25-November-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

PM SETS IN MOTION PROCESS FOR MADIGA SUB-CATEGORISATION

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated the process of forming a committee to address the longstanding demand for the sub-categorization of the Madiga community within the Scheduled Castes in Telangana, comprising around 50% of the SCs in the state.

This move comes just days before the Telangana Assembly election, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing the grievances of the Madiga community, which has been seeking sub-categorization since 1994.

The announcement was made during a rally on November 11, where PM Modi pledged support to community leader Manda Krishna Madiga. The sub-categorization aims to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among different communities within the SC category.

Sub-Categorization for Madiga Community

• Historical Demand: The Madiga community, constituting a significant portion of Telangana’s SC population, has long asserted that SC reservation benefits primarily favor the Mala community, leaving Madigas marginalized.
• PM’s Commitment: PM Modi’s commitment to addressing this issue was emphasized during a recent program organized by Manda Krishna Madiga, where he declared his support for justice to the Madiga community.
• Formation of Committee: The Prime Minister’s directive involves setting up a committee to delve into the complexities and nuances of sub-categorizing the Madiga community within the SCs.

Conclusion

The initiation of the committee formation process by PM Modi reflects the government’s responsiveness to the concerns of the Madiga community. This move not only acknowledges the historical injustices faced by Madigas but also aligns with the government’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity. The upcoming committee’s findings and recommendations will be pivotal in ensuring a fair distribution of reservation benefits among different sections within the Scheduled Castes in Telangana, addressing a persistent demand that dates back almost three decades.

FALSE ALARM

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The resurgence of influenza-like illnesses in China, particularly in Beijing and Liaoning, has raised concerns, echoing memories of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The delay in reporting by China’s National Health Commission to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the similarities to the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak have sparked apprehension about the emergence of a new virus. Notably, China’s hesitancy in promptly notifying the WHO, reminiscent of the initial COVID-19 response, has drawn attention. However, China attributes the rise in cases to enhanced surveillance.

Concerns and Delayed Reporting

• Outbreak Resembling COVID-19: The current outbreak of respiratory illnesses in China, especially among children, raises concerns of a potential new virus, reminiscent of the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Delayed Reporting to WHO: China’s National Health Commission failed to promptly report the surge in pneumonia cases among children to the WHO, reflecting similarities to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China’s Explanation and WHO Intervention

• Enhanced Surveillance Claim: China attributes the increased detection of respiratory illnesses to enhanced surveillance covering various viruses and bacteria, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• WHO Intervention: The WHO, only informed through media reports, had to request detailed information from China about the outbreak, indicating a lapse in voluntary reporting.

SEBI NOT OBLIGED TO TAKE OCCRP FINDINGS ON ADANI AS GOSPEL: SC

GS 2 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Supreme Court, led by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, has addressed the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) stance on foreign media reports regarding the Adani Group. While acknowledging the reports, the court emphasized that SEBI cannot treat them as indisputable evidence.

SEBI’s Stance and Evidentiary Standards

• Gospel Truth Not Expected: The court clarified that SEBI, as a statutory regulator, cannot be expected to accept media reports as “gospel truth” without meeting evidentiary requirements.
• Journalists vs. SEBI Powers: The comparison was drawn between journalists obtaining details and SEBI’s investigative powers, raising questions about SEBI’s response.

Solicitor-General’s Submission

• SEBI’s Request for Documents: Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta informed the court that SEBI had requested documents from OCCRP, but the global NGO refused to share the material.
• Allegations of Conflict of Interest: The court reserved judgment on a plea for a separate Special Investigation Team (SIT) due to alleged conflicts of interest in the earlier committee, emphasizing fairness in scrutinizing committee members.

Allegation from Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

• DRI Alert Concealment Claim: Prashant Bhushan claimed that SEBI concealed an alert from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) regarding Adani allegedly siphoning off money. Solicitor-General countered, stating the DRI had closed the probe in 2017.
• Court’s Caution on Allegations: The court urged caution in making allegations, emphasizing that the matter had already been investigated and closed by the DRI, CESTAT, and the Supreme Court.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of SEBI’s response to media reports on the Adani Group underscores the need for a balanced approach, considering evidentiary standards and ensuring fairness. The court’s reservation of judgment on alleged conflicts of interest and the DRI alert emphasizes the importance of a thorough examination of facts in such crucial financial matters.

CENTRE EXEMPTS CERT-IN FROM PURVIEW OF RTI ACT

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Union government has included the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in the list of organizations exempted from the Right to Information Act (RTI). CERT-In, functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, serves as the national nodal agency for addressing computer security incidents and promoting security awareness. The exemption places CERT-In alongside 26 other intelligence and security organizations protected from RTI scrutiny.

Exemption Notification

• Amendment to RTI Act: The Department of Personnel and Training issued a notification, amending the RTI Act to include CERT-In in the Second Schedule, thereby exempting it from RTI provisions.
• Historical Amendments: The last amendment to the Second Schedule occurred in 2016, adding the Strategic Forces Command. The Defense Research and Development Organisation and Border Roads Development Board from the Ministry of Defence are also part of the exempted list.

CERT-In’s Cybersecurity Role

• National Cybersecurity Mandate: CERT-In plays a crucial role in responding to cyber threats and incidents, including major attacks. Its recent involvement in addressing the AIIMS ransomware attack exemplifies its national cybersecurity mandate.

Conclusion

The government’s decision to exempt CERT-In from the RTI Act aligns with similar protections granted to other intelligence and security agencies. While such exemptions ensure confidentiality in sensitive matters, maintaining transparency and balancing national security with public accountability remains a critical aspect for scrutiny and public trust.

 

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND UN PARTNERS LAUNCHED THE FIRST PROGRESS REPORT FOR 2021-2023 ON UN DECADE OF HEALTHY AGEING 2021-2030

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The World Health Organization and UN Partners have released the first Progress Report (2021-2023) on the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (UNDHA) 2021-2030. UNDHA is a global initiative focusing on improving the quality of life for older individuals and recognizing their fundamental health rights. The Progress Report outlines key principles and findings aimed at promoting healthy aging worldwide.

Key Principles of UN Decade of Healthy Ageing

• Guiding Principle: The UNDHA seeks to provide everyone, regardless of their location, with the opportunity to enhance the quality of their later years, aligning with the overarching principle of adding life to years.
• Healthy Ageing Defined: The central theme of healthy ageing is the development and maintenance of functional abilities that contribute to overall well-being in older age.

Findings from the Report

• Policy Advancements: The report indicates positive progress, with 87% of countries reporting the implementation of policies or strategies for healthy ageing in 2022, a notable increase from 73% in 2020.
• Challenges in Caregiver Support: Informal, unpaid caregivers face inadequate support, with only 16% of low-income countries providing the necessary assistance.
• Limited Resources: Despite advancements, resources for initiatives promoting healthy ageing remain limited, emphasizing the need for increased investments.

Action Areas for Healthy Ageing

• Changing Perspectives: Shifting societal views on age and ageing to foster inclusivity and understanding.
• Community Empowerment: Communities play a crucial role in nurturing the abilities of older individuals.
• Person-Centered Care: Delivering integrated and person-centered health services responsive to the unique needs of older people.
• Long-Term Care Access: Ensuring access to long-term care services for older individuals.

Conclusion

The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing marks a global effort to prioritize and enhance the well-being of the elderly. While progress has been made, challenges persist in caregiver support and resource availability. The report emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts and increased investments to achieve the objectives outlined in the UNDHA.

LARGE OZONE HOLES REAPPEAR OVER ANTARCTICA: STUDY

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

A recent study reveals concerning findings about the ozone layer over Antarctica, showing a significant increase in the size and thinning of the ozone hole from 2020 to 2022. This phenomenon poses potential threats to Earth’s protective shield against harmful ultraviolet rays. The ozone layer, crucial for safeguarding the planet, has faced challenges since the discovery of human-made Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs). Understanding the factors influencing the resurgence of the ozone hole over Antarctica is essential for global environmental conservation.

                        

Factors Influencing Ozone Hole

• Antarctic Polar Vortex Changes: Alterations in the stratospheric wind pattern, specifically the Antarctic polar vortex, contribute to the formation and expansion of the ozone hole.
• Aerosols from Natural Events: Wildfires and volcanic eruptions release aerosols, influencing ozone depletion in the stratosphere.
• Solar Cycle Variations: Changes in the solar cycle impact the ozone layer, affecting its composition and thickness.
• Climate Change and CFCs: Human-induced climate change and the increased presence of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere contribute to ozone layer depletion.

Ozone Layer Protection Efforts

• Montreal Protocol (1987): The international agreement aims to phase out the production and consumption of ODSs, including chlorine, bromine, CFCs, and halons.
• Recovery Outlook: Despite challenges, the United Nations Environment Programme predicts the ozone layer’s recovery within four decades, emphasizing the importance of continued global efforts.

Conclusion

The reemergence of large and thin ozone holes over Antarctica underscores the ongoing environmental challenges. Mitigating factors contributing to ozone layer depletion requires sustained international cooperation, as exemplified by the Montreal Protocol. Monitoring and addressing the identified drivers are crucial steps toward preserving the ozone layer and ensuring a sustainable future.

INDIAN GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL (IGBC)

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

• IGBC, headquartered in Hyderabad and established by the Confederation of Indian Industry in 2001, is advancing its Net Zero mission with the introduction of new green rating tools.
• These tools include the Net Zero Carbon Rating and updated versions of existing systems: Green Existing Building Rating Version 1.0, Green Factory Rating Version 2.0, and Green Campus Rating Version 1.0.
• As India’s premier certification body for project greening, IGBC envisions India becoming a global leader in green buildings and the built environment by 2025.

Additionally, as a founding member of the World Green Building Council, IGBC actively engages in