08-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

CENTRE ANNOUNCES ₹1,500-CR. AID TO T.N. AND A.P. AFTER CYCLONE WREAKS HAVOC

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Severe cyclonic storm Michaung wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, prompting the Union government to announce significant relief measures. A total aid of ₹1,500 crore has been allocated, with specific amounts earmarked for both states. Additionally, a substantial sum of ₹561.29 crore has been approved for flood mitigation efforts in Chennai. Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the proactive approach, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approval for the first urban flood mitigation project.

Relief Allocations:

Andhra Pradesh: ₹493.60 crore released for immediate relief.

Tamil Nadu: ₹450 crore released to address the cyclone’s aftermath.

Chennai Flood Mitigation: Approval of ₹561.29 crore for Integrated Urban Flood Management activities under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).

Government’s Proactive Approach:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the escalating urban flooding instances and highlighted PM Modi’s endorsement of the flood mitigation project, marking the government’s commitment to resilient urban planning.

Conclusion:

The relief aid and flood mitigation funds reflect the government’s swift response to the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, aiming to alleviate the distress faced by the affected states and enhance future flood resilience in urban areas.

PANNUN ROW MAY TOP FBI CHIEF’S INDIA PLAN

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The forthcoming visit of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray to India has gained prominence due to the indictment of an Indian national for an alleged assassination plot against Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. This case, coupled with concerns over transnational repression, is expected to be a key agenda during Wray’s visit.

Key Points:

Assassination Plot Indictment:

• An Indian national faces indictment for plotting the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, with alleged involvement of an Indian government official.
• The case underscores security challenges and potential diplomatic ramifications.

FBI Chief’s Visit Announcement:

• S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti announced FBI Director Wray’s visit to India.
• The visit aligns with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on transnational repression, addressing concerns related to India’s handling of dissent.

International Focus on India’s Actions:

• India faces scrutiny alongside countries like Russia, China, and Iran in the U.S. Senate hearing.
• Concerns raised about authoritarian measures, surveillance, and alleged repression of dissent in India.

Strong US-India Relations:

• Highlighted by Garcetti at a Global Technology summit, the frequency of high-profile visits signifies the robust India-U.S. relationship.

Conclusion:

As FBI Director Wray’s visit approaches, the focus on security challenges, alleged government involvement in the assassination plot, and broader concerns over dissent and democracy underscore the complex dynamics within the US-India relationship. The diplomatic response and discussions during the visit will likely shape future interactions between the two nations.

CENTRE-APPROVED BOARD PRAISING TAGORE PUT UP AT SANTINIKETAN TO MARK UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE TAG

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Visva-Bharati University’s initiative to replace controversial plaques with a Centre-approved board at Santiniketan, marking its UNESCO world heritage status, reflects a strategic response to earlier controversies. The move aims to rectify the naming discrepancies and emphasize the significance of Santiniketan’s recognition.

Key Points:

Controversial Plaques and Backlash:

• Initial plaques only bore the names of PM Narendra Modi and then-Vice Chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty, triggering criticism.
• The administration defended them as temporary, aiming to demarcate the heritage area.

Centre-Approved Trilingual Board:

• In November, texts in Hindi and English, approved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Union Ministry of Education, were sent for correction and translation.
• A trilingual board, now in place, emphasizes Rabindranath Tagore’s vision and Santiniketan’s role in intercultural dialogue and artistic expression.

Toned-Down Superlatives:

• The ASI text initially included superlatives for Tagore, later toned down by a university committee to align with Tagore’s likely preferences.

Officially Approved UNESCO Statement:

• The board carries a footnote, ensuring alignment with the Ministry of Education’s endorsement of the UNESCO recognition.

Conclusion:

The revised board serves as a diplomatic solution, addressing naming controversies and highlighting Santiniketan’s cultural and educational significance. By incorporating official endorsements and toning down language, the university aims to present a unified narrative, emphasizing Rabindranath Tagore’s vision and Santiniketan’s enduring role on the global stage.

DEATH IN A FLOUR MILL

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

The tragic death of a 40-year-old Dalit woman in a flour mill in Pataura village, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, has stirred controversy. While the family alleges gang rape and murder by upper-caste men, the police insist it was an accident. The incident unveils a complex web of caste dynamics and raises questions about the transparency of the investigation.

Key Points:

Background of the Victims:

• The victims, Asha (40) and Suraj (43), both Dalits, worked as farm laborers and engaged in plastering the mill walls to supplement their income for their daughter’s wedding.

Allegations and Initial Findings:

• The family alleges gang rape and murder, pointing fingers at upper-caste men.
• Police claim an accidental death, asserting Asha’s body got entangled in the mill machinery.
• Initial investigation details are disseminated through a video message, declaring it an accidental death.

Delay in FIR and Arrests:

• The family files a complaint alleging gang rape and murder on the evening of the incident.
• FIR is registered the next day, with a delay of almost 24 hours.
• Villagers protest, leading to the arrest of one accused, Rajkumar Shukla, but charges are altered to non-bailable offenses.

Medical Examination Discrepancies:

• Post-mortem results suggest shock and hemorrhage due to ante-mortem injuries.
• Police deny sexual assault based on the post-mortem report but send vaginal swab samples for forensic examination.

Changing Charges and Public Outcry:

• The police alter charges against the accused, allowing bail for Rajkumar Shukla.
• Independent fact-finding projects express concern about the police changing charges, raising questions about the fairness of the investigation.

Community’s Plight:

• Pataura village, predominantly inhabited by Dalits, reflects a historical context of ostracization.
• The incident raises questions about the vulnerability of marginalized communities and the effectiveness of legal mechanisms.

Conclusion:

The Pataura incident highlights the complexities surrounding caste-based crimes, with discrepancies in the police investigation adding to the community’s distress. The altered charges and subsequent bail of the accused contribute to the ongoing debate on the fairness of the legal process, emphasizing the need for a thorough and unbiased inquiry into the tragedy.

‘GLOBAL STATUS OF MULTI-HAZARD EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS 2023’ REPORT

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

The ‘Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2023’ report, jointly presented by the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organisation, sheds light on the pivotal role of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in mitigating disaster risks. MHEWS empowers various stakeholders to proactively reduce risks associated with hazardous events through timely actions.

Key Insights:

Pillars of MHEWS:

• MHEWS operates on four fundamental pillars: disaster risk knowledge, observation & monitoring, communication, and preparedness to respond.
• These pillars collectively form the foundation for effective early warning systems worldwide.

Global Status Evaluation:

• The report evaluates the current global status of MHEWS against the targets outlined in the Sendai Framework (2015-2030).
• Out of 101 countries with MHEWS, 95 report having a disaster risk reduction strategy.

Common Alerting Protocol Impact:

• The Common Alerting Protocol proves instrumental in facilitating the seamless flow of information from authoritative sources to the public.
• This standardized protocol ensures timely and effective dissemination of alerts and warnings.

Access to Warnings in Vulnerable Regions:

• Over 400 million individuals in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) benefit from improved predictions and warnings for various hazards.

Challenges and Global Coverage:

• Despite progress, only half of the world is covered by an early warning system, highlighting a need for global expansion.
• Increasing unpredictability, complexity, and severity of hazardous events pose challenges to MHEWS capabilities.

Indian Scenario:

• In India, while preparedness and response capabilities are in place, gaps exist in disaster risk knowledge, warning dissemination, and communication.
• Initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and regional efforts contribute to enhancing disaster resilience.

Initiatives for Disaster Risk Reduction:

• Globally, the ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative targets universal coverage by 2027.
• Regionally, efforts like the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) are significant.
• India has been proactive, hosting the First Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2016 and establishing the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in 2019, showcasing a commitment to disaster resilience.

Conclusion:

The report underscores the progress and challenges in global MHEWS implementation. As the world faces increasingly severe hazards, collaborative efforts, global initiatives, and regional systems play crucial roles in strengthening early warning capabilities, emphasizing the need for continued advancements in disaster risk reduction worldwide. 

NATIONAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY ROADMAP FOR REDUCTION OF PLASTIC WASTE IN INDIA RELEASED

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

The National Circular Economy Roadmap, a collaborative effort between India and Australia, emerges as a strategic initiative to curb the burgeoning plastic waste crisis. Released to foster research, industry partnerships, and co-develop a roadmap, it addresses the imperative transition towards a circular economy in the plastics sector.

Key Insights:

Plastic Waste Quandary:

• India grapples with a staggering 26,000 tonnes of daily plastic waste, exposing the urgency for comprehensive strategies.
• The existing ban on single-use plastics (2022) covers only a fraction (10-15%) of plastic usage.

Current Plastic Recycling Scenario:

• The nation’s plastic recycling rate hovers around a modest 13%, indicating substantial untapped potential.

Circular Economy in Plastics:

• Envisions minimizing virgin plastic usage, maximizing recycled materials, and embracing sustainable practices.
• Holds the promise of 20-50% reduced greenhouse emissions and curtailed microplastics in the food chain.

Significance of Circular Economy:

• Mitigates environmental impact with lesser greenhouse gas emissions.
• Addresses microplastic contamination in the food chain.
• Diminishes landfill dependence and introduces digital waste stream tracking.

Seven Elements of India’s Circular Economy for Plastics:

• A structured framework comprising crucial elements to navigate the complex plastic landscape.

Proposed Strategies:

• Establish a unified framework and implementation plan for streamlined efforts.
• Introduce a circular economy transition body to oversee and drive the transformative process.
• Engage all stakeholders, recognizing their roles and responsibilities.
• Develop supportive systems empowering states to design and execute tailored action plans.

Conclusion:

The National Circular Economy Roadmap signifies a pivotal step in India’s commitment to combat plastic pollution. By outlining strategic interventions and collaborative frameworks, the initiative aims to usher in a sustainable era for the plastics sector, aligning with global efforts towards environmental conservation and circular economy adoption. The proposed strategies hold the key to reshaping India’s plastic narrative and fostering a greener, more resilient future.

MIYAWAKI PLANTATION REVOLUTION IN CHHATTISGARH’S COAL BELT

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) is set to revolutionize the coal belt region in Chhattisgarh with the Miyawaki plantation method.

                         

• Pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, the approach involves dense planting of native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants within each square meter.
• Adapted to harsh climates and water scarcity, the method ensures rapid forest growth.
• Its urban forestry applications bring additional advantages, including heightened carbon sequestration, diminished air and noise pollution, and the creation of vibrant ecosystems through the attraction of local birds and insects.
• SECL’s embrace of Miyawaki marks a significant stride towards sustainable environmental practices.