22-June-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

11 CANDIDATES APPLY TO VERIFY EVM BURNT MEMORY: WHAT IS THIS PROCESS? 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS 

In 2024, for the first time, candidates in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections applied to verify the burnt memory of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units. This new measure was introduced by the Supreme Court to ensure election integrity. 

Supreme Court Order 

• Upholding EVM-VVPAT System: Supreme Court rejected the return to ballot papers and 100% VVPAT counting. 
• Verification Rights: Second- and third-placed candidates can request verification for up to 5% of machines in their constituency. 
• Cost and Refund: Candidates bear verification costs, refunded if tampering is found. 

Verification Process 

• Responsible Authority: District Election Officer (DEO) oversees the process. 
• Application: Candidates must apply in writing within seven days post-results and pay Rs 40,000 plus GST per EVM set. 
• Selection: Candidates choose units by polling station or serial number. 
• Timing: Verification starts 45 days after results, or post-court order if petitions are filed. 
• Location: Conducted in manufacturers’ designated halls with security and surveillance. 

Candidates Applying for Verification 

• Total Applicants: 11 candidates. 
• Coverage: 118 polling stations. 
• Political Parties: Applications from BJP, Congress, DMDK, and YSRCP candidates. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems in India:

1. The Supreme Court of India has upheld the use of EVMs with VVPAT and rejected the plea for a return to ballot papers and 100% counting of VVPAT slips. 

1. Candidates who finish second or third in an election can request verification of the burnt memory of EVMs and VVPATs for up to 5% of machines in their constituency. 

1. The Election Commission of India bears the cost of verifying EVMs and VVPATs if tampering is suspected. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2, and 3 

ANSWER – A 

EXPLANATION: 

The Supreme Court has upheld the EVM-VVPAT system and rejected the plea for a return to ballot papers and 100% counting of VVPAT slips. 

Candidates who finish second or third can request verification for up to 5% of the machines in their constituency. 

Candidates must bear the cost of verification, which is refunded only if tampering is found. 

RUSSIA-NORTH KOREA SECURITY PACT: IMPACT ON U.S. TIES IN EAST ASIA 

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: NBCNEWS 

The recent security pact between Russia and North Korea marks a significant geopolitical shift reminiscent of the Cold War era. This alliance could impact the global power dynamics, particularly in East Asia. 

• Security Pact: Russia and North Korea agreed on mutual assistance against aggression, signaling a revival of their Cold War-era alliance. 
• Geopolitical Context: Both nations face sanctions and opposition from the West. The Ukraine war and Western sanctions have pushed Russia closer to North Korea. 
• Mutual Benefits: North Korea supplies ammunition to Russia; Russia provides food, fuel, and potentially defense technologies. 
• Regional Implications: The pact may strain Russia’s relations with South Korea and Japan, while North Korea is unlikely to pursue denuclearization. 

• U.S. Response: The alliance is expected to strengthen the U.S.-Japan-South Korea partnership, intensifying the new Cold War dynamics in East Asia. 

INDIA AND RUSSIA 

India and Russia boast a long-standing relationship, with trade hitting a record high of $65 billion in 2023. This growth is partly fueled by discounted Russian oil imports. However, the relationship faces geopolitical complexities. 

• Deepened Defence Ties:  Russia remains a key source of military equipment for India. 
• Diversifying Partnerships:  India is seeking to balance ties with Russia by strengthening relations with the US and other powers. 
• Impact on Global Order:  The Ukraine war has strained India’s neutrality, impacting its relationship with both Russia and the West. 

Overall, India-Russia relations navigate a delicate path between historical ties, strategic interests, and the evolving global order. 

 

IN THE NAME OF MERIT 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Indian Constitution ensures social justice and allows the state to make special provisions for the underprivileged. Various governments have tried to expand reservation policies, primarily due to electoral motives rather than constitutional principles. However, the judiciary has frequently nullified such policies, emphasizing “merit” and “efficiency in administration.” 

Judicial Scrutiny of Reservation Policies 

• Strict Scrutiny Doctrine: Courts have often struck down reservation policies for communities like Jats, Gujjars, Marathas, Patidars, and Muslims. 
• Focus on Merit: The judiciary emphasizes merit and efficiency, often conflicting with the idea of expanding reservations. 

Patna High Court Judgment on Bihar Reservation 

• Recent Judgment: Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Harish Kumar of the Patna High Court struck down a 65% reservation in Bihar based on the 2023 Caste Survey. 
• Impact on Congress: The judgment is a setback for the Congress party, which advocates for a caste survey in all states and the removal of the 50% reservation cap. 

Proportionate Representation vs. Adequate Representation 

• High Court’s Stance: The court rejected the concept of “proportionate representation” for Backward Classes, citing Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution. 
• Supreme Court Precedent: In Indra Sawhney (1992), the SC clarified that “adequate representation” does not imply proportionate representation, although the population proportion is relevant. 

Upper Ceiling on Reservation 

• 50% Limit: The 50% cap on reservations, introduced in M R Balaji (1962), has been upheld in several judgments. 
• Exceptions: Indra Sawhney (1992) suggested that this limit need not be strictly followed in remote areas. However, the Patna High Court did not consider Bihar as such an exception. 

Socio-Economic Context of Bihar 

• State’s Status: Bihar has the lowest per capita income in India, high fertility rates, low urbanization, low college density, and a high poverty rate. 
• Argument for Exceptions: These factors could be compelling reasons for exceeding the 50% reservation limit, although not accepted by the court. 

EWS Reservation Controversy 

• EWS Reservation: The extension of EWS reservation did not follow a survey to assess inadequacy of representation. 
• Supreme Court’s Unique Ruling: In Janhit Abhiyan (2022), the SC diluted its consistent strict scrutiny approach for the EWS category. 

Recommendations and Government Actions 

• Commission Recommendations: The court noted that recommendations from backward classes commissions were not necessary but insisted on an analysis of the Caste Survey and expert consultation. 
• Government’s Role: Despite the unanimous passage of the reservation amendment in the Bihar assembly, including BJP support, the court’s demands could impose additional constraints on future affirmative action policies. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mandal Case (Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India, 1992):

1. The Supreme Court upheld the 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in central government jobs. 

1. The Court introduced the concept of the “creamy layer” within OBCs, excluding economically advanced sections from reservation benefits. 

1. The judgment established a 50% ceiling on total reservations in public employment and education. 

1. The Court mandated reservations in promotions for OBCs, SCs, and STs. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 1, 2, and 3 only 

1. 2, 3, and 4 only 

1. 1, 3, and 4 only 

ANSWER – B 

EXPLANATION: 

The Supreme Court upheld the 27% reservation for OBCs, introduced the concept of the “creamy layer,” and established a 50% ceiling on total reservations. However, statement 4 is incorrect as the Court did not mandate reservations in promotions for OBCs, SCs, and STs. 

WHY THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN SHOULD BE AT THE CORE OF ANY POLLUTION POLICY 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS 

The State of Global Air (SoGA) Report 2024 highlights air pollution as the second leading global risk factor for death, particularly affecting children under five. In India alone, 1,69,400 children in this age group died due to air pollution in 2021, reflecting the severity of the issue. 

Alarming Statistics: 

• Air pollution is the second leading global risk factor for death. 
• In 2021, air pollution contributed to 8.1 million deaths, with 709,000 of these being children under five. 
• India reported 2.1 million deaths due to air pollution, with 169,400 being children under five, the highest globally. 

Current Measures and Their Shortcomings: 

• India’s response to air pollution has often been reactionary and inadequate, including measures like water spraying to minimize road dust and vehicle restriction schemes. 
• Even with the adoption of clean air plans, there is a significant policy gap in linking pollution with public health. 

Impact on Children: 

• Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to higher air intake per kilogram of body weight and underdeveloped organs. 
• Exposure leads to severe health issues, including asthma, upper respiratory infections, childhood leukemia, and high blood pressure. 

Positive Developments and Hope: 

• Since 2000, the global death rate from air pollution among children under five has dropped by 53%, thanks to improved access to clean energy, better healthcare, and increased awareness. 
• Successful implementation of stricter air quality policies and the adoption of hybrid or electric vehicles in regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia offer valuable lessons. 

Challenges for India: 

• With 42 of the world’s 50 most polluted cities and low awareness among even municipal employees about the health impacts of pollution, India’s challenge is significant. 
• Addressing this requires comprehensive strategies focused on the health implications of air pollution, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.Conclusion: 
• To safeguard children’s health, robust policies linking pollution with public health are crucial, emphasizing cleaner energy, healthcare improvements, and awareness campaigns. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. Which of the following is a primary air pollutant?

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) 

1. Ozone (O3) 

1. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 

1. Methane (CH4) 

ANSWER – C 

EXPLANATION: 

Primary pollutants are directly emitted from sources such as vehicles, industries, and power plants, contributing directly to air pollution. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a primary pollutant commonly emitted from vehicle exhausts and industrial processes, contributing significantly to urban air pollution and adverse health effects. Carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone (O3), and methane (CH4) are greenhouse gases and secondary pollutants formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere involving primary pollutants. 

CAECILIANS 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

During a herpetofauna survey, a team of herpetologists documented the presence of the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp) in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve for the first time. 

About Caecilians 

• Caecilians are limbless amphibians that belong to the order Gymnophiona or Apoda. 
• They are related to frogs and salamanders but lack limbs, making them resemble earthworms or snakes. 
• The term “Caecilian” means “blind,” as some species lack eyes while others have small eyes hidden under their skin. 

Features: 

• Caecilians have an elongated, segmented body with a hard, thick skull and a pointed snout, helping them burrow through dirt or mud. 
• They are covered in shiny skin with ring-like folds called annuli, and some have tiny, fishlike scales within these rings. 
• They come in various colors such as gray, brown, black, orange, or yellow. 

• Short sensory tentacles between their eyes and nostrils help them navigate and locate prey. 

Habitat: 

• Most caecilians live in moist tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in South and Central America, South and Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. 
• They are elusive creatures that spend most of their lives underground, primarily in forests but also in grasslands, savannas, shrublands, and wetlands. 

Size: 

Smaller species of caecilians are less than three inches long, while the largest species, Caecilia thompsoni from Colombia, can grow up to almost five feet. 

THE PROJECT – AMRSense 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

IIIT-Delhi’s project won joint second prize in the second Trinity Challenge, focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

The Trinity Challenge (TTC) aims to create data-driven solutions to global health threats through partnerships across various sectors. 

The Trinity Challenge (TTC): 

• TTC is a charity that supports data-driven solutions to protect against global health threats. 
• It partners with over 40 leading organizations from the private, public, and social sectors. 
• TTC partners work together to use data and advanced analytics to innovate and prepare for health emergencies. 
• TTC was launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to improve global preparedness for healthcare emergencies. 
• The first Challenge focused on solutions to predict, respond to, and recover from pandemics, awarding £5.7 million to innovative projects. 
• The second Challenge focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), seeking data-driven solutions to maintain the efficacy of antibiotics. 

IIIT-Delhi’s Project: 

• The project, “AMRSense: Empowering Communities with a Proactive One Health Ecosystem,” is led by IIIT-Delhi in collaboration with CHRI-PATH, 1mg.com, and ICMR. 

• AMRSense addresses the challenges of engaging and training community health workers (CHWs) in AMR surveillance and management. 
• The project focuses on creating a comprehensive data ecosystem and enhancing analytics capabilities to tackle AMR effectively. 

HUMAN AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS (HAT) 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH 

In 2024, Chad became the first country this year and the 51st globally to eliminate a neglected tropical disease (NTD), specifically the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). 

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT): 

• Also known as sleeping sickness, HAT is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by infected tsetse flies. 
• It is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and presents in two forms based on the infecting parasite subspecies: 

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense:  

• Found in 24 countries in west and central Africa, accounting for 92% of reported cases.  
• It causes a chronic illness where a person can be infected for months or years without major symptoms.  
• By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often advanced and affects the central nervous system. 

Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense:  

• Found in 13 countries in eastern and southern Africa, responsible for 8% of reported cases.  
• This form causes an acute disease, with symptoms appearing within weeks or months after infection and rapid disease progression involving multiple organs, including the brain. 

Transmission and Impact: 

• Tsetse flies, which inhabit sub-Saharan Africa, are the vectors for HAT, but only certain species transmit the disease. 
• Rural populations involved in agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, or hunting are the most exposed. 

MUDGAL FORT 

TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY– SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Mudgal Fort is a historic site in Karnataka, India, showcasing the region’s architectural, cultural, and historical significance. 

Historical Significance: 

• The fort has a 1000-year history, linked to various dynasties like the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Deccan Sultanate, and Vijayanagara Empire. 
• It gained prominence during the rule of the Bahmani Sultans from Gulbarga (now Kalaburagi) and later came under the Vijayanagara Empire. 
• After the Sultanate fractured into five states, Mudgal Fort became a focal point of conflict between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Adil Shahi Sultanate. 

Strategic Importance: 

• Positioned on the border of the Adil Shahi and Vijayanagara empires, the fort witnessed 11 battles between the 14th and 16th centuries. 
• It was valued for controlling the Raichur Doab, fertile land rich in minerals and agriculture, situated between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers. 

Inscriptions: 

• Researchers have studied 99 inscriptions on the fort’s walls in languages including Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu, Persian, Arabic, and Gujarati. 
• Notable inscriptions detail the bravery of Malik Murad Khan, a military general of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, who fought successfully against the Vijayanagara Empire between 1590 and 1610. 

Architectural Style: 

• The fort features mixed architectural styles and traditions. 
• Notable structures inside include the Ranganathaswamy Temple and Hussain Alam Dargah, which share a common wall and compound. 
• The fort has several gates with intricate carvings, including the main entrance on the north side called Fateh Darwaza.