21-Oct-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

WE MUST BREAK THE SILENCE ON SUICIDE PREVENTION IN INDIA

GS 2 (SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE): SOURCE – MINT

• Rising suicide cases in India necessitate prioritizing prevention efforts, framing them as a social concern, and not just a matter of personal choice.
• Suicide is often a taboo subject, resulting in a culture of silence around the issue, making it challenging to address.
• The synergy between suicide prevention and access to quality mental healthcare is crucial, as suicide cases continue to rise in India.

Alarming Statistics: 

• In 2021, the National Crime Records Bureau reported over 160,000 suicides in India, with a significant upward trend in the past decade.
• Every suicide affects numerous people, and these numbers may underestimate the problem due to underreporting and stigma.
• Suicide prevention has not received adequate attention, even within the mental health space, which necessitates policy-level change and collective action.

Understanding the Issue:

• Suicide is often seen as a personal choice rather than a preventable social issue.
• Addressing suicide requires the involvement of government, health systems, non-profits, workplaces, mental health professionals, and communities.
• Some marginalized communities face additional challenges in suicide prevention.

The Philanthropic Imperative:

• A psychosocial approach to suicide prevention, combining psychological support and access to social benefits, is essential.
• Policy-level changes are crucial, and philanthropic efforts can drive policy interventions.
• Initiatives, like the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, involve inter-sectoral collaboration and establish responsibilities across government departments.

Collective Action:

• Breaking the silence and reducing stigma around mental health is crucial.
• Mental healthcare should be accessible to every Indian as an essential right.
• A compassionate and resilient society can be built by addressing these complex crises together.

Conclusion:

• Suicide prevention in India is a pressing concern, and efforts to address it should involve collective action and policy changes.
• Prioritizing mental healthcare and reducing stigma are essential steps in building a compassionate and resilient society.

THE SHAPE OF CLIMATE JUSTICE IN A WARMING INDIA

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU)

• The G-20 summit in Delhi agreed on ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency goals, but the phasing out of fossil fuels remains contentious.
• Climate justice principles call for internalizing costs and compensating those harmed by climate change, particularly in countries like India with lower historical emissions.
• Climate policies in India have often prioritized economic growth over climate concerns, impacting inequality within the country.

Inequality Matrix and Climate Impact:

• Climate change and energy transition disproportionately affect the poor, compounding agrarian and economic crises.
• Variations in climate directly impact agricultural productivity and fish stocks, hurting vulnerable communities.
• Inequalities in economic structures correlate with higher carbon emissions per unit of economic activity.

Greening Development:

• India aims for 40% clean energy in its power generation capacity and net-zero emissions by 2070, but coal remains a major contributor.
• A transition to renewables should address economic, social, and regional inequalities.
• Strategies must focus on protecting livelihoods, creating alternative job opportunities, and ensuring vulnerable communities are not adversely affected.

Greening Federalism:

• Region’s dependent on coal production may lose revenues and livelihoods during the energy transition.
• The coal sector generates revenue, employment, and taxes for state governments in poorer regions.
• A federal governance structure means sub-national governments play a vital role in addressing climate inequalities.
• The interactions between fiscal federalism and climate mitigation must be explored to align policies across government levels.

PM FLAGS OFF COUNTRY’S FIRST REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM ‘NAMO BHARAT’

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s inaugural Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), symbolizing India’s promising future.

Key Highlights

• The RRTS is named ‘Namo Bharat,’ and it marks a significant step in improving India’s regional connectivity.
• PM Modi personally purchased a ticket and took a ride on a 17-kilometer stretch from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot in Uttar Pradesh.
• The complete 82-kilometer Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is slated for completion by
• PM Modi emphasized that the RRTS would create new avenues for employment and connectivity across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Fast, High-Frequency Commuter Transit

• The RRTS is a high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system, designed to operate at a top speed of 180 kmph.
• It promises a quick Delhi-Meerut travel time of under an hour, significantly improving intercity commuting.
• India has identified eight RRTS corridors for development, with three prioritized for the initial phase: Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut, Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar, and Delhi-Panipat.
• Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry officials lauded the state-of-the-art technology used in RRTS, comparing it to the best globally.

SPARKS OF DANGER

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

The firecracker industry in Tamil Nadu is experiencing a shift from its traditional concentration in Sivakasi to a more dispersed landscape with small units emerging across the state.

Challenges in the Industry:

• These small firecracker units, both legal and illegal, often operate without adequate supervision, monitoring, or official inspections, leading to a rise in accidents.
• Recent accidents have highlighted the safety risks faced by workers in these units.

Contributing Factors to Accidents:

Mishandling of explosives, storing chemicals above permitted limits, and employing untrained workers are factors contributing to accidents.

Regulatory Challenges:

• Regulatory authorities, such as the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO), are understaffed and struggle to conduct thorough inspections.
• The lack of communication between regulatory authorities and local administration hinders the enforcement of safety measures.

Safety Concerns and Actions:

• Recent accidents have prompted calls for improved regulation, stricter enforcement of safety measures, and regular inspections.
• Efforts are being made to ensure that only trained workers are allowed in these units.
• Periodic inspections are being conducted, and issues such as illegal storage of firecrackers are being addressed.

Conclusion:

The dispersed nature of the firecracker industry in Tamil Nadu presents significant safety challenges, and a series of recent accidents emphasizes the need for better regulation, improved safety measures, and stronger communication between regulatory authorities and local administration to safeguard workers and public safety.

MEHRAULI PARK STRUCTURES GET FACELIFT AS DELHI DIGS DEEPER INTO ITS HISTORY

GS 1 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Significant Historic Renovation:

• A ₹6-crore project to restore and conserve 55 monuments at the Mehrauli Archaeological Park commenced in March.
• The initiative was driven by various agencies, primarily the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• The project aimed to restore the historical structures and monuments to provide Delhi’s residents with a place to explore the city’s rich history.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

• Mehrauli Archaeological Park, covering 200 acres and located adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qutub Minar, houses 55 historic structures built by different empires.
• These structures represent various periods, from the Khaljis, Tughlaqs, and Lodhis to the Mughals and British colonial rule.

Revamped Monuments:

Key landmarks within the park that have undergone restoration include the Jamali Kamali Mosque, Metcalfe House, Rajon ki Baoli, and the tombs of Mamluk king Ghiyas-ud-din Balban and Mughal governor Shah Quli Khan.

Connecting with Delhi’s Rich Past:

• The objective of the project is to bring to life Delhi’s rich history, extending beyond medieval-era monuments.
• The park aims to educate people about the diverse historical epochs that have contributed to the city’s heritage.

Restoration Approach:

The restoration and repair work involved using traditional materials and techniques, in adherence to the principles of the Master Plan for Delhi-2021 and the Unified Building Bye Laws, 2016.

Future Development and Preservation:

• The success of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park’s renovation serves as a model for similar projects at other heritage sites.
• The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is working on reopening one such park by November.
• The L-G emphasized the removal of any illegal structures near the park, following the Delhi High Court’s directives.

People’s Leisure and Historical Appreciation:

The transformation of the park in a mere 6-7 months provides a recreational and educational space for Delhi’s residents to enjoy with their families.

KATI BIHU

GS 1 (HISTORY): SOURCE- NEWS18

Assam is observing the traditional Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali Bihu, a significant harvest festival. “Kati” signifies the act of cutting, marking the period when rice saplings are relocated.

This festival customarily occurs in mid-October and is currently being celebrated on October 18th in 2023.

During Kati Bihu, devotees pay their respects to Goddess Lakshmi and the sacred Tulsi plant, seeking a fruitful harvest.

Another integral part of the celebration involves the lighting of a unique lamp known as the “Akash Banti” or “Sky Candle” in their paddy fields.

These lamps, powered by mustard oil, are positioned atop bamboo poles.

CBI UNEARTHS TWO INTERNATIONAL CYBER FRAUDS UNDER OPERATION CHAKRA

GS 3 (INTERNAL SECURITY): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated Operation Chakra-II, targeting organised cyber financial crimes. This operation unveiled a massive international fraud involving hundreds of crores and a cyber-enabled impersonation scam.

Case Origins:

Initial Case: The CBI began its investigation in 2022, prompted by various inputs, including information from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Sophisticated Cyber Crime: The case revolved around organised cybercrime targeting Indian citizens, led by foreign fraudsters who lured victims with fake investment, loan, and job opportunities.

Modus Operandi:

• Lure through Social Media: The fraudsters exploited social media platforms, online advertisement portals, encrypted chat applications, and SMS to attract victims.
• False Promises: Victims were promised lucrative part-time jobs through Ponzi schemes and multi-level marketing.
• Evasion Techniques: To avoid detection, the criminals employed a multi-layered approach, involving UPI accounts, cryptocurrencies, and international money transfers.
• Deceptive Advertisement: The fraudsters used the advertising tools of a popular search engine and spoofed headers for mass SMS campaigns, creating a web of deception.
• Money Laundering: Victims were convinced to deposit funds into UPI accounts with the hope of high returns. The ill-gotten money was laundered through a network of UPI accounts, ultimately converging into cryptocurrency or gold purchases using falsified credentials.

Shell Companies:

• The CBI uncovered 137 shell companies engaged in fraudulent activities. Many of these companies were registered with the Registrar of Companies in Bengaluru.
• Rigorous field investigations led to the identification of these companies’ directors, most of whom were based in Bengaluru. Some of these directors were also linked to a Bengaluru-based entity.