19-July-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

OVER 800 ELEPHANTS DIED IN KERALA IN 8 YEARS 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Between 2015 and 2023, Kerala’s forests saw 845 elephant deaths, showing an increasing trend over time. This alarming data is from an elephant population estimation in the state’s four elephant reserves. 

Key Findings 

• Increase in Mortality Rates: Younger elephants, especially those under 10 years, have a high mortality rate of approximately 40%. 

• Cause of Death: A significant cause of these deaths is Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses – Haemorrhagic Disease (EEHV-HD). 

Immunity in Herds 

• Survival Rates: Calves in larger herds show better survival due to shared immunity. Exposure to various virus strains helps develop antibodies, enhancing their survival chances. 

Current Threats 

• Habitat Shrinkage: Shrinking habitats and rising fragmentation, worsened by climate change, are major threats. 

• Contributing Factors: Declining population sizes, sensitivity to high temperatures, competition for resources, and heightened disease sensitivity. 

Critical Variables Influencing Distribution 

• Human Activities: Land-use changes, climate fluctuations, and disturbances are significant factors. 

• Habitat Fragmentation: Fodder availability in sub-optimal habitats is severely constrained. 

Proposed Measures 

• Structured Protocol: A recommendation for a protocol similar to Tamil Nadu’s Elephant Death Audit Framework (EDAF). 

• Systematic Approach: Comprehensive investigations to identify patterns, assess threats, and implement targeted conservation measures effectively. 

ASIAN ELEPHANTS 

• IUCN Red List: (Endangered) 

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I 

• CITES: Appendix I 

• The elephant holds the title of Natural Heritage Animal in India. 

• Recognized as a “Keystone Species,” elephants are crucial for maintaining forest ecosystem balance and health. 

• India boasts the largest population of wild Asian elephants, with an estimated 29,964 individuals according to the 2017 Project Elephant census. 

• This figure represents around 60% of the world’s total population of Asian elephants. 

• Karnataka has the highest number of elephants in India, followed by Assam and Kerala. 

Conservational efforts 

Project Elephant 

• Year of Formation: 1992 

• Nodal Agency: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India 

Objectives of Project Elephant 

• Combat Illegal Trade: Halt the illegal trade of elephant tusks and protect elephants from poaching. 

• Prevent Deaths: Implement measures to prevent unnatural elephant deaths in India. 

• Restore Habitats: Restore natural habitats and migratory routes of elephants. 

• Reduce Conflict: Mitigate human-elephant conflicts in shared regions. 

• Limit Human Activities: Restrict human encroachment and livestock grazing in elephant habitats. 

Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) 

• Year of Formation: 1997 

• Nodal Agency: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 

Objectives: 

• Monitor trends in the illegal killing of elephants and assess the effectiveness of field conservation efforts. 

• Provide information needed to make appropriate management and enforcement decisions. 

• Strengthen elephant range states’ capacity to manage and conserve their elephant populations. 

Conclusion 

To combat rising elephant mortality, restoring natural habitats and preventing herd fragmentation are crucial. The study underscores the need for a systematic approach to mitigate elephant deaths and enhance survival rates. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female. 

1. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months. 

1. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only. 

1. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 3 and 4 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 2 and 4 only 

ANSWER: A 

EXPLANATION: 

Elephant herds are matriarchal, meaning they are led by the oldest and often largest female. 

Elephants have the longest gestation period of any mammal, lasting up to 22 months. 

Female elephants can reproduce until they are around 50-60 years old. 

Karnataka has the highest population of elephants in India, followed by Assam and Kerala. 

HOW DO ASSAM’S FOREIGNERS TRIBUNAL’S FUNCTION? 

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

On July 5, the Assam government instructed its Border wing to exclude cases of non-Muslims who entered India illegally before 2014 from being forwarded to the Foreigners Tribunals.  

This decision aligns with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, which offers a citizenship application process for non-Muslims fleeing persecution from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. 

Establishment and Functioning of Foreigners Tribunals 

The Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam are quasi-judicial bodies designed to determine the citizenship status of individuals. Their functioning and procedures have gained significant attention, especially in the context of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). 

Formation: 

• Established under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order of 1964. 

• Created under Section 3 of the Foreigners’ Act of 1946. 

• Intended to address cases of individuals suspected to be foreigners. 

Current Status: 

• 300 FTs reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2021. 

• Only 100 FTs are currently functional according to state records. 

Jurisdiction and Powers: 

• FTs have the powers of a civil court for summoning and examining individuals and documents. 

• Required to issue a notice to alleged foreigners within 10 days of receiving a reference. 

• Must dispose of cases within 60 days of receiving a reference. 

Role of Assam Police Border Organisation: 

• Formed in 1962 under the Prevention of Infiltration of Pakistani (PIP) (Bangladesh)scheme. 

• Tasked with detecting and deporting illegal foreigners and monitoring border areas. 

• Refers suspicious citizenship cases to FTs. 

Powers and Duties: 

• Patrol the India-Bangladesh border. 

• Maintain a second line of defence to check illegal entry. 

• Monitor settlements in riverine areas. 

Supreme Court Intervention: 

• July 11, the Supreme Court set aside an FT order declaring Rahim Ali a foreigner. 

• Highlighted issues of arbitrary detentions and lack of proper judicial processes. 

National Register of Citizens (NRC): 

The National Register of Citizens (NRC), initially compiled in 1951, is a list created after the 1951 Census, documenting all legal citizens of India. 

• Purpose: Official record of those who are legal Indian citizens. 

• Identification: Aimed at identifying migrants from former East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. 

• State-specific: Assam is currently the only state to have an NRC. 

• History: Originally prepared in 1951 and updated in 2019. 

The NRC update followed the provisions of: 

• Citizenship Act, 1955 

• Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003 

• Section 6A of the Citizenship Act: Under this, foreigners who entered Assam before January 1, 1966, are granted the rights and obligations of Indian citizens. 

• Criteria: Includes persons listed in any electoral rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971, or the 1951 NRC, and their descendants. 

• Origin: Traced back to the Assam Accord of 1985. 

• Non-inclusion: Not being listed in the NRC does not automatically mean someone is a foreigner. Such individuals can present their case before foreigners’ tribunals. 

Assam Accord: 

The Assam Accord is a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed in New Delhi on August 15, 1985, between the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement. 

Key Demands: 

• Foreigners who entered Assam between 1951 and 1961 were to be granted full citizenship, including voting rights. 

• Those who entered after 1971 were to be deported. 

• Entrants between 1961 and 1971 were to be denied voting rights for ten years but would enjoy all other rights of citizenship. 

Results: 

• Ended the Assam Agitation. 

• Allowed leaders of the agitation to form a political party and govern the state. 

• Provided a package for Assam’s economic development (including a second oil refinery, a paper mill, and an institute of technology).

Current Status: 

• Assam is the only northeastern state to update its NRC with the cut-off date of March 24, 1971. 

Conclusion 

The Foreigners Tribunals play a critical role in determining citizenship in Assam, particularly post-NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Act developments. However, their functioning has raised significant legal and human rights concerns, necessitating reforms for fair and transparent adjudication. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. Consider the following statements regarding citizenship in India:

1. India follows a single system of citizenship and domicile. 

1. Only individuals who are citizens by birth are eligible to become the Head of State. 

1. Foreign nationals granted Indian citizenship cannot have it revoked under any circumstances. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 

1. 2 only 

1. 1 and 3 

1. 2 and 3 

ANSWER: A 

EXPLANATION: 

India provides only one citizenship for its citizens and does not recognize multiple citizenships or domiciles. 

In India, both citizens by birth and naturalized citizens are eligible to become the President (Head of State). This contrasts with some other countries, like the USA, where only a citizen by birth can become President. 

In India, a foreigner once granted citizenship can lose it under specific circumstances such as renunciation, termination, or deprivation as per the Citizenship Act, 1955. Therefore, citizenship can be revoked under certain conditions. 

THE ROLE OF THE FINANCE COMMISSION 

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

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body in India that makes recommendations on how tax revenues collected by the Central government should be distributed among the Centre and the various States. Its role is crucial in ensuring a fair allocation of financial resources across the country. 

Formation and Mandate 

• The sixteenth Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, was constituted in December last year. 

• Expected to submit its recommendations by October 2025, which will be valid from April 1, 2026, for five years. 

Functions of the Finance Commission 

• Recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and States (vertical devolution). 

• Suggests how the States’ share of tax revenue is distributed among the States (horizontal devolution). 

Decision-Making Process 

• Considers factors like population, fertility rate, income levels, and geographical area. 

• Recommendations typically take two years to finalize. 

Issues and Concerns 

• States claim they receive less than what is recommended, with the Centre keeping a significant portion for itself. 

• Complaints about the exclusion of cesses and surcharges from the divisible pool. 

Recent Trends 

• The Centre has devolved an average of only 32% of funds to States, lower than the recommended 41%. 

• States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu feel they contribute more but receive less in return. 

CESS 

A cess is an additional tax on top of existing taxes, designated for a specific purpose. 

• Purpose: The funds from a cess must be used solely for its intended purpose, like the education cess used exclusively for educational improvements. 

• Imposition: Levied on all taxpayers, it is added to the Consolidated Fund of India until its objective is achieved. 

• Tax Calculation: For instance, a 5% education cess on a 20% income tax results in a total tax of 21% (20% base tax plus 1% cess). 

• Examples: Current cesses include the education cess, road cess, infrastructure cess, clean energy cess, Krishi Kalyan cess, and Swachh Bharat cess. 

SURCHARGE 

A surcharge is an extra charge on the tax liability of individuals and corporations with high incomes. 

• Individuals: For incomes above Rs 1 crore, a 10% surcharge is added to the tax liability. 

• Domestic Corporations: A 5% surcharge applies if net income is between Rs 1 crore and Rs 10 crore, and 10% if income exceeds Rs 10 crore. 

• Foreign Corporations: A 2% surcharge is levied for incomes between Rs 1 crore and Rs 10 crore, increasing to 5% for incomes above Rs 10 crore. 

• Usage: Collected funds go to the Consolidated Fund of India and can be used for any governmental purpose. 

Similarities 

• Government Imposition: Both cess and surcharge are imposed by the central government. 

• Collection: Both are collected and deposited in the Consolidated Fund of India. 

• Exclusivity: Neither cess nor surcharge funds are shared with state governments. 

• Revenue Purpose: They serve as substantial sources of revenue for the central government. 

• Calculation: Both are added on top of existing taxes, increasing the overall tax burden. 

Conclusion 

The Finance Commission plays a vital role in maintaining fiscal federalism in India. Addressing the concerns of States regarding equitable distribution of funds is essential for balanced economic growth and governance. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. Consider the following statements regarding cess and surcharge:

1. Cess funds must be used for the specific purpose for which they are levied, while surcharge funds can be used for any purpose deemed appropriate by the Union Government. 

1. Both cess and surcharge are collected and deposited in the Consolidated Fund of India. 

1. State governments receive a share of both cess and surcharge collected by the central government. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2, and 3 

ANSWER: A 

EXPLANATION: 

Cess funds must be used for the specific purpose for which they are levied. For example, an education cess is used solely for educational purposes. In contrast, surcharge funds can be used for any purpose deemed appropriate by the Union Government. 

Both cess and surcharge are collected and deposited in the Consolidated Fund of India. 

Neither cess nor surcharge is shared with state governments. These funds are retained by the central government. 

GREEN REVOLUTION IN MAIZE 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Green Revolution has significantly transformed Indian agriculture. While the focus has traditionally been on wheat and rice, maize has seen remarkable growth in production, driven largely by private sector initiatives. This shift has moved maize from being primarily a feed crop to a crucial component in various industries. 

Significant Increase in Production 

• Maize production in India more than tripled from 11.5 million tonnes in 2000-01 to over 38 million tonnes in 2022-23. 

• Average per-hectare yield rose from 1.15 to 3.3 tonnes. 

Diversified Uses of Maize 

• Initially, maize was mainly used for poultry and livestock feed. 

• Now, a significant portion is used for food processing (cornflakes, starch) and industrial purposes (biofuels, alcohol). 

New Breeding Strategies 

• High-yielding, pest-resistant varieties have been developed, enhancing production efficiency. 

• The Kunjal facility in Karnataka focuses on producing genetically pure maize lines for breeding. 

Role of Private Sector 

• Private companies like Bayer, Corteva, and Syngenta have played a crucial role in maize research and development. 

• Collaborations with research institutions like CIMMYT and IARI have led to innovative agricultural practices. 

Impact on Food and Feed 

• Despite rising production, only about 15% of maize is directly consumed as food. 

• The majority is used for animal feed and industrial products. 

MAIZE: THE VERSATILE QUEEN OF CEREALS 

Global significance 

• Known as the queen of cereals due to its high genetic yield potential. 

• Cultivated on nearly 190 million hectares in 165 countries. 

• Contributes to 39% of global grain production. 

• USA is the largest producer, contributing 30.99% of global production in 2020. 

Maize in India 

• Grown throughout the year, predominantly as a Kharif crop (85% of cultivation). 

• Third most important cereal after rice and wheat. 

• Accounts for 10% of total food grain production. 

• Fifth largest producer globally with 2.59% share in 2020. 

Uses 

• Staple food for humans and quality feed for animals. 

• Raw material for various industrial products: starch, oil, protein, alcoholic beverages, sweeteners, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, film, textiles, gum, packaging, and paper industries. 

Areas of Cultivation 

Major maize-growing states: Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. 

Exports 

• Exported 3,453,680.58 MT worth Rs. 8,987.13 crores (1,116.17 USD millions) in 2022-23. 

• Major export destinations: Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. 

Temperature and Soil Requirements 

Temperature: Optimal growth occurs between 21°C to 27°C. 

Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soils with good organic content, ideally loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. 

Conclusion 

The Green Revolution in maize highlights the importance of private sector involvement in agricultural advancements. Through innovative breeding techniques and efficient resource use, maize production in India has become more robust and versatile, supporting both food security and industrial growth. This transformation exemplifies the potential for private-public partnerships in driving agricultural innovation. 

MASHCO PIRO: THE LARGEST UNCONTACTED TRIBE 

TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE– SOURCE: TIMES NOW 

Mashco Piro is the world’s largest uncontacted tribe, residing in the Amazon rainforest of southeastern Peru. They live a secluded life with limited contact with the outside world, primarily due to threats from logging and disease. 

Tribe Characteristics 

• Nomadic Lifestyle: The Mashco Piro are hunter-gatherers, living in the dense jungles of the Madre de Dios region near Peru’s borders with Brazil and Bolivia. 

• Population: Estimated to be over 7500 individuals, they are the largest of the uncontacted tribes. 

• Reclusiveness: They rarely interact with outsiders, with limited documented encounters. 

Historical Context 

• Rubber Boom Impact: In the 1880s, the tribe faced displacement due to the rubber boom, causing them to move further into the forest. 

• 2002 Protection Efforts: The Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve was established to protect their lands and lifestyle. 

Current Threats 

• Logging Activities: Encroachment by logging companies poses significant risks, threatening their habitat and way of life. 

• Legal Protections: Despite government efforts to ban contact and logging in their region, illegal activities continue to threaten the tribe. 

Conclusion 

The Mashco Piro’s existence is precarious, balancing between maintaining their traditional way of life and the encroaching modern threats. Ensuring their survival requires strict enforcement of protective laws and greater awareness of their plight. 

 

IMPACT OF VEGETABLE PRICES ON INFLATION 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: PIB 

A recent spike in vegetable prices has disrupted the overall disinflationary trend in the Indian economy, as highlighted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials in the July RBI Bulletin. 

Headline Inflation 

• Consumer Price Index (CPI): A measure of the average change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services over time. It is an important indicator of inflation. 

• Headline Inflation: The total inflation in an economy, including all goods and services. It is measured year-on-year (YoY) by changes in the CPI. 

• Current Trend: Headline inflation rose to 5.1% in June from 4.8% in May due to a spike in vegetable prices. 

Factors Contributing to Inflation 

• Positive Momentum: This refers to the current increase in prices. In June, positive momentum of 133 basis points (bps) contributed to the rise in inflation. 

• Base Effect: The impact of comparing current prices to prices from the previous year. In June, the favourable base effect was 106 bps, which means prices were lower last year, making this year’s increase seem larger. 

• Food Inflation: The increase in prices of food items. In June, food inflation rose to 8.4% from 7.9% in May. 

• Fuel and Core Inflation: Fuel inflation increased by 6 bps and core inflation (which excludes food and fuel prices) increased by 12 bps in June. 

Specific Price Trends 

• Vegetable Prices: Continued to rise at a double-digit rate year-on-year. 

• Edible Oils and Fats: Experienced a lower rate of deflation, meaning prices decreased but at a slower rate. 

• Fuel and Light: Deflation (a decrease in prices) remained at -3.7%, with LPG prices continuing to decline. 

Persistent Food Price Shocks 

• Transitory Shocks: Short-term price increases. RBI officials noted that the past years’ experience showed prolonged price increases, challenging the view that food price shocks are temporary. 

• Enduring Character: Sporadic spikes in vegetable prices made food price inflation a persistent issue. 

Important Terms Explained: 

• CPI (Consumer Price Index): A measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services. 

• Headline Inflation: The overall inflation rate in the economy, including all categories of goods and services. 

• Core Inflation: Core Inflation refers to the measure of inflation that excludes certain volatile categories, like food and energy prices, which can fluctuate significantly and unpredictably. By excluding these items, core inflation provides a clearer view of the underlying, long-term inflation trend. This measure helps policymakers and economists understand the inflationary pressures in the economy that are more persistent and less subject to short-term volatility. 

• Basis Points (bps): A unit of measure used in finance to describe the percentage change in the value or rate of a financial instrument. One basis point is equal to 0.01%. 

• Positive Momentum: Indicates the current upward trend in prices. 

• Base Effect: The impact of the comparison of current prices with prices from a previous period, which can distort inflation figures. 

• Deflation: A decrease in the general price level of goods and services. 

Conclusion 

Food prices, particularly vegetables, are significantly influencing headline inflation, counteracting the benefits of reduced core and fuel inflation achieved through monetary policy and supply management. Addressing these persistent food price shocks is crucial for stabilizing overall inflation. 

AATMANIRBHART IN DEFENCE: FIFTH POSITIVE INDIGENISATION LIST 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: PIB 

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has advanced its ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative with the release of the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL). This move aims to bolster self-reliance in defence production and reduce reliance on imports. 

Fifth Positive Indigenisation List 

• Notification: The MoD has notified the fifth PIL, which includes 346 items such as Line Replacement Units, Systems, Sub-systems, Assemblies, Sub-assemblies, Spares, Components, and raw materials. 

• Import Substitution Value: The total import substitution value of these items is approximately Rs 1,048 crore. 

• Procurement: These items will be exclusively procured from Indian industries, with specific timelines for indigenisation available on the Srijan portal. 

Srijan Portal and Indigenisation Efforts 

• Srijan Portal: Launched in 2020, this platform facilitates the offering of defence items for indigenisation by industries, including MSMEs and start-ups. 

• Indigenisation Impact: Over 36,000 items have been offered for indigenisation, with more than 12,300 successfully indigenised in the past three years. 

• DPSUs’ Role: Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) like HAL, BEL, and BDL are tasked with the indigenisation process, driving domestic growth and investment. 

Conclusion 

The fifth PIL reflects a significant stride towards enhancing self-reliance in defence production. By focusing on domestic procurement and involving various industry sectors, the initiative supports economic growth and technological advancement in the defence sector. 

YOGA AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: STUDY INSIGHTS 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES 

Recent research from AIIMS, New Delhi highlights the significant benefits of yoga for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This chronic autoimmune disease causes joint inflammation and damage and can impact other organs. 

Yoga’s Impact on RA 

• Reduction in Inflammation: Yoga lowers inflammation by mitigating cellular damage and oxidative stress. It balances cytokines, increases endorphin levels, and reduces cortisol and CRP levels, disrupting the inflammatory cycle. 

• Molecular Benefits: Yoga enhances telomerase activity and genes related to DNA repair, slowing cellular aging. It improves mitochondrial function, protecting against telomere attrition and oxidative stress. 

• Improved Patient Outcomes: The study by Dr. Rima Dada shows that yoga leads to reduced pain, improved joint mobility, decreased disability, and better overall quality of life. This is due to yoga’s ability to foster immunological tolerance and molecular remission. 

Additional Benefits 

• Stress Management: Yoga helps manage stress, a known RA trigger, by lowering cortisol levels. It also improves mitochondrial function and cellular health. 

• Mental Health: Yoga increases levels of 𝛽-endorphin, BDNF, DHEA, melatonin, and SIRT-1, promoting neuroplasticity and aiding in the management of comorbid depression. 

Conclusion 

The AIIMS study supports yoga as a complementary therapy for RA, providing a natural, cost-effective method to manage symptoms, control disease, and enhance quality of life without side effects.