20-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

T.N. MINISTER CONVICTED, FACES DISQUALIFICATION

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

Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy faces a significant setback as the Madras High Court convicts him and his wife in a disproportionate assets case. The court’s decision raises the specter of disqualification from the Legislative Assembly, pending a Supreme Court appeal set for Thursday.

Conviction and Disqualification Threat:

• Justice G. Jayachandran, overturning a 2016 acquittal, deems the verdict “palpably wrong” and convicts the Minister and his wife for possessing assets worth ₹1.72 crore beyond known income sources.
• The conviction, if not stayed or overturned, poses an immediate threat of disqualification from Legislative Assembly membership.

Legal Proceedings and Appeal:

• The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) successfully appeals the 2016 acquittal in February 2017.
• Minister Ponmudy’s appeal to the Supreme Court is scheduled for consideration on Thursday, which could impact his disqualification status.

Judicial Critique:

• Justice Jayachandran criticizes the trial court’s error in treating the Minister and his wife as separate entities, emphasizing that the spouse’s income tax returns post-case registration cannot be the sole grounds for acquittal.
• The judge points out that evidence indicates the wife’s role as a name lender, emphasizing the need to consider her as part of the public servant’s operations.

Conclusion:

The Madras High Court’s conviction of Minister Ponmudy and his wife adds uncertainty to his political future, with potential disqualification looming. The judicial critique highlights the intricacies of determining spousal involvement in such cases, setting the stage for further legal proceedings and potential political ramifications. The Supreme Court’s impending decision will be pivotal in shaping the Minister’s fate.

 PARLIAMENT CLEARS LAW TO EXTEND PROTECTION TO ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS

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

Parliament passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, 2023, extending protection to unauthorized constructions in Delhi for an additional three years. The move aims to shield such structures from punitive action, providing a timeframe for comprehensive consultations on the development of unauthorized colonies.

Legislative Extension:

• The amendment extends protection to unauthorized buildings from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
• Passed by a voice vote in Lok Sabha, with minimal participation in the discussion.
• Rajya Sabha also approved the Bill through a voice vote, despite limited support from Congress and AAP MPs.

Context of Opposition and Suspension:

• The Bill’s consideration marked the first legislative action following the suspension of 49 Opposition MPs in the Lower House on the same day.

Government’s Response:

• Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the Prime Minister — Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM—UDAY), introduced in 2019, aimed at regularizing unauthorized colonies.
• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the regularization process, benefiting 40 lakh people.

Objective of Extension:

• The three-year protection period intends to facilitate extensive consultations for the systematic development of unauthorized colonies.
• Acknowledges the prolonged nature of addressing illegal constructions, necessitating continued protection from punitive actions.

Conclusion:

The passage of the amendment underscores the government’s commitment to addressing unauthorized constructions in Delhi. The extended protection provides a strategic window for consultations and orderly development, aligning with the broader goal of regularizing unauthorized colonies under the PM—UDAY initiative.

 KERALA TO PITCH MOVIE LOCALES BEFORE GLOBAL FILM CREWS

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

In a strategic move to leverage its picturesque locales and capitalize on the global entertainment industry’s momentum, Kerala is set to attract film crews and enthusiasts worldwide. Through the initiative titled “Promoting Film Locations in Kerala,” the state aims to tap into film-induced tourism and enhance destination branding by showcasing sites featured in regional films.

Permission for Promotion:

• Kerala has officially granted permission to promote film locales to boost tourism and branding.
• The focus is on capitalizing on the popularity of locations showcased in Malayalam and regional language films.

Project Details:

• Kerala Tourism plans to create promotional videos of renowned film locations and share them on various social media platforms.
• The Kerala Tourism app will incorporate augmented reality, offering visitors instant access to film clips related to the locations they are exploring.

Global Collaboration Trends:

• Recognizing the trend of countries collaborating with production houses to promote locales, Kerala seeks to highlight its scenic beauty and film-worthy destinations.
• While offering limited tax benefits, the state plans to showcase its beautiful locations, featured in both Bollywood and South Indian films.

Identified Locations:

• The first phase will feature promotional videos of ten locations, including the iconic Athirappilly waterfall, Bhramaram Viewpoint, Cheruthoni cave, Bekal Fort, and Kollengode village, each with cinematic significance.

Budget and Timeline:

• A budget of ₹1.12 crore has been allocated for the six-month project, emphasizing the state’s commitment to showcasing its cinematic gems.

Conclusion:

Kerala’s initiative to promote film locales aligns with the global trend of destination branding through cinema. By showcasing its natural beauty immortalized in films, Kerala aims to attract international filmmakers and movie enthusiasts, creating a symbiotic relationship between cinema, tourism, and the state’s cultural richness.

 TAX ‘HFSS’ FOODS, VIEW IT AS A PUBLIC HEALTH IMPERATIVE

GS 3 (SOCIETY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The escalating consumption of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods poses a severe risk to public health, contributing to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. As India witnesses a shift in dietary habits, especially in the processed food sector, urgent measures are needed to address the growing health concerns. This calls for a comprehensive approach, including fiscal interventions like taxation, to curb the consumption of HFSS products. The global trend of utilizing taxes to combat obesity, witnessed in various countries, points to the effectiveness of this strategy.

Health Challenges in India:

• India faces a significant health challenge with a surge in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), attributing 65% of the disease burden to dietary risks.
• The economic impact of overweight and obesity in India was estimated at $23 billion in 2017, projected to rise to $480 billion by 2060.

Rapid Growth in Processed Foods:

• The ultra-processed food sector in India has witnessed a compounded annual growth rate of 13.4% between 2011 and 2021.
• The consumption of HFSS foods, including snacks and soft drinks, has tripled, exceeding $30 billion, signaling an alarming dietary trend.

Global Trend of HFSS Taxation:

• Many countries, including Denmark, France, Hungary, Mexico, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have implemented taxes on HFSS foods.
• Colombia’s “junk food law” provides a model for gradually increasing levies on ultra-processed foods.

Case for HFSS Tax in India:

• Market failures associated with HFSS consumption contribute to negative externalities and internalities, imposing societal costs.
• HFSS taxation can act as a targeted tool to incentivize industry reformulation and encourage healthier food choices.

GST Inconsistencies:

• Current GST rates on ultra-processed foods lack alignment with nutritional content, resulting in inconsistencies in taxing products.
• Tax rates need differentiation based on nutritional quality to promote healthier alternatives.

Conclusion:

Taxing HFSS foods in India is not merely an economic concern but a public health imperative. A well-designed tax system can act as a deterrent, promote healthier choices, and encourage manufacturers to reformulate products. By reducing the burden on the healthcare system and fostering the nation’s well-being, HFSS taxation, when combined with other measures, becomes a potent tool to combat the rising epidemic of overweight and obesity, creating a sustainable and equitable food system.

NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA

GS 3 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), serving as the implementing agency for Namami Gange Yojana, aims to enhance Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) capacity to 7,000 MLD by December 2026. Despite this ambitious target, the current achieved capacity stands at less than 40%, with 2,664.05 MLD, resulting in the discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies. This poses a significant challenge to India’s water quality, particularly in urban areas.

                  

Sewage Composition:

• Sewage comprises wastewater from diverse sources, including homes, industries, hospitals, and offices.
• Rainwater during storms also contributes, carrying pollutants from roads and rooftops.

Impact on Water Bodies:

• Over 60% of urban India’s sewage remains untreated, entering rivers and causing pollution.
• This untreated sewage renders water unfit for human consumption.

Challenges in STP Establishment:

• Costly Infrastructure: STPs demand substantial capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs.
• Power Supply Issues: Continuous power supply is essential for STP functionality.
• Additional Hurdles: Challenges include land acquisition, outdated infrastructure, and municipal bodies struggling to attract private entities.

Initiatives for STP Establishment:

• Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims for 100% sewerage and septage treatment in 500 AMRUT cities.
• Namami Gange Scheme: Central Sector Scheme focusing on Ganga and its tributaries.
• National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): Centrally Sponsored Scheme for rivers beyond Ganga.
• Legal Framework: Environment Protection Act 1986 and Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974 support wastewater management.

Conclusion:

The NMCG’s pursuit of a substantial increase in STP capacity underlines the critical need for comprehensive sewage management in India. Tackling untreated sewage is pivotal for preserving water quality, and initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange Scheme play key roles in addressing this pressing environmental concern. However, overcoming challenges such as high costs and infrastructural limitations remains imperative to achieve the envisaged wastewater treatment targets.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF CAMELIDS

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

The United Nations has designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, recognizing the significance of these animals.

• Camelids, including alpacas, Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, and vicuñas, are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses.
• They contribute to food security and livelihoods in Andean highlands, arid, and semi-arid regions in Africa and Asia.
• In challenging climates, camelids provide valuable resources such as fiber and nutritious food, showcasing their resilience and importance to communities worldwide.
• The designation aims to raise awareness about camelids’ role and promote sustainable practices in camelid-related activities.

GENE DRIVE TECHNOLOGY

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Abdoulaye Diabate from Burkina Faso, honored with the 2023 Falling Walls Prize for Science and Innovation Management, is advancing Gene Drive Technology for malaria eradication.

• The technology involves releasing genetically modified male mosquitoes incapable of producing female offspring after mating.
• By depleting the female mosquito population, particularly the Anopheles mosquitoes responsible for malaria transmission, the technology aims to reduce the spread of malaria.
• This innovative approach targets the disease at its source, leveraging genetic modifications to disrupt the reproductive capabilities of mosquitoes and mitigate the impact of malaria on vulnerable populations.