11-December-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

DEEPENING INDIA’S SPACE AMBITIONS

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

India has set ambitious goals for its space program over the next two decades, focusing on human spaceflight, a space station, and lunar exploration. A critical element to achieving these goals is the development of powerful and reusable rockets, including ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

ISRO’s Roadmap for Space Exploration

Gaganyaan Mission:

• India’s first crewed mission to space, showcasing its human spaceflight capabilities.

Long-term Goals:

• Establishing a space station by the end of the next decade.
• Expanding human spaceflight to the moon.

Requirements:

• Development of heavier payload rockets.
• Cost-effective and reliable rocket designs through reusability.

Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

• Heavy Lift Capability: Can carry triple the payload of LVM3, India’s current most powerful rocket.
• Reusability: Designed for controlled descent, reducing costs but slightly limiting payload capacity.
• Enables more complex and larger missions.
• Reduces the need for miniaturization and allows more focus on mission objectives.
• Competes with advanced rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Starship.

Immediate Challenges

• India’s LVM3 has a maximum payload of 4,000 kg to the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), lagging behind reusable rockets like Falcon 9.
• Recent missions, such as GSAT-N2, required launching via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 due to payload limitations.
• The NGLV is expected to be ready in eight years, leaving an immediate gap in heavy-lift capabilities.

Leveraging Private Sector Participation

• The Department of Space can contract private companies to develop reusable, heavy-lift rockets.
• Milestone-based funding can ensure accountability and reduce costs.
• Fosters innovation and builds technical capacity.
• Creates redundancy and improves launch frequency with multiple rocket options.

The Path Forward

• A robust and diverse space transportation system is critical for achieving India’s space ambitions, from satellite applications to moon and Mars missions.
• India must build a strong ecosystem that combines public and private capabilities, ensuring resilience and global competitiveness in space exploration.

Conclusion

Investing in reusable rockets and fostering private-sector innovation will enable India to solidify its position as a leading space-faring nation while meeting its ambitious goals efficiently and sustainably.

JUDICIAL EVASION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: THE CASE OF SAMBHAL MASJID

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Judicial inaction, as seen in the Supreme Court’s handling of the Sambhal Masjid case, raises concerns about its impact on governance and the enforcement of constitutional values.

Key Issues in the Sambhal Masjid Case

Judicial Approach:

• The Supreme Court referred the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Committee’s plea to the Allahabad High Court while pausing related civil proceedings.
• It urged parties to maintain peace but avoided resolving the core legal dispute.

Implications of the Order:

• The temporary relief provided by halting the local court’s survey order helped ease tensions but failed to address the central legal challenge.
• This deferral reflects a broader trend of judicial evasion in sensitive matters.

Places of Worship Act, 1991

Provisions of the Act:

• Prohibits changing the religious nature of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.
• Bars legal proceedings questioning the religious character of such places.
• Contraventions are punishable with imprisonment and fines.

Judicial Responsibility:

• The Act was enacted to preserve India’s secular fabric and prevent communal exploitation of historical grievances.
• The Court has often failed to enforce the Act decisively, as seen in the Gyanvapi Mosque case where surveys were permitted despite clear legislative prohibitions.

Instances of Judicial Deferral

• CAA Protests: During the Shaheen Bagh protests, the Court avoided ruling on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, instead forming a committee for mediation.
• Farm Laws: In response to the farmers’ agitation, the Court established an expert panel but avoided a direct decision on the laws’ validity.

Lessons from Judicial Evasion

Impact on Constitutional Values:

• Judicial inaction undermines principles like fraternity, secularism, and equality.
• The Ayodhya judgment, despite its controversial aspects, upheld the significance of the 1991 Act in maintaining secularism.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s reluctance to adjudicate critical issues, as seen in the Sambhal Masjid case, highlights a lack of judicial will to uphold constitutional principles. The upcoming hearing on the Places of Worship Act offers an opportunity for the Court to reaffirm its commitment to secularism and address past lapses decisively.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR JUDGES

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The judiciary’s authority relies on public trust and the integrity of its conduct. Judicial behaviour is governed by established ethical codes and conventions that emphasize impartiality, accountability, and respect for diversity. The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, 2002, serve as a critical framework to uphold these values.

Importance of Judicial Ethics

Foundation of Authority: The judiciary draws its legitimacy from public acceptance and its adherence to ethical standards.

Guiding Codes:

• The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997) mandates that judges’ actions, whether in personal or professional capacities, must reinforce public faith in the judiciary’s impartiality.
• The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002) demand that judges maintain public confidence in their independence and impartiality.

Key Ethical Guidelines for Judges

• Impartiality: Judges must treat all individuals equally, regardless of social, cultural, or religious differences.

• Public Accountability: Judges must act in ways that preserve the dignity of the judiciary and refrain from behaviors that undermine public trust.
• Freedom with Responsibility: While judges have the right to express their views, they must exercise this freedom without compromising their impartiality or judicial office’s integrity.
• Diversity Awareness: Judges should recognize and respect societal diversity in their conduct and judgments.

Recent Controversy and Judicial Conduct

• An Allahabad High Court judge’s remarks at a public event sparked criticism for alleged bias.
• These comments, viewed as contrary to judicial ethics, prompted public and legal fraternity reactions, including demands for impeachment.

Impeachment Process for Judges

• Grounds for Removal: Judges of High Courts or the Supreme Court can be removed for “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.”
• Procedure: Requires a motion passed by a special majority in Parliament. Complaints can be made to the President, Chief Justice of India (CJI), or respective High Court Chief Justices.
• In-House Mechanism: Adopted in 1999, this procedure allows complaints to be reviewed internally. Fact-finding committees may recommend voluntary retirement to avoid public impeachment.

Conclusion

Judicial integrity is paramount to sustaining public trust in the judiciary. Ethical guidelines ensure judges uphold their responsibilities without bias or misconduct. Adherence to these principles fosters a judiciary that remains independent, impartial, and respected.

INTERNET SHUTDOWNS IN INDIA: A GROWING CONCERN

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

India is often called the “Internet shutdown capital of the world. Frequent shutdowns persist with minimal compliance to transparency guidelines, causing significant economic, social, and psychological harm.

Supreme Court’s Ruling and Expectations

• Fundamental Right: The Supreme Court declared Internet access a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution in January 2020.
• Guidelines: Restrictions must be lawful, temporary, necessary, proportionate, and transparent. Orders for suspension are subject to judicial review.
• Objective: The ruling aimed to limit shutdowns to exceptional situations like public emergencies or threats to public safety.

Non-Compliance with Supreme Court Guidelines

• Increasing Shutdowns: Post-2020, India experienced more shutdowns than before, with over 70% of global economic losses due to Internet restrictions in 2020.
• Opaque Orders: Governments often fail to publish suspension orders, leaving citizens unable to challenge them in court.
• Delays in Publication: Even when orders are published, delays undermine trust and accountability.
• Lack of Awareness: Some officials remain unaware of Supreme Court rulings, highlighting the need for better dissemination and statutory recognition of guidelines.

Socio-Economic Impact of Shutdowns

• Economic Losses: In 2020, India faced losses of $2.8 billion from 129 Internet shutdowns, affecting millions of citizens.
• Hindered Access: Shutdowns disrupt education, healthcare, livelihoods, and social interactions.
• Deepened Inequality: Mobile data users, who make up over 97% of Internet users in India, are disproportionately affected, worsening digital inequality.

Flawed Justifications and Broader Implications

• Restricting Protests: Shutdowns are often imposed to curb protests rather than address genuine emergencies.
• Fuelling Rumours: Lack of Internet access prevents people from verifying information, exacerbating misinformation.
• Democratic Deficit: Unjustified restrictions erode public trust and stifle democratic freedoms.

Conclusion

India’s frequent and opaque Internet shutdowns contradict its Digital India vision. Transparent adherence to the Supreme Court’s guidelines is essential to balance public safety with citizens’ rights. Only through improved compliance can India shed its global infamy and realize its digital potential.

IMPROVING SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s job creation challenges have led to high self-employment, but the quality remains low due to limited education, lack of credit, and inadequate legal support. Addressing these barriers can improve self-employment opportunities.

Current State of Self-Employment

• A large portion of India’s workforce, over half, is self-employed, with a notable rise in rural areas, especially among women.
• While self-employment offers an alternative to unemployment, it often results in low earnings, underemployment, and a lack of job security.
• Rural self-employed workers, particularly women, often earn less than casual labourers, with many working fewer than 40 hours a week.
• The quality of self-employment is poor, and many engage in it only as a fallback option when other opportunities are unavailable.

Key Constraints to Improving Self-Employment

Education and Skills Development:

• A significant portion of self-employed workers has low levels of education. Only 20.6% of self-employed individuals had completed high school in 2023, with women’s education levels even lower.
• Vocational training is scarce, limiting skill development, especially for women. Training linked to entrepreneurship could empower workers to improve the quality of their work.

Lack of Access to Formal Credit:

• Access to credit is critical for expanding small businesses. However, a large number of unincorporated businesses operate on a small scale and within household premises, limiting their ability to hire employees or expand.
• The inability to access formal credit channels raises borrowing costs and limits business growth, thus hindering job creation and income growth.

Legal and Administrative Support:

• Despite improvements in ease of doing business, starting a formal enterprise in India remains difficult due to bureaucratic and legal complexities.
• The lack of professional managerial support and the challenge of enforcing contracts limit business growth and productivity, especially for self-employed individuals and small entrepreneurs.

Way Forward

• Enhance Vocational Training: Linking vocational training to entrepreneurship can provide self-employed individuals with better skills, enabling them to create higher-quality work.
• Improve Access to Credit: Simplifying access to formal credit markets can help small enterprises grow, hire workers, and improve productivity.
• Strengthen Legal Support: Providing better access to legal recourse and simplifying administrative procedures can boost entrepreneurial confidence and foster business growth.

Conclusion

By addressing the barriers of education, credit access, and legal support, India can improve the quality of self-employment, offering a better livelihood to millions while also promoting entrepreneurial activity and job creation.

SNAKEBITES: A PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) HEALTH: THE HINDU

Snakebites pose a significant public health issue in India, causing severe health emergencies, including paralysis, tissue damage, and fatal bleeding. Recognizing this, the Union Health Ministry has urged states to declare snakebites a notifiable disease to ensure better management and prevention.

Why Make Snakebites Notifiable?

• India reports 3–4 million snakebite cases annually, resulting in around 58,000 deaths (Indian Million Death Study 2020).
• Declaring snakebites notifiable will help track cases accurately and identify high-risk areas.

Improved Surveillance:

• Mandatory reporting will enable better data collection, leading to effective preventive measures and resource allocation.
• This includes ensuring adequate antivenom supplies and training healthcare workers in snakebite treatment.

Types of Notifiable Diseases

• Diseases likely to cause outbreaks, fatalities, or requiring urgent investigation are typically declared notifiable.
• Examples include tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, dengue, and cholera.

Why Consider Snakebites as a Disease?

Acute Medical Emergencies:

• Snakebites can cause breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, and tissue damage, requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Antivenoms are essential for treating envenoming and preventing severe complications or death.

Snakes of Medical Concern

• India is home to over 310 snake species, with 66 venomous ones.
• Most snakebites are caused by the “Big Four” snakes: Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper.
• Commercial antivenom is effective for nearly 80% of cases involving these species.

Challenges in Snakebite Management

• Timely Treatment: Victims often delay reaching healthcare facilities or rely on traditional healers. Many healthcare centres lack trained staff or tests to confirm snakebites.
• Antivenom Limitations: Antivenom production depends on venom from certain snake populations, limiting its efficacy across regions. Venom potency can vary by species, location, and snake age
• Regulatory and Resource Issues: Strict wildlife laws restrict access to snakes, complicating venom collection and the establishment of regional venom banks.

Way Forward

• Establish zonal venom banks to address regional differences in venom composition.
• Develop advanced treatments like artificial antibodies and peptides to neutralize toxins across species.
• Train healthcare workers and raise community awareness for timely and appropriate snakebite treatment.

By making snakebites notifiable, India can better manage this critical health challenge and reduce the mortality rate.Top of FormBottom of Form

NATIONAL PANCHAYAT AWARDS 2024

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: PIB

The National Panchayat Awards Conferment Ceremony 2024 will be organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Purpose of the Awards:

• These awards aim to recognize and encourage Panchayats for their contributions in areas like poverty alleviation, health, child welfare, water conservation, sanitation, infrastructure, social justice, governance, and women empowerment.
• The goal is to motivate Panchayats to improve and inspire rural local bodies for sustainable, inclusive development and better ease of living in rural areas.

Revamped Awards Categories:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has grouped the 17 SDGs into 9 LSDG (Local Sustainable Development Goals) themes and aligned the awards accordingly:

Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods Panchayat

• Healthy Panchayat
• Child-Friendly Panchayat
• Water-Sufficient Panchayat
• Clean and Green Panchayat
• Self-Sufficient Infrastructure in Panchayat
• Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat
• Panchayat with Good Governance
• Women-Friendly Panchayat

Award Categories:

• Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP): Conferred to the top 3 Gram Panchayats (GPs) or equivalent bodies for outstanding performance in each of the 9 themes.
• Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar: Awarded to the top 3 Gram, Block, and District Panchayats for their overall performance under all the 9 DDUPSVP themes.

Special Categories of Awards:

• Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar: Awarded to the top 3 GPs or equivalent bodies for their efforts in adopting and using renewable energy.
• Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar: Given to the top 3 GPs or equivalent bodies for their carbon-neutral initiatives, particularly in renewable energy usage.
• Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar: Recognizes 3 institutions that have provided support to GPs in achieving the LSDGs.Top of Form

REVISED PRADHAN MANTRI POSHAN YOJANA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: PIB

The central government has recently revised the prices of food items provided to children under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana.

About Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme:

• Previously known as the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal, the scheme was renamed in September 2021 to Pradhan Mantri POSHAN Scheme.
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides one hot cooked meal to students in Balvatika and classes I to VIII in Government and Government-aided schools on all school days.

Objectives of the Scheme:

• Improve nutritional status of children in Government and Government-aided schools.
• Encourage regular school attendance among children from disadvantaged sections, helping them focus on studies.
• Provide nutritional support to children in areas affected by droughts or disasters, especially during the summer vacation.

Recent Changes:

• The Ministry of Education, based on the inflation index from the Labour Bureau, has increased the ‘Material Cost’ by 13.70% to reflect the rising costs.

Nodal Ministry: The scheme is overseen by the Ministry of Education.