10-April-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

A DISTINCT RIGHT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court of India has recently recognized the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change as a distinct fundamental right.

This landmark decision highlights the importance of a healthy environment and sustainable development in the face of escalating climate threats.

A Distinct Right:

• The Supreme Court has historically acknowledged the right to live in a clean environment as part of the broader right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Now, it argues that protection from climate change effects and the right to a wholesome environment are interconnected aspects of the same fundamental right.
• With climate change posing increasingly severe threats like rising temperatures, storms, droughts, food shortages, and disease shifts, the court deems it necessary to recognize protection from these impacts as a separate right.

Conservation Dilemma:

• The context of this recognition arises from a conservation dilemma, particularly in parts of India where solar power transmission lines pose a threat to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
• The court was faced with a plea by multiple Union Ministries seeking modification of an earlier order aimed at protecting the bird from collisions with power lines.
• The modification was sought due to technical and financial challenges in converting power lines underground, which would significantly impact the renewable energy sector.

Expert Committee and Resolution:

• In response to the complexities of the issue, the court has appointed an expert committee to determine the extent of underground and overhead power lines.
• Previous orders have been recalled, highlighting the need for a balanced solution that addresses both environmental conservation and renewable energy development.

Incorporation of International Law:

• Judgment draws from international treaties and declarations recognizing the right to a healthy environment.
• Reliance on Stockholm Declaration (1972), Rio Declaration (1992), and Paris Agreement (2015) strengthens the legal basis for this right in India.

       
GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD

Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps

Population: Approximately 200 individuals worldwide

Height: 100 cm

Length: Wingspan of 210-250 cm

Weight: 15-18 kg

Conservation Status:Critically Endangered

Listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, CMS Convention, Appendix I of CITES, and IUCN Red List.

Included in the National Wildlife Action Plan and identified for recovery program under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Characteristics:

• Distinguished by black crown contrasting with pale neck and head.
• Brownish body with marked wings.
• Males have larger black crowns and a black breast band.
• Breeds during monsoon, females lay single egg on open ground.
• Males have gular pouch for booming mating calls.

Threats:

• Hunting, particularly in Pakistan.
• Collisions with high-tension electric wires and vehicles.
• Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, mining, and industrialization.

UPSC Prelims PYQ

1. Which of the following pairs accurately associates a protected area with its notable wildlife species?
2. Bhitarkanika, Odisha: Salt Water Crocodile
3. Desert National Park, Rajasthan: Great Indian Bustard
4. Eravikulam, Kerala: Hoolock Gibbon

Choose correct option:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2
3. 2 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Correct answer: B

GROSS MISMANAGEMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY –SOURCE: THE HINDU

India faces challenges in meeting goal of “eliminating” TB by 2025.

India experiences shortages of various TB medicines, including those for drug-sensitive TB and MDR-TB. Shortages disrupt treatment continuity and increase the risk of treatment failure and drug resistance.

Impact on Treatment Cascade:

• Delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation are significant concerns, hampering effective TB care.
• Shortages exacerbate challenges in achieving treatment success, as uninterrupted drug supply is crucial for patient care.

Management Issues:

• Renaming the National TB Control Programme to the National TB Elimination Programme without addressing fundamental issues like drug availability highlights mismanagement.
• Last-minute permissions for local drug procurement create logistical hurdles at the ground level, affecting patient access to essential medicines.

Health Ministry Initiatives:

• India has launched several initiatives to combat TB, including the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).
• RNTCP focuses on providing free diagnosis and treatment to TB patients across the country.
• The government has also implemented the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy to ensure adherence to TB medication.

Medicines and Treatment:

• Various TB medicines are essential for treatment, including first-line drugs like isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide for drug-sensitive TB.
• For MDR-TB, second-line drugs like fluoroquinolones and injectable agents are crucial, but often face shortages.

Concerns and Criticisms:

• Last-minute permissions for drug procurement and patient-driven medication purchase undermine TB control efforts.
• India’s struggles to ensure uninterrupted drug supply raise doubts about achieving the ambitious 2025 elimination goal.

TUBERCULOSIS

• Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• TB spreads through the air when infected individuals cough or sneeze.
• Common symptoms include cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.
• Diagnosis involves chest X-rays, sputum tests, and TB skin tests.
• Treatment consists of antibiotics taken for several months, aiming to kill the bacteria.

MDR-TB:  

• MDR-TB (Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis) is a type of TB resistant to two main first-line drugs: isoniazid and rifampicin.

• Resistance to Key Medications: MDR-TB doesn’t respond to the most powerful TB drugs, making treatment more challenging.

• Treating MDR-TB requires a combination of second-line drugs, which are often less effective and have more side effects.

XDR-TB

• (Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis) is a type of TB that’s resistant to the most powerful first-line drugs, like isoniazid and rifampicin, as well as some second-line drugs,like fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin) and injectable drugs (e.g., amikacin).

• Treating XDR-TB is very tough because it requires using less effective and potentially more toxic drugs. Treatment takes longer and has lower success rates compared to regular TB.

Way Forward:

Implementing a comprehensive approach that focuses on early detection, prompt treatment, and robust prevention strategies is essential.

• Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality TB diagnosis and treatment services.
• Enhancing public awareness campaigns to promote TB prevention, symptoms recognition, and seeking timely healthcare.
• Investing in research and development for innovative TB diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines.

UPSC Prelims PYQ

1. Which of the following diseases is caused by a protozoan parasite transmitted through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito?
2. Tuberculosis
3. Malaria
4. Dengue Fever
5. Chikungunya

CBDT TOLD TO VERIFY RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR’S AFFIDAVIT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU

During elections in India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has authority regarding electoral offences. ECI is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in the country, including conducting free and fair elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and offices of the President and Vice President.

Complaint:

• Congress alleges mismatch in affidavit details filed by BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar for Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency.

Income Decline:

• Chandrasekhar’s taxable income reportedly decreased sharply from ₹10.83 crore in 2018-19 to ₹5.59 lakh in 2022-23.

Election Commission’s Action:

• EC directs Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to verify any mismatches in the affidavit.
• Procedure initiated under Section 125 A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, for concealing information.

Legal Consequences:

• Concealing information punishable with imprisonment up to six months, fine, or both.

Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RPA, 1950): 

Purpose:

• Allocates seats in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• Delimits constituencies for these seats.
• Establishes qualifications of voters.

Key Provisions:

• Rules for preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
• Defines qualifications and disqualifications for Parliament and State Legislature membership.
• Deals with delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies.

Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA, 1951):

Purpose:

• Conducts elections to Parliament (Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha) and State Legislative Assemblies.
• Establishes qualifications and disqualifications for membership.

Key Provisions:

• Rules for nomination, polling, counting, and declaration of election results.
• Appointment of Election Commissioners and Election Commission of India.
• Offences and penalties related to electoral malpractices.

Significance:

• Ensures free and fair electoral process.
• Regulates conduct of elections, including resolution of disputes.
• Upholds democratic principles and electoral integrity.  

CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes):

• Established by the enactment of the Central Board of Revenue Act in 1963.
• Functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• Governs the administration of direct taxes in India, including income tax, corporate tax, and wealth tax.

Key Functions:

• Formulates policies and procedures for the collection and administration of direct taxes.
• Implements tax laws and regulations, including the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Supervises and monitors the functioning of the Income Tax Department and other direct tax authorities.

Organizational Structure:

• Headed by a Chairman, who is a senior IRS officer appointed by the Government of India.
• Comprises members representing various functional areas, including legal, investigation, and administration.

Tax Assessment and Enforcement:

• Conducts tax assessments, audits, and investigations to ensure compliance with tax laws.
• Takes enforcement actions against tax evasion, including penalties and prosecutions.

UPSC Prelims PYQ

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Election Commission of India?
2. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
3. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament.
4. The Election Commission conducts elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President of India.

Choose the correct code:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

NTPC LAUNCHES NEW EDITION OF GIRL EMPOWERMENT MISSION

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: PIB

NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power company, is launching the latest edition of its Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), aligned with the Beti Bachaom Beti Padhao initiative. GEM aims to empower young girls through skill development and mentorship programs.

Introduction:

• GEM is NTPC Limited’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
• Aligns with the Government of India’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative.
• Aims to tackle gender inequality by empowering young girls.

Program Details:

• Conducts 1-month workshops during summer holidays.
• Provides a platform for all-round upliftment and development of girls.
• Focuses on nurturing girls’ imaginations and fostering their ability to explore opportunities.

Expansion and Impact:

• Started in 2018 with three locations and 392 participants.
• In 2024, expanding to 42 locations, benefiting nearly 3,000 underprivileged girls.
• Total beneficiaries to cross 10,000, indicating significant growth and impact.

Continued Growth Despite Challenges:

• Continued expansion despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Benefited 7,424 girls till date, with increasing participation each year.

Mission Objectives:

• Focuses on empowering girls through various interventions.
• Aims to identify and nurture their leadership qualities.
• Prepares them to be future-ready and influential members of society.

Workshop Focus Areas:

• Covers health, hygiene, safety, fitness, sports, and yoga.
• Provides holistic skill development and confidence-building.

Aims to empower girls as catalysts of change, influencing families, communities, and the nation.

LAVENDER CULTIVATION IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY –SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Over 700 acres of farmland have been dedicated to lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir since 2017.

• An additional 100 acres are slated to be added to lavender cultivation in the region.

About Lavender Cultivation:

• Lavender is a small, perennial aromatic herb shrub originally native to Europe.
• Introduced to the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir by the CSIR Aroma Mission.
• Utilized in various industries including fragrance, specialty food, and alternative medicine.

Required Climatic Conditions:

• Soil: Thrives in light, well-aerated soil rich in organic matter; prefers neutral to alkaline soil with good drainage.
• Rainfall: Can grow with an annual rainfall ranging from 300 to 1400 mm per year.
• Climate: Tolerant to drought and frost conditions; prefers cool winters and cool summers with ample sunlight.
• Suitable for regions with snowfall and hilly terrain, making it adaptable to diverse landscapes in Jammu and Kashmir.

PREDICATE OFFENCE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE:

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court emphasized that in the absence of a predicate offence, there cannot be proceeds of crime, thus ruling out the possibility of money laundering.

• Predicate offence is a foundational crime that forms a part of a larger criminal activity, often associated with money laundering or organized crime.
• It serves as the underlying criminal act that generates proceeds or funds for subsequent illegal activities.

Legislative Framework under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA):

• PMLA designates certain offences as predicate offences through its Schedule, comprising three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C.

Categories of Predicate Offences:

• Part A: Encompasses offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government, counterfeiting, extortion, robbery, forgery, and cheating, among others.
• Part B: Includes offences under the Customs Act, which become predicate offences if their value exceeds one crore rupees, focusing on violations related to customs duties and regulations.
• Part C: Covers offences of cross-border implications, extending beyond Part A’s offences to include those against property under Chapter XVII of the Indian Penal Code. It also includes wilful attempts to evade taxes, penalties, or interest under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.

This ruling underscore the essential link between predicate offences and money laundering activities under the PMLA.

TSAT-1A: A REVOLUTIONARY EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITE

TOPIC: (GS2) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY –SOURCE: PIB

TSAT-1A is an advanced optical Earth observation satellite renowned for its sub-metre-resolution imagery capabilities.

• It was developed through a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Satellogic Inc, a Latin American company.

Development and Launch:

• Constructed at TASL’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) plant in Vemagal, Karnataka.
• Launched into orbit by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA.

Key Features:

• Imaging Capabilities: TSAT-1A can capture high-resolution imagery of Earth’s surface, enabling military-grade reconnaissance.
• Multispectral and Hyperspectral Imaging: Equipped with both capabilities, allowing for data collection across various wavelengths, enhancing understanding of natural resources.
• Enhanced Collection Capacity: Offers greater data collection capability, wider dynamic range, and low-latency data delivery.

Applications:

Military Surveillance: Utilized by Indian defense forces for discreet information gathering, fostering enhanced preparedness and response capabilities.

Strategic Decision Making: Provides invaluable data for strategic decision-making processes.

International Collaboration: Information gathered can be shared with friendly nations, strengthening diplomatic ties and cooperation.

Significance:

• Marks the first private sector initiative in India for the development of military spy satellites, complementing existing initiatives by ISRO.
• Represents a milestone in India’s space technology capabilities, particularly in the realm of defense and national security.

UPSC Prelims PYQ

Which among the following Indian satellites has been used for TV transmission and broadcasting for educational purposes?

1. Aryabhata
2. Rohini
3. EDUSAT
4. INSAT-4A

PEACE CLAUSE AT WTO

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS –SOURCE: THE HINDU

India has utilized the peace clause at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the fifth consecutive time due to exceeding the prescribed subsidy limit for rice provided to its farmers.

Understanding the Peace Clause:

• The peace clause enables WTO members to refrain from challenging breaches in subsidy ceilings offered by developing nations at WTO’s dispute settlement forum.
• Subsidies exceeding the prescribed ceiling are considered trade-distorting.

Subsidy Ceiling:

• According to global trade norms, a WTO member’s food subsidy bill should not exceed 10% of the value of production, based on the reference price of 1986-88.
• India has advocated for amendments to the formula for calculating this food subsidy cap.

Basis and Implementation:

• The Peace Clause was introduced at the Bali ministerial meeting in December 2013 as an interim measure until a permanent solution is negotiated.
• It allows developing countries to surpass the 10% ceiling without facing legal action, provided certain conditions are met.

Conditions and Challenges:

The peace clause serves as a temporary measure until a permanent solution is reached regarding the issue of food stockpiling.