9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 26th June, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
The New Eurasian Geopolitics
Source-This post on The New Eurasian Geopolitics has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: In great power rivalry across Eurasia, an opening for India” published in “The Indian Express” on 26 June 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests
Context- Recent events, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visits to North Korea and Vietnam, along with the US presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, underscore the deepening interconnections between European and Asian security. These developments present new strategic opportunities for middle powers like India.
What are the four dimensions of the New “Eurasian” Geopolitics?
1) Asia’s Active Role in European Geopolitics-
A) Asian countries have now become influential in European geopolitics. Russia and Western Europe are actively seeking Asian support to influence the narrative on the Ukraine conflict. For ex- the Ukraine peace conference attempted to gain political and diplomatic support from non-Western countries to reverse the Russian occupation.
B) Asia’s role as a major arms supplier in European conflicts is strengthening. For ex- North Korea is supplying ammunition to Russia, South Korea is supporting Ukraine, and Japan may increase missile production and relax export controls to contribute further.
2) Emerging Asian Diplomatic Dynamics– Major powers are trying to make relations with Asian nations stronger amidst current conflicts. For ex-
A) Vladimir Putin’s recent trips to Pyongyang and Hanoi signal Russia’s renewed involvement with North Korea. His treaty with North Korea seeks to enhance security cooperation, which could impact regional dynamics and pose challenges to Western interests.
B) Vietnam has hosted leaders like Biden, Xi Jinping, and Putin in recent past. This reflects its efforts to manage economic ties with both China and the US, while also seeking security cooperation with Russia to balance regional interests.
3) Navigating Asia’s Geopolitical Shifts– Growing maneuverability among Asian nations complicates Western decision-making, highlighting a fault line in US foreign policy debates.
Historically, the US dominated both regions after World War II. However, the recent Russia-China alliance and their combined influence across Europe and Asia have compelled the US to rethink its primary challenges.
4) Asia’s Growing Role Amid Europe’s Strategic Challenges – Europe is hesitant in encountering China and enhancing its defense capabilities internally. Economic connections with China are also causing European leaders to hesitate in directly challenging Beijing. Whereas countries in Asia such as Australia, India, Japan, and South Korea are becoming more inclined to contribute significantly to regional security.
What are the opportunities for middle powers like India in this evolving landscape?
1) Significant changes are happening as Europe and Asian are becoming more connected. This highlights the rise of middle powers like India and others whose influence is growing across Eurasia.
2) The United States is actively seeking strong security alliances with these middle powers to counterbalance the increasing influence of China and Russia.US has adopted a strategy called “integrated deterrence,” that gives middle powers like India a unique opportunity to enhance their overall national strength, including military capabilities.
Read more- Successes and challenges in the India-U.S. relationship
Way forward– India’s bureaucracy needs to act quickly to take advantage of current international opportunities to modernize its defense industry and expand domestic arms production rapidly. Achieving self-sufficiency in arms production is important for maintaining India’s “strategic autonomy.”
Question for practice
What are the key aspects of the emerging “Eurasian” geopolitics? How can middle powers such as India benefit from these changing dynamics?
GS PAPER - 3
Causes of drought in Maharashtra
Source: The post causes of drought in Maharashtra has been created, based on the article “Analysing Maharashtra’s water crisis” published in “The Hindu” on 26th June 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Environment- Conservation
Context: The article discusses the drought in Marathwada, Maharashtra. It explains how the rain-shadow effect and climate change worsen water scarcity. It highlights the problems with water-intensive crops like sugarcane and suggests solutions like better water management and crop diversification.
For detailed information on Water Crisis in India read this article here
What are the causes of drought in Maharashtra?
- Rain-shadow Effect: Marathwada lies in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, receiving only 600-800 mm of rainfall compared to 2,000-4,000 mm on the western side.
- Climate Change: A 2016 IIT Gandhinagar study found increasing drought severity and frequency in central Maharashtra, worsening the situation.
- Water-intensive Crops: Sugarcane, which requires 1,500-2,500 mm of water, occupies 4% of cropped area but consumes 61% of irrigation water. Government support has expanded its cultivation despite recommendations to ban it in low-rainfall areas.
- Soil and Topography: Marathwada’s clayey black soil (locally called “regur”) has a low infiltration rate, causing water runoff instead of groundwater recharge. This soil retains water, leading to logging or runoff, not percolation.
- Geographic Disadvantage: Upland areas face severe water scarcity as groundwater moves to valleys, leaving upland wells dry a few months after the monsoons.
What should be done?
- Implement Supply-Side Solutions: Build water-conserving structures like contour trenches, earthen bunds, and gully plugs to capture rainwater runoff. Maharashtra has 1,845 large dams, but more small-scale structures are needed to manage water better.
- Promote Water-Efficient Crops: Shift from water-intensive crops like sugarcane, which occupies 4% of cropped area but uses 61% of irrigation water, to drought-resistant crops like pulses and millets.
- Government Policy Change: Follow the Maharashtra Water and Irrigation Commission’s recommendation to ban sugarcane in areas with less than 1,000 mm of rainfall.
- Use Employment Schemes: Utilize funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to design silt-trapping mechanisms and train farmers on desilting techniques.
- Diversify Agriculture: Encourage high-value, low-water-using crops and diversify livelihoods to reduce dependency on water-intensive farming.
- Address Groundwater Variability: Provide special support to upland areas where wells dry up after monsoons.
Question for practice:
Discuss the main causes of the drought in Marathwada, Maharashtra, and propose solutions to mitigate its impact.
Issues with the implementation of Kavach
Source: The post issues with the implementation of Kavach has been created, based on the article “Lack of focus, not finance, behind sluggish Kavach deployment” published in “The Hindu” on 26th June 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– science and technology -indigenisation of technology
Context: The article discusses the slow implementation of Kavach, India’s train safety system, designed to prevent accidents by warning pilots and automatically applying brakes. Despite ample funding, the installation has been slow, covering only a small fraction of trains and tracks.
For detailed information on Issues and status of the Kavach Signaling System read this article here
What is Kavach?
Kavach is India’s Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to enhance railway safety.
It warns locomotive pilots if there is a risk of overshooting a red signal.
Kavach can automatically apply brakes if the train’s speed is not reduced below a certain limit.
For more information on Kavach read this article
What is needed to implement Kavach?
- Needed:
- RFID Tags: Place Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on the tracks.
- Engine Setup: Equip engines with RFID readers, a computer, and brake interface equipment.
- Radio Towers: Install radio towers at railway stations.
- Cost of Implementing Kavach:
- Tracks: ₹50 lakh per kilometer. Total cost for 68,000 km of tracks is ₹34,000 crore.
- Engines: ₹70 lakh per engine. Total cost for 15,200 engines is ₹10,640 crore.
- Total Cost: ₹45,000 crore for complete implementation.
- Yearly Cost: Spread over 10 years, the yearly cost is ₹4,500 crore.
- Budget Proportion: This yearly cost is less than 2% of the Railway’s annual capital expenditure of ₹2,52,000 crore.
What are the issues with the implementation of Kavach?
- Slow Progress: Since field trials in 2016, Kavach has been installed on just 1,465 route kilometers as of February this year, which is only around 2% of the total railway network.
- Low Coverage of Locomotives: Of the total 15,200 diesel and electric engines in the Indian Railways, only 139 are equipped with Kavach, accounting for less than 1% of engines.
- Slow Deployment Rate: If the current rate of implementation continues, it would take approximately 46 years to cover all routes and over 100 years to equip all engines with Kavach.
- Need for Increased Pace: To complete installation within 10 years, the deployment rate must increase to 6,800 route kilometers per year and 1,500 engines per year.
Question for practice:
Examine the current status and challenges of the implementation of India’s Kavach train safety system.
Benefits of a National Security Strategy
Source: The post benefits of a National Security Strategy has been created, based on the article “India needs the anchor of a national security strategy” published in “The Hindu” on 26th June 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Security
Context: The article argues that India needs a National Security Strategy (NSS). It emphasizes a holistic approach to national security, coordinated long-term planning, and strategic assessment. The NSS would help allocate resources effectively, signal intentions, and ensure government accountability.
For detailed information on National Security Strategy of India read Article 1, Article 2
What Problems Does the New Government Face in National Security?
- Decision-making on Defense Investments: Choices like whether to build another aircraft carrier need to be made, highlighting resource allocation issues.
- Implementing Theaterisation: This involves restructuring the military into unified commands, a complex process requiring clear direction and coordination.
- Managing Strategic Relations: Balancing relationships with powerful nations like the United States and addressing competition with China is crucial.
- Global Security Trends: Challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and evolving military technologies globally impact India’s security environment, necessitating proactive and strategic responses.
What Are the Benefits of a National Security Strategy?
- Strategic Assessment: Forces the government to undertake a comprehensive review of threats and opportunities, like China’s growing naval capabilities. Without an NSS, these threats might be overlooked until they become immediate dangers.
- Long-term Planning: Provides a coherent framework for prioritizing resources. For instance, it can help decide between investing in a new aircraft carrier for the Navy or raising a new infantry division for the Army, preventing waste on less strategic projects.
- Clear Signaling: Clarifies India’s strategic intent to both allies and adversaries, such as affirming its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
- Coordination: Ensures synchronization among military services and national security agencies, promoting consistent efforts rather than episodic coordination.
- Accountability: Introduces transparency, making the government’s national security plans visible to Parliament and the public, enhancing trust and adherence to political leadership’s intent.
Question for practice:
Discuss the importance of a National Security Strategy (NSS) for India in addressing its current national security challenges and enhancing strategic planning and coordination.
Need to Revive Manufacturing Sector in India
Source-This post on Need to Revive Manufacturing Sector in India has been created based on the article “Forget metros and highways, India needs to revive manufacturing” published in “The Indian Express” on 26 June 2024.
UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3– Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Context-The article highlights the need to revive the manufacturing sector. It suggests that the government must align policies to augment domestic investment, improve domestic value addition and export competitiveness.
The manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP stood at 16.1% in 2014-15 at current prices but declined by three percentage points to 13.1% by 2022-23. At constant prices, it marginally decreased to 15.6%.
Policymakers believed that excessive capital and labor regulations deterred investors from establishing businesses. They aimed to reduce this “regulatory cholesterol” by aligning regulations with global standards like the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index (EDBI).
What are the challenges faced by India’s Manufacturing Sector?
1) Negative Impact of EDBI Improvements on Investments – Improvements in EDBI rankings did not lead to increased investments anywhere. On the contrary, it has only benefitted employers who have got the opportunity of self –certification for some mandatory compliance by compromising the interest of workers.
2) Limited Value Addition-There was a reported increase in production and exports of mobile phones due to the introduction of Production Linked Incentive Scheme.However,it has mainly led to a shift from importing finished goods to importing their basic components that resulted in minimal domestic value addition.
3) Disparity Between GVA and GDP Growth- From 2014 to 2022, the industrial growth rate, as measured by gross value added (GVA), averaged a modest 3% annually according to credible estimates from the Annual Survey of Industries. This is significantly lower compared to the GDP growth rate of 6-7% over the same period.
4) Inability to Increase Fixed Investment– Government policies have not succeeded in raising the overall rate of fixed investment (gross fixed capital formation), which stands at approximately 30% of GDP at current prices, according to national accounts data. Investment has increasingly favored services, especially in telecommunications and infrastructure, while the manufacturing sector’s share has remained stagnant at 18% or slightly decreased.
5) Industrial Investment and Manufacturing Sector Performance -The actual lack of industrial investment is more severe than indicated by national account figures. Recent discussions on GDP estimates have emphasized that the performance of the manufacturing sector was overstated in the current National Accounts Statistics (NAS).
6) Discrepancies Between NAS and ASI Data -Comparing NAS and Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data up to 2021-22 reveals large discrepancies. According to NAS, gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) and net fixed capital formation (NFCF) grew annually by 5.3% and 6.9%, respectively, from 2014-15 to 2021-22 at constant prices. In contrast, ASI estimates indicate declines of -1.6% and -9.6% per year over the same period.
7) Stagnant Net Fixed Investment -Since 2014-15, there has been minimal growth in the net fixed investment rate, leading to stagnation in manufacturing capacity.
Read more- Semiconductor manufacturing in India: significance and challenges
What should be the way forward?
1) Need for a Well-designed Industrial Policy-
A) Address the lack of net investment growth in manufacturing
B) Prioritize productive investment over speculative property development
C) Align trade and industrial policies to augment domestic investment
2) Improve domestic value addition and export competitiveness-
A) Support for Small Industries
B) Implement localized, context-specific, and “last-mile” interventions
C) Focus on boosting productive employment in small industries
3) Statistical Improvements-There is an urgent need for the National Statistical Office to correct shortcomings in GDP estimation.
Question for practice
What are the obstacles encountered by India’s manufacturing sector? What steps should be taken to move ahead?
Stocking limits on wheat
Source-This post on Stocking limits on wheat has been created based on the article “Does India really need stocking limits on wheat?” published in “The Indian Express” on 26 June 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System – Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
Context– The article discusses the Indian government’s decision to impose stock limits on wheat, despite record production estimates. It highlights the contradictions between different government actions and raises questions about the actual supply situation.
The Union Agriculture Ministry reports that Indian farmers have harvested a record-breaking wheat crop of 112.93 million tonnes (mt) this year, surpassing last year’s output of 110.55 mt.
The government-imposed stock limits “to manage overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation.” Wholesalers and large retailers are restricted to 3,000 tonnes, individual stores to 10 tonnes, and processors to 70% of their installed milling capacity. They must declare and update their stock positions on a government portal.
What are the reasons behind reimposition of stock limits on wheat despite record production?
There are three main reasons for concern: –
A) High retail cereal inflation of 8.69% compared to last year.
B) The lowest wheat stocks in government storage on June 1 in 16 years.
C) A subpar monsoon that could affect rice production despite current adequate stocks.
Read more- Changing Demand for Cereals in India
What are the issues with reimposition of stock limit?
1) There appears to be a contradiction between record-high cereal production estimates and the imposition of export restrictions and domestic stock limits. The administration cannot claim bumper crops through the agriculture ministry while restricting hoarding through food and distribution channels.
2) There is a question about high cereal inflation despite bumper crop production.
3) If production remains robust but inflation persists and exports are restricted, the government should consider removing the 40% duty on wheat imports if it doubts the adequacy of domestic supply.
Question for practice
What are the reasons behind reimposition of stock limits on wheat despite record production?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
eSakhsya App
Source– This post on eSakhsya App has been created based on the article “Ahead of roll-out of the new criminal laws, Union Home Ministry tests eSakhsya App” published in “The Hindu” on 26 June 2024.
Why in the news?
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is testing eSakshya (e-evidence) app before implementation of the three criminal laws.
About eSakhsya App
Aspects | Description |
About | 1. The eSakhsya app is a mobile-phone application to help police record crime scenes, conduct searches, and seizures in criminal cases. 2. It enables police to upload recorded evidence to a cloud-based platform. |
Aim | The app aims to create uniformity in investigations, potentially increasing the conviction rate. |
Developed by | The app is developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).It will be available to all police stations for registration and download. |
Features | 1. Police officials must upload a selfie after completing the procedure. 2. Each recording can be a maximum of four minutes long, with multiple files uploadable per First Information Report (FIR). 3. If there are connectivity issues, police can record on personal devices, generate a hash value, and upload the file later. 4. Alternatively, they can upload directly through eSakhsya which requires good Internet speed. |
Challenges | 1. Procuring hardware and cloud space is expensive, and many States lack resources. 2. Maintaining the sanctity of the chain of evidence submission is crucial to prevent benefiting the accused. 3. Forensic evidence integrity is essential, and any issues in procuring digital evidence could lead to criminals escaping justice. |
UPSC Syllabus: Governance
Contract for Miniaturised Satellite
Source– This post on Contract for Miniaturised Satellite has been created based on the article “Defence Ministry signs 350th contract under iDEX for ‘miniaturised satellite’” published in “The Hindu” on 26 June 2024.
Why in the news?
The Defence Ministry signed its 350th iDEX contract with SpacePixxel Technologies. The contract is for designing and developing a miniaturised satellite. This initiative is led by the Indian Air Force.
About Miniaturised Satellite
1. A miniaturized satellite, also known as a microsatellite, is a satellite that is smaller and lighter in weight than a traditional satellite.
2. These types of satellites are typically used for research or commercial purposes and are often launched into orbit as part of a larger mission.
3. Capabilities: The satellite will be capable of carrying electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral payloads. It can carry payloads weighing up to 150 kg.
4. The miniaturised satellite represents innovation in space electronics. It allows for the miniaturisation of payloads that were previously deployed on larger satellites.
5. The small satellite has a modular design to integrate multiple miniaturised payloads based on requirements.
6. Benefits include faster and economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and reduced environmental impact.
About iDEX Initiative
About Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative
Launched by– Government of India in 2018.
Funding– It is funded and managed by the Defence Innovation Organization(DIO) under the Department of Defence Production.
Aim- It primarily aims at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups among others.
Read more: iDEX initiative: Contract signed for anti-drone systems
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
Dodol
Source– This post on Dodol has been created based on the article “GI tag for Dodol: Moving beyond the authenticity debate” published in “Indian Express” on 26 June 2024.
Why in the news?
Last week, the Goa government applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Goan sweet Dodol. The All-Goa Baker’s and Confectioners Association applied with the Department of Science, Technology, and Waste Management of the Government of Goa facilitating the process.
About Dodol
Aspects | Description |
About | Dodol is a traditional Goan sweet treat which is dark brown and made from rice flour, coconut milk, and black palm jaggery. It has a firm, jelly-like texture. |
Special method of preparation | 1. It is made through special procedure where rice flour, coconut milk, and black palm jaggery is mixed and mixture is cooked in a copper pot, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent burning. 2. The cooked mixture is poured into a ghee-greased dish. Then flattened with banana leaves. When it cooled down it is cutted into thin slices. |
Cultural significance | Traditionally made by Christian families during Christmas for ‘consoada,’ a tradition of sending sweets to relatives and neighbors. It is a common belief that a Catholic woman should take back Dodol and bananas as a gift when she returns to her husband’s house after the birth of her first child. Traditionally prepared in a large pot called ‘kail,’ which is part of the dowry. If borrowed, it must be returned filled with Dodol as a gesture of gratitude. |
Historical Origins | 1. Some believe Dodol was served at royal banquets in the Medang Kingdom of Indonesia between the 8th and 11th centuries. 2. Another version likely came from early 20th century Indonesia during Dutch colonial rule. 3. Dodol is thought to have been introduced to Goa during Portuguese rule in the 17th century. |
Popularity | Dodol and its variations are also enjoyed in southern India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Southeast Asia |
UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture
Post of Deputy Speaker
Source– This post on Post of Deputy Speaker has been created based on the article “Post of Deputy Speaker” published in “Indian Express” on 26 June 2024.
Why in the news?
With the Opposition’s increased strength in Lok Sabha, its members hope to secure the Deputy Speaker post. The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24) did not have a Deputy Speaker throughout its entire duration.
About Constitutional Provisions Regarding Deputy Speaker
1. Article 93: The House of the People (Lok Sabha) is required to elect two members as Speaker and Deputy Speaker whenever these offices become vacant. The article does not specify a time frame for this election.
2. Article 178: This article provides the corresponding requirement for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of a state’s Legislative Assembly.
Election of Deputy Speaker
1. Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha: The election of the Deputy Speaker is held on a date fixed by the Speaker.
2. The Deputy Speaker is elected once a motion proposing their name is passed in the House. Typically, the Deputy Speaker serves for the entire duration of the House.
Position of Deputy Speaker
Article 95: The Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker when the office is vacant and acts as the Speaker when the latter is absent from House sittings. In both scenarios, the Deputy Speaker assumes all powers of the Speaker.
Responsibilities and Functions
1. Acting as Speaker: He/she performs all duties and exercises all powers of the Speaker when the latter is absent or when the position is vacant.
2. Independence from Speaker: He/she is not subordinate to the Speaker and is directly responsible to the House. Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must submit their resignations to the House.
3. Maintaining Order: He/she helps in maintaining order and decorum in the House during debates and proceedings ensuring the rules of the House are followed.
4. Committees: He/she often presides over various parliamentary committees, facilitating their functioning and ensuring they operate within the rules.
5. Decision-Making: He/she makes decisions on procedural issues and interpretations of rules in the House, similar to the role of the Speaker.
6. Representative Role: In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker represents the House in ceremonial functions and official events.
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation
National Consultative Meet on Traditional Medicine
Source– This post on National Consultative Meet on Traditional Medicine has been created based on the article “CCRAS Hosts National Consultative Meet on Traditional Medicine” published in “PIB” on 26 June 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, CCRAS hosts National Consultative Meet on Traditional Medicine.
About National Consultative Meet on Traditional Medicine
Aspects | Description |
About | 1. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) hosted a National Consultative Meet on Traditional Medicine on June 24, 2024, at the India Habitat Center, New Delhi. 2. This event was held in collaboration with WHO-SEARO (World Health Organisation – South East Asia Region office) and WHO-GTMC (World Health Organisation – Global Traditional Medicine Centre). |
Purpose | The meet aimed to align traditional medicine research with global standards and set research priorities for traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy. It also sought to foster collaborations among various stakeholders. |
Aim | 1. The event aimed to preserve and document traditional knowledge, protecting cultural heritage and biodiversity related to medicinal plants and indigenous healing practices. 2. The event also aimed to support the global acceptance and integration of traditional medicine. |
Objectives | The focus was on addressing critical needs such as medicinal plant research, safety and efficacy studies, pre-clinical validations, rational use of traditional medicines, clinical trial monitoring, and the digitalization of ancient medical literature. |
Goals | The primary goal was to identify key research areas in traditional medicine and ensure the effective use of funds. |
Key announcement | 1. During the event, CCRAS signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): one with Shri Krishna Ayush University in Kurukshetra and another with Dabur India Ltd., a leading Ayurvedic company. 2. Additionally, CCRAS launched its new and updated website. |
About Traditional Medicine
1. Traditional medicine encompasses the knowledge, skills, and practices based on theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures.
2. These skills are utilized for maintaining health, and for the prevention, diagnosis, improvement, or treatment of physical and mental illnesses.
3. Some traditional medicine systems are documented extensively in literature and records. Others are transmitted verbally from generation to generation.
4. The most widely used traditional medicine systems today include those from China, India, and Africa.
5. India is known for its rich repository of medicinal plants. Forests in India serve as the principal repository for a large number of medicinal and aromatic plants.
6. Approximately 8,000 herbal remedies have been codified in the AYUSH systems in India.
7. The major systems of indigenous medicines in India include Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Folk (tribal) medicines.
UPSC Syllabus: Governance, science and technology
World Craft Council (WCC)
Source– This post on World Craft Council (WCC) has been created based on the article “Srinagar’s ‘World Craft City’ tag, allows Kashmir to re-connect globally” published in “The Hindu” on 25 June 2024.
Why in the news?
Srinagar has been recognized as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC). Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore are the other Indian cities previously recognized as World Craft Cities.
About World Craft Council (WCC)
Aspects | Description |
About | The WCC is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation affiliated with UNESCO. It was established in 1964. |
Mission | Its mission is to promote the preservation, protection, and development of traditional crafts. |
Aim | The WCC also aims to foster economic development through crafts. |
World Craft City Recognition | 1. World Craft City Recognition is given by WCC. 2. This esteemed designation is given to cities excelling in the promotion and development of traditional crafts and artisanship. 3. It acknowledges the city’s commitment to preserving its unique craft heritage and supporting local artisans. |
Significance of World Craft City Recognition | 1. International Prestige: It elevates the city’s status globally as a center of excellence for crafts. 2. Economic Benefits: It boosts the local economy by attracting tourists, investors, and buyers interested in authentic crafts. It also increases market opportunities for artisans. 3. Cultural Preservation: It highlights the city’s dedication to preserving traditional crafts. It ensures these cultural practices are passed down to future generations. 4. Support for Artisans: It leads to increased support for local artisans, including funding, training, and opportunities for international collaboration and exchange. 5. Promotion of Innovation: i) It encourages blending traditional techniques with modern designs. ii) Fosters creativity and sustainability within the craft sector. iii) It increases the city’s and its crafts’ visibility through international media coverage, exhibitions, and events associated with the WCC. |
Criteria for Recognition as a World Craft City
1. The city must have a significant population of skilled artisans.
2. Demonstrates active promotion and development of craft traditions.
3. Shows commitment to preserving cultural heritage and supporting sustainable practices.
4. Evidence of innovation and creativity in craft practices.
5. Strong community involvement and support for the craft sector.
UPSC Syllabus: International organisation
Lake Natron
Source– This post on Lake Natron has been created based on the article “Flamingos under threat: Climate impact jeopardising delicate balance of Tanzania’s Lake Natron” published in “Down to Earth” on 24th June 2024.
Why in the news?
Experts note a steady decline in the flamingo population at Lake Natron, as extreme weather and encroachment cause fewer birds to return each year.
About Lake Natron
Aspects | Description |
Location | It is situated on the border between Tanzania and Kenya. It is part of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley. |
Features | 1. It contains warm waters with high levels of salt, caustic soda, and magnesite deposits. 2. It is ideal conditions for flamingos to thrive. 3. The lake’s extreme alkalinity gives it a striking red hue. 4. It is recognized as a Ramsar site, indicating its importance as a wetland of international significance. |
Fed by | It is fed by the Ewaso Ng’iro River which originates from central Kenya. |
Threat | Agriculture, pollution, and climate change pose significant threats to this unique ecosystem. |
UPSC Syllabus: World Geography
J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance
Source– This post on J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance has been created based on the article “What is Enemy Agents Ordinance, tough law applicable in Jammu and Kashmir?” published in “Indian Express” on 25 June 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir stated that investigating agencies should try those found assisting militants in J&K under the Enemy Agents Ordinance, 2005.
About J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance
1. The J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance was first issued in 1917 by the Dogra Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. During the Dogra rule, all laws were called ordinances.
2. After India and Pakistan became independent countries in 1947, this ordinance became a law in Jammu and Kashmir and was later amended.
3. In 2019, when Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was repealed, the legal system of Jammu and Kashmir underwent several changes, including this law.
4. The ordinance states that anyone who is an enemy agent or helps the enemy in any way, such as by conspiring to harm Indian military or air operations, endangering lives, or committing arson, can be punished with death, life imprisonment, or rigorous imprisonment for up to 10 years. Additionally, they can be fined.
5. Trials under this ordinance are conducted by a special judge appointed by the government in consultation with the High Court. The accused person cannot hire a lawyer for defense unless the court allows it. There is no option to appeal the verdict.
6. The decision made by the special judge can only be reviewed by a person chosen by the government from the High Court judges, and this decision is final.
7. The ordinance also prohibits any disclosure or publication of the case details. Anyone who shares information about the proceedings or the individuals involved without government permission can be punished with up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation