14-November-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

CENTRE TAKES CONTROL OF IIMS, PRESIDENT TO PICK THEIR DIRECTORS.

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

Recent developments indicate a significant shift in the governance structure of Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as the Central government introduces new norms, granting the President of India the role of Visitor for each IIM. These changes provide the government with decisive authority in the appointment of key positions, raising questions about the autonomy of these prestigious institutions.

Changes in Governance Norms:

Presidential Control:

• The President of India is designated as the Visitor of each IIM under the new norms.
• This affords the government the final authority in appointing the chairperson of the board and the director of the IIMs.

Eligibility Criteria Revision:

• The eligibility criteria for IIM directors undergo modification, now requiring applicants to possess first-class degrees in both Bachelor’s and Master’s, along with a PhD or equivalent qualification.
• Previously, the criteria were a “distinguished academic with PhD or equivalent,” with no specific mention of the required degree divisions.

Empowered Presidential Role:

Appointment and Removal Powers:

• The President gains the authority to appoint and remove directors of IIMs.
• The President can also dissolve IIM boards if deemed necessary, marking a departure from the previous governance structure.

Selection Committee Dynamics:

• A search-cum-selection committee is to present three names of candidates for the director’s post to the Visitor (President).
• If dissatisfied with the proposed names, the President can seek fresh recommendations or constitute a new search-cum-selection committee.

Historical Context:

Visitor Concept:

• The concept of a Visitor was introduced in the draft of the present Act in 2015, met with resistance from IIMs.
• IIMs expressed concerns that this move might compromise their autonomous powers.

Government’s Enhanced Powers:

Board Dissolution Authority:

• The Centre, through the President, gains significant powers to dissolve IIM boards. Dissolution can occur if the board is found incapable of discharging functions, non-compliance with Visitor’s directions, or when dissolution is in public interest.

Conclusion:

The recent governance changes in IIMs, with the President becoming the Visitor, have implications for the autonomy of these esteemed institutions. The shift in authority, giving the government decisive powers in appointments and dissolutions, raises questions about the future trajectory of IIMs. While the government emphasizes the need for uniformity across central educational institutions, concerns persist regarding potential compromises to the cherished autonomy that has been a hallmark of IIMs. This development necessitates a careful examination of the balance between centralized control and institutional autonomy in the governance of premier educational institutions.

FRESH EXODUS OF CHIN REFUGEES FROM MYANMAR TO MIZORAM

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

A recent surge in Chin refugees fleeing Myanmar into Mizoram has been reported amid heightened conflict between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups. The intense gunfight near the international border between Khawmawi in Myanmar and Zokhawthar in Mizoram’s Champhai has triggered the displacement of approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals into Mizoram.

 

Fresh Exodus and Border Violence:

Origins of Exodus:

• The exodus stems from a fierce gun battle between the Myanmar military and armed groups, including Kuki Independent Army, Kuki National Army, and Chinland Defence Force.
• The violence occurred at Khawmawi, Myanmar, adjacent to Zokhawthar in Mizoram, where the Tiau River forms the international border.

Refugee Influx and Response:

Magnitude of Displacement:

• Approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals sought refuge in Mizoram, particularly in Champhai, due to the escalating violence in Khawmawi.
• Sixteen individuals with injuries from across the border were reported to have fled to the Mizoram side.

Shelter and Support:

• The Mizoram administration, led by Deputy Commissioner James Lalrinchhana, provided shelter for the displaced refugees in schools and community halls.
• Despite injuries among the refugees, reports indicate that no one was hit by bullets within Mizoram during the influx.

Historical and Ethnic Context:

Shared Ethnicity:

• The Chins, Mizos, Kukis, Zomis, Hmars, and Kuki-Chins share ethnic ties, belonging to the Zo community.
• The proximity of Chins and Mizos near the border creates familial relationships across the international boundary.

Previous Influx and Coup Impact:

• The influx of Chin refugees began in early 2021 following the military coup in Myanmar.
• Over the past two-and-a-half years, more than 37,000 refugees have sought asylum in Mizoram, residing in various parts of the state, including Aizawl.

Conclusion:

The recent surge in Chin refugees into Mizoram, triggered by intense border violence and conflict in Myanmar, highlights the continuing humanitarian crisis in the region. The historical and ethnic connections between the affected communities underscore the shared challenges faced by the Chins, Mizos, and other ethnic groups. The response of providing shelter and support by the Mizoram administration emphasizes the immediate need for humanitarian aid in the face of escalating violence and displacement. Efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and promote stability in the region remain crucial for a sustainable resolution to the refugee crisis.

CRACKER BAN VIOLATION SPARKS AAP-BJP WAR OF WORDS.

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

A recent controversy in Delhi surrounding the violation of the cracker ban during Deepavali has sparked a war of words between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai alleges that BJP leaders encouraged residents to burn firecrackers transported from neighbouring BJP-ruled states, contributing to increased air pollution levels. In response, the BJP dismisses these claims as ‘lies’ and urges the AAP to address stubble burning in Punjab.

Cracker Ban Violation Allegations:

Transportation from Neighbouring States:

• Gopal Rai accuses BJP leaders of instigating residents to burn firecrackers brought into Delhi from BJP-ruled Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
• The violation allegedly contributed to a surge in air pollution levels in the national capital.

Toxic Haze After Deepavali:

• Despite the cracker ban, Delhi wakes up to a toxic haze, indicating widespread non-compliance on Deepavali night.
• The city has been grappling with elevated pollution levels for over a fortnight, primarily attributed to stubble burning in neighbouring states.

Continuation of Pollution Control Measures:

GRAP Stage 4 Measures:

• Pollution control measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will persist until further orders.
• A decision on implementing the odd-even vehicle-rationing scheme will be made when air quality reaches the ‘severe’ category.

Conclusion:

The cracker ban violation and subsequent political sparring underscore the challenges faced by Delhi in combating air pollution. As both parties exchange accusations, the broader issue of pollution, exacerbated by stubble burning, remains a critical concern. The need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address environmental issues becomes evident, emphasizing the importance of effective measures to ensure Delhi’s air quality improves in the long term.

CENTRE EXTENDS UAPA BAN ON EIGHT MEITEI EXTREMIST ORGANISATIONS.

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

The Union Home Ministry has extended the ban under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) on eight Meitei extremist organizations for advocating the secession of Manipur from India through armed struggle. The government has declared these outfits as “unlawful associations” due to their activities deemed prejudicial to India’s sovereignty and integrity.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a crucial legislative measure designed to safeguard India’s sovereignty and integrity. Enacted in 1967 through the Constitution (Sixteenth Amendment) Act, it grants Parliament the authority to impose reasonable restrictions on fundamental rights, ensuring national security.

Key Components of UAPA:

Constitutional Foundation:

• The Constitution (Sixteenth Amendment) Act, 1963 laid the groundwork, providing Parliament the power to restrict freedom of speech, assembly, and association for the protection of sovereignty.

Creation of UAPA:

• The UAPA, 1967, emerged as a response to prevent unlawful activities by organizations within India, serving as a crucial tool in maintaining law and order.

UAPA as the Anti-Terror Law:

Anti-Terror Measures:

• The UAPA is commonly known as the Anti-Terror Law, reflecting its primary focus on preventing and combating activities that pose a threat to national security.

2019 Amendment Empowering Government:

Individual Designation as Terrorist:

• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019, marks a significant update, empowering the Union Government to designate individuals as terrorists through proper legal procedures.

Extension of UAPA Ban:

Organizations Affected:

• The ban extension targets eight Meitei extremist organizations, including the PLA, RPF, UNLF, MPA, PREPAK, KCP, KYKL, CorCom, and ASUK.
• These groups are accused of engaging in armed means to achieve secessionist objectives, attacking security forces, intimidating civilians, and maintaining camps in neighboring countries for illicit activities.

Government’s Opinion:

• The Central government opines that the organizations’ activities are detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
• It categorizes them as unlawful associations due to their engagement in anti-national activities, mobilizing for secessionist actions, and collaborating with external forces inimical to India.

Rationale for Extension:

Immediate Curb Necessity:

• The government underscores the need for an immediate curb on the organizations’ activities to prevent escalation of secessionist, subversive, terrorist, and violent actions.
• There are concerns about the propagation of anti-national activities, killings of civilians, procurement of illegal arms, and extortion of funds.

Conclusion:

The extension of the UAPA ban on these Meitei extremist organizations highlights the government’s commitment to curbing activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India. The decision aims to prevent the escalation of secessionist and violent actions, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to safeguard national security.

CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY (CEA) PROPOSED BATTERY STANDARDIZATION TO BOOST EV-TO-GRID CHARGING

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – LIVE MINT

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed battery standardization to enhance Electric Vehicle (EV) integration into the power grid. This initiative aims to utilize smart charging, particularly bidirectional Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, to harness various benefits for the power system.

Smart Charging Overview:

Bidirectional V2G Technology:

• Smart charging primarily involves bidirectional, or reverse, V2G technology, enabling Electric Vehicles to interact with the power grid.

Benefits of V2G:

• Flexibility in Power System Operations: Each EV can function as a microgrid-connected storage unit, contributing to various services for the power system.
• Integration of Renewable Energy: V2G facilitates better integration of renewable energy by flattening peak demand and optimizing grid infrastructure requirements.

                 

Recommendations for Implementation:

1. Centralized Monitoring System: Proposes the establishment of a centralized monitoring system to synergize grid and mobility operations.
2. Complementary Storage at Charging Points: Suggests integrating storage solutions at charging points to complement grid charging.
3. Advanced Metering Infrastructure: Recommends facilitating advanced metering infrastructure for efficient monitoring and management.
4. Policy Support: Emphasizes the need for policy measures, including support from schemes like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME), to bolster the transition.

Background on CEA:

• Establishment: CEA was established under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948.
• Functions: It operates under the Electricity Act, 2003, succeeding the 1948 Act, and performs key functions in the electricity sector.

Conclusion:

The CEA’s proposal for battery standardization and the adoption of smart charging techniques, especially V2G technology, signifies a strategic move towards integrating EVs into the power grid. The recommended measures aim to optimize power system operations, enhance renewable energy integration, and necessitate supportive policies for successful implementation.

REDISCOVERY OF ATTENBOROUGH ECHIDNA: A CONSERVATION TRIUMPH

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – BNN.NETWORK

The elusive Attenborough echidna, named after the renowned naturalist David Attenborough, has been rediscovered in Indonesia after its last sighting in 1961. The species holds a Critically Endangered status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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About Echidnas:

Species Diversity:

There are four echidna species, with three featuring long beaks. Among them, the Attenborough echidna and the western echidna are critically endangered.

Nocturnal and Shy:

• Echidnas are nocturnal and shy creatures, belonging to the monotreme category—egg-laying mammals, with the duck-billed platypus being the only other member.

Unique Feeding Mechanism:

• These mammals utilize toothless beaks for feeding, showcasing a distinctive approach to obtaining sustenance.

Habitat Range:

• Echidnas are primarily found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea, highlighting their distribution across diverse regions.

The rediscovery of the Attenborough echidna represents a significant conservation triumph, offering hope for the revival of a species thought to have been lost for over six decades. This finding emphasizes the importance of continued efforts in wildlife conservation and habitat preservation to safeguard endangered species from extinction.

NHAI ACCEPTS FIRST INSURANCE SURETY BOND AS BID SECURITY FOR NHAI TOT BID FOR MONETIZATION

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – PIB

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has marked a pioneering move by accepting the inaugural insurance surety bond as bid security, marking a departure from traditional bank guarantees. This transformative step is set to redefine the landscape of bid security in infrastructure projects.

About Insurance Surety Bonds:

Three-Party Contract:

An insurance surety bond is a contractual agreement involving three parties: the surety, who guarantees the performance of the principal (second party) to the obligee (third party).

Security for Infrastructure Projects:

Primarily serving as a security arrangement for infrastructure projects, the bond acts as insulation for both the contractor and the principal, ensuring fulfillment of obligations.

IRDAI Approval:

Insurance Surety Bonds (ISB) received approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in April 2022, positioning them as a viable alternative to conventional bank guarantees.