9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 29 February, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Perils of misleading advertisements

Source-This post on Truth in advertising matters has been created based on the article “Patanjali ad case: Truth in advertising matters” published in “Live Mint” on 29 February 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

News-The article discusses the importance of protecting consumers from being misled by deceptive advertisements.

Background– The Supreme court has criticized Patanjali Ayurved, for making misleading claims in advertisements about its products curing diseases.

What is misleading advertising?

It refers to any advertising message that misleads the consumer by making false or exaggerated claims.
For ex-False product specifications, misleading price comparisons and false testimonials from fake customers.

A detailed article on the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 can be read here.

What are the issues associated with misleading advertising on healthcare products?

1) Ethical issue– It violates the trust of consumers and undermines the integrity of the business.

2) Violation of law– The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954 prohibits benefits claim without sound scientific basis.

3) Adverse health impact-Unverified products can have negative effect on health of consumers.

How are therapeutic claims tested in allopathic systems?

1) Every formulation must undergo scientific testing.

2) Strict procedures laid down by drug regulators must be followed.

3) All therapeutic claims must be validated by any authorized scientific agency before getting approval for specific use.

What should be the way forward?

1) Scientific Evidence- Before making any claims about a product, businesses should ensure that they are backed by scientific evidence.

2) Transparency– Businesses should be transparent about their products and services. This includes providing accurate information about product specifications, prices, and customer testimonials.

3) Regulatory approval– There is a need to amend Drugs and Magic Remedy Act so that Ayurvedic medicines sold through misleading advertisements can be stopped.

Question for practice:

How does misleading advertisement endanger the interest of consumers? What steps can be taken to address this problem?

Indian recruitment in conflict zones- Lives and livelihoods

Source: The post Indian recruitment in conflict zones has been created, based on the article “Lives and livelihoods: India must have protocols in place to protect emigrants from conflicts” published in “The Hindu” on 29th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

News: The article discusses how some Indians were recruited by Russia for the Ukraine war and faced dangers. The Indian government is now trying to help them and is looking to improve its system for Indians working abroad, especially in conflict zones.

What are the issues with Indian emigrants?

Recruitment in Conflict Zones: Indians are being recruited for jobs in conflict areas like Ukraine, often unaware of the risks.

Misled and Exploited: Many Indians are lured by false promises of lucrative jobs and exploited by unscrupulous recruiters charging high fees.

Government’s Late Response: The Indian government only acknowledged the issue after media reports and a death incident.

Economic Distress: Deep economic problems in India push people to seek risky jobs abroad.

What should be done?

Improve Emigration Policies: Review and update the list of “Emigration Check Required” countries for better vetting of contracts for Indians traveling to conflict zones.

Increase Awareness and Guidance: Conduct more awareness campaigns against deceptive job offers and provide better advice for those seeking jobs abroad.

Regional Collaboration: Seek cooperation with countries like Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to combat networks offering unsafe employment opportunities.

Address Recruitment in Conflict Zones: Acknowledge and address the issue of Indians being recruited for roles in conflict zones, as seen in the Ukraine situation.

Strengthen Support and Protection: Implement comprehensive protocols and support structures for Indian emigrants, especially those in dangerous or illegal jobs.

Investigate Exploitative Networks: Probe into the networks of recruiters who mislead Indian job seekers, similar to those involved in the Ukraine recruitment.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Indian government’s response to the challenges encountered by Indian emigrants, particularly those recruited for roles in conflict zones such as Ukraine.

Early childhood education- The economic case for investing in India’s children

Source: The post early childhood education has been created, based on the article “The economic case for investing in India’s children” published in “The Hindu” on 29th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

News: The article discusses India’s need to invest more in early childhood care and education (ECCE). It highlights the importance of this for children’s development and the country’s future.

Why is early childhood education important in India?

Foundation for Development: Early childhood education (ECCE) is essential as it lays the foundation for a child’s cognitive and motor skills development, crucial for their overall growth.

Impact on Learning: Research indicates that children attending Anganwadi centers show improved cognitive skills and school performance, reducing gender and income-related educational gaps.

Long-term Benefits: Investment in ECCE is viewed as a pathway for India’s development, contributing to better health, education, and social harmony, aligning with the country’s goals for its 100th year of independence in 2047.

What is the government doing for early childhood education?

Initiating Key Programs: The government launched NIPUN Bharat for foundational literacy and numeracy, and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi to enhance ECCE quality through Anganwadis.

For information on NIPUN Bharat read article1 and article2

Increasing Budget Allocation: The budget for teaching materials in Anganwadi centers increased threefold, from ₹140 crore to ₹420 crore.

Upgrading Infrastructure: The 2024 interim Budget focuses on upgrading Saksham Anganwadis and providing Ayushman Bharat health services for Anganwadi workers and helpers.

Allocating Substantial Funds: Approximately ₹21,200 crore is allocated to the Anganwadi system, indicating the government’s significant investment in early childhood education.

Way forward

To progress, India must continue increasing investment in early childhood education, focusing on quality and accessibility. Research on ECCE’s economic and social impact is needed. This approach aligns with India’s developmental goals for 2047, emphasizing human development as a key to becoming a developed nation.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of investing in early childhood education for India’s future development.

Concerns in India’s Fiscal Federalism – On irregularities in vertical devolution

Source: The post concerns in India’s Fiscal Federalism has been created, based on the article “On irregularities in vertical devolution” published in “The Hindu” on 29th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Indian Polity – Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.

News: The article discusses the issues in India’s fiscal federalism, focusing on the unfair distribution of tax revenue between the central government and states.

What are the Concerns in India’s Fiscal Federalism?

The central government’s increasing retention of tax proceeds, evident in the rising share of cesses and surcharges, is a key concern in India’s fiscal federalism.

This trend contributes to the shrinking of the divisible pool, with these collections growing from 11.3% of the gross tax revenue in 2009-10 to 16.3% in 2022-23. States face the challenge of more tied transfers, restricting their spending freedom.

Furthermore, the government’s non-compliance with Finance Commission recommendations on revenue sharing exacerbates the situation, a point underscored by the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) reports on mismanagement of funds.

For information on the Issues with Fiscal federalism read here

Why is there shrinking of divisible pool?

Introduction of Cesses and Surcharges: The central government has been introducing new cesses and surcharges, like the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess in 2021-22, and retaining them exclusively.

Exclusion from Divisible Pool: These cesses and surcharges are excluded from the net divisible pool, which is the portion of tax revenue shared with states.

Rising Share of Exclusions: The proportion of tax revenue excluded has increased significantly, from 11.3% of the gross tax revenue in 2009-10 to 16.3% in 2022-23.

What indication has been given by CAG on sharing of resources between the Union and States?

Non-Transfer or Short Transfer of Cesses: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted instances where cesses collected were either not transferred or inadequately transferred to designated funds.

Specific Examples of Mismanagement: For instance, only 60% of the Health and Education Cess collected in 2021-22 was transferred to its reserve fund. Similarly, a small fraction (9.6%) of the Research and Development Cess collected over two decades was transferred to its respective fund.

Large Scale of Discrepancy: The extent of short transfers is substantial, with billions not reaching the intended funds. This includes shortfalls in the Swachh Bharat Cess and under-transfers in the Road Cess and Clean Energy Cess.

How is the spirit of cooperative fiscal federalism diluting?

Deviation from Finance Commission’s Recommendations: The Union government has not fully adhered to the Finance Commission’s recommended sharing rates. For instance, during the 15th Finance Commission period, the share actually devolved was only 38.1%, below the recommended 41%.

Rise in Tied Transfers: States are receiving more funds tied to specific central schemes, restricting their ability to allocate resources based on local needs.

Credit Usurpation by the Union Government: There’s a tendency of the Union government to take credit for projects, even when states contribute significantly, undermining the partnership principle in fiscal federalism.

Conditionalities on Grants: Several grants to states are contingent on fulfilling certain conditions, including the insistence on specific labelling, which imposes Union government preferences over state priorities.

What reforms are needed to address these issues?

1.The 16th Finance Commission should compensate states for historical wrongs in devolution.

  1. Accurate estimates of “net proceeds” should be published in budget documents.
  2. Union government should legislate strict limits on the collection of cesses and surcharges.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the principles of cooperative fiscal federalism are being undermined in India.

GS PAPER - 3

GAGANYAAN- Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.

Source-This post on GAGANYAAN- Indian Human Spaceflight Programme has been created based on the article “Express View on Gaganyaan: Sky’s not the limit” published in “The Indian Express” on 29 February 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-3– Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology

News-The article discusses about India’s most ambitious space programme Gaganyaan.

Background– Prime Minister has recently announced the names of the four astronauts who are undergoing training for the country’s maiden human space flight mission, Gaganyaan.

What is Gaganyaan Mission?

It is a space mission to demonstrate ISRO’s human spaceflight capability by launching a human crew to an orbit of 400 km and bringing them safely back to earth.

What is its goal?

The short-term goal is to demonstrate human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit.
The long-term goal is to lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme. Further, India also intends to demonstrate the fact to the world that it is capable of indigenously developing this complex technology.

Read more: Private participation in India’s Space Sector.

What is the significance of Gaganyaan Mission?

1) Scientific temper- The mission will help in inculcating scientific temper and creativity that will inspire the next generation of students.

2) Manned Missions-It will help in developing the critical technology for carrying out scientific human space exploration in future.

3) Enhanced private participation-The success of the mission will encourage the private sector to invest in space technologies.Recently,the government has allowed 100 % FDI in space sector.

4) Foster International Collaboration– India’s technological demonstration will encourage collaboration with like-minded countries for future international space collaboration.

Question for practice:

How does Gaganyan mission help India to achieve its strategic and economic objective?

Threats posed by Artificial intelligence

Source-This post on Threats posed by Artificial intelligence has been created based on the article “AI, sovereignty and Isaac Asimov’s warning” published in “The Indian Express” on 29 February 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-3– Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges.

News-The article discusses the threats posed by artificial intelligence to nations territorial sovereignty and highlights the need for a robust global AI governance body.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

AI refers to the ability of machines to perform cognitive tasks like thinking, perceiving, learning, problem solving and decision making.

It includes technologies like machine learning, Deep Learning, Big Data, Neural Networks, Computer vision, Large Language Models etc.

A detailed article on the Significance and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be read here.

What are the threats posed by Artificial Intelligence?

1) Reshaping traditional notions of sovereignty:

a) It is challenging the power dynamics between states, private technology companies, and individuals. As AI systems become more autonomous, they are creating new digital spaces that are not governed by traditional laws or state control.

b) It has started a new era of digital sovereignty which is altering the concept of territorial sovereignty. Here, countries that lack in development of AI will become more dependent on advanced nations by compromising their sovereignty in strategic sectors.

2) Undermining Democracy:

a) It can be used to manipulate information and influence public opinion. For example, AI can generate disinformation and misinformation at scale, which can trigger tensions and electoral-related conflict and violence.

b) It can be abused by hostile foreign powers to promote campaigns that can deepen divisions within societies, distort objective information and weaken democratic systems.

3) Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS):

a) Technical challenge- It is equipped with advanced AI algorithms which can independently identify and engage targets without human intervention.
It can enhance military conflicts because it may lead to indiscriminate or erroneous targeting of civilians without human intervention.

b) Ethical challenge– It undermines fundamental principles of humanitarian law and responsibility. The absence of human oversight in the decision-making process of life and death raises moral questions about accountability.

c) Arms race– The proliferation of LAWS could lead to an arms race. This can destabilize international peace and security.

4) Threat to cybersecurity:
AI-enhanced methods, such as advanced persistent threats and spear phishing, can penetrate and disrupt critical national infrastructures. This can weaken nations cybersecurity.

Considering these challenges, there is a need for a robust global AI governance body which must ensure that advancement in AI can be used for serving humanity.

Question for practice:

What are the various kinds of threats posed by Artificial Intelligence to nations sovereignty?

Genome India Project

Source-This post on Genome India Project has been created based on the article “Creating India’s genetic map” published in “The Indian Express” on 29 February 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper 3– Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology.

News-The article highlights the significance of genome sequencing.

Background– The government’s Genome India initiative has recently announced successful sequencing of 10,000 whole genomes of healthy persons from across the country, creating a genetic map of the population.

What is Genome sequencing?

Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—the order of Adenine, Cytosine, Guanines, and Thymine that make up an organism’s DNA.

The human genome is made up of 23 chromosomes pairs with a total of about 3 billion DNA base pairs.

How is it sequenced?

1) Researchers first extract the information from the blood to sequence the genome.

2) Scientists cut 3 billion pairs into small pieces and tag because a complete sequence of 3 billion pairs would be extremely hard to handle.

3) The A, C, G, T code of these smaller chunks are written down by a DNA sequencer and then the complete sequence is put together.

Read more: Genome Sequencing in context of Coronavirus epidemic.

What is Genome India Project (GIP)?

1) Description-It is a scientific initiative inspired by the Human Genome Project (HGP), an international effort that successfully decoded the entire human genome between 1990 and 2003.

2) Objective-It was started in 2020 to better understand the genetic variations and disease-causing mutations specific to the Indian population, which is one of the most genetically diverse in the world.

3) Partners-It involves the collaboration of 20 institutions across India and is being led by the Centre for Brain Research at IISc in Bangalore.

4) Findings-Researchers have analyzed 5,750 of the genome sequences and have already identified 135 million genetic variants found in India.

What is the significance of Genome India Project (GIP)? 

1) Understanding genetic history-A map of genetic diversity is essential for understanding the history of our evolution, discovering the genetic basis for various diseases, and creating therapies of the future.

2) Identification of distinct genetic makeup-India with population of 1.4 billion has more than 4,600 distinct groups.
Endogamy (marrying within the same community) is quite common in India so various groups have been able to maintain their distinct genetic makeup. This can help in understanding the impact of genetic variations on physical health.

3) Precision Healthcare-It can help in targeted treatments, especially for rare diseases that usually arise from genetic anomalies. It can help develop new therapies that can cure these diseases
For ex- the under-development mRNA vaccine which will be used to prevent relapse of pancreatic cancer.

4) Identification of resistance-indicating variants-It can help in identifying resistance-indicating variants. These variants genes might make certain medicines or anesthetics ineffective in certain populations.
For example- Vaishya community from South India lack the gene for properly processing common anesthetics.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of Genome India Project for addressing genetic diseases?

Capital expenditure in India- THE PUBLIC SECTOR GAP In Centre’s CAPEX Spree

Source: The post capital expenditure in India has been created, based on the article “THE PUBLIC SECTOR GAP In Centres CAPEX Spree” published in “Live mints” on 29th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Indian economy-mobilisation of resources

News: The article discusses the Indian government’s increased spending on capital expenditure (building assets like roads and bridges) over recent years. It explores where the money is spent, how it’s changing, and its impact on economic growth and private sector investment.

What is the trend of capital expenditure in India?

Significant increase in central government Capex, from ₹11 trillion in 2024-25, nearly 4.5 times higher than in 2014-15. It represents 3.4% of GDP in 2024-25, up from 2% nine years earlier.

PSU capex has decreased from well above 10-11% of GDP in the 1980s to around 6-8% in recent years.

Significant rise in state government Capex, from 3.2% of GDP in 2011-12 to around 4.4% in 2022-23.

Private Sector Capex hasn’t fully recovered since the 2008 financial crisis.

For information on Capital Expenditure read here

How is capital expenditure centralized?

NHAI Funding Shift: The National Highway Authority of India, previously self-funded, now relies entirely on central government budget allocations. In 2024-25, ₹1.68 trillion of the central government’s capex is allocated to NHAI.

Railways Funding Change: Almost all railway capex for 2024-25, amounting to ₹2.52 trillion, is financed directly through the central government budget, a shift from previous years where railways partly funded their capex.

Overall Trend: This centralization reflects a structural shift in how capex is financed, increasingly moving away from PSUs and being incorporated into the central government’s budget.

Why is there an increase in state government capex?

Rising Tax Revenues: State governments have experienced strong growth in tax and non-tax revenues, boosting their fiscal capacity for capital expenditure.

GST Compensation: States received compensation from the central government for revenue losses due to the shift to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

Special Assistance Scheme: The central government’s scheme offering 50-year interest-free loans for capital investment has significantly contributed to state capex. For 2024-25, this is budgeted at ₹1.3 trillion.

How does government spending stimulate private sector investment?

Government Capex as a Catalyst: The government’s increased spending in capital projects is expected to trigger private sector investment. The hope is that government-led infrastructure development will create opportunities for private companies.

Creating Demand: By building assets like roads and bridges, the government’s capex can generate demand in related industries, encouraging private sector participation.

Healthy Corporate Balance Sheets: With high profits and stable or improving leverage, corporates are in a better position to invest. The Reserve Bank of India notes that the corporate sector’s financial health could lead to increased private investment.

Economic Environment: The government’s substantial capex is intended to create a more favorable economic environment, encouraging the private sector to take over the investment baton in the long run.

Way forward

To sustain economic growth, it’s crucial for India to maintain its increased government capex while simultaneously stimulating private sector investment. This requires balancing central and PSU expenditures and enhancing state government capex, supported by strong tax revenues and central government funding schemes.

Question for practice:

Examine the role of government capital expenditure in stimulating private sector investment in India.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Dwarka: The lost city of Lord Krishna

Source-This post on Dwarka: The lost city of Lord Krishna is based on the article “Is Lord Krishna’s Dwarka under water? The many legends, traces of a lost city” published in “The Indian Express” on 29th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently participated in underwater prayers at ‘Dwarka Nagari’, a place believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna. Lost city of Dwarka

About Dwarka

Dwarka
Source- The Indian Express

1. It is located on the western side of the State of Gujrat.

2. The submerged city of Dwarka has been the focus of marine excavations and research endeavors.

3. It is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities (Sapt Puris). Dwarka is believed to have been reclaimed from the sea by Lord Krishna after he relocated from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh to Dwarka in Gujarat.

4. In the Vishnu Purana, mentions indicate that Dwarka was a city adorned with stunning gardens, moats, ponds, and palaces

5. Legend holds that Dwarka was submerged under the Arabian Sea as Lord Krishna departed from the world, marking the beginning of the Kali Yuga.

Present day Dwarka

1. It is a coastal town situated at the entrance of the Gulf of Kutch, facing the Arabian Sea.

2. It serves as a significant point along the Krishna pilgrimage route, connecting Vrindavan, Mathura, Govardhan, Kurukshetra, and Puri.

3. Dwarka is renowned for its 13th-century Dwarkadheesh temple, devoted to Lord Krishna.

4. It is one of 12 heritage cities chosen nationwide by the Government of India for civic infrastructure development under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme.

UPSC Syllabus- History and Art & Culture in news/ Places in news 

General Diary (GD) Vs First Information Report (FIR)

Source-This post on General Diary (GD) Vs First Information Report (FIR) is based on the article “General Diary Entry Cannot Precede Registration of FIR, Except Where Preliminary Inquiry Is Needed: Supreme Court” published in “Live law” on 27th February 2024.

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court recently ruled that information revealing the occurrence of a cognizable offense must be documented as a First Information Report (“FIR”) in a book format, rather than in the General Diary maintained by the Police under the Police Act, 1861.

What is General Diary (GD)?

Supreme court
Source- Hindustan Times

1. About– The General Diary, also known as Station Diary or Daily Diary in some states, is kept according to Section 44 of the Police Act, 1861, or the relevant provisions of state police acts or manuals.

2. Activities covered– It comprises records of significant transactions and events within a police station, such as the movement of police personnel, the transfer of responsibilities, individual arrests, law enforcement tasks, visits by senior officers, and similar occurrences.

3. Section 44 of the Police Act, 1861:
a.
It mandates that every officer in charge of a police station must maintain a general diary as per the format specified by the State Government.
b. The diary should document all complaints, charges filed, names of arrested individuals, complainants, offenses charged, seized weapons or property, and the names of witnesses examined.

What is a First Information Report (FIR)?

1. About– It is a written document prepared by a police officer following information provided by a victim or any other individual, either in written form or orally, regarding the commission of a cognizable offense.

2. Start of investigation– The investigation commences only after the FIR is filed.

3. Mentioning under IPC and CrPC– The term FIR is not specified in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973, or any other legislation. However, within police regulations or rules, information documented under Section 154 of the CrPC is referred to as the First Information Report (FIR).

What is the basic difference between FIR and General Diary (GD)?

Aspect First Information Report (FIR) General Diary (GD)
Transmittal obligation A copy of every FIR is forwarded to the higher-ranking officers and the relevant Judicial Magistrate. GD copy not sent to Magistrate; but sent to higher officer. Magistrate can inspect if necessary.
Signature requirement of complainant The complainant’s signature is taken in the FIR Book when the complaint is submitted to the police station. Their is no such requirement.
Copy to complainant In the case of F.I.R., a copy of these will be provided to the complainant. It is an internal police record, not required to be provided to the complainant.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation (Bills and Acts)

Government bans Kashmiri political outfit under UAPA

Source-This post on Government bans Kashmiri political outfit under UAPA is based on the article “Government bans two factions of Jammu & Kashmir outfit Muslim Conference, Jammu and Kashmir under UAPA” published in “The Hindu” on 28th February 2024.

Why in the News?

The Union Home Ministry has declared two factions of the Muslim Conference of Jammu and Kashmir (MCJK) as “unlawful associations” under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The government said these groups have been involved in actions against the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

What is Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)?

Government bans Kashmiri political outfit under UAPA
Source- The quint

1. About– UAPA is the primary counter-terrorism law in India.

2. Enacted– It was enacted in 1967.

3. Objective– To enhance the prevention of unlawful activities by both individuals and groups, to combat terrorism, and to more effectively address actions that threaten the integrity and sovereignty of India.

4. Activities include:
a. Assisting and supporting terrorists
b. Funding terrorists
c. Encouraging anti-national sentiments among the public
d. Other unlawful activities against the state

What are the Key provisions of UAPA ?

1. Applicability– The law applies even if the offenses occur outside of India. Both Indian citizens and foreign nationals can face charges.

2. Wide powers to Centre– The Central Government is granted extensive authority to designate organizations as terrorist entities. It also prescribe the penalties for involvement in the activities of such organizations.

3. Charge sheet: The investigating agency can file a charge sheet in a maximum of 180 days after the arrests and the duration can be extended further after intimating the court.

4. Unlawful association provision– Under section 3 of the UAPA Act, the government has powers to declare an association ‘unlawful’.

5. Appeal against the Ban:
a. Within 30 days of notification, the government must establish a tribunal led by a sitting High Court Judge to review evidence and allegations.
b. The tribunal can examine evidence, listen to objections from the organization or its members/supporters, and decide whether to confirm or reject the ban.

Read moreUAPA

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation (Bills and Acts)

Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)

Source-This post on Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) is based on the article “Nepal-India official dialogue silent on landmark Pancheshwar project” published in “The Hindu” on 28th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Despite the recent agreement between India and Nepal, discussions over the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) are still deadlocked.

What is Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)?

Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)
Source- The Times of India

Background– In February 1996, India and Nepal entered into the Mahakali Treaty. The focal point of this treaty is the implementation of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.

1. About– It is a bi-national hydropower project between India and Nepal, planned for development along the Mahakali River, which forms the border between the two countries.

2. Aim– Its main goals are to produce energy and improve irrigation in both countries.

3. Features:
a. It includes building a 315-meter tall dam across the Mahakali River, called Sharda in India.
b. The project aims to generate about 6,480 MW of energy, divided equally between both sides.
c. It will also provide water for irrigating 130,000 hectares of land in Nepal and 240,000 hectares in Indian territory.

4. Concern– Environmentalists have raised concerns about its potential impact on regional ecology and local communities.

What is Mahakali Treaty?

1. About:
a.
It is an agreement between the Governments of India and Nepal regarding the integrated development of the Mahakali River.
b. The treaty recognizes the Mahakali River as a boundary river between the two countries.

2. Signed– The treaty was signed in 1996.

About Mahakali river (Sharda River)

1. Origin– The Sharda River, also called Kali River and Mahakali River, originates from Kalapani in the Himalayas, situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

2. Flow- The river flows along Nepal’s western border with India and joins the Ghaghara (Karnali/Manchu) River, which is a tributary of the Ganga.

3. Tributaries:
a. Left- Chameliya, Ramgun in Nepal
b. Right- Kuthi, Dhauli, Gori, Sarju, Ladhiya rivers in Uttarakhand (India)

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/ Geography in news

NATO Exercise- Steadfast Defender 2024

Source-This post on NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 has been created based on the article “Why is NATO’s Steadfast Defender 2024 military exercise significant? published in “The Hindu” on 28th February 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started the Steadfast Defender 2024 exercise.

Steadfast Defender 2024
The Hindu

About Steadfast Defender 2024

1) About: Steadfast Defender 24 is NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War.

2) Duration: It is being held from January to May 2024.

3) Location: The first part of the exercise focuses on securing the Atlantic up to the Arctic and the second part focuses on moving troops across Europe, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe

4) Purpose: Its main purpose is to highlight its collective military might and commitment to the security of its members.

5) Participants: It has approximately 90,000 troops from all 31 NATO Allies and Sweden as Invitee.

6) Features:

a) The exercise will showcase a wide range of military equipment, with more than 50 naval vessels, from aircraft carriers to destroyers, and an air force consisting of over 80 units, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones

b) The ground forces will demonstrate NATO’s capabilities with at least 1,100 combat vehicles, including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles.

c) The drills are strategically designed to rehearse Nato’s execution of its regional plans. These plans are the first of their kind in decades.

d) It outlines the alliance’s response mechanisms to potential threats, addressing concerns regarding Russian aggression.

About NATO

1) About: North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a deterrent intergovernmental military alliance.

2) Origin: It was established in the aftermath of World War II through the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949.

3) Members: It comprises of 31 member states, among which 29 European countries and two North American countries.

4) Purpose: The primary purpose of NATO is to ensure the freedom and security of its members by cooperating in defence and conducting crisis-management operations.

5) Headquarters- Brussels, Belgium

UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercise, International Organization

Africa Club

Source-This post on Africa Club has been created based on the article African leaders demand financial systems reform; launch ‘Africa Club’ at 37th African Union Summitpublished in “Down to Earth” on 27 February 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, the Africa Club was launched at the 37th African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

About Africa Club

1) About: It is an alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (which are African-owned and controlled). It was launched at the 37th African Union Summit.

2) Aim: It aims to amplify Africa’s influence in the global financial system by aligning its functions with the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

3) Objective: It seeks to introduce innovative financial instruments, provide a venue for debt management discussions and foster collaborative effort to address the specific needs of African countries.

4) Members:  African Export-Import Bank, Trade and Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, African Reinsurance Corporation, African Trade and Investment Development Insurance, Shelter Afrique Development Bank and ZEP – RE (PTA Reinsurance Co) are members of African club.

About African Union:

1) About: The AU is an intergovernmental organisation of the 55 member states located on the continent of Africa.

2) Origin: It was founded on July 9, 2002. The grouping is the successor of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was formed in 1963 (more on this later).

3) Aim: It seeks to build an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.

4) Key objectives: 

a) It aims at promoting peace, stability, and security across the region.

b) It also aims to protect and promote human rights 

4) Secretariat: Addis Ababa

UPSC Syllabus: International organisation

International Astronomical Union

Source-This post on International Astronomical Union is based on the article “3 new moons discovered around Uranus and Neptune will be named after Shakespeare characters and Greek goddesses” published in “LiveScience” on 27th February 2024.

Why in the News?

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has confirmed the discovery of three unnamed moons. Among three, one was around Uranus and two were around Neptune.

About the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

1) About: IAU is a global organization of professional astronomers, at the PhD level and beyond who are active in professional education and research in astronomy.

2) Origin: It was founded in 1919. Its headquarter is in Paris, France.

3) Objective: Its objective is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation.

4) Members: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has 92 member countries, with 85 being National Members. It also collaborates with scientific organizations globally.

4) Mandate: It is the internationally recognized authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies (stars, planets, asteroids, etc.) and any surface features on them.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

North Atlantic right whales

Source-This post on “North Atlantic right whales” has been created based on the article Critically endangered right whales are shrinking, with drastic consequences for their population published in “LiveScience” on 29 February 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently scientists have discovered that North Atlantic right whales are getting smaller due to climate change. It is negatively impacting their ability to breed.

About North Atlantic right whales

North Atlantic right whale
NOAA Fisheries
Aspect Details
About 1) It is a species of large baleen whale found in the North Atlantic Ocean.
2) The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species.
Characteristics 1) It has white calluses on its head.
2) It lacks a dorsal fin and has a broad back.
3) Its mouth is long and arched, starting above the eye.
4) As a baleen whale, it feeds on small organisms like zooplankton and krill.
5) They use baleen plates in their mouths to filter food from the water as they swim.
5) They are often seen in coastal waters during breeding season.
6) Right whales communicate using low-frequency moans, groans, and pulses.
Habitat 1) North Atlantic right whales inhabit coastal waters predominantly along the eastern coast of North America from Florida to Canada.
2) They are also found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Conservation Status IUCN List of Threatened Species: Critically Endangered
Conservation efforts 1) Implementing rules to minimize fishing gear entanglement.
2) Enforcing speed limits for ships
in areas where the whales are commonly found.
Threats 1) Threats like entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, climate change is altering their migratory patterns, feeding areas, and breeding ability.
2) Ocean noise affects their communication, food search, and navigation abilities.

UPSC SYLLABUS-ENVIRONMENT (species in news)

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