08-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

VINESH PHOGAT’S WEIGHT CUT STRUGGLE AT PARIS OLYMPICS

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

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, faced disqualification at the Paris Olympics due to failing to meet the weight requirements for her category. This incident sheds light on the challenges wrestlers face with weight cutting and the stringent weigh-in procedures.

What is Weight Cutting?

• Definition: Weight cutting involves rapidly losing weight before a competition to fit into a specific weight category.
• Purpose: Ensures fair competition by preventing larger athletes from competing against smaller ones.
• Methods: Includes reducing water intake, intense exercise, and using saunas to induce sweating.

Weigh-In Procedures

• Timing: Wrestlers must weigh in on the morning of their competition.
• Multiple Attempts: Allowed within a 30-minute window on Day 1 and a 15-minute window on Day 2 if the competition spans two days.
• Medical Examination: Required before weigh-in, with athletes presenting their license and accreditation.

Challenges for Vinesh Phogat

• Category Switch: Transitioned from the 53 kg to the 50 kg category.
• Natural Weight: Typically weighs around 55-56 kg, making the cut to 50 kg particularly challenging.
• Day 2 Requirement: Failed to meet the weight requirement on the second day, leading to disqualification.

Reasons for Disqualification

• UWW Rules: Athletes must make weight on all competition days.
• Day 1 Success: Met the 50 kg requirement on the first day.
• Day 2 Failure: Could not maintain the weight on the second day, leading to disqualification.

Impact and Implications

• Potential Medal Loss: Missed the opportunity to compete for a medal.
• Injury Clause: Could have retained results if injured during Day 1 but not applicable in her case.

Two-Day Weigh-In System

• Historical Context: Introduced in 2017 by the UWW.
• Purpose: Prevents extreme weight loss in a single day and ensures athletes’ safety and performance.

Conclusion

The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat highlights the rigorous demands of weight management in wrestling. It underscores the need for effective strategies and support systems to help athletes navigate these challenges while maintaining health and competitive integrity.

WOMEN OUTNUMBERED MEN IN LIVING ORGAN DONATIONS LAST YEAR, SAY GOVERNMENT DATA

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

Organ donation in India has seen significant developments with women leading in living donations and an overall increase in the number of transplants. However, challenges such as low donation rates and the need to address stigma and illegal organ trade persist.

Key Statistics

• Living Donors: Women outnumbered men in living organ donations in 2023, with 9,784 women donors compared to 5,651 men. One transgender individual also contributed.
• Deceased Donors: Men accounted for a higher number of deceased donors, with 844 male donors versus 255 female donors.
• Total Transplants: From January to December, there were 13,426 kidney transplants, 4,491 liver transplants, and 221 heart transplants, totaling 18,378 transplants.

Regional Highlights

• Top States: Telangana led in deceased donations with 252 donors, followed by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with 178 each.
• Kidney Transplants: Delhi reported the highest number of kidney transplants (2,576), with Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra also notable.

Importance of Organ Donation

• Saving Lives: Organ donations offer patients suffering from end-stage organ failure a chance for a new life.
• Addressing Shortages: Promoting organ donation, particularly from deceased donors, is crucial to meet the growing need for transplants.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Low Donation Rates: Despite a rise in donations, the organ donation rate remains less than one per million population.
• Lack of awareness: Many people are still unaware of the importance of organ donation and the process involved.
• Religious and cultural beliefs: Some religious and cultural beliefs hinder organ donation.
• Infrastructure limitations: There is a shortage of transplant facilities and trained professionals in many parts of the country.
• Ethical concerns: Issues related to brain death determination and organ trafficking need to be addressed.

Indian Government Policies to Increase Organ Donation

National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)

• Financial support: Provides funding for setting up State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTOs), establishing transplant facilities, training manpower, and promoting organ donation.
• Infrastructure development: Aims to improve access to transplantation for citizens by strengthening existing transplant facilities and establishing new ones.
• Awareness campaigns: Conducts extensive awareness programs to encourage organ donation.

Amendments to the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA)

• Increased leave for donors: Leave duration for organ donors has been increased from 30 to 60 days.
• Removal of age limit: The age limit of 65 years for organ donation has been removed.
• Streamlined process: Efforts are being made to simplify the organ donation process.
• Other Initiatives
• Sushrusha Scheme: Provides financial assistance to patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
• Awareness campaigns: The government, along with NGOs and healthcare organizations, conducts various awareness programs to dispel myths and misconceptions about organ donation.
• Celebrity endorsements: Involving celebrities in promoting organ donation has been effective in raising awareness.

Conclusion

The increase in organ donations, especially from living female donors, is a positive development in India. However, more efforts are needed to address the low overall donation rates, reduce stigma, and combat illegal organ trade to ensure that the growing demand for transplants is met effectively.

RECRUITMENT VIOLATIONS IN CIVIL SERVICES: THE CASE OF PUJA KHEDKAR

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

The recruitment process for India’s civil services has come under scrutiny due to the shocking case of Puja Khedkar, who manipulated the system through fraudulent means. This case highlights the need for a thorough review of the recruitment and certification processes to prevent such abuses in the future.

Key Violations by Puja Khedkar

• False Disability Claims: Faked a disability certificate claiming visual impairment and mental illness. Used a 7% locomotor disability certificate from a Pune hospital, which should not have qualified her for concessions.
• Manipulated Community Certificate: Submitted a fabricated OBC certificate. Claimed her parents were divorced to bypass the creamy layer exclusion criteria.
• Misuse of Influence: Leveraged her father’s civil service position to gain undeserved benefits.
• Multiple Identities: Used different identities to sit for exams.
• Illegal Use of Perks: Installed a beacon on her private luxury car and used a Maharashtra government sticker unlawfully.

Consequences and Revelations

• Detection: The fraud was uncovered due to her extravagant misuse of privileges not assigned to her.
• Cancellation: Her candidature is set to be annulled.
• Impact on System: The case casts a shadow on the UPSC recruitment process and highlights systemic vulnerabilities.

Broader Implications

• Other Examination Controversies: Similar issues have plagued other qualification exams like NEET UG, NEET PG, and CUET.
• Systemic Overhaul Needed: Calls for a comprehensive review and tightening of the competitive examination system.

Recommendations

• Enhanced Verification: Strengthen verification processes for certificates and claims.
• Technological Solutions: Use emerging technologies to detect fraud and maintain integrity.
• Transparent Certification: Revamp the disability and community certification processes to ensure genuine applicants are not disadvantaged.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of the recruitment process to identify and rectify loopholes.
• Strict Adherence to Rules and Regulations: Reiterate the UPSC’s commitment to fair and transparent selection processes.
• Strong Deterrent Measures:Impose strict penalties on candidates found guilty of submitting fraudulent documents, including debarment from future examinations.
• Collaborate with educational institutions to identify and address potential fraud at the source.

Rules and Regulations for IAS, IPS, and IFoS Officers Integrity and Devotion to Duty ·       Rule 3(1): Officers must maintain absolute integrity and dedication to their duties at all times. Gifts and Benefits ·       Rule 11(1): Regulates the acceptance of gifts, limiting them to those from near relatives. Gifts exceeding Rs 25,000 must be reported to prevent undue influence on duties. ·       Officers are prohibited from engaging in any trade or business to avoid conflicts of interest. Unbecoming of an Officer ·       Rule 4(1): Officers must not use their position or influence to secure employment for family members in any private undertaking or NGO. Property Details ·       Rule 13: Officers must annually submit property returns detailing all immovable properties owned, inherited, acquired, or held through lease or mortgage by them or their family members. Sub-rules Added in 2014 ·       Maintain high ethical standards, integrity, and honesty. ·       Ensure political neutrality. ·       Uphold accountability and transparency. ·       Be responsive to the public, especially weaker sections. ·       Exhibit courtesy and good behavior with the public. ·       Rules for Probationers Probation Period and Conditions ·       Governed by an additional set of rules during their probation period, which lasts at least two years. ·       IAS probationers are also governed by the IAS (Probation) Rules. ·       Undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. ·       Must pass an examination after two years to be confirmed in their service. Salary and Allowances ·       Receive a fixed salary and travel allowance but are not entitled to an official car, official accommodation, or an official chamber with staff during probation. Probationer Discharge ·       Rule 12: Outlines circumstances under which probationers can be discharged, such as ineligibility, unsuitability, neglect of duties, or lacking essential qualities. Enquiry Process ·       If disciplinary action is initiated, a summary enquiry is conducted by a committee appointed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). ·       The committee submits its report within two weeks to inform decisions regarding the probationer’s status.

Conclusion

The Puja Khedkar case underscores the need for robust measures to safeguard the integrity of the civil services recruitment process. By addressing these challenges head-on, the government can ensure a fair and transparent system that truly selects the most deserving candidates.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):
2. The UPSC is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to the services of both the Union and the states.
3. The Chairman and members of the UPSC are appointed by the Prime Minister of India.
4. The tenure of the Chairman and members of the UPSC is six years or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.

Which of the above statements are correct?

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

ANSWER: D

EXPLANATION:

The UPSC is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and assists states if requested.

The Chairman and members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India, not the Prime Minister.

The tenure of the Chairman and members of the UPSC is six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, not 62 years.

LOK SABHA PASSES FINANCE BILL, AMENDS PROVISION ON LTCG TAX

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

The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill, 2024, introducing significant changes, particularly concerning the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on real estate. The amendments aim to simplify tax compliance and promote investment, while addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders.

Key Amendments

LTCG Tax on Real Estate:

• New Option: Taxpayers can choose between a new lower LTCG tax rate of 12.5% without indexation or stick to the old regime with a 20% tax rate including indexation benefits.
• Applicability: The new option is available for properties purchased before July 23, 2024.

Criticism and Response:

• Initial Proposal: The Budget 2024-25 proposed removing the indexation benefit, which received criticism.
• Amendment: The new amendment addresses these concerns by providing an option, balancing tax efficiency with taxpayer relief.

Additional Measures

Promoting Investment:

• Customs Duty Reduction: Lower customs duty on various goods to enhance trade and generate employment.
• LTCG Exemption: Increased tax exemption limit on long-term capital gains in listed equities and bonds from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.25 lakh.

Simplified Taxation:

• New Tax Regime: Simplified tax structure with a significant reduction in tax slabs and increased standard deductions for the salaried class.
• Compliance: 72% of taxpayers opted for the new regime, indicating its acceptance.

Opposition and Controversy

GST on Insurance Premiums:

• Opposition Demand: Removal of 18% GST on health and life insurance premiums.
• Government Stance: Finance Minister highlighted that 75% of GST revenue goes to States and any changes must be approved by the GST Council.
• Result: Opposition walkout after the government did not accept the amendment to remove GST on insurance premiums.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS OF MONEY BILL AND FINANCIAL BILL Money Bill Article 110 of the Indian Constitution defines a Money Bill. It should contain only provisions dealing with: ·       Imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax. ·       Regulation of the borrowing of money by the Union Government. ·       Custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India, and the payment of money into or the withdrawal of money from any such fund. ·       Appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India. ·       Declaration that a bill is a Money Bill. Money Bills ·       Can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. ·       Requires the recommendation of the President. ·       Passage in Lok Sabha: Passed by a simple majority of members present and voting. ·       Transmission to Rajya Sabha: Sent to Rajya Sabha for recommendations. Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments, not reject or insist on amendments. Return to Lok Sabha: ·       Lok Sabha can accept or reject the recommendations of Rajya Sabha. ·       If no recommendations are received within 14 days, the bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses. Financial Bill There is no specific constitutional definition of a Financial Bill. However, it is broader than a Money Bill and includes: ·       Financial Bills I: Defined under Article 117(1), these bills are broader than Money Bills and include provisions related to taxation or expenditure but also cover other matters. Like Money Bills, they can only originate in the Lok Sabha. ·       Financial Bills II: Defined under Article 117(3), these bills deal with matters other than those listed in Article 110 (Money Bills) but still impact the Consolidated Fund of India’s spending. Unlike the first two, these can be introduced in either House of Parliament. ·       All Money Bills. ·       Bills dealing with the appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund of India. ·       Bills dealing with the declaring of any expenditure to be expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. ·       Bills varying the manner in which the Consolidated Fund or the Public Account of India is to be kept. ·       Bills affecting the form of government accounts.

Conclusion

The Finance Bill, 2024, brings significant reforms aimed at easing tax compliance and promoting investment. The key amendment on LTCG tax provides flexibility to taxpayers, while additional measures aim to stimulate economic growth. The controversy over GST on insurance premiums highlights the ongoing debate on tax policies and their impact on different segments of society.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding Money Bills and Financial Bills in the Indian Parliament:
2. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and on the recommendation of the President.
3. A Financial Bill, unlike a Money Bill, can be introduced in either House of Parliament.
4. The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments to a Money Bill, but these amendments are not binding on the Lok Sabha.
5. Both Money Bills and Financial Bills require the President’s recommendation for introduction.

Which of the above statements are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and requires the recommendation of the President.

A Financial Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament.

The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments to a Money Bill, but these are not binding on the Lok Sabha.

Only certain types of Financial Bills (those that deal with expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India) require the President’s recommendation, not all Financial Bills.

SCHEDULED TRIBES SUB-QUOTA IN MIZORAM: LEGAL AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

The sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes (ST) quota in Mizoram has been a contentious issue, further complicated by recent Supreme Court rulings. The Mizoram government must now reassess its reservation policies to balance the interests of various tribal communities.

Legal Background

• Supreme Court Ruling: Permitted states to sub-categorize SC/STs.
• Mizoram’s Response: Initially placed sub-classification on hold, pending review of the ruling’s implications.
• Current Status: No categorization within the ST quota, as stated in an affidavit to the Gauhati High Court.

Sub-Classification History

• Mizoram (Selection of Candidates for Higher Technical Courses) Rules, 2016: Introduced to manage limited higher education seats.
• Reservation Distribution: 99% seats reserved for STs; 95% for Zo-ethnic and 4% for non-Zo-ethnic children.
• Legal Challenges: Gauhati High Court struck down sub-classification based on the E.V. Chinnaiah case; upheld by the Supreme Court.

Necessity of Quota

• Educational Opportunities: Quotas ensure marginalized communities have access to education.
• Representation: Helps in fair representation of diverse communities in higher education and employment.
• Socio-Economic Upliftment: Aids in the socio-economic development of underrepresented groups.

Impact and Examples

• Enhancing Merit and Fairness: Quotas facilitate the selection of promising candidates from limited seats.
• Empowering Communities: Access to education and employment opportunities transforms lives, exemplified by increased literacy rates and socio-economic mobility among reserved category beneficiaries.

Measures and Future Steps

• Re-strategizing Policies: Mizoram must balance community interests while adhering to legal frameworks.
• Transparent Processes: Ensure clear and fair implementation of reservation policies.
• Government Initiatives: Ongoing efforts to amend and refine reservation rules for equitable opportunities.

Conclusion

The sub-classification of ST quotas in Mizoram remains a sensitive and complex issue. While quotas are essential for the upliftment and representation of marginalized communities, it is crucial to implement these policies judiciously, ensuring fairness and adherence to legal standards. The Mizoram government’s forthcoming strategies and amendments will be pivotal in navigating this intricate socio-legal landscape.

AS BIG CAT POPULATION PLUMMETS, CHHATTISGARH APPROVES COUNTRY’S THIRD LARGEST TIGER RESERVE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Chhattisgarh has recently approved the establishment of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, marking a significant step in addressing the decline of its tiger population. This decision comes in response to a critical reduction in tiger numbers and aims to bolster wildlife conservation efforts in the state.

Decline in Tiger Population

• Historical Data: Chhattisgarh’s tiger population decreased dramatically from 46 in 2014 to 17 in 2022.
• Report: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) highlighted this decline in a 2023 report, noting concerning trends in several states, including Chhattisgarh.

New Tiger Reserve

• Reserve Details: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve spans 2,829 square kilometres, integrating Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Sanctuary.
• Location: Located across four northern districts: Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
• Status: It becomes Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve and the third largest in India.

Benefits and Objectives

• Eco-Tourism: The reserve is expected to boost eco-tourism and create employment opportunities for local villagers as guides, vehicle operators, and resort managers.
• Funding: Additional budget support will be provided by the National Project Tiger Authority to aid reserve operations and fund livelihood development projects.

Legal and Administrative Background

• PIL Influence: The decision follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2019, which criticized the government’s delay in notifying the reserve despite prior approvals.
• Historical Context: The Guru Ghasidas National Park was proposed as a tiger reserve in 2021 but faced delays due to opposition, including issues related to mining activities.

Conclusion

The creation of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve represents a crucial intervention in wildlife conservation in Chhattisgarh. It aims to reverse the tiger population decline and foster sustainable development in the region.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following are tiger reserves located in Chhattisgarh?
2. Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
3. Kanger Valley Tiger Reserve
4. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve
5. Indravati Tiger Reserve

Options:

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

ANSWER: C

AUROVILLE

TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The Union Government has referred various complaints regarding Auroville to appropriate bodies and agencies, as mentioned by the Minister of State for Education in Parliament recently.

About Auroville

• Founded by: Mirra Alfassa, known as the ‘Mother,’ in collaboration with Sri Aurobindo.
• Date of Establishment: 28th February 1968.
• Nature: An international cultural township.
• Location: On the outskirts of Puducherry, in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Population: 3300 people from 58 countries, including India.

Key Features

• Community: The largest and oldest international intentional community in the world.
• Activities: Residents engage in cultural, educational, scientific, and other activities aimed at promoting human unity.
• Development: Transformed from a barren desert to a 3,000-acre township with rich biodiversity and over 3 million trees.
• Facilities: Hosts 9 schools and multiple social enterprises.

Recognition and Administration

• UNESCO Endorsement: Supported by UNESCO through resolutions in 1966, 1968, 1970, and 1983.
• Government Oversight: Under the administrative control of the Ministry of Education since 1980.
• Legislation: Administered as per the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988.
• Funding: The Government of India provides partial funding through grants for its establishment, maintenance, and development.

BLUETONGUE DISEASE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Bluetongue disease confirmed in all 12 Dutch provinces.

About Bluetongue disease

• Nature: Infectious, non-contagious, vector-borne viral disease.
• Affected Animals: Wild and domestic ruminants such as sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes, deer, African antelope, and camels.

Transmission and Symptoms

• Vector: Transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp.).
• Non-Transmission: Not spread through contact with animals, wool, or milk consumption.
• Infections: Range from mild to severe, depending on the species.
• Cattle: Most infections are asymptomatic.
• Sheep: Most likely to show symptoms, including:
  • Blood Vessel Damage: Causes hemorrhage (internal bleeding).
  • Oxygen Deprivation: Lack of oxygen in the blood.
  • Tissue Necrosis: Death of affected tissues.
  • Young Lambs: High mortality rate, up to 30%.

Control Measures

• Vaccination: Most effective and practical method to reduce losses.
• Insect Control: Essential to interrupt the transmission cycle from infected animals to vectors.