01-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

UP GOVT PROPOSES STRENGTHENING ANTI-CONVERSION LAW: WHY, WHAT ARE THE KEY CHANGES?

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

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has proposed amendments to the state’s anti-conversion law, aimed at making it more stringent and enforceable. This move comes four years after the original act was passed to curb religious conversions through unlawful means. The proposed changes intend to address inadequacies in the current law and protect vulnerable groups.

Reasons for Amendment

• Current Law Insufficient: The government believes existing penal provisions are not enough to prevent unlawful conversions, especially among minors, people with disabilities, women, and Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
• Judicial Observations: The Allahabad High Court highlighted rampant unlawful conversions among SC/ST communities and economically disadvantaged individuals, necessitating stronger legal measures.
• Legal Clarifications: Previous court rulings indicated ambiguities in the current law, particularly regarding who can file an FIR for unlawful conversions.

Key Changes Proposed

Broadened Scope of FIR Filing:

• Old Provision: Only aggrieved persons or their close relatives could file an FIR.
• New Provision: Any individual can file an FIR, irrespective of their relationship to the victim, enhancing the law’s enforceability.

Stringent Bail Conditions:

• Current Conditions: Standard bail procedures.
• Proposed Conditions: Similar to those for terrorism and money laundering cases, requiring the prosecutor’s input and the court’s assurance of the accused’s innocence.

Enhanced Punishments:

Current Punishments:

• 1-5 years imprisonment and Rs. 15,000 fine for base offences.
• 2-10 years and Rs. 20,000 fine for victims who are minors, women, or SC/ST.
• 3-10 years and Rs. 50,000 fine for mass conversions.

Proposed Punishments:

• 3-10 years imprisonment and Rs. 50,000 fine for base offences.
• 5-14 years and Rs. 1,00,000 fine for victims who are minors, women, SC/ST, or disabled.
• 7-14 years and Rs. 1,00,000 fine for mass conversions.
• New categories include harsher penalties for receiving foreign funds for conversions and coercive tactics, with sentences ranging from 7 years to life imprisonment.

Path Ahead

• If the UP Assembly adopts the proposed amendments, other BJP-ruled states with similar anti-conversion laws may follow suit.
• However, the amendments face challenges from NGOs and religious groups in the Supreme Court, questioning their constitutional validity.

Conclusion

The proposed amendments to UP’s anti-conversion law aim to close legal loopholes and provide stronger protection against unlawful religious conversions. While the government argues these changes are necessary for safeguarding vulnerable groups, they are likely to face legal scrutiny and opposition from various quarters.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the religious rights guaranteed under Articles 25-28 of the Indian Constitution:
2. Article 25 guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion.
3. Article 26 provides that every religious denomination shall have the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes.
4. Article 27 allows the use of public funds for the promotion of any religion.
5. Article 28 permits religious instruction in all educational institutions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

Article 25 guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.

Article 26 provides that every religious denomination shall have the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage its own affairs in matters of religion, own and acquire movable and immovable property, and administer such property in accordance with the law.

Article 27 explicitly prohibits the use of public funds for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion.

Article 28 permits religious instruction only in educational institutions wholly maintained by the State or in those institutions recognized by the State or receiving aid from State funds, but not in those wholly funded by the State.

SUPREME COURT’S DELIBERATION ON RETROSPECTIVE TAXATION BY STATES

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

The Supreme Court of India is reviewing whether its recent ruling on state taxation of mines and mineral rights should be applied retrospectively. The judgment, delivered on July 25, empowers states to levy taxes on these resources beyond central government restrictions, aligning with federalist principles of governance.

Judgment Overview:

• On July 25, the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ruled that state legislatures have the authority to tax mineral-bearing lands and quarries, a power previously constrained by Parliament.
• This decision aligns with the principles of fiscal federalism, ensuring that states’ taxing powers within their domain are protected from unconstitutional interference.

Solicitor-General’s Argument:

• Solicitor-General representing the Centre, urged that the Court clarify the ruling’s application to be prospective, effective only from July 25.
• He argued that allowing retrospective taxes would have severe “cascading effects” on industries, potentially harming the common man.
• Public sector undertakings (PSUs) and industries, particularly those involved in steel production, depend heavily on mined resources, which were leased under terms set by the 2015 amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act of 1957.
• Retrospective taxation could impose a significant financial burden on these sectors, potentially leading to severe economic consequences.

Concerns Raised:

• Retrospective tax demands could exceed the net worth of some companies, risking their financial stability and even bankruptcy.
• The Solicitor-General proposed that states should be barred from demanding retrospective levies and that entities who have paid should not seek refunds.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s decision will determine whether the newfound power of states to tax mines will have implications for past transactions or only apply from the date of the judgment. The outcome will influence both state revenue mechanisms and the financial stability of industries reliant on mining resources.

AVERAGE COST OF DATA BREACH HIT ALL-TIME HIGH

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

In 2024, the average cost of a data breach in India hit an unprecedented high of ₹195 million, according to IBM’s annual Cost of a Data Breach Report. This increase highlights the growing financial impact of cyberattacks on businesses.

Costliest Attack Type:

• Business Email Compromise (BEC): The most expensive type of data breach, with an average cost of ₹215 million per incident.

Common Attack Vectors:

• Phishing and Stolen Credentials: These methods accounted for 18% of data breaches.
• Cloud Misconfiguration: Contributed to 12% of breaches.

Rising Costs:

• The overall cost of data breaches increased by 39% since 2020 and 9% from the previous year.
• The financial burden of breaches continues to escalate due to their increasing disruptiveness and the higher demands on cybersecurity measures.

Contributing Factors

• Lost Business and Notification Costs:
• Significant contributors to the rise in breach costs.
• The collateral damage from data breaches includes a loss of customer trust and additional expenditures on breach notifications.

Conclusion

The sharp rise in the average cost of data breaches in India underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. Businesses must prioritize protecting their data and systems to mitigate these escalating financial risks.

JOINT VENTURE OF RICETEC & MAHYCO: A CLIMATE-SMART INITIATIVE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

RiceTec Inc. and Mahyco Pvt. Ltd have formed a joint venture, Paryan Alliance Pvt. Ltd., aimed at making rice and wheat farming more sustainable.

This partnership focuses on reducing water, labor, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, rather than merely increasing production.

The collaboration leverages innovative technologies such as direct-seeded rice (DSR) and zero-tillage (ZT) wheat.

Key Technologies and Innovations

• Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR): RiceTec’s ‘Full-page’ technology enables rice to be grown by direct seeding, eliminating the need for traditional transplanting and field flooding. This method conserves approximately 30% of water and reduces labour.
• Zero-Tillage (ZT) Wheat: Mahyco’s ‘FreeHit’ technology, developed with Geneshifters LLC, allows wheat to be sown without burning paddy stubble or ploughing the field. This method reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves soil structure.

Positive Aspects of Zero-Tillage Farming

• Resource Efficiency: Reduces water usage, labour, and fuel consumption.
• Environmental Benefits: Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and prevents soil erosion.
• Economic Gains: Reduces costs associated with tillage, labour, and stubble burning.
• Improved Soil Health: Enhances soil structure and fertility over time.
• Weed Management: The herbicide-tolerant traits in the hybrids allow effective weed control without harming the crop.

Challenges of Zero-Tillage Farming

• Initial Investment: Requires investment in specific machinery and herbicides.
• Adaptation and Training: Farmers need training to adopt and manage new practices effectively.
• Herbicide Resistance: Over-reliance on herbicides may lead to resistance in weed species.
• Limited Awareness: Lack of awareness and knowledge about the benefits and practices of ZT farming among farmers.

Examples of Implementation

• Punjab and Haryana: RiceTec/Savannah rice hybrids were planted in 4,000 acres each of farmers’ fields, showing promising results.
• Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh: The technologies were tested in 3,000 acres each, indicating adaptability in different regions.
• Western Uttar Pradesh: 1,000 acres were utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new farming methods.

Conclusion

The joint venture between RiceTec and Mahyco represents a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in India. By focusing on resource-efficient technologies such as direct-seeded rice and zero-tillage wheat, Paryan Alliance Pvt. Ltd. aims to address the environmental and economic challenges of traditional farming practices.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. With reference to Zero Tillage (ZT) farming, consider the following statements:
2. Zero Tillage farming eliminates the need for ploughing the field before sowing the seeds.
3. Zero Tillage farming helps in reducing water usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Zero Tillage farming requires the use of herbicide-tolerant crop varieties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: D

Explanation:

Zero Tillage farming indeed eliminates the need for ploughing the field before sowing the seeds, which helps in conserving soil structure and moisture.

Zero Tillage farming reduces water usage and greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding traditional practices such as ploughing and burning stubble.

Zero Tillage farming often requires the use of herbicide-tolerant crop varieties to manage weeds effectively without harming the crop.

A WAYANAD STORY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Kerala’s recurring monsoon floods and landslides, particularly in regions like Wayanad, highlight the urgent need for better preparedness and resilient rebuilding strategies. The annual devastation calls for not just recovery but building stronger and safer communities.

Recurring Floods and Displacement:

• Annual Flooding: Kerala faces severe floods each monsoon, causing widespread damage and displacement.
• Emergency Responses: Residents frequently move valuables upstairs in anticipation of floods.

Impact of Landslides:

• High-Risk Areas: Districts like Kozhikode, Palakkad, Wayanad, and Malappuram experience multiple landslides annually.
• Casualties and Damage: Over 160 people have been killed, with many more affected by property damage.

Preparedness and Anxiety:

• Constant Vigilance: Communities live in a state of perpetual readiness and anxiety during the monsoon season.
• Impact on Lives: The repeated natural disasters significantly affect the livelihood and safety of residents.

Environmental and Policy Considerations

Ecologically Sensitive Areas:

• Kasturirangan and Gadgil Reports: Recommendations to designate areas like Wayanad as ecologically sensitive to limit construction and developmental activities.
• Protective Measures: Proposals include banning mining, quarrying, and industrial activities in these vulnerable regions.

Community Resistance and Criticism:

• Local Protests: Resistance to the Gadgil and Kasturirangan recommendations by local communities and politicians.
• Environmental Concerns: Criticism focuses on balancing environmental protection with the rights and livelihoods of local people.

Conclusion

Kerala’s repeated monsoon-related disasters underscore the need for a robust response strategy that includes both immediate relief and long-term resilience building. Implementing and respecting ecological guidelines, while addressing community concerns, can help mitigate future risks and ensure sustainable development in flood-prone areas like Wayanad. Building back better is essential to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Kerala’s residents.

HAMAS LEADER ISMAIL HANIYEH ASSASSINATED

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and an airstrike in Beirut have exacerbated tensions between Israel and Hamas, making the prospects for a ceasefire increasingly bleak. This situation highlights the fundamental issues and complex dynamics in the Middle East.

Assassination of Hamas Leader:

• Event: Ismail Haniyeh, a key Hamas negotiator, was killed, allegedly by Israel.
• Impact: This action undermines mediation efforts led by Qatar and escalates the conflict.

Airstrike in Beirut:

• Event: Israel conducted an airstrike, claiming to have targeted a Hezbollah commander.
• Implications: This strike has broader regional implications, increasing instability and insecurity.

Casualties in Gaza:

• Statistics: Death toll in Gaza approaches 40,000, with injuries more than double.
• Effect: The high number of casualties further diminishes the chances of peace.

Broader Regional Impact

Iran’s Response:

• Retaliation: Iran’s Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have vowed retaliation.
• Strategic Moves: Actions are expected through the “axis of Resistance,” involving non-state actors like Hezbollah and the Houthis.

Political Consequences:

• Regional Tension: The assassination and airstrikes strain political and social fabric in the region.
• Global Relations: Iran’s heightened conflict stance impacts its global economic ties, including with India and the Middle East.

Conclusion

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and subsequent actions have significantly strained Israel-Hamas relations, making a ceasefire a distant possibility. The escalating violence and regional instability underscore the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. International actors must navigate these complexities carefully to prevent further deterioration.

ON DISCARDING INDEXATION FOR LTCG

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent budget announcement has removed indexation for calculating long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax. This shift aims to simplify tax computations, but has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders.

What is Indexation?

• Definition: Indexation adjusts the purchase price of an asset to account for inflation, ensuring that taxpayers are taxed on real gains rather than nominal increases due to inflation.
• Mechanism: The Cost Inflation Index (CII) is used to adjust the purchase price. For example, if an asset bought for ₹10 lakh in 2001 sells for ₹75 lakh in 2021, indexation recalculates the taxable gain to reflect inflation, reducing the tax liability.

Implications of Removing Indexation:

• Tax Calculation: Without indexation, LTCG on assets will be taxed at a flat rate of 12.5%, replacing the previous tiered structure. This change could affect different asset classes differently.

Examples:

• A property bought in 2001 and sold in 2021 at ₹75 lakh would now face a lower tax rate compared to indexed gains.
• If the same property is sold for ₹40 lakh, indexation would reduce the tax liability significantly compared to no indexation.

Industry and Corporate Feedback:

• Reactions: Corporates and industry experts have noted that the removal of indexation could increase tax liabilities, particularly for assets purchased after 2010. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) and bonds might face reduced popularity due to this change.
• Concerns: Increased tax liabilities might discourage long-term investments and could lead to undervaluation practices in real estate to reduce capital gains.

Conclusion:

The elimination of indexation simplifies tax calculations but may lead to higher tax burdens for certain assets. The impact varies depending on the asset type, purchase period, and market conditions. While it aims to streamline taxation, it could influence investment strategies and market behaviour.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. With regard to Capital Gains Tax in India, consider the following statements:
2. Short-term capital gains on equity shares listed on a recognized stock exchange are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.
3. Long-term capital gains on equity shares listed on a recognized stock exchange are exempt from tax up to a certain limit.
4. Indexation benefits are available for calculating long-term capital gains on most assets.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Short-term capital gains on equity shares listed on a recognized stock exchange are indeed taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.

Long-term capital gains on equity shares listed on a recognized stock exchange are exempt from tax up to a certain limit. This limit has been changed over the years.

While indexation benefits are generally available for calculating long-term capital gains on most assets, it is not applicable to equity shares listed on a recognized stock exchange.

ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE, CHHATTISGARH

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

Location and Establishment:

• Situated in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh.
• Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975.
• Declared a tiger reserve in 2009.
• Covers an area of 553.286 sq. km.

Significance and Connectivity:

• Part of the larger Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.
• Connects to Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves, aiding tiger dispersal.

Water Source:

• The Maniyari River flows through the reserve, serving as its lifeline.

Tribal Community:

• Home to the Baiga tribe, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• 25 forest villages in 626 hectares of the core area.
• Approximately 75% Baiga population, with Gond and Yadav communities making up the rest.

Vegetation:

• Dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests.
• Key flora includes sal, bija, saja, haldu, teak, tinsa, dhawara, lendia, khamar, and bamboo.
• Houses over 600 species of medicinal plants.

Wildlife:

• Hosts a variety of fauna such as tigers, leopards, bison, flying squirrels, Indian giant squirrels, chinkaras, wild dogs, hyenas, sambar, and chital.
• Home to over 150 species of birds.