28-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

REASONABLE LIMITS

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

The case of Telegram and its founder, Pavel Durov, presents a complex interplay between the principles of free speech and the responsibilities of technology platforms.

Durov’s unwavering commitment to absolute free speech has positioned Telegram as a haven for dissidents and anti-state actors.

However, this laissez-faire approach has also led to the platform being used for harmful activities such as extremism, drug trafficking, and child pornography.

The Balancing Act:

• Free Speech Absolutism: Durov’s belief in absolute free speech has led him to prioritize user privacy over concerns about potential misuse. This has made Telegram attractive to those seeking to evade government scrutiny.
• The Dark Side: Despite its benefits, Telegram’s lack of stringent content moderation has allowed it to become a breeding ground for harmful content.
• This includes extremist ideologies, illegal activities, and child exploitation.
• The Role of Law Enforcement: Governments have increasingly sought to hold platforms accountable for the harmful content they host.
• Durov’s arrest in France highlights the growing pressure on technology companies to take action against illegal activities.
• The Need for Responsible Moderation: While free speech is a fundamental right, it is not absolute.
• Platforms like Telegram have a responsibility to balance this right with the need to protect users and prevent harmful content from spreading.

Laissez-Faire: A Policy of Minimal Government Intervention Laissez-faire is an economic policy that advocates for minimal government interference in the economy. The phrase translates to “leave us alone.” Origins: The concept of laissez-faire gained prominence in classical economics, particularly through the work of Adam Smith in his book “Wealth of Nations” (1776). Core Belief: Laissez-faire proponents believe in a natural economic order that functions best when individuals are free to pursue their own economic interests without government regulation. 19th Century Popularity: The laissez-faire doctrine was widely popular during the 19th century, with John Stuart Mill’s “Principles of Political Economy” (1848) providing a strong argument for its principles. Political and Economic Implications: Laissez-faire was not only an economic doctrine but also a political one. It emphasized the importance of individual liberty and limited government intervention in economic affairs. Criticism and Evolution: While laissez-faire was initially popular, it faced increasing criticism and gradually gave way to a more interventionist role for governments in economic matters. The Factory Acts in England and other regulatory measures are examples of this shift.

Balancing Free Speech and Safety on Telegram

• AI-Powered Tools: Implement advanced AI algorithms to detect and flag potentially harmful content, such as extremist propaganda, hate speech, and child exploitation.
• Human Moderators: Employ a team of human moderators to review flagged content and take appropriate action, such as removing harmful posts or banning accounts.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Require users to verify their identity through a second factor, such as a code sent to their phone or email, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to accounts.
• Transparent Reporting: Establish clear guidelines for reporting illegal activities to law enforcement agencies and cooperate with their investigations.
• End-to-End Encryption: While end-to-end encryption is essential for protecting user privacy, it can also make it difficult to detect and prevent harmful content. Explore ways to balance security with the need for content moderation.
• Educational Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate users about the potential risks of online platforms and encourage responsible behavior.

Conclusion:

The Telegram case raises important questions about the role of technology platforms in society. While it is essential to protect free speech, it is equally important to ensure that platforms are not used to harm individuals or undermine public safety. The future of Telegram will depend on its ability to strike a balance between these competing interests.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following is NOT a limitation on free speech as recognized by the Indian Constitution?
2. Speech that promotes enmity between different religious communities
3. Speech that incites violence
4. Speech that is defamatory
5. Speech that is critical of the government

ANSWER: D

PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA (PMJDY): A FINANCIAL INCLUSION SUCCESS STORY

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

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014, has been a cornerstone of India’s financial inclusion efforts. This initiative aimed to provide universal access to basic banking services, particularly for the underserved and marginalized sections of society.

Key Achievements:

• Massive Account Opening: Over 53.13 crore PMJDY accounts are now operational, with 3 crore more set to be opened in FY25.
• Rural and Semi-Urban Penetration: A significant 66.6% of PMJDY accounts have been opened in rural and semi-urban areas, demonstrating the scheme’s effectiveness in reaching the most vulnerable populations.
• Increased Average Balance: The average balance in PMJDY accounts has risen substantially to ₹4,352 in August 2024, indicating growing trust and usage.
• Women’s Empowerment: A commendable 55.6% of PMJDY accounts belong to women, empowering them financially and contributing to gender equality.
• Zero-Balance Accounts: While a significant number of accounts have zero balances, the overall trend is positive, with many accounts becoming active and accumulating deposits.

PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA (PMJDY) About: ·       Launched: 2014, as a flagship financial inclusion program. ·       Objective: To ensure universal access to banking facilities, offering basic banking accounts, financial literacy, credit, insurance, and pension. ·       Scope: Covers both urban and rural areas with a focus on marginalized and low-income segments. Key Features: ·       Banking Access: Provides at least one basic banking account per household with no minimum balance required. ·       Debit Card: Account holders receive a RuPay debit card. ·       Insurance Cover: Offers Accident Insurance Cover of Rs. 1 lakh (enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh for accounts opened after 28.8.2018). ·       Overdraft Facility: Eligible account holders can avail of an overdraft facility of Rs. 10,000, prioritizing the female member of the household. ·       Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): PMJDY accounts are linked to DBT, ensuring seamless transfer of government subsidies. ·       Linkage with Other Schemes: PMJDY accounts are linked with Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

Significance:

• Promoting Equitable Growth: Supports financial inclusion, leading to inclusive growth by providing affordable financial services.
• JAM Trinity: Integrates with the Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) architecture for effective delivery of government benefits.
• Formalizing Savings: Encourages savings among the poor within the formal financial system, reducing dependence on informal money lenders.
• Empowering Women: Approximately 55.5% of PMJDY accounts are held by women, fostering financial empowerment.

Other Government Initiatives for Financial Inclusion:

• National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE): Focuses on promoting financial literacy across the country.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Facilitates seamless digital transactions.
• Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA): Provides funding support to micro-enterprises.
• Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and Payment Banks: Extend banking services to underserved areas.
• Jan Dhan Darshak App: A mobile application for locating banking touchpoints.

Conclusion:

The PMJDY has been a remarkable success in bringing millions of Indians into the formal banking system. Its focus on financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas, has empowered the marginalized and contributed to overall economic development. As the scheme continues to expand and evolve, it has the potential to further strengthen India’s financial landscape.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):
2. There is no requirement to maintain a minimum balance in the accounts opened under the PMJDY scheme.
3. All account holders under the PMJDY scheme are provided with an overdraft facility of Rs. 10,000.
4. The RuPay debit card issued under the PMJDY scheme provides an accident insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakhs to all account holders, irrespective of the date of account opening.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

There is no requirement to maintain a minimum balance in PMJDY accounts.

The overdraft facility of Rs. 10,000 is available only to eligible account holders, not all account holders.

The accident insurance cover is Rs. 1 lakh for accounts opened before 28.8.2018 and Rs. 2 lakh for accounts opened after that date.

WHAT ARE COMBINATION DRUGS; WHY HAVE 156 OF THEM BEEN BANNED?

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Indian government’s decision to ban 156 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs has sparked widespread discussion and debate. FDCs, which combine multiple active ingredients into a single dosage form, have been a popular choice among patients for convenience and affordability. However, concerns about their safety and efficacy have led to their prohibition.

Key Points:

What are FDCs:  FDCs are medicines containing two or more active ingredients, often used for conditions like colds, fevers, and pain.

Reasons for the Ban: The government deemed many FDCs “irrational” due to:

• Lack of therapeutic benefit
• Potential safety risks
• Increased antibiotic resistance
• Evasion of pricing controls

Banned FDCs: The banned drugs included popular medications like Cheston Cold and Foracet, as well as combinations of antibiotics, anti-allergens, and other ingredients.

Impact on Patients: While the ban may have short-term inconveniences for patients who relied on these FDCs, the long-term benefits in terms of public health and safety are likely to outweigh the drawbacks.

Government’s Efforts: The government’s crackdown on FDCs is part of a broader effort to promote rational drug use and ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines available in India.

The Pharmaceutical Industry in India

Notable Achievements

• Global Contribution: Known as ‘the pharmacy of the world,’ India plays a crucial role in global public health and promotes universal healthcare access.
• Global Production Rank: India ranks 3rd globally in pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value.
• Generic Medicines: India is the largest global provider of generic medicines, holding a 20% share in global supply by volume.
• Generic Brands: The Indian pharmaceutical industry offers around 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories.
• Vaccine Manufacturing: India is the leading vaccine manufacturer worldwide, producing 62% of the world’s vaccines.
• WHO’s Vaccine Supply: Approximately 70% of the vaccines listed in WHO’s essential immunization schedule are sourced from India.

Industry Scenario

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

• Greenfield Pharmaceuticals: 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route.
• Brownfield Pharmaceuticals: 100% FDI is permitted, with 74% allowed under the automatic route and the remainder through government approval.

Exports:

• Global Reach: Indian pharmaceuticals are exported to over 200 countries.
• Market Share: India supplies over 50% of Africa’s generics, ~40% of generic demand in the US, and ~25% of all medicines in the UK.
• Export Growth: Exports of drugs and pharma products stood at $24.6 billion in 2021-22, witnessing a 103% growth from $11.6 billion in 2014.

Challenges

• Intellectual Property Rights: India faces challenges related to intellectual property rights in the pharmaceutical sector.
• R&D Limitations: The industry struggles with a lack of research and development, which hinders innovation.
• PESTEL Analysis: Assessing political, economic, sociocultural, technological, environmental, and legal factors is essential for understanding the opportunities and challenges in the Indian pharmaceutical market.

Vision Pharma 2047

• Goal: To make India a global leader in manufacturing affordable, innovative, and quality pharmaceuticals and medical devices, aligned with the vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Conclusion:

The ban on 156 FDC drugs represents a significant step towards improving the quality of healthcare in India. While the immediate impact may be felt by some patients, the long-term benefits in terms of public health and safety are likely to outweigh the drawbacks. The government’s commitment to regulating the pharmaceutical industry and ensuring the availability of safe and effective medicines is crucial for the well-being of the Indian population.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and India’s import dependency?
2. India imports over 60% of its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from China.
3. APIs are the biologically active components used in drug manufacturing.
4. The Indian government has launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to reduce dependency on API imports.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

ANSWER: D

EXPLANATION:

India imports over 60% of its APIs from China, leading to concerns about supply chain reliability.

APIs are the biologically active components in drug manufacturing, responsible for a medicine’s therapeutic effect.

The Indian government launched the PLI scheme to boost domestic API production and reduce import dependency.

COORDINATED ATTACKS

TOPIC: (GS3) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Baluchistan, Pakistan’s largest province, has been plagued by a longstanding insurgency, fuelled by a combination of historical grievances, economic marginalization, and human rights abuses.

The recent coordinated attacks by Baloch separatists on August 26, 2024, highlight the ongoing instability and violence in the region.

• Historical Context: Baluchistan’s grievances stem from its historical marginalization and exploitation by the Pakistani state. The province’s rich natural resources have been extracted without commensurate development benefits, leading to resentment among the local population.
• Separatist Movements: The Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other separatist groups have been fighting for greater autonomy or independence from Pakistan. They have used tactics such as guerrilla warfare, bombings, and kidnappings to achieve their goals.
• Government Response: Pakistan has historically adopted a military-centric approach to the Baluchistan conflict, deploying significant forces to quell the insurgency. However, this strategy has often backfired, leading to further alienation and fuelling support for separatist movements.
• Human Rights Abuses: The Pakistani government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Baluchistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. These abuses have contributed to the growing distrust and resentment among the local population.
• Economic Development: Baluchistan’s economic backwardness is a major factor driving the conflict. The province lacks adequate infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment.
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): The CPEC, a major infrastructure project passing through Baluchistan, has been a source of controversy. While it has the potential to bring economic benefits to the region, it has also raised concerns about land acquisition, displacement, and environmental impacts.

Balochistan Conflict with Pakistan Balochistan has been in conflict with the Pakistani government since 1947. The conflict is driven by ethnic issues and perceived economic and political exclusion of the Baloch people. India’s Stance: India’s Prime Minister mentioned Balochistan in an Independence Day speech, indicating a shift in India’s strategic approach to the region. About Balochistan Geographical Overview: ·       Largest province of Pakistan, covering approximately 43% of its total area. ·       Bordered by Iran (west), Afghanistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (north), Punjab and Sindh provinces (east), and the Arabian Sea (south). Demographics and Languages: ·       Major ethnic groups: Baloch and Pashtun. ·       Languages spoken include Balochi, Brahui, Pashto, and Sindhi. ·       There is a significant minority of mixed ethnic descent, mainly Sindhi origin. Geopolitical Extent: ·       The term “Balochistan” can refer to regions in three countries: ·       Pakistan: The province of Balochistan. ·       Iran: Sistan and Baluchestan province. ·       Afghanistan: Afghan region of Balochistan.

Conclusion:

The Baluchistan conflict is a complex issue with deep-rooted historical, political, and economic dimensions. Resolving the conflict requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying grievances of the Baloch people. Pakistan must adopt a more conciliatory approach, engage with civil society organizations, and invest in the economic development of Balochistan to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

MORE FEMALE STUDENTS ENTER TRADITIONAL ENGINEERING COURSES

TOPIC: (GS3) SOCIETY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Indian engineering education landscape has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with notable shifts in student enrolment trends.

One of the most striking changes has been the increasing participation of female students in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Key Trends:

• Declining Overall Enrolment: Despite the overall growth in higher education, undergraduate engineering enrolment has consistently declined in India since 2016.
• Shift in Gender Dynamics: While overall enrolment has decreased, female students have made significant strides in traditionally male-dominated engineering disciplines.
• Growth in Female Enrollment: The share of female students in mechanical, civil, mining, and marine engineering has increased substantially over the past decade.
• Decline in Traditional Choices: Female students have been moving away from traditional choices like electronics, computer, and IT engineering.
• Rise in Non-Traditional Fields: There has been a surge in female enrollment in mining, marine, mechanical, and civil engineering, which were previously dominated by male students.
• Changing Preferences: The decline in male enrollment in mechanical and civil engineering suggests a shift in preferences due to perceived employability concerns.
• Increasing Diversity: There has been a steady increase in the representation of SC, ST, and OBC students in engineering courses, indicating greater inclusivity.

Conclusion:

The Indian engineering education landscape is evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The increasing participation of female students in traditionally male-dominated fields is a positive development that reflects changing societal attitudes and opportunities. As the job market continues to evolve, it is essential for engineering institutions to adapt their curricula and pedagogy to meet the changing needs of students and industry.

CORRECTING RUMOURS CAN REDUCE SUPPORT FOR VIGILANTES

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Vigilante violence, especially in South Asia, is often incited by misinformation and rumors targeting minority groups.

This summary explores the impact of misinformation on vigilante violence and examines whether correcting such misinformation can reduce public support for these acts.

Background on Vigilante Violence:

• Vigilante violence against minorities has been rising in India and Pakistan, often triggered by rumours like ‘love jihad’ or cow meat transportation in India, and blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
• Misinformation often acts as a catalyst for such violence, exploiting ethnic, religious, and social divisions.

The Study and Experiment Design:

• Researchers conducted experiments in India’s Uttar Pradesh and Pakistan’s Punjab with 1,800 Hindu and 1,500 Sunni respondents, respectively.
• Participants listened to three scenarios depicting vigilante violence, followed by varying levels of corrective information, police actions, and elite messaging.

Key variables tested:

• Correction of Rumours: Information debunking the rumours.
• State Positionality: Police response to vigilante acts.
• Elite Rhetoric: Statements from political leaders condemning vigilante violence.

Key Findings:

• Corrections Reduce Support: Corrective information decreased support for vigilantism by 8%-10% in India and 17%-19% in Pakistan.
• Limited Role of State and Elites: Police actions did not significantly affect support levels. Elite messages reduced support in Pakistan but had minimal effect in India.
• Context-Specific Impact: Corrections were less effective in India for rumours strongly tied to political partisanship, such as cow transportation.

Causes of Mob Lynching:

• Perceived Threats: Mobs often engage in lynching when they believe certain actions or behaviors pose a threat to their cultural or religious identity.
• Rumours and Misinformation: Falsehoods spread through social media or word of mouth can ignite mob violence.
• Socioeconomic Tensions: Land disputes, economic disparities, and competition for resources can escalate into violent clashes.
• Political Manipulation: Political actors may exploit mob lynching to further their agendas.
• Communal Divisions: Pre-existing ethnic or religious tensions can exacerbate the risk of mob violence.
• Moral Vigilantism: Individuals or groups may take the law into their own hands, justifying violence to uphold their perceived moral standards.

Legal Implications:

• Violation of Human Rights: Mob lynching is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to life, dignity, and equality.
• Constitutional Infringement: Such incidents contravene Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
• Lack of Specific Legislation: While mob lynching is not explicitly defined in Indian law, it can be prosecuted under existing provisions such as murder, rioting, and unlawful assembly.

Supreme Court’s Response:

• Tahseen Poonawala Case: In 2017, the Supreme Court emphasized the state’s duty to protect citizens’ lives and condemned mob lynching as a “horrendous act of mobocracy.”
• Seven Remedial Directions: The Court issued seven directives to prevent and address mob lynching, including:
• Appointment of nodal officers
• Immediate FIR registration
• Personal monitoring of investigations
• Timely filing of chargesheets
• Victim compensation schemes

Conclusion:

Correcting misinformation can reduce support for vigilante violence, but its effectiveness varies based on political, social, and cultural contexts. Future research should focus on the deeper psychological mechanisms influencing support for such extra-legal actions.

UPGRADING INDIA’S WEATHER FORECASTING CAPABILITIES

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has made significant strides in improving weather forecasting over the past decade. However, the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns due to climate change necessitates further advancements to provide accurate and timely forecasts.

Key Improvements:

• Infrastructure Expansion: IMD has expanded its infrastructure, including automatic weather stations, rain gauges, Doppler radars, and upper air observation systems.
• Enhanced Data Collection: The department has increased its data collection capabilities through district-wise rainfall monitoring schemes and GPS-based balloon stations.
• Technological Advancements: IMD has invested in supercomputers and weather satellites to improve data processing and analysis.
• Improved Forecasting Accuracy: These advancements have led to significant improvements in weather forecasting, particularly for cyclones and long-range monsoon predictions.

Challenges and Future Directions:

• Hyper-Local Forecasting: Despite progress, forecasting weather events at a hyper-local level (1 km x 1 km) remains challenging.
• Climate Change Impacts: Climate change-induced unpredictability, such as extreme weather events, requires more sophisticated forecasting models.
• Technological Upgradation: Further investment in infrastructure, technology, and research is necessary to address these challenges.
• Customized Weather Models: Developing India-specific weather models that can better simulate local conditions is crucial for accurate forecasting.

Conclusion:

IMD’s efforts to upgrade its weather forecasting capabilities are essential for addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change. By investing in infrastructure, technology, and research, India can enhance its ability to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts, thereby improving disaster preparedness and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.

THE HIDDEN STRUGGLES OF SANITATION WORKERS IN MUMBAI

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: THE HINDU

Sanitation workers in Mumbai endure severe risks while cleaning stormwater drains, often facing dangerous and poorly regulated conditions. Despite legal prohibitions against manual scavenging, gaps in recognition and enforcement continue to leave these workers vulnerable.

Challenges Encountered

• Dangerous Work Conditions: Workers manually clean stormwater drains and sewers, coming into contact with hazardous substances and sewage, which poses serious health risks.
• Lack of Formal Recognition: Manual scavenging activities in stormwater drains are not officially acknowledged, depriving workers of essential legal protections and benefits intended to eliminate such practices.
• Regulatory Deficiencies: Poorly designed infrastructure leads to the contamination of stormwater drains with sewage, complicating and intensifying the risks associated with sanitation tasks.
• Precarious Employment: Many sanitation workers are seasonal migrants with unstable employment and incomes, increasing their vulnerability and limiting their access to social security measures.
• Insufficient Safety Measures: Although safety regulations are in place, workers frequently operate without the required protective equipment due to weak enforcement of these standards.
• Child Labour: Children from these communities are often forced into hazardous work, disrupting their education and future prospects.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Strengthen Safety Regulations: Enforce safety standards rigorously and ensure that workers are equipped with necessary protective gear.
• Acknowledge Manual Scavenging: Formally recognize manual scavenging in stormwater drains to extend legal protections and benefits to workers.

• Upgrade Infrastructure: Improve drainage systems to prevent the mixing of sewage with stormwater, reducing the risks associated with sanitation work.
• Promote Stable Employment: Offer secure job opportunities to migrant workers to mitigate economic instability and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

To improve the conditions for sanitation workers in Mumbai, a comprehensive approach is needed. Recognizing their work, enforcing safety regulations, upgrading infrastructure, and supporting stable employment are crucial for addressing their challenges and breaking the cycle of poverty.