‘Thermal geoengineering trials must exercise caution’, published in Live Mint on 4^th October 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3, Science and technology

News: The article discusses the potential solution of solar geo-engineering as a means to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

What are the recent evidences of the adverse effects of climate change?

Extreme weather events were seen in New York, California, Hong Kong, Europe, and China. It underscores the changing climate and weather patterns. Some of such event are:

1) Record-breaking rainfall happened at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.

2) Xinjiang in China recorded its highest temperatures yet.

3) Wildfires in Canada burnt over 40 million acres of forest.

What is Solar geo-engineering?

Solar geo-engineering, a process that increases the reflectivity of the upper atmosphere to deflect sun rays, is presented as a potential solution.

This method involves releasing sulphur dioxide into the upper atmosphere, which forms suspended droplets that act as tiny mirrors, reflecting sun rays back into space.

What are the advantages of Solar geo-engineering?

The process is cost-effective, with an estimated cost of $18 billion a year for each degree of cooling achieved.

Whereas, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to achieve similar cooling effects will require much more money.

What are the possible implications?

First, while solar geo-engineering might cool down tropical zones, it could lead to a temperature increase around the poles, accelerating the melting of permafrost and sea ice.

Second, Geo-engineering could also potentially impact monsoon patterns in different regions.

Third, given the ease of implementing solar geo-engineering, there’s a risk of uncoordinated efforts by countries or even private entities. It could have unforeseen consequences on global weather patterns.

For example, recently a private company named Make Sunsets used balloons to release sulphur dioxide gas, into the atmosphere.

What should be done?

Before adopting geo-engineering solutions, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate both the direct and unintended consequences.

Coordinated efforts are essential to ensure that such interventions don’t lead to further complications in the global weather system.

Lessons of the Green Revolution could aid our climate transition

News: This post is created based on the article ‘Lessons of the Green Revolution could aid our climate transition’, published in Live Mint on 4^th October 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3, Environment, Climate Change

News: The lessons from the Green Revolution can provide insights into addressing the current challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy sources and combating climate change.

M.S. Swaminathan’s contributions transformed India from a nation dependent on food aid to a self-sufficient one. The Green Revolution’s success was not just about food production but also had broader implications, including political empowerment and foreign policy independence.

What were the strategies adopted by the during the green revolution?

First, the Green Revolution focused on increasing the supply of food rather than managing demand.

Second, the Green Revolution was backed by a comprehensive set of policies, including input subsidies, price support, and public investments in irrigation.

Third, during the Green Revolution, higher credit availability and interest rate subsidies were key policy tools for success.

Fourth, the Green Revolution had wider implications beyond food security, such as political empowerment and foreign policy independence.

What lessons can the present green transition take from green revolution?

Present green transition must also focus on increasing the supply of alternative energy sources rather than just reducing fossil fuel consumption. Therefore, government should establish a balance between carbon tax and investment in green energy. carbon tax makes fossil fuels more expensive, therefore focussing on demand reduction.

Green transition requires policies that incentivize the private sector to adopt sustainable practices.

Low interest rates can promote investments in green energy. However, it should be ensured that it does not support high carbon footprint sectors.

The benefits of green transition beyond pollution should also be marketed. Because, it can help India overcome energy constraints, improve its balance of payments, and lead to political and regional shifts.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Cross-border CBDC trading: BIS and central banks successfully conclude Project Mariana Test

Source: The post is based on the article “Cross-border CBDC trading: BIS and central banks successfully conclude Project Mariana Test” published in “Economic Times” on 3rd October 2023

What is the News?

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS), in collaboration with the central banks of France, Singapore, and Switzerland, has announced the successful conclusion of Project Mariana.

What is Project Mariana?

Project Mariana was developed jointly by three BIS Innovation Hub centres (the Swiss, Singapore and Eurosystem Hub Centres) together with Bank of France, Monetary Authority of Singapore and Swiss National Bank.

Purpose: The project tested the cross-border trading and settlement of wholesale central bank digital currencies (wCBDCs) between financial institutions, using new decentralized finance (DeFi) technology concepts on a public blockchain.

Process: The project relied on three key elements:

– A common technical token standard provided by a public blockchain to facilitate exchange and interoperability between the different currencies.

– Bridges for the seamless transfer of wCBDCs between different networks.

– An Automated Market Maker (AMM), which is a specific type of decentralized exchange to trade and settle spot Foreign exchange(FX) transactions automatically.

What is the Bank for International Settlements(BIS)?

The Bank for International Settlements(BIS) is an international financial institution established in 1930.

It is owned by 63 central banks, representing countries from around the world that together account for about 95% of world GDP.

Aim: To support central banks’ pursuit of monetary and financial stability through international cooperation, and to act as a bank for central banks.

Head office: Its head office is in Basel, Switzerland and it has two representative offices: in Hong Kong SAR and in Mexico City.

Minister of State for Home Affairs attends two day conference to mark the 20th anniversary of United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crimes (UNTOC) at Palermo in Italy

Source: The post is based on the article “Minister of State for Home Affairs attends two day conference to mark the 20th anniversary of United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crimes (UNTOC) at Palermo in Italy” published in “PIB” on 3rd October 2023

What is the News?

The Minister of State for Home Affairs attended a two day conference to mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crimes (UNTOC) at Palermo in Italy.

What is the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crimes (UNTOC) ?

The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000 and entered into force in 2003.

It is also known as the Palermo Convention since it was adopted in Palermo in Italy.

Purpose: The Convention is the first comprehensive and global legally binding instrument to fight transnational organized crime.

S​​tates that have ratified UNTOC commit themselves to taking a series of measures to prevent and control transnational organized crime including (i) the criminalizing of the participation in an organized criminal group, of money laundering, related corruption and obstruction of justice and (ii) the adoption of frameworks for extradition, mutual legal assistance and international cooperation.

Protocols: The Convention is further supplemented by three Protocols which target specific areas and manifestations of organized crime: 1) Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children; the 2) Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air and 3)  Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition.

In 2011, Government of India ratified the UNTOC and its three protocols

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the nodal agency for all dealings with UNTOC.

Umbrella Scheme of “SHREYAS” comprising 4 central sector sub- schemes

Source: The post is based on the article “Umbrella Scheme of “SHREYAS” comprising 4 central sector sub- schemes” published in “PIB” on 4th October 2023

What is the News?

This article talks about the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS).

What is SHREYAS Scheme?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Aim: To bridge educational disparities by providing financial support, coaching, and overseas opportunities to SCs and OBCs.

Sub-Schemes: The scheme comprises of four central sector sub-schemes:

Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs: The objective of the Scheme is to provide coaching of good quality for economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates to enable them appear in competitive and entrance examinations for obtaining appropriate jobs in Public/Private Sector as well as for securing admission in reputed technical and professional higher education institutions. 

– Income ceiling: The ceiling of the total family income under the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum.

– Seats allotted: 3500 slots are allotted per annum.The ratio of SC: OBC students is 70:30 and 30% slots are reserved for females in each category. 

– In case of non-availability of adequate number of candidates in SC category the Ministry can relax this ratio. However, in no case, less than 50% SC students shall be permitted.

Top Class Education for SCs: The Scheme aims at recognizing and promoting quality education amongst students belonging to SCs, by providing full financial support. 

– Coverage: The scheme will cover SC students for pursuing studies beyond 12th class.

– Income ceiling: The ceiling of the total family income under the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum.

– Institutes covered: Presently, 266 higher education institutes which includes Government institutes and private institutes such as all the IIMs, IITs, NITs and top 100 National Institutional ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking institutes.

– Financial support: The scheme will provide tuition fee, academic allowance, and other expenses.

National Overseas Scheme for SCs: It aims to provide financial assistance to the selected students from SCs, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural laborers and traditional artisan categories for pursuing masters and Ph.D. level courses abroad.

Eligibility criteria: The total family income including the candidate should be less than Rs. 8 lakhs per annum.

– Moreover, the candidate should have secured more than 60% marks in the qualifying examination, is below 35 years of age and secured admission in top 500 QS ranking foreign Institutes/ Universities.

National Fellowship for SC Students: Under the scheme, fellowship is provided to Scheduled Castes students for pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/ Ph.D degrees in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Institutions/ Colleges recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC).

– Eligibility: Students should have qualified the National Eligibility Test- Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and Junior Research Fellows for Science stream qualifying UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) Joint Test.

– Seats: Provides 2000 new slots annually (500 for Science and 1500 for Humanities/Social Sciences.

In a 1st, Olive Ridley turtle’s 5,000-km migration tracked

Source: The post is based on the article “In a 1st, Olive Ridley turtle’s 5,000-km migration tracked” published in “TOI” on 4th October 2023

What is the News?

Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Maharashtra’s forest department have conducted a study to understand the offshore movements and migration of Olive Ridley Turtles.

What are Olive Ridley Turtles?

Source: TOI

The Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.

Olive ridley gets its name from its olive colored carapace, which is heart-shaped and rounded.

They are carnivores, and feed mainly on jellyfish, shrimp, snails, crabs, molluscs and a variety of fish and their eggs. 

They are found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

These turtles spend their entire lives in the ocean, and migrate thousands of kilometers between feeding and mating grounds in the course of a year.

They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.

Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest known rookery (breeding colony) of the olive Ridley sea turtles.

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1

CITES: Appendix I

Initiatives: Indian Coast Guard undertakes “Operation Olivia” every year. It is an Olive Ridley Turtle protection program.

– Mandatory use of Turtle Excluder Devices(TEDs): To reduce the accidental killing in India, the Odisha government has made it mandatory for trawlers to use Turtle Excluder Devices(TEDs). It is a net specially designed with an exit cover that allows the turtles to escape while retaining the catch.

Toilet use declining in rural India since 2018-19: WB paper

Source: The post is based on the article “Toilet use declining in rural India since 2018-19: WB paper” published in “The Hindu” on 4th October 2023

What is the News?

Researchers at the World Bank and a faculty member of economics at Yale University have released a working paper on the progress of the Swacch Bharat Mission-Gramin(SBM-G).

What is Swacch Bharat Mission-Gramin(SBM-G)?

Click Here to read

What are the key findings of the World Bank paper on progress made in Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin(SBM-G)?

Swacch Bharat Mission-Gramin(SBM-G) has led to a substantial increase in access to own or shared improved toilets in rural India – from 38% in 2012 to 90% in 2019-20.

Most low-income States were among the best performers in terms of their overall increase in regular use of toilets and the performance of richer States was mixed.

A large increase in toilet use was seen in the poorest 20% of the rural population, which reported toilet use going up from 7% to 43% in between 2015-16 and 2019-21.

However, since 2018-19,  there has been a clear trend of regular toilet use declining in rural India.

The decline in toilet usage was the largest among the SCs and the STs.For instance, there was a 20 percentage point decline in regular use of toilets for the SCs and a 24 percentage point decline for the STs compared to a decline of 9 and 5 percentage points for the Other Backward Caste and General categories.

The states where there has been a sustained decline in regular use of toilets since 2018 were Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh.

On the other hand, states like Odisha, Punjab, Kerala, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Assam were found to be steady performers in terms of continued toilet usage.

Nobel Prize in Physics 2023: What the three scientists have been awarded for

Source: The post is based on the article “Nobel Prize in Physics 2023: What the three scientists have been awarded for” published in “Indian Express” on 3rd October 2023

What is the News?

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2023 has been awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.

What are Electrons?

Source: AFP

An atom is a tiny unit into which matter can be divided.

Atom is composed of a nucleus of protons and neutrons and electrons that travel around this nucleus.Electrons move so fast that it is impossible to observe them in real time.

Before being able to study them directly, scientists understood the properties of electrons through averages.

Why is it difficult to capture electrons?

Electrons move at a whopping 43 miles a second. This speed has long made them impossible to study.For capturing them, it requires extremely short pulses of light such as attosecond.

What is attosecond?

An attosecond is an astonishingly short unit of time, equivalent to one quintillionth of a second, or 10 to the power of 18 seconds.

To put this into perspective, if a second were stretched to cover the entire age of the universe, which is approximately 13.8 billion years, an attosecond would be just a fraction of a second.

What did the three Nobel Prize winners in Physics develop?

The three Nobel Prize winners Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier demonstrated a way to generate attosecond pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes in which electrons move or change energy.

Why is this work important?

Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by electrons.

One possible application is to study molecular-level changes in blood, to identify diseases.

A better understanding of how electrons move and transmit energy can also help in creating more efficient electronic gadgets.

ED must give grounds of arrest in writing to accused: SC

Source: The post is based on the article “ED must give grounds of arrest in writing to accused: SC” published in “Indian Express” on 4th October 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has held that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) should furnish the grounds of arrest to the accused in writing at the time of arrest.

What did the Supreme Court rule on Enforcement Directorate(ED) powers to arrest?

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must provide a copy of the grounds of arrest to accused in money laundering cases instead of just verbal information.

The court held that it is the constitutional right of a person under Article 22(1) to be informed of the grounds of arrest and that this right can be effectively realized only when the grounds are supplied in a written form.

– Article 22(1) of the Constitution says, “No person who is arrested shall be detained in custody without being informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for such arrest nor shall he be denied the right to consult, and to be defended by, a legal practitioner of his choice”.

The court also said that ED mandated with investigation of the offense of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws should not be vindictive in its approach while conducting an investigation.

Significance of this judgement: This judgment of the Supreme Court is in contrast to a previous SC judgment in 2022 that had held that informing an accused about the grounds of arrest is “sufficient compliance” of the mandate of Article 22(1) of the Constitution.

Indian and Bangladesh armies begin Joint Exercise

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian and Bangladesh armies begin Joint Exercise” published in “PIB” on 4th October 2023

What is the News?

India and Bangladesh have commenced the 11th edition of annual joint military exercise called Exercise SAMPRITI in Umroi, Meghalaya. 

What is Exercise SAMPRITI?

Exercise SAMPRITI is an annual joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

The exercise was started in 2009.It is organized alternatively by both countries.

Aim: To share tactical drills and promote best practices in carrying out sub-conventional operations.

What are the other exercises between India and Bangladesh?

Exercise Bongosagar: It is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Bangladesh.Its first edition was held in 2019.

50 lakh Street Vendors covered under PM SVANidhi Scheme

Source: The post is based on the article “50 lakh Street Vendors covered under PM SVANidhi Scheme” published in “PIB” on 4th October 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme has achieved a significant milestone by extending its support to more than 50 lakh street vendors across the nation.

What is PM SVANidhi Scheme?

Launched in: 2020

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Purpose: It is a micro credit scheme for urban street vendors that aims to provide collateral-free working capital loans up to ₹50,000. 

Key Features of the scheme: 

– The schemes facilitate collateral free working capital loan upto ₹10,000 of 1 year tenure, with enhanced loan of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 in the second and third tranches respectively on repayments of earlier loans.

– Incentivizes regular repayment, through interest subsidy @ 7% per annum; and

– Reward digital transactions, by way of cashback upto ₹1,200 per year.

– The scheme employs Aadhaar-based e-KYC, utilizes an end-to-end IT platform, and employs SMS-based notifications for application status updates.

Banks eligible to give loans: Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Small Finance Banks, Cooperative Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies, Micro-Finance Institutions and SHG Banks.