15-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

SC STAYS COERCIVE STEPS AGAINST YOUTUBER ‘SAVUKKU’

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

The Supreme Court of India recently intervened in the legal proceedings against YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar, who was facing multiple FIRs in Tamil Nadu. The case highlights concern over free speech and the use of preventive detention laws.

Supreme Court’s Stay:

• The Supreme Court stayed all coercive measures by Tamil Nadu Police against ‘Savukku’ Shankar in 16 FIRs.
• The FIRs were related to remarks made by Shankar in a YouTube interview.

Legal Representation and Arguments:

• Shankar’s lawyers argued that he was exercising his right to free speech and accused the State of persecuting him rather than prosecuting.
• They urged the Supreme Court to quash the FIRs, citing Shankar’s right to freedom of expression.

Preventive Detention and High Court Ruling:

• Shankar had been placed under preventive detention under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act for two months.
• The Madras High Court quashed his detention on August 9, noting that the State’s actions appeared malicious.

Supreme Court’s Observations:

• The Supreme Court criticized the State for being overzealous and emphasized that preventive detention is a serious law meant for exceptional cases.
• The Court questioned whether Shankar posed a genuine threat to national security, reflecting on the balance between state power and individual freedom.

PREVENTIVE DETENTION Preventive detention refers to the detention of a person without trial to prevent them from committing a potential offense. It is a measure used by governments to maintain public order and security, but its use raises concerns about civil liberties. Background: ·       Colonial Origins: Preventive detention laws date back to British colonial rule, with laws like the Defence of India Act of 1915 allowing detention without trial during emergencies. ·       Purpose: The objective is to prevent future crimes rather than punish past offenses. Grounds for Preventive Detention: ·       State Security: To protect national security. ·       Public Order: To maintain public peace and order. ·       Foreign Affairs: To safeguard the country’s international relations. Types of Detention: ·       Preventive Detention: Holding someone based on suspicion of potential harm, without formal charges or trial. ·       Punitive Detention: Detention after a crime has been committed, as a form of punishment. Protection Under the Constitution:   Article 22: Provides safeguards for those detained, including: ·       Limiting detention to 3 months unless approved by an advisory board. ·       The right to be informed of the grounds of detention, except when it is against public interest. ·       The right to challenge the detention. Safeguards and Review: ·       Advisory Boards: Must review detention orders every three months to ensure the necessity of continued detention. ·       Judicial Oversight: Courts like the Supreme Court have emphasized that preventive detention should be an exceptional measure.

Issues with Preventive Detention:

• Threat to Democracy: The use of preventive detention can undermine democratic principles.
• Extrajudicial Authority: There is potential for misuse by authorities, leading to arbitrary detention.
• Manipulation: Government officials may use preventive detention to manage public order during communal tensions, even when not justified.

Supreme Court’s Stance:

• Ameena Begum Case (2023): Emphasized that preventive detention is for emergencies, not routine use.
• Ankul Chandra Pradhan Case (1997): Clarified that the purpose is preventive, not punitive.

Public Order vs. Law & Order:

• Public Order: Affects the community at large and is related to peace and stability in society.
• Law & Order: Affects specific individuals and involves maintaining general lawfulness.
• Supreme Court Distinction: Public order concerns broader societal impact, while law and order issues are more localized.

Multiple choice question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding Preventive Detention in India:
2. Preventive detention allows for the detention of a person without trial for a period exceeding three months without the need for approval by any authority.
3. Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides safeguards to individuals detained under preventive detention laws.
4. Preventive detention can only be enacted by the Parliament of India and not by the State Legislatures.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Preventive detention beyond three months requires approval from an advisory board, which reviews the detention.

Article 22 of the Constitution provides safeguards for those detained under preventive detention, including the right to be informed of the grounds of detention.

Both the Parliament and State Legislatures have the power to enact preventive detention laws under specific circumstances (as per the Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution).

INFLATION TRENDS IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), slowed to 3.54% in July, marking the slowest pace in almost five years. However, the decline may not provide real relief for households.

CPI and Inflation Rate:

• July’s inflation rate of 3.54% reflects a sharp decline from June’s 5.1%.
• This drop brings the inflation rate in alignment with the Reserve Bank of India’s target of 4%.

Food Inflation:

• Food inflation fell to a 13-month low of 5.4%, contributing significantly to the overall decline.
• Vegetable inflation, a major factor in food prices, dropped from June’s 29.3% spike to 6.8% in July.

Price Stability Concerns:

• Despite the fall in inflation, prices of essential items like vegetables, pulses, and cereals remain high, indicating persistent inflationary pressures.
• The core inflation (excluding food and energy) has risen, primarily driven by increased costs in transport and communication due to tariff hikes.

Monetary Policy and Projections:

• The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee maintained the status quo on interest rates, projecting inflation to average 4.4% this quarter, up from 3.8%.
• There is an expectation of a price rebound over 4% in August and September, influenced by base effects from the previous year.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) – Understanding the Differences Wholesale Price Index (WPI): ·       The WPI tracks changes in the prices of goods sold and traded in bulk by wholesale businesses to other businesses. ·       It is published by the Office of Economic Adviser under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ·       WPI is one of the primary inflation indicators in India, although it has faced criticism because it does not reflect the prices that the general public pays, as it is based on wholesale prices. ·       The base year for the All-India WPI was updated from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in 2017. Consumer Price Index (CPI): ·       The CPI measures price changes from the perspective of retail buyers and is released by the National Statistical Office (NSO). ·       It captures the variation in the prices of goods and services, such as food, healthcare, education, and electronics, that consumers purchase for personal use. ·       The CPI is divided into several sub-groups: food and beverages, fuel and light, housing, and clothing, bedding, and footwear. There are four types of CPI: ·       CPI for Industrial Workers (IW). ·       CPI for Agricultural Labourers (AL). ·       CPI for Rural Labourers (RL). ·       CPI (Rural/Urban/Combined). The first three indices are compiled by the Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, while the fourth is compiled by the NSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The base year for CPI is 2012. Recently, the Ministry of Labour and Employment released a new series of CPI for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) with the base year 2016. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) uses CPI data as a primary tool for controlling inflation. In April 2014, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) adopted the CPI as its key measure of inflation.

What CPI Reveals:

• Cost of Living: Indicates how much it costs for consumers to maintain a certain standard of living.
• Purchasing Power: Reflects consumers’ ability to buy goods and services.
• Price Expensiveness: Shows how expensive various goods and services are for consumers.
• Value of the Indian Rupee: Provides insights into the currency’s purchasing power.

CPI Calculation:

• CPI is calculated as a percentage, comparing the general price level in the current period to a base period, known as the base year.
• Cost of the Same Basket in the Base Year
• Cost of a Fixed Basket of Goods and Services in the Current Year

​Role of NSO:

• The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), compiles and releases CPI data monthly for Rural, Urban, and Combined sectors across India.

Uses of CPI:

• Macroeconomic Indicator: CPI is a key measure of inflation and is used by the central bank and government for inflation targeting and maintaining price stability.
• Deflator in National Accounts: CPI adjusts the nominal values in national accounts to reflect real values.
• Assessment of Purchasing Power: It helps gauge the real value of salaries, wages, and pensions, and assesses the purchasing power of the currency.

Conclusion:

Despite the apparent dip in inflation, the pressures on household budgets continue due to high food prices and rising core inflation, suggesting that the decline might be more statistical than substantive. The situation warrants careful monitoring as price stability remains a challenge.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements about the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in India is/are correct?
2. The CPI measures the changes in the price level of a basket of goods and services purchased by households.
3. The CPI is used to calculate inflation, which directly impacts monetary policy and cost of living adjustments.
4. The CPI in India is calculated and published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
5. The CPI covers only urban areas and does not include rural areas in its calculations.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

The CPI measures changes in the price level of a basket of goods and services typically purchased by households, reflecting the cost of living.

CPI is a key indicator used to calculate inflation, which influences monetary policy decisions and adjustments to wages and pensions.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for calculating and publishing the CPI in India.

The CPI in India includes both urban and rural areas in its calculations, with separate indices for urban and rural populations.

FREEDOM FROM DEPENDENCE: A NEW ERA IN HEALTH CARE”

TOPIC: (GS3) SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

India has made significant strides in the health-care sector, evolving from a nation dependent on foreign medical treatments to a global hub for advanced medical care. This transformation highlights India’s medical and economic progress.

Historical Context:

Pre-1980s Health Care:

• Affluent Indians commonly sought medical treatments abroad, particularly in western countries.
• This dependence drained financial resources and highlighted gaps in the domestic health-care system.

Current Status:

Global Recognition:

• India is now a leading medical destination, attracting patients from over 147 countries.
• High-quality medical services are available at lower costs compared to western countries.

Economic Impact:

• India saves billions in foreign exchange annually due to reduced need for outbound medical travel.
• The medical tourism sector generates over $9 billion in revenue annually, contributing to economic growth.

Government Initiatives:

“Heal in India” Vision:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative aims to establish India as a global leader in health care.
• This vision supports growth in medical tourism and domestic health care quality.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Import Dependency:

• India imports a significant portion of its medical devices, adding to treatment costs.
• In 2021-22, medical device imports were valued at over $6.24 billion.

“Make in India” Initiative:

• Focuses on increasing domestic production of medical devices.
• Aims to enhance affordability and self-reliance in health care.

Youth Engagement:

• Encourages young Indians to pursue careers in health care.
• Emphasizes the importance of blending science, technology, and compassion to drive innovation and service.

Conclusion:

India’s progress from dependence to independence in health care reflects broader national achievements in self-reliance and excellence. As we celebrate Independence Day, we should continue to strive for a health-care system that is innovative, self-sufficient, and a source of national pride.

THE TRIAL THAT PROGRESSED RAPIDLY TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE

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

The Red Fort trial, a seemingly isolated event, served as a catalyst for India’s independence. It united a divided nation, exposed the British Empire’s waning strength, and accelerated the process of decolonization.

The British Empire in Decline

• Economic exhaustion: Post-World War II Britain was financially crippled.
• Political change: The Labour Party, with a more liberal stance towards India, came to power.
• Imperial burden: Maintaining the Indian colony became increasingly unsustainable.

The Rise of Communal Tensions

• Muslim League’s growth: The Muslim League gained significant political ground, demanding a separate Muslim nation.
• Congress’s dilemma: The Congress struggled to maintain unity in the face of growing communal divisions.

The Red Fort Trial

• INA trials: Three officers of the Indian National Army (INA) were charged with treason.
• National outrage: The trial sparked widespread protests and united Indians across religious lines.
• Symbolism of the Red Fort: The site held immense historical and emotional significance for Indians.
• Nehru’s leadership: Jawaharlal Nehru emerged as a unifying figure, defending the INA officers.

Impact of the Trial

• Exposed British weakness: The trials highlighted the British Empire’s declining authority and legitimacy.
• Accelerated independence: The mass protests created an atmosphere of unrest, forcing the British to expedite the transfer of power.
• Partition: Ultimately, the deep-rooted communal divisions led to the partition of India.

INDIAN NATIONAL ARMY (INA) Subhas Chandra Bose was a prominent leader who advocated for militant resistance against British colonial rule. His efforts significantly influenced the Indian independence movement through his leadership of the Indian National Army (INA) and strategic alliances during World War II. Escape and Alliances: ·       Escape from House Arrest: Bose escaped British surveillance in Calcutta in January 1941. ·       Journey to Germany and Japan: He initially sought support from Nazi Germany but shifted to Japan due to its focus on Southeast Asia. ·       Nationalist Revolt Vision: Bose aimed to use World War II to incite a nationalist revolt in India with Axis powers’ support. Indian Independence League (IIL): ·       Leadership: Rash Behari Bose led the Indian Independence League, which coordinated with Japanese authorities to foster anti-colonial nationalism. ·       Post-Singapore Fall: After Singapore’s fall in February 1942, the IIL connected with around 45,000 Indian prisoners of war (PoWs) who had surrendered to Japan. ·       Support and Protection: The IIL supported Indian civilians and PoWs, facilitating mobilization for the independence cause. Formation of the First INA: ·       Establishment: The first INA was formed in September 1942 under Captain Mohan Singh with about 12,000 Indian PoWs. ·       Issues and Dissolution: Disagreements with IIL’s Rash Behari Bose and Japanese policies led to Mohan Singh’s resignation and the INA’s dissolution by December 1942. Revival and Leadership of the Second INA: ·       Subhas Chandra Bose’s Leadership: Bose took charge in July 1943, revamping the INA into a nationalist force rather than a mere Japanese ally. ·       Azad Hind Fauj: The second INA, or Azad Hind Fauj, integrated the first INA’s remnants with new volunteers. ·       Structure and Composition: The INA was organized into three brigades (Gandhi, Azad, Nehru) and included diverse regiments and the Rani Jhansi regiment led by Lakshmi Sehgal. ·       Symbols and Ideology: The INA adopted the Indian tricolor, national anthem, and introduced symbols like the springing tiger flag and ‘Jai Hind’ greeting. Military Campaign and Impact: ·       Campaigns: The INA controlled parts of the Andaman Islands and attempted to invade India from Imphal and Kohima in 1944, but the campaign failed. ·       Legacy: Despite its military setbacks, the INA significantly contributed to the nationalist sentiment and the collective consciousness for independence. End of World War and INA Trials: ·       Post-War Trials: After WWII, the British conducted the INA trials from November 1945 to May 1946, charging INA officers with treason and other crimes. ·       Red Fort Trials: Key trials, including those of Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, were held at the Red Fort, Delhi, attracting significant public attention. ·       INA Defence Committee: Formed by the Indian National Congress in 1945, the committee provided legal defense for INA officers and coordinated relief efforts. Prominent lawyers like Bhulabhai Desai and Asaf Ali were involved.

Conclusion

The Red Fort trial was a pivotal moment in India’s history. It marked a turning point in the struggle for independence and exposed the vulnerabilities of the British Empire. While it ultimately led to the tragic partition of India, the spirit of unity demonstrated during this period remains an inspiration for the nation.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements about the Indian National Army (INA) is correct?
2. The INA was formed primarily by Indian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese during World War II.
3. The INA’s slogan “Dilli Chalo” symbolized its aim to liberate India from British rule.
4. The INA trials were held in Calcutta.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. All of the above

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

The INA was indeed primarily formed by Indian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese during World War II. This is a well-established fact about the INA’s origins.

“Dilli Chalo” was the rallying cry of the INA, signifying their aim to march to Delhi and liberate India from British rule. This statement is correct.

The INA trials were held in the Red Fort, Delhi, not Calcutta. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

JIYO PARSI SCHEME

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

The Jiyo Parsi Scheme is a government initiative aimed at addressing the declining population of the Parsi community in India. Launched in 2013-14, the scheme is overseen by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Objectives:

Population Stabilization: The primary goal is to reverse the declining trend of the Parsi population in India through structured and scientific interventions.

Components of the Scheme:

Medical Assistance:

• Purpose: Provides financial support to Parsi couples for medical treatments.
• Protocol: Assistance is given according to standard medical protocols to address health issues affecting the community.

Health of Community:

• Child Care Support: Offers financial aid for child care to Parsi couples.
• Elderly Assistance: Provides support for the care of elderly Parsi individuals.

Advocacy:

• Awareness Programs: Conducts outreach and advocacy initiatives to raise awareness about the scheme and encourage community participation.

Implementation:

• Administration: Managed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• Launch Year: Initiated in the financial year 2013-14.

Significance:

• Community Support: Aims to stabilize the Parsi population by addressing key health and social issues within the community.
• Awareness and Outreach: Focuses on generating awareness and encouraging the Parsi population to take advantage of the scheme’s benefits.

DYSBIOSIS

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

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the community of microorganisms within a microbiome, which can affect various parts of the body, particularly the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This imbalance disrupts normal microbial functions and may lead to various health issues.

Definition and Causes:

Definition: Dysbiosis is characterized by a lack of diversity and balance among microorganisms in a microbiome. This imbalance can disrupt normal bodily functions.

Causes:

• Antibiotic Use: Broad-spectrum antibiotics can eliminate a significant portion of gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis.
• Infections: Certain infections can alter the balance of microorganisms.
• Diet: Dietary choices can influence the composition of gut microbiota and contribute to dysbiosis.

Effects on Health:

• Increased Vulnerability: Imbalance in the microbiome can make individuals more susceptible to infections by allowing harmful microorganisms to thrive.
• Disruption of Functions: A disrupted microbiome can interfere with normal functions such as digestion and immune responses.
• Symptoms: Dysbiosis may be asymptomatic but can manifest as abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting. It can also affect skin health, leading to issues from bacterial overgrowth.

Treatment:

• Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: A procedure where fecal matter from a healthy donor is introduced into the patient’s gut to restore balance.
• Probiotic Therapy: The use of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) to replenish healthy microorganisms.
• Microbial Metabolic Pathway Therapy: Approaches aimed at restoring microbial balance through metabolic interventions.
• Underlying Conditions: Treating any underlying disease or condition contributing to dysbiosis is crucial for effective management.

Conclusion:

Dysbiosis is a significant imbalance in the microbiome that can lead to various health issues. Treatment focuses on restoring microbial diversity and addressing underlying causes to maintain overall health.

ST MARTIN’S ISLAND

TOPIC: (GS3) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

St Martin’s Island is a significant geographical and historical landmark in the Bay of Bengal, notable for its unique coral reef ecosystem and historical evolution. Recent discussions have highlighted its importance in regional geopolitics.

Geographical Location:

• Position: Located in the northeastern Bay of Bengal, near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
• Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers from the southern tip of Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula.
• Elevation: The island is mostly flat, with an elevation of about 3.6 meters above sea level.
• Features: It is the only coral island in Bangladesh, surrounded by coral reefs 10-15 km to the west-northwest. It serves as a breeding ground for sea turtles.

Historical Background:

• Ancient Submergence: Originally part of the Teknaf peninsula around 5,000 years ago, the island gradually submerged into the sea.
• Resurgence: The southern parts resurfaced about 450 years ago, with the northern sections emerging in the subsequent century.
• Early Settlement: Arab merchants began settling on the island in the 18th century, initially naming it “Jazira” (meaning “the island”) and later “Narikel Jinjira” (Coconut Island).
• British Annexation: In 1900, during a land survey, British India annexed the island. By then, it was inhabited by Bengali fishermen and individuals from the Rakhine community.
• Name Origin: The island was renamed St Martin’s Island after Martin, the then Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong.

Current Significance:

• Biodiversity: The island’s coral reefs and marine life contribute to its ecological significance.
• Geopolitical Discussions: The island has recently been mentioned in geopolitical contexts, emphasizing its importance in regional politics.

Conclusion:

St Martin’s Island, with its unique geography and historical evolution, plays a key role in the ecological and geopolitical landscape of the Bay of Bengal.