04-September-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

DECLARED AS NON-CITIZENS BY FOREIGNERS’ TRIBUNALS, 28 IN ASSAM SENT TO ‘TRANSIT CAMP’

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

In Assam’s Barpeta district, 28 individuals were sent to a transit camp in Goalpara district after being declared non-citizens by the Foreigners’ Tribunals (FTs). This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by the Assam government to identify and detain suspected illegal residents in the state.

Key Points

• Transit Camp: The camp in Goalpara is a 3,000-capacity detention center meant for foreigners awaiting deportation.
• Detained Individuals: Among the 28 people sent to the camp, 19 were men and 9 were women, all from the Bengali Muslim community.
• Process: The individuals were summoned to the Barpeta SP’s office before being transported to the camp.
• Authorities’ Statement: District SP Sushanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the individuals were declared foreigners after extensive search operations and legal scrutiny, acting on the tribunal’s directive.
• Emotional Scenes: Videos on social media showed emotional scenes of family members crying and hugging outside the SP’s office.
• Foreigners’ Tribunals: These quasi-judicial bodies were established under the Foreigners’ (Tribunal) Order of 1964 to adjudicate cases of suspected foreigners.
• Recent Arrests: The operation followed the arrest of two Muslim men for objectionable online content, reflecting broader enforcement measures by the state.

Foreigners Tribunals (FTs)

Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) are quasi-judicial bodies established under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order of 1964, which is framed under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946.Their main role is to assess whether individuals referred to them by local authorities are foreigners.Exclusive to Assam:

• FTs are currently operational only in Assam, where cases of suspected illegal immigrants are handled as per the Foreigners Act.
• In other states, suspected illegal immigrant cases are managed directly under the Foreigners Act.

Composition:

• Each tribunal is led by a member who could be a retired judge, an advocate, or a civil servant with judicial experience.

Numbers and Functioning:

• In 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported that Assam had 300 FTs; however, the State’s Home and Political Department website indicates that only 100 FTs are currently operational.
• Initially, 11 FTs were set up before the repeal of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act of 1983 in 2005.

Powers and Procedures:

• FTs possess certain civil court powers, such as summoning individuals, enforcing their attendance, examining witnesses, and requiring the production of documents.
• Upon receiving a reference, the FT must issue a notice in English or the State’s official language to the suspected individual within 10 days.
• The individual has 10 days to respond to the notice and an additional 10 days to submit supporting evidence.

Decision Timeline:

• FTs must conclude a case within 60 days of the reference.
• If an individual fails to prove their citizenship, the FT can direct their transfer to a detention center (now known as a transit camp) for potential deportation.

Conclusion

The incident underscores the stringent actions taken by authorities in Assam to address illegal immigration concerns, impacting communities and raising legal and humanitarian questions.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements about foreign tribunals:
2. Foreign tribunals are international courts established by bilateral or multilateral treaties.
3. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is an example of a foreign tribunal.
4. Foreign tribunals have jurisdiction over disputes between states only.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above

ANSWER : C

EXPLANATION:

Foreign Tribunals: Foreign tribunals are indeed international courts established by bilateral or multilateral treaties. They are created to resolve disputes between states or between states and international organizations.

International Court of Justice (ICJ): While the ICJ is an important international court, it is not considered a foreign tribunal. It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and has a broader mandate than foreign tribunals.

Jurisdiction: Foreign tribunals typically have jurisdiction over disputes between states only. They are not designed to hear cases involving individuals or private entities.

TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF RISING INCOME INEQUALITY

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Addressing income inequality is a critical global challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. India faces a pressing need to tackle this issue through various strategies aimed at creating a more equitable society. The following are key areas where action is needed to reduce income disparities and promote inclusive growth.

Key Strategies to Address Income Inequality

Progressive Taxation:

• Implement progressive tax policies to redistribute wealth effectively.
• Tax revenue should be used to improve public services like health, education, skill development, and infrastructure, fostering job creation and economic equity.

Education and Skill Development:

• Ensure access to quality education and lifelong learning to enhance employability and increase income potential.
• Focus on skill development programs to bridge the gap between education and job market requirements.

Fair Labour Laws:

• Enforce labour rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions to protect workers.
• Eliminate child labour and promote collective bargaining to ensure equitable benefits from economic growth.

Investment in Infrastructure:

• Invest in critical infrastructure like transportation, energy, water, and sanitation to reduce regional disparities.
• Focus on sustainable and inclusive development, addressing environmental challenges.

Contribution of the Super Rich:

• Encourage philanthropic efforts, such as the ‘Giving Pledge’ by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, where the super-rich commit to donating significant portions of their wealth.
• Consider implementing inheritance taxes, as seen in countries like Japan and the U.S., to fund public good initiatives.

INEQUALITY TRENDS IN INDIA

Wealth Inequality:

• India is among the most unequal countries globally, with the top 10% of the population holding 77% of the total national wealth.
• The wealthiest 1% of Indians own 53% of the country’s wealth, while the poorest 50% own only 4.1%.

Income Inequality:

• According to the World Inequality Report 2022, the top 10% of the population holds 57% of the total income, and the top 1% holds 22%.
• The share of income for the bottom 50% has decreased to just 13%.

Tax Burden on the Poor:

• The bottom 50% of the population contributes 64% of the total GST revenue, while the top 10% contribute only 4%.

Healthcare Accessibility:

• Many Indians struggle to access necessary healthcare, with 63 million people being pushed into poverty annually due to healthcare expenses.

Food Security and Nutrition:

• As per the 2023 State of Food Security and Nutrition report, 74% of India’s population cannot afford a healthy diet, and 39% lack nutrient-adequate diets.
• According to the Global Hunger Index 2023, India’s score of 28.7 indicates a serious hunger situation.
• India has the highest child-wasting rate globally at 18.7%.

Gender Inequality:

• India ranks 127th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023.
• The issue of “missing women” in the workforce remains a significant challenge, affecting economic and social progress.

Conclusion

Addressing income inequality requires bold and innovative policy measures that emphasize inclusion, equity, and sustainability. A shift towards a purpose-driven economy with decentralised, tech-enabled solutions can foster growth with justice, lifting millions out of poverty and ensuring a more equitable future for all.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements about the recent changes in the Indian tax slabs:
2. The basic exemption limit has been increased to ₹3 lakh.
3. The highest marginal tax rate has been reduced to 30%.
4. The new tax regime is optional for all taxpayers.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above

ANSWER: C

EXPLANATION:

Basic exemption limit: The government has indeed increased the basic exemption limit in recent budgets, meaning individuals can earn a certain amount of income without paying any income tax.

Highest marginal tax rate: While there have been reductions in the highest marginal tax rate in the past, it’s not guaranteed that the rate has been reduced to 30% in the most recent reforms.

Optional new tax regime: The government has introduced an optional new tax regime with lower tax rates but fewer deductions. This regime is optional for all taxpayers, meaning they can choose between the old and new regimes based on their individual circumstances.

DID CORPORATE TAX CUTS INCREASE WAGES?

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

Corporate tax cuts are often implemented by governments to stimulate economic growth, increase investment, and create jobs. However, the impact of such tax cuts on wages and income distribution remains a subject of debate. This note examines the effects of corporate tax cuts in the U.S. and India, particularly on wages and broader economic benefits.

Effects of Tax Cuts in the U.S.

• Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017): Signed by President Trump, the act reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, aiming to boost investment and employment.
• Expected Benefits: Proponents argued that lower taxes would lead to higher wages, more jobs, and economic growth.
• Limited Wage Impact: Studies show that while investment increased marginally, the expected wage growth did not materialize significantly, contradicting the anticipated benefits.

Effects of Tax Cuts in India

• Tax Rate Reduction (2019): India reduced corporate taxes to 22% for existing companies and 15% for new manufacturing firms, resulting in significant revenue loss.
• Burden Shift: Corporate tax cuts shifted the tax burden to indirect taxes like GST and income taxes on individuals, without substantial gains in wages or employment.

Limited Investment Gains:

• The cuts have led to higher corporate profits, but the increase in capital expenditure has been limited, highlighting challenges in translating tax savings into productive investments.

What is Corporate Tax?

Corporate tax is levied on the net profits of a corporation, calculated by deducting allowable expenses like the cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and depreciation from the total revenue.Applicability:

• It applies to both public and private companies registered in India.

Significance of Corporate TaxRevenue Generation:

• Corporate tax is a vital source of government revenue, funding essential public services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and national defense.

Wealth Redistribution:

• It helps redistribute wealth by placing a higher tax burden on more profitable corporations, indirectly addressing income inequality.

Economic Impact:

• Corporate tax influences business competitiveness, as higher tax rates may deter investment compared to regions with lower tax rates.
• It affects business decisions, including where companies choose to operate, depending on the tax environment.

Influence on Investment Decisions:·

• High corporate taxes can make a country less attractive to investors, potentially leading to businesses relocating to regions with more favorable tax conditions.

Conclusion

Corporate tax cuts have had a limited impact on increasing wages or significantly boosting economic growth in both the U.S. and India. While they benefit corporate profits, the broader economic gains, particularly for workers, remain minimal, raising questions about the efficacy of such policies in addressing income inequality.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements about tax contributions in the Indian economy:
2. The share of direct taxes in India’s total tax revenue has been steadily increasing in recent years.
3. Corporate taxes have been the largest contributor to India’s tax revenue in recent years.
4. Indirect taxes, such as GST, have seen a significant decline in their share of total tax revenue.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

Increase in Direct Taxes: The share of direct taxes in India’s total tax revenue has indeed been steadily increasing in recent years. This is due to a combination of factors, including economic growth, increased formalization of the economy, and efforts to broaden the tax base.

Corporate Taxes: While corporate taxes have been a significant contributor to India’s tax revenue, they have not always been the largest. In some years, personal income tax has surpassed corporate taxes in terms of revenue contribution.

Indirect Taxes: Indirect taxes, such as GST, have not seen a significant decline in their share of total tax revenue. In fact, GST has been a major source of revenue for the government since its introduction, and its share has remained relatively stable.

INDIA’S BIOE3 POLICY:

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) was recently launched by the Indian government to boost the biotech sector. Its primary aim is to make industrial and manufacturing processes more sustainable and eco-friendly by leveraging biotechnological advancements.

• The policy signals the beginning of “industrialization of biology,” with the potential to drive significant economic transformation.

Potential of Biotechnology

• Biotechnology covers various fields such as genomics, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and more.
• Innovations include eco-friendly alternatives like bioplastics and precision fermentation, which create products such as animal-free milk.
• It offers solutions like carbon capture using microorganisms and the creation of new organisms and biochemicals through synthetic biology.

Benefits for India Through BioE3

• The BioE3 policy is aimed at positioning India strategically for future economic changes driven by biotechnology.
• Focus areas include skill development, research promotion, and talent nurturing to prepare India for when these technologies become more mature.
• The potential economic impact of biomanufacturing is projected to be between $2-4 trillion over the next decade.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook

• The policy aligns with other initiatives like the Artificial Intelligence Mission and Green Hydrogen Mission, which target the development of crucial emerging technologies.
• It envisions setting up biomanufacturing hubs for producing bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, and other specialized bio-products.
• Six focus areas include climate-resilient agriculture, marine research, and more.

Implementation Challenges

• Led by the Department of Biotechnology, the BioE3 policy requires coordination among at least 15 government departments.
• Key challenges include achieving scalability, securing financial investments, and navigating regulatory hurdles to maximize biotechnology’s role in transforming India’s economy.

Challenges for Biotechnology in India

• Lack of a comprehensive strategic roadmap to guide the biotechnology sector, outlining competitive areas and industry-specific R&D needs.
• The sector needs a transformative revolution akin to the Green and White Revolutions for major advancements in crop improvement and therapeutics.
• Inadequate bio-networking among biotechnology firms limits collaboration.
• Challenges include addressing intellectual property rights, biosafety, and bioethics.
• Shortage of specialized human resources, especially in remote and underdeveloped regions, hinders the growth of the biotech sector.

Conclusion

The BioE3 policy is a strategic step towards integrating biotechnology into India’s economic and industrial landscape, with long-term benefits expected in sustainability, employment, and economic growth.

MODI’S LANDMARK VISIT TO BRUNEI: STRENGTHENING DEFENCE AND STRATEGIC TIES

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital, to enhance bilateral relations amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions, particularly due to China’s assertive actions. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, underscoring its importance in India’s “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

About Brunei Darussalam

• Location: Southeast Asian country on the northern coast of Borneo, bordered by the South China Sea and surrounded by Malaysia’s Sarawak state.
• Geography: Features narrow coastal plains, rugged hills, and major rivers like Belait and Brunei. It has an equatorial climate influenced by monsoon systems.
• Memberships: Part of ASEAN and the Commonwealth.

Defence Collaboration

• Discussions focused on establishing a joint working group on defence cooperation.
• Defence ties are governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from 2016, renewed in 2021, covering naval visits, joint exercises, training, and more.

Commercial and Cultural Ties

• Aimed to strengthen economic and cultural connections, reflecting historical bonds between the nations.
• The Indian diaspora in Brunei, particularly in healthcare and education, plays a vital role in enhancing bilateral ties.

Strategic Importance of Brunei

• Act East Policy: Brunei is a key partner in India’s “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific vision, with strategic significance due to its location and involvement in South China Sea disputes.
• Space and Defence Cooperation: Hosts India’s Telemetry, Tracking, and Command station since 2000 and regularly participates in naval exchanges and joint defence exercises.

Historical Context

• Marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has visited India four times, reflecting strong historical ties.

INDIA’S ACT EAST POLICY:

India’s Act East Policy is a foreign policy initiative aimed at strengthening economic, strategic, and cultural ties with countries in Southeast Asia and East Asia. Here are some key points for students to understand:Objectives

• Economic Cooperation: Promote trade, investment, and connectivity with countries in the region.
• Strategic Partnership: Develop strong strategic relationships to counter regional challenges and maintain peace and stability.
• Cultural Exchange: Foster people-to-people contacts and cultural exchange to deepen understanding and cooperation.
• Development of Northeast India: Utilize the region as a gateway to Southeast Asia and promote its development.

Key Areas of Focus

• Connectivity: Improve physical connectivity through infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and ports.
• Trade and Investment: Facilitate bilateral and regional trade agreements and attract investments from the region.
• Defence Cooperation: Strengthen military cooperation and joint exercises to enhance security.
• Cultural Exchange: Promote cultural exchanges, education, and tourism.

Conclusion

Modi’s visit to Brunei is a strategic effort to deepen defence, commercial, and cultural ties amid Indo-Pacific tensions. It reaffirms India’s commitment to its “Act East” policy and enhances the strategic partnership in the region.

THE HARM PRINCIPLE: JOHN STUART MILL’S THEORY ON LIBERTY

TOPIC: (GS4) INTEGRITY, ETHICS AND APTITUDE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

John Stuart Mill’s work On Liberty introduces the harm principle, emphasizing that individual freedoms should be limited only to prevent harm to others. The theory supports minimal state interference in personal liberties while recognizing justifiable restrictions on free speech to avoid societal harm.

Philosophical Foundation

• John Stuart Mill was a prominent 19th-century philosopher known for his contributions to libertarianism and utilitarianism.
• His theory on liberty remains a key element in discussions on individual freedoms and state control.

Harm Principle

• Mill’s harm principle states that power should only be exercised over an individual to prevent harm to others, not to control personal choices.
• He distinguishes between self-regarding actions (affecting only the individual) and other-regarding actions (affecting others or society).

Libertarian View on Freedom

• Mill advocated for minimal government intervention, arguing that individuals should be free unless their actions cause harm to others.

Free Speech

• Mill championed unrestricted freedom of thought and expression, seeing it as crucial for societal growth and the validation of beliefs.

Limits of Free Speech

• Mill acknowledged limits on speech that incites harm, violence, or disrupts society, such as hate speech or incitement to violence.

Relevance Today

• Mill’s harm principle continues to guide debates on balancing individual liberties and societal protection, especially in discussions on free speech.

KAVACH EXPANSION: INDIAN RAILWAYS FLOATS TENDERS WORTH OVER ₹2,200 CRORE

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

Indian Railways has initiated tenders valued at over ₹2,200 crore to install the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system across 7,228 route kilometres. This initiative aims to enhance railway safety by preventing collisions, particularly on high-density routes.

Kavach System – Overview

Indigenous Automatic Train Protection System

• Developed by Indian Railways, Kavach is designed to prevent train collisions and ensure safer railway operations.

Key Components

• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): Installed on tracks and wireless devices to facilitate real-time communication.
• RFID Readers: Placed in locomotive cabins to assist in train control and ensure safe operation.
• Radio Infrastructure: Includes towers and modems situated at railway stations to support communication.
• Cabin Instrument Panels: Displays critical information like signal aspects and speed limits to drivers for safer train operation.

Features

• Automatic Brakes: Automatically applies brakes when a red signal is ignored, preventing potential collisions.
• Onboard Display: Provides drivers with signal aspects and safety information, enhancing operation during low visibility conditions.

Deployment

• Coverage: The system will cover 7,228 route kilometres, with tenders floated for the implementation worth ₹2,200 crore.
• Current Progress: Kavach is being installed across 3,000 route kilometres, with an expansion target of 9,000 kilometres by the end of the year.

NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE GAS SENSOR FOR NITROGEN OXIDES POLLUTION MONITORING

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: PIB

Researchers have developed a new gas sensor using mixed spinel zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) nanostructures that can detect nitrogen oxides (NOx) at ultra-low concentrations (parts-per-billion levels) and at room temperature. This invention offers a more precise and cost-effective solution for air quality monitoring.

About the New Invention

• Development: Created by scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS).
• Material Used: The sensor is made from zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) nanostructures.
• Detection Capability: It detects NOx at very low concentrations (ppb levels) and works effectively at room temperature.

Advantages:

• Overcomes limitations of existing gas sensors, which often require high temperatures and lack selectivity.
• Highly sensitive, selective, and responds quickly to NOx, with a durability of over 3 months.
• Tested on vehicle exhaust samples and successfully detected trace NOx levels.
• Low energy consumption reduces operating costs, making it affordable for air pollution monitoring.
• Validation: Supported by computational studies, confirming its superior NOx detection capability.

Causes of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Pollution

• Vehicle Emissions: From cars, trucks, and buses due to fuel combustion.
• Industrial Processes: Especially from power plants and factories burning fossil fuels.
• Agricultural Activities: Use of fertilizers and burning of biomass.
• Residential Emissions: From heating systems and stoves.
• Natural Sources: Includes wildfires and lightning strikes, though less significant.

Impact of NOx Pollution

• Air Quality: Contributes to ground-level ozone (smog), which harms respiratory health.
• Environmental Damage: Leads to acid rain, affecting crops, forests, and aquatic ecosystems.
• Health Issues: Causes respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung function.
• Climate Change: Contributes to greenhouse gas formation, accelerating global warming.
• Infrastructure Damage: Corrodes buildings and monuments due to acidic reactions.