16-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

SC RULES ELECTORAL BONDS SCHEME UNCONSTITUTIONAL

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

The Supreme Court’s historic decision on Thursday declared the electoral bonds scheme “unconstitutional.” This unanimous ruling came in response to petitions challenging the government’s electoral bond system, which allowed undisclosed contributions to political parties.

About the Ruling:

• Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and four other judges ruled the electoral bonds scheme violated the right to information under Article 19(1)(a).
• Emphasized transparency in elections, stating voters should know where political parties get their funding.
• Ordered the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop issuing electoral bonds and disclose details of bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, to the Election Commission.

Impact and Political Context:

• A blow to the BJP, the main beneficiary since the scheme’s introduction in 2017.
• Advocate Prashant Bhushan highlighted the court’s decision as a violation of citizens’ right to information.
• Initially portrayed as a move towards transparency, the scheme allowed anonymous individuals and entities to buy electoral bonds, benefiting registered political parties.

Electoral Bonds:

• Introduced in 2017, electoral bonds enable anonymous donations to political parties in denominations from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore.
• Formally rolled out in 2018, they can be purchased from designated State Bank of India branches.
• Bonds must be cashed within 15 days of purchase for electoral expenses during specific periods in January, April, July, and October.
• Available to parties registered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, securing at least 1 percent of votes in the last General Election.

Arguments Presented:

• Critics argue that electoral bonds lack transparency, creating an uneven playing field between the ruling party and the opposition, eroding democratic institutions.
• Government contends that before electoral bonds, parties weren’t required to disclose donations below Rs 20,000, leading to 69 percent from “unknown sources.”
• Anonymity in electoral bonds was introduced to protect donors’ affiliations while ensuring funds through recognized channels.

Supreme Court’s Judgment:

• Seven years after the initial challenge by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) in 2017, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment.
• The ruling reaffirms the commitment to thoroughly examine issues with significant impacts on elections.
• The Constitution bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, heard arguments from various parties, highlighting the importance of reducing cash involvement in electoral activities.

INSAT-3DS MISSION TO BE LAUNCHED FROM SRIHARIKOTA

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the INSAT-3DS mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

About INSAT-3DS:

• INSAT-3DS, a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the India Meteorological Organisation (IMD), is part of a series of climate observatory satellites aimed at enhancing climate services.
• Scheduled for launch using the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14), INSAT-3DS builds upon the advancements of previous satellites in the series.

Key Points:

GSLV-F14 Overview:

• GSLV-F14 is a more advanced rocket utilizing liquid propellant and characterized by higher capacity.
• It utilizes cryogenic liquid propellants in all three stages, enabling a higher lift-off weight capacity.

INSAT-3DR Highlights:

• INSAT-3DR is an advanced meteorological satellite equipped with an imaging system and an atmospheric sounder.
• Notable improvements include imaging in the middle infrared band for night-time cloud and fog pictures, two thermal infrared bands for sea surface temperature estimation, and higher spatial resolution in visible and thermal infrared bands.

Payloads:

• INSAT-3DR carries a multispectral imager, 19-channel sounder, data relay transponder, and search and rescue transponder.

NEW DRUG TO TREAT CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE GETS APPROVAL

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

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted approval for Jardiance (empagliflozin) 10mg tablets.

Indication for Approval:

• The approval is for reducing the risk of sustained decline in patients with end-stage kidney disease.
• It addresses cardiovascular death and hospitalization risks in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at risk of progression.

Applicability and Usage:

• Nephrologists and cardiologists can now use Jardiance 10mg tablets for treating CKD in eligible patients.
• Not recommended for CKD treatment in patients with polycystic kidney disease.

Significance of Approval:

• The approval is a significant development in the treatment of CKD, providing a potential solution with empagliflozin.

WHAT IS BEHIND LADAKH’S UNREST?

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

Ladakh, since its transition to a Union Territory (UT), has been marked by unrest and protests. Initially supportive of the UT status, locals now demand full Statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to safeguard their identity, land, and culture.

Causes of Unrest:

• Article 370 Abrogation (August 2019): Ladakh’s conversion into a UT, following the dilution of Article 370, led to optimism initially but raised fears about non-local influence and industrialisation.
• Concerns about Demography and Identity: Locals worried about the impact on Ladakh’s demography, ecology, and distinct identity due to the influx of non-locals and potential exploitation of resources.
• Economic Disempowerment: Unemployment and lack of political representation fueled protests, especially in Kargil, leading to a jobs crisis and dissatisfaction.

Key Players and Demands:

Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA):

Four-point Agenda (2021):

• Full-fledged legislature.
• Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
• Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
• Job reservations for locals.

Sonam Wangchuk’s Involvement:

• Activist-engineer Wangchuk’s hunger strike and ‘Leh Chalo’ protest intensified the movement.
• Advocates for full Statehood, citing the need for local voices to be heard.

Impact and Concerns:

• Resource Exploitation: Fear of industrial projects affecting wildlife, medicinal herbs, and nomadic lifestyles.
• Loss of Political Representation: Shift from four MLAs in J&K Assembly to zero representation; concerns about bureaucratic control by non-locals.
• Economic Marginalisation: No gazetted job openings since becoming a UT, creating economic discontent.

Demands and Geopolitical Significance:

• Extension of Territorial Control: Demands to extend control up to Gilgit-Baltistan in PoK.
• Reservation of Seats: LAB and KDA demand reserved seats and a full-fledged elected legislature.
• Constitutional Safeguards: Seeking Sixth Schedule protection for Ladakh, similar to northeastern States.

Centre’s Response:

• Scheduled Meeting (February 19, 2024): Union Minister Nityanand Rai to meet Ladakh representatives.
• Upcoming Elections: The meeting’s outcome will influence the protest’s trajectory amid approaching elections.

KOTRAVAI SCULPTURE FROM PALLAVA PERIOD UNEARTHED NEAR ULUNDURPET

TOPIC: (GS1) MEDIEVAL HISTORY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Archaeologists recently uncovered an eighth-century Kotravai sculpture in Ulundurpet, Tamil Nadu, dating back to the Pallava period. This discovery sheds light on the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Pallava Dynasty.

About Pallava Dynasty:

• Flourished in South India from the 3rd to 9th Centuries, ruling northern Tamil Nadu, parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Kanchipuram served as their capital, showcasing their prominence in the region.
• The Pallavas were patrons of Buddhism, Jainism, and the Brahminical faith, contributing significantly to music, painting, and literature.

Origin and Expansion:

• Originally feudatories of Andhra Satavahanas, the Pallavas gained autonomy and moved southward.
• Established Kanchipuram as their capital in the 4th century CE, under the rule of Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I.

Architectural Contributions:

• Renowned for their contribution to Dravidian architecture, transitioning from rock-cut to stone temples.
• Mahabalipuram became a center of art and architecture under Pallava rule.
• Key temples like Kailasanatha and Shore Temple were built, exemplifying their architectural prowess.

Religion and Conflicts:

• Pallavas embraced Shaivism, aligning with local Dravidian practices.
• Engaged in continuous conflicts with Chalukyas in the north and Tamil kingdoms of Chola and Pandyas in the south.

Decline:

• The rise of Rashtrakutas marked the decline of the Pallava Dynasty.
• Overpowered by Chola King Vijayalaya in 897 AD, ending their reign.

CASSINI SPACECRAFT

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: SCIENCE.ORG

Recent data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has unveiled a remarkable discovery – the presence of a vast ocean beneath the icy surface of Saturn’s moon Mimas.

About Cassini Spacecraft:

• Cassini-Huygens, a collaborative mission by NASA, ESA, and ASI, aimed to explore Saturn and its moons.
• Launched on October 15, 1997, it included NASA’s Cassini orbiter and ESA’s Huygens probe.
• Cassini, one of the largest interplanetary spacecraft, orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017, providing crucial insights into the planet and its moons.

Spacecraft Highlights:

• Cassini carried instruments like radar and magnetometer, contributing to mapping Titan’s surface and studying Saturn’s magnetic field.
• Discovered six named moons and identified Enceladus and Titan as potential locations for extraterrestrial life.

Key Facts about Mimas:

• Mimas is Saturn’s smallest and innermost major regular moon, characterized by an icy, heavily cratered surface.
• Dominated by the colossal Herschel crater, measuring 80 miles (130 km) across, with a central peak soaring almost as high as Mount Everest on Earth.
• The low density of Mimas indicates its composition is primarily water ice.

Ocean Beneath Surface:

• Cassini’s data suggests the existence of a vast ocean beneath Mimas’ icy exterior, expanding our understanding of the moon’s composition.

COP14: GLOBAL EFFORTS FOR MIGRATORY SPECIES CONSERVATION

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) is scheduled in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 12-17 February 2024.

CMS, also known as the Bonn Convention, operates under the United Nations Environment Programme, focusing on global conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.

Key Aspects of CMS:

• Signed in Bonn, Germany, on 23 June 1979, CMS is the sole global UN-based intergovernmental organization exclusively dedicated to conserving terrestrial, aquatic, and avian migratory species worldwide.
• It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding migratory species, especially those with unfavorable conservation statuses.

CMS Activities and Instruments:

• CMS Parties engage in activities, ranging from legally binding treaties (Agreements) to informal tools like Memoranda of Understanding.
• The decision-making body, the Conference of Parties (COP), plays a pivotal role in CMS.

Appendices and Their Significance:

CMS has two Appendices:

• Appendix I includes endangered migratory species, imposing restrictions on their exploitation.
• Appendix II lists species with unfavorable conservation statuses, encouraging range states to formulate agreements for their conservation and management.

AHIDF SCHEME

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has launched the revamped Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) Scheme.

About the Scheme:

• Objective: The realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) Scheme aims to stimulate investments in dairy, meat processing infrastructure, animal feed plants, and related sectors.
• Scheme Type: It is a Central Sector Scheme, indicating that the central government bears the entire funding responsibility.
• Eligible Entities: Individuals, private companies, dairy cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Medium Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are eligible to participate.

Key Benefits Provided:

• Interest Subvention: Offers a 3% interest subvention payable for up to 8 years, with a cap on the loan amount.
• Credit Guarantee: Provides credit guarantee coverage for up to 25% of the term loan.
• Loan Coverage: Allows loans covering up to 90% of the estimated or actual project cost, easing financial burdens for eligible entities.