16-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

UNIVERSITIES ARE DIFFERENT FROM RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), established in 1877 by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Recent developments, including the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling on AMU’s minority status, have sparked a renewed conversation on the role of universities as institutions of secular education distinct from religious entities.

Background of the Case

• Azeez Basha Case (1967): The Supreme Court ruled that AMU was neither established nor managed by Muslims. The decision did not allow AMU a chance to present its case.
• AMU Case (2024): The Supreme Court overturned the Azeez Basha judgment. The judgment aligns with a broader liberal interpretation of minority rights under Article 30 of the Constitution.

Key Observations from the AMU Case (2024)

• Broad Interpretation of Article 30: The Court upheld protection for universities established before the Constitution came into force. Fundamental rights cannot be waived or surrendered.
• Dissenting Opinions: The disagreement among judges wasn’t absolute. On some aspects, such as the need for a broader framework to determine minority character, there was consensus.
• Judicial Discipline: The ruling acknowledged earlier decisions, including T.M.A. Pai (2002) and Xaviers (1974), which clarified that minorities have the right to manage institutions but must adhere to general regulations.

Debates on Minority Status

• Test of Administration: Establishing an institution automatically grants the right to administer it. Governance structures similar to other universities do not invalidate minority status.
• Government Oversight: Regulatory measures are meant to ensure quality and standards without affecting minority rights.

Critical Points in the Judgment

• Historical Connection: AMU inherited its minority character from M.A.O. College. Evidence from pre-Independence records, such as funding contributions, supports this link.
• Role of Universities: The expectation of ghettoization in minority institutions undermines their purpose of fostering secular, inclusive education.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment restores AMU’s minority character while affirming that universities serve as secular educational institutions, distinct from religious establishments. It highlights the transformative potential of constitutional jurisprudence in recognizing the rights of minority communities to establish and manage premier institutions contributing to national development.

JUMBO CRISIS IN MADHYA PRADESH

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The recent death of 10 elephants in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) has brought attention to issues surrounding elephant management and human-wildlife conflict. The fatalities were caused by consumption of fungus-infected Kodo millet, highlighting gaps in forest management and wildlife conservation practices.

What Happened?

• Between October 29-31, 10 elephants died in BTR due to acute toxicity after consuming Kodo millet infected with cyclopiazonic acid.
• The elephants exhibited abnormal behavior and were found lying in distress; four were already dead when discovered.
• Despite efforts by forest officials and veterinarians, the remaining six elephants succumbed within 36 hours.

Reasons Behind the Crisis

• Fungus-Infested Crop: The Kodo millet consumed by the elephants was grown near the forest boundary and stored improperly after rainfall.
• Climatic conditions like heavy rains and bright sunshine created a favourable environment for fungal growth.
• Rapid Expansion of Kodo Cultivation: Farmers have increasingly grown Kodo for commercial purposes, often near forest areas, increasing the chances of wildlife encounters.
• Inadequate Monitoring: Limited resources and lack of immediate veterinary facilities hindered timely intervention. BTR lacks permanent facilities for treating wildlife emergencies.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Escalation post-incident: Days after the deaths, a wild elephant killed two individuals and injured another, raising tensions in nearby villages. The herd responsible for the deaths has fragmented; a calf was rescued in a distressed state, while an adult male remains untraced.
• Underlying Causes: Increased elephant population in Madhya Pradesh due to migration from neighbouring states. Expansion of agriculture near forest boundaries leads to frequent crop raiding and conflicts.

Challenges in Elephant Management

• Limited Resources: Madhya Pradesh does not have sufficient budgets or resources dedicated to elephant conservation. Forest guards lack proper equipment, training, and vehicles to manage wildlife effectively.
• Policy Gaps: Absence of dedicated facilities for injured or orphaned elephants. Lack of expertise in handling wild elephants among local veterinarians.
• No Separate Elephant Budget: Funding for Project Elephant has been merged with Project Tiger, diluting focus on elephants.
• Insufficient Research: Limited studies on the effects of fungal toxins like cyclopiazonic acid on elephants. Lack of established treatment protocols for such poisoning.

Immediate Actions Taken

• Government Response: Suspension of senior forest officials for negligence. Formation of high-level investigation teams by both Central and State governments. Initiation of a study on the health impacts of Kodo millet on wildlife.

• Preventive Measures: Plans to use satellite collars and thermal imaging to track elephant movements. Development of elephant-proof trenches around sensitive areas.

• Awareness and Communication: Activation of local WhatsApp groups to provide real-time updates on elephant movements.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Conservation Efforts: Allocate separate budgets for elephant management under Project Elephant. Establish dedicated rescue and treatment facilities for elephants in Madhya Pradesh.
• Improving Coexistence: Promote crop selection and agricultural practices that discourage elephants from venturing into farmlands. Educate farmers about proper storage methods to prevent fungal contamination.
• Research and Policy Development: Conduct detailed studies on the toxic effects of Kodo millet on elephants and other wildlife. Formulate long-term policies to manage the increasing elephant population in the state.
• Capacity Building: Train local veterinarians and forest guards in wildlife management and emergency handling. Collaborate with states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to adopt best practices.

Conclusion

The Bandhavgarh tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive elephant management strategies and effective human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Addressing resource gaps and fostering coexistence are crucial for safeguarding both elephants and local communities.

INDIA’S STANCE ON TRADE BARRIERS LINKED TO EMISSIONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

India has expressed strong opposition to trade measures tied to carbon emissions, deeming them discriminatory and harmful to global cooperation. This issue was raised during ongoing climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Backdrop of the Issue:

• The debate centres around the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
• CBAM seeks to impose taxes on imports that do not comply with the EU’s carbon emission standards.
• Currently in a transitional phase, it is expected to be fully implemented by January 1, 2026.

TRADE BARRIERS

Restrictions imposed by countries to regulate international trade and protect domestic industries.

• Tariff Barriers: Taxes or duties on imports and exports (e.g., customs duties).
• Non-Tariff Barriers: Rules and standards like quotas, licensing, or technical regulations.

Purpose:

• Protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
• Safeguard national security or public health.
• Generate government revenue.

India’s Objection:

• India termed such measures as protectionist, placing an unfair burden on developing and low-income nations.
• They were criticized for violating principles of equity and undermining multilateral collaboration.
• India described these actions as “unilateral, arbitrary, and unjustifiable.”

Role of BASIC Group:

• China, representing BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China), petitioned to discuss these trade measures at COP 29.
• The grouping aims to ensure global climate policies do not disadvantage developing nations.

Diplomatic Sensitivity:

• India avoided naming CBAM directly, focusing instead on the broader implications of unilateral measures to align with UN principles.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures

Rules aimed at protecting humans, animals, and plants from risks related to food safety and pests.

• Ensuring imported food is safe for consumption.
• Preventing the spread of diseases through agricultural trade.

Examples:

• Bans on products with harmful additives.
• Quarantine requirements for imported plants or animals.

Purpose:

Protect public health and the environment.

• Maintain biodiversity and prevent invasive species.

Conclusion:
India’s stance emphasizes the need for equitable climate policies that support global cooperation without imposing disproportionate costs on developing nations.

JEEVAN PRAMAAN – DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Jeevan Pramaan, launched in 2014, is a Digital Life Certificate (DLC) initiative by the Indian government to simplify the life certificate submission process for pensioners. It allows pensioners to avoid physically visiting banks or post offices to submit their life certificates, ensuring to receive their pensions.

Key Features of Jeevan Pramaan

• Online Process: Pensioners can generate their DLCs online using the Jeevan Pramaan portal or app. The certificate is directly sent to the relevant pension-disbursing authority.
• Biometric Authentication: Aadhaar-based biometric authentication is required to generate the certificate. Options include fingerprint or face authentication.
• Flexibility: Pensioners can submit their life certificates online or continue with the traditional physical method.

Jeevan Pramaan Campaign 2024

• Campaign Period: The third annual DLC campaign runs from November 1 to November 30.
• Camps: The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) is organizing 1,900 camps across 800 cities and towns. Indian missions abroad and post offices are conducting additional camps.
• Support for Pensioners: Camps assist pensioners in generating DLCs. Pensioners can still visit banks or post offices if preferred.

Pensioner Statistics

As of March 31, 2024, India has 64.88 lakh central government pensioners, categorized as:

• 09 lakh civilian pensioners.
• 92 lakh Defence pensioners.
• 25 lakh Railways pensioners.
• 56 lakh telecom pensioners.
• 04 lakh postal pensioners.

DLC Generation Process

Requirements:

• Aadhaar number linked with mobile.
• Biometric device or face authentication capability.
• Registration of Aadhaar with the pension disbursing authority.

Steps:

• Pensioners can generate DLCs online through the Jeevan Pramaan app or website.
• Alternatively, they can visit a camp for assistance.

Technological Advancements:

• Since 2021, face authentication has been introduced, making the process more accessible.

Benefits of Jeevan Pramaan

• Convenience: Eliminates the need for physical visits to banks or post offices.
• Efficiency: Saves time and effort for both pensioners and authorities.
• Inclusivity: Accessible to pensioners globally through Indian missions abroad.
• Technology-enabled: Facilitates ease of use with biometric and face authentication.

Conclusion

Jeevan Pramaan demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the pension disbursement process using technology. The campaign’s success highlights its growing acceptance, easing the lives of millions of pensioners.

INFORMATION ON THE MATES SCHEME

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

MATES stands for Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme. It provides Indian university graduates and early-career professionals the chance to work in Australia for two years.

Background

• The scheme is part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between India and Australia.
• The MMPA promotes two-way migration while tackling issues of illegal migration.
• MATES will officially begin in December 2024.

Key Features

• Participants can live and work in Australia for up to 2 years.
• It is a pilot program offering 3,000 spots annually for primary applicants.
• Applicants can bring dependents (spouses and children), who will have work rights in Australia.
• Visa holders:
  • Have 12 months to make their first entry into Australia.
  • Can stay for 24 months from their first entry date.
  • Can make multiple entries during the visa period.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to Indian nationals aged 30 or younger at the time of application.

• Have proficient English skills (IELTS score of 6 overall, minimum 5 in each section).
• Be graduates from an eligible institution within the last 2 years.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of these fields:
• Renewable energy, Mining, Engineering, Information Communications Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech), Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)
• Be graduates of the top 100 Indian universities (as per the NIRF 2024 rankings).

OPERATION DRONAGIRI

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. It aims to showcase how geospatial technologies can improve citizens’ quality of life and simplify business processes.

About Operation Dronagiri

• Purpose: Demonstrates the use of geospatial technologies in enhancing the quality of life and easing business operations.
• Policy Link: Part of efforts under the National Geospatial Policy 2022 to promote geospatial data use and innovation.

Key Features

Implementation Phases:

• First Phase: Conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Use cases will be developed to demonstrate the integration of geospatial data and technology.

Collaboration:

• Partnerships with Government departments, industries, corporates, and startups in the first phase.
• Aims to set the foundation for nationwide implementation.

Technology Backbone:

• Powered by the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI) for accessible spatial data.

Oversight and Operations:

Activities monitored by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF).

Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at:

• IIT Kanpur
• IIT Bombay
• IIM Calcutta
• IIT Ropar

Implementation Agency

• Driven by the Geospatial Innovation Cell, Department of Science and Technology.

SUMI NAGA TRIBE

TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Ahuna, a post-harvest festival celebrated by the Sumi Naga tribe of Nagaland, was recently observed with unity and thanksgiving.

About the Sumi Naga Tribe

• Major Naga Tribe: The Sumi, also known as the Sema Naga, is one of the prominent tribes of Nagaland.
• Geographic Distribution: Primarily inhabit central and southern Nagaland. Sumis are widely spread among all Naga tribes in terms of settlement.
• Village Settlements: Establishing villages is a significant tradition of the Sumis, continuing from the past to modern times.

Cultural Practices

• Historical Practice: Like other Naga tribes, Sumis practiced head-hunting before converting to Christianity through missionary efforts.
• Language: Speak the Sumi language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family.

Festivals

Ahuna:

• A post-harvest festival celebrated with gratitude for the season’s harvest.
• Represents thanksgiving and prayers for prosperity in the upcoming year.

Tuluni:

• Celebrated to welcome the arrival of the new crop or fruit.
• Includes prayers to thank God for a bountiful harvest in the previous year.

SVASTIK INITIATIVE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The SVASTIK initiative, coordinated by CSIR-NIScPR, was highlighted during the International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK-20

About SVASTIK Initiative

• Full Form: Scientifically Validated Traditional Knowledge (SVASTIK).
• Objective:
  • Preserve and promote scientific validation of traditional practices.
  • Encourage public trust in Indian traditional knowledge by verifying its scientific basis.
  • Foster curiosity and understanding of traditional practices among young students.
• Collaborations: Includes participation from research organisations, educational institutions, experts, and NGOs.
• Outreach Efforts: Social media dissemination in 17 Indian languages. Publications featuring authenticated stories on traditional knowledge.
• Impact: Inspires students to explore science and appreciate traditional practices.

About CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)

• Role: India’s leading publicly funded R&D organisation. Focuses on advancing natural sciences and engineering for societal benefits.
• Legal Status: Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Network: Operates 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 1 Innovation Complex, and 3 specialised units across India.

Organisational Structure

• President: Prime Minister of India (Ex-officio).
• Vice President: Union Minister of Science and Technology (Ex-officio).
• Governing Body:
  • Headed by the Director-General.
  • Includes the Finance Secretary (Expenditures) as an ex-officio member.
  • Other members serve for a term of three years.
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.