23-March-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

DELHI CHIEF MINISTER ARVIND KEJRIWAL ARRESTED IN EXCISE POLICY CASE: ALLEGATIONS OF CONSPIRACY AND CORRUPTION SURFACE

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested due to his involvement in the excise policy case, marking a significant event in Indian political history. The Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, also known as the new liquor policy, was implemented but later reverted to the old regime amid controversies.

Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest: Allegations and Legal Proceedings

• Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the Delhi excise scam, accused of orchestrating favorable treatment for certain individuals and demanding kickbacks.
• He was alleged to have played a direct role in formulating the excise policy to benefit specific groups, leading to accusations of corruption and misuse of power.
• Legal arguments against his arrest highlighted the lack of substantial evidence and credibility issues with witness statements.

Connection with the ‘South Group’ and Implications

• The involvement of the ‘South Group’ in the excise policy added complexity to the case, implicating prominent figures and alleging kickbacks to AAP leaders.
• Kejriwal’s arrest raises questions about political accountability and governance integrity in Delhi, emphasizing the need for transparency in policymaking processes.

Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22: Features and Controversy

• The new liquor policy aimed to improve customer experience and curb black marketing but faced procedural lapses and irregularities.
• Allegations of financial losses, arbitrary decisions, and kickbacks led to investigations by the CBI and the ED.
• The ED alleged money laundering and kickbacks amounting to over Rs 292 crore, highlighting the modus operandi behind the alleged scam.

Conclusion: Significance and Lessons Learned

Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and the excise policy controversy underscore the challenges of corruption in governance and the importance of accountability and transparency in political leadership.

The case serves as a reminder of the need for ethical governance practices to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust in democratic institutions.

REVIVING TRADITION: THE TIMELESS ARTISTRY OF GULAAL GOTA MAKING IN JAIPUR

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

As Holi celebrations unfold across India, Jaipur in Rajasthan introduces a unique tradition called ‘gulaal gota,’ adding a distinctive charm to the festivities.

Dating back 400 years, this tradition intertwines historical narratives with cultural practices, creating a vibrant tapestry of local heritage.

Description of Gulaal Gota: Craftsmanship and Impact

• Gulaal gota comprises lac-made balls filled with dry colors, bursting upon impact, covering individuals in vibrant hues.
• The intricate process involves shaping lac resin into spherical forms, filling them with gulaal, and sealing them meticulously.
• Raw materials such as lac resin are sourced from regions like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, raising ethical and environmental considerations due to insect sacrifice.

Historical Roots and Cultural Significance: Legacy and Patronage

• Jaipur’s gulaal gota tradition originated with Muslim lac artisans, the Manihaars, who learned the craft from Hindu lac makers centuries ago.
• Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur’s founder, patronized lac artisans, honoring them with ‘Manihaaronka Raasta’ in Tripoliya Bazaar.
• Royal families actively participate in Holi festivities, promoting and preserving the tradition across generations.

Economic Sustainability and Challenges: Balancing Tradition and Livelihood

• While gulaal gotas hold cultural importance, sustaining the craft presents economic hurdles for artisans.
• Seasonal nature necessitates alternative income sources, with lac bangle making being primary, but threatened by modern alternatives.
• Economic challenges prompt efforts to protect artisans’ livelihoods, including governmental support and recognition.

Future Prospects and Preservation Efforts: Promoting Cultural Heritage

• Artisans showcase their craft globally, receiving acknowledgment from dignitaries like Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Initiatives like pursuing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag aim to raise awareness and protect the tradition’s uniqueness.
• Government interventions, such as artisan support programs, bolster efforts to preserve traditional craftsmanship amidst changing market dynamics.

Conclusion: Sustaining Tradition Amidst Modernity

The tradition of gulaal gota epitomizes Jaipur’s cultural richness and artisanal skill. Despite economic challenges, artisans’ resilience and preservation efforts signal hope for the tradition’s continuity and cultural significance in Jaipur’s vibrant tapestry of heritage.

MODI WINS BHUTAN AWARD: LIST OF ALL INTERNATIONAL STATE HONOURS PM HAS WON

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: BUSINESS STANDARD

The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, highlighting its extraordinary and exemplary nature.

This praise underscores the deep-seated friendship and bilateral relations between India and Bhutan, emphasizing Modi’s role in India’s progress and its impact on Bhutan’s future.

Award Ceremony and Bilateral Meetings:

• Prime Minister Modi was honored with Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, during his visit to Thimphu, symbolizing the strong bond between the two nations.
• Bilateral discussions covered various sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism, aiming to enhance cooperation and mutual prosperity.
• This recognition reflects the depth of India-Bhutan relations and highlights the commitment to further strengthen ties.

Recognition of India’s Assistance and Generosity: Mutual Gratitude

• Bhutan acknowledges India’s crucial role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly Modi’s efforts in providing vaccines to Bhutan promptly.
• The award presented to Modi signifies Bhutan’s gratitude for India’s unwavering support during challenging times, fostering deep friendship and cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi’s Leadership and Global Influence:

• Modi’s leadership qualities, including compassion, vision, and competence, have propelled India towards technological innovation and economic growth.
• His “Neighborhood First” policy has strengthened regional ties and enhanced India’s moral authority and global influence.
• The exchange of MoUs and pacts emphasizes the commitment to mutual prosperity and deepening cooperation between India and Bhutan.

Significance of Bhutan for India:

• Bhutan’s strategic location as a buffer state between India and China holds importance for India’s security interests.
• India’s assistance in defense, infrastructure, and communication has helped maintain Bhutan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Economic ties between India and Bhutan are significant, with India being Bhutan’s largest trading partner and assisting in hydropower development.
• Cultural ties between the two nations are strong, with shared Buddhist heritage and educational exchanges.
• Bhutan’s commitment to environmental sustainability aligns with India’s assistance in renewable energy and conservation efforts.

Conclusion: Bilateral Relations and Shared Values

• The praise from the King of Bhutan towards PM Modi underscores the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan.
• Both nations share a commitment to mutual prosperity, strategic security, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, paving the way for deeper ties and shared progress in the future.

WHO PAYS, WHO WINS

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Electoral Bonds Scheme, introduced by the Indian government, has faced criticism for its impact on transparency and accountability in political funding.

The recent Supreme Court judgment scrapping the scheme sheds light on the perceived nexus between the ruling party and business houses, sparking debates on electoral reforms and governance integrity.

Government’s Attempts to Conceal Nexus:

• The government’s response to the corporate-ruling party nexus involved establishing a Fact Check Unit under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, to suppress information and dissent.
• However, the Supreme Court intervened to stay its implementation, safeguarding freedom of speech and preventing potential censorship during election campaigns.

Concealment of Corruption:

• Efforts to conceal the nexus underscore the importance of transparency in governance, exposing potential quid pro quo arrangements.
• The open support for the scheme by the RSS adds a political dimension, suggesting broader ideological alignments with the ruling dispensation.

Corruption and Abuse of Power: Electoral Bond Data Revelations

• Electoral bond data reveals alarming trends of corruption and abuse of power within the government, casting doubts on claims of integrity and accountability.
• Instances of raids and searches by central agencies followed by frozen cases post-donations from tainted entities point to systemic flaws and manipulation for political gains.

Need for Electoral Reforms: Addressing Systemic Challenges

• Electoral funding in India necessitates urgent reforms to ensure fairness and accountability.
• Suggestions include regulation of donations, limits on expenditure, and providing public funding to parties to curtail the influence of money power.

Suggestions for Electoral Funding in India: Balancing Transparency and Anonymity

• Regulation of donations and limits on expenditure aim to prevent undue influence and financial arms races.
• Providing public funding to parties based on predetermined criteria ensures a level playing field and reduces reliance on large donors.
• Balancing transparency and anonymity involves disclosure requirements, striking a balance between public interests, and establishing a National Election Fund to eliminate concerns about donor reprisals.

Conclusion: Upholding Democratic Principles and Electoral Integrity

The scrutiny of India’s Electoral Bonds Scheme and calls for electoral reforms underscore critical issues surrounding transparency, accountability, and corruption in the electoral process.

The Supreme Court’s intervention and ongoing debates signify the nation’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and combating the influence of money power in politics, paving the way for fair and inclusive elections in the future.

INS TIR AND INS SUJATA

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: FINANCIAL EXPRESS

INS Tir and INS Sujata are set to participate in the upcoming India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) TriLateral (TRILAT) Exercise.

• The IMT Trilateral Exercise is a joint maritime exercise scheduled to take place from March 21 to March 29, 2024.
• The first edition of the IMT TRILAT exercise occurred in October 2022, featuring INS Tarkash alongside the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies.
• The current edition is planned in two phases, starting with the harbour phase from March 21 to March 24. INS Tir and INS Sujata will engage with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique).
• During the harbour phase, joint training activities such as Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation, and Diving operations will be conducted.
• The sea phase focuses on countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, manoeuvres, firing exercises, and joint EEZ surveillance.
• The exercise will conclude with a joint debrief scheduled at Nacala (Mozambique).
• Indian Naval ships will be open for visitors during the harbour stay and will partake in sports and cultural exchanges with host Navies.

WHITE DWARFS

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

 Astronomers have reported the discovery of four white dwarf stars belonging to a rare DAQ spectral subclass.

About White dwarfs:

• White dwarfs are stellar remnants formed after a dying star exhausts its nuclear fuel and sheds its outer layers to form a planetary nebula.
• They represent the end stage of stars like the Sun after nuclear fusion ceases.
• Despite being extremely hot, white dwarfs no longer undergo nuclear fusion reactions.
• Typically, a white dwarf is half as massive as the Sun but only slightly larger than Earth, making them incredibly dense.
• Newly formed white dwarfs contain helium, carbon, and oxygen nuclei surrounded by highly energetic electrons.
• Unlike other stars, white dwarfs are supported by electron degeneracy pressure due to stellar contraction.
• Without accreting matter from nearby stars, white dwarfs cool over billions of years, eventually becoming ‘black dwarfs’.
• White dwarfs’ luminosity helps astronomers measure the age of star formation in specific regions.
• They serve as important cosmological tools, providing insights into the stars they originated from.
• In 2006, Hubble became the first telescope to directly observe white dwarfs in globular star clusters, revealing them as the dimmest stars ever seen in such clusters.

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

Scientists have discovered a new mechanism through which Ebola replicates in the human body, identifying a potential target for drugs to combat the viral disease.

About Ebola virus disease

• Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe illness caused by various species of viruses from the genus Ebolavirus, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa.
• It was named after the Ebola River near a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the disease was first observed.
• Ebola is less contagious than common viruses like colds or flu and is transmitted through contact with infected animals such as monkeys, chimps, or fruit bats, and then from person to person through bodily fluids.
• The disease outbreaks mainly occur in Africa, with occasional occurrences elsewhere.
• Symptoms of Ebola include flu-like symptoms initially, progressing to severe vomiting, bleeding, and neurological issues.
• Currently, there is no specific treatment for Ebola, though experimental vaccines and therapeutics are under testing.
• Recovery depends on factors like the initial viral exposure, early treatment initiation, age, and immune response of the patient.
• Mortality rates for EVD vary from 25 percent to 90 percent, with an average of 50 percent, often due to shock from fluid loss rather than blood loss.