28-December-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

NEW DETENTION POLICY

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Right to Education (RTE) Act introduced reforms like Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) and a ‘no detention’ policy up to Class 8 to ease examination stress on students. The recent changes in the detention policy aim to address this issue but face criticism for reverting to old practices.

Background of the No Detention Policy

• To reduce examination-related stress and create a supportive school environment. Implemented from Class 6 onwards with continuous evaluations.
• Avoided high-pressure year-end exams focused only on academics.
• Many students lacked basic literacy and numeracy skills after completing primary school. This learning gap often persisted through middle school.

Policy Changes in 2019 and After

• Policy Revision: In 2019, the no detention policy was scrapped, leaving decisions to State governments. CCE was also discontinued.
• COVID-19 Impact: Pandemic disruptions prevented implementation of the revised rules.
• Recent Notification (2023): Mandates final exams for Class 5 and Class 8. Students failing these exams are given additional instruction and a re-exam after two months. Failure in the re-exam results in detention.

Rationale for the Change

• Addressing Learning Gaps: Focuses on improving foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. Aims to prepare an educated and skilled population to leverage the demographic dividend.
• Collective Responsibility: Acknowledges that the learning crisis is a societal failure requiring broader participation.

Criticism of the Policy

• Return to Final Exams: Reinstates reliance on a single examination to decide promotion or detention. Contradicts the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of formative and holistic assessments.
• NEP 2020’s Vision: Proposes multidimensional progress reports and self/peer assessments. Advocates for a shift from summative to formative evaluation.
• Concerns for Private Schools: Risk of misusing the policy to expel low-performing students.

Conclusion

While the new detention policy seeks to improve learning outcomes, it undermines NEP 2020’s progressive ideals. Addressing systemic issues in education requires a broader, more inclusive approach rather than a return to outdated practices.

CLIMATE DISASTERS IN 2024

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The year 2024 stands out as the hottest year ever recorded, with rising global temperatures and warmer oceans triggering extreme weather events worldwide. These climate disasters caused significant loss of life, massive economic damages, and displacement, highlighting the growing urgency to address climate change.

Climate Disasters in 2024

• 2024 witnessed severe climate events affecting both developing regions and advanced economies.
• Rising atmospheric and ocean temperatures intensified these disasters.
• Almost every disaster was linked to the worsening impacts of climate change, signaling a critical climate crisis.

Key Impacts of Rising Temperatures

• Heatwaves and Casualties: Extreme heat led to numerous deaths, especially during large gatherings like pilgrimages. Countries such as India, Thailand, and the United States faced significant heat-related crises.
• Droughts and Wildfires: High temperatures worsened drought conditions, leading to severe water shortages. Wildfires became more frequent and destructive due to dry conditions.

Flooding and Heavy Rainfall

• Causes: Warmer oceans increased evaporation, resulting in higher rainfall. Climate-induced heavy rains caused unprecedented flooding.
• Global Impact: Countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas experienced historic floods. Millions of people were displaced, and thousands lost their lives.

Hurricanes and Cyclones

• Increased Destructive Potential: Warmer ocean surfaces provided energy for stronger tropical storms. Hurricanes and cyclones became more frequent and devastating.
• Affected Regions: Areas like the Caribbean, the Philippines, and Mayotte experienced repeated severe storms, leading to extensive damage.

Economic Toll and Long-Term Consequences

• Financial Losses: Global economic damages from climate disasters reached approximately $310 billion.
• Social and Developmental Impact: Widespread displacement worsened poverty and inequality. Long-term effects on economies and communities are difficult to quantify but are expected to be significant.

Conclusion

The climate disasters of 2024 underline the devastating effects of rising global temperatures and the urgency to combat climate change. Without stronger mitigation efforts and global cooperation, such extreme weather events are likely to become even more frequent and severe, threatening lives, economies, and the planet’s future.

HOUSEHOLD SPENDING TRENDS (2023-24)

TOPIC: (GS3) ENCONOMY: THE HINDU

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2023-24 highlights a positive shift in rural and urban consumption patterns, with a narrowing gap between the two, signalling improved economic well-being and reduced consumption inequality.

Key Findings of the HCES

• Increase in Per Capita Spending: Average Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) increased by 3.53% in rural areas, reaching ₹2,079. Urban MPCE rose by 3.48%, reaching ₹6,996.
• Trend of Declining Consumption Inequality: The urban-rural spending gap continued to narrow, building on the trends observed in the 2022-23 survey.
• Non-Food Expenditure Dominates: Non-food items accounted for 53% of rural and 60% of urban MPCE. Spending on food and beverages saw a decline, driven primarily by reduced expenditure on edible oils.

Significance of HCES Findings

• Economic Indicators: The survey provides insights into economic well-being, poverty levels, and consumption patterns. It helps update the Consumer Price Index (CPI) used to measure retail inflation.
• Rural Growth Momentum: The sustained rise in rural spending indicates stronger economic activity and improved living standards in rural areas.
• Policy Implications: The narrowing urban-rural gap points to the effectiveness of rural development initiatives.
• Identifying shifts in consumption, such as reduced food expenditure, can guide resource allocation and policy adjustments.

Measures the Government Can Take to Stabilize Household Consumption Expenditure

• Boosting Income Levels and Employment: Implement wage support programs and skill development initiatives to increase household incomes. Create job opportunities through public infrastructure projects and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Controlling Inflation and Ensuring Price Stability: Regulate essential commodity prices by maintaining adequate supply through imports, subsidies, or price controls. Adjust monetary policies to curb inflation and maintain consumer purchasing power.
• Strengthening Social Security and Welfare Programs: Expand direct benefit transfers (DBT), food security programs, and subsidies for vulnerable populations to reduce their financial burden. Offer tax relief and incentives to lower-income groups to increase disposable income and stimulate spending.

HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE (HCE):

Household Consumption Expenditure refers to the total spending by individuals or families on goods and services for their personal use within a specified period. It includes expenses on essentials like food, clothing, housing, healthcare, education, and non-essential items such as entertainment and luxury goods.

Key Features:

• Scope: Covers all expenditures by households, excluding investments or savings.
• Categories: Divided into two major components:

1. • Food Expenditure: Spending on food items, beverages, and cooking essentials.
   • Non-Food Expenditure: Includes housing, education, transportation, healthcare, and other services.

Conclusion

The HCES findings for 2023-24 highlight a steady improvement in household spending, reduced consumption inequality, and sustained rural economic growth. These trends underscore the importance of targeted policies to maintain this momentum and address any emerging disparities in specific sectors.

FOREST AND TREE COVER GROWTH IN INDIA: PROGRESS AND INITIATIVES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: PIB

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 showcases India’s progress in expanding forest and tree cover, supported by innovative government programs and community involvement.

Key Findings of ISFR 2023

• Forest and tree cover spans 827,357 square kilometres, accounting for 25.17% of India’s land area (21.76% forest cover and 3.41% tree cover).
• Forest cover increased from 698,712 km² in 2013 to 715,343 km² in 2023.
• Fire incidents reduced from 223,333 hotspots in 2021-22 to 203,544 hotspots in 2023-24.
• India’s carbon sink reached 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, moving closer to the 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target.

Government Initiatives for Forest Conservation

Green India Mission (GIM)

• Aims to restore and enhance forest cover.
• ₹944.48 crore allocated to 17 states and 1 UT for restoration projects.

Nagar Van Yojana (NVY)

• Focuses on creating green spaces in urban areas.
• ₹431.77 crore sanctioned for 546 projects.

Mangrove Initiative (MISHTI)

• Restores mangroves in coastal regions.
• ₹17.96 crore allocated to states for mangrove restoration.

School Nursery Yojana (SNY)

• Promotes tree planting in schools.
• 743 projects approved with a fund of ₹4.80 crore.

Compensatory Afforestation (CAMPA)

• Ensures afforestation to offset forest losses caused by development activities.

Technological Advancements

• Forest Fire Alert System: Monitors and prevents forest fires.
• Mapping and Digitization: Forest boundaries digitized in 25 States/UTs to improve forest management.

Legal Framework for Conservation

• Indian Forest Act, 1927
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• State-specific tree preservation acts to ensure urban and rural tree protection.

Role of Communities in Conservation

• Individual efforts like Tulsi Gowda’s contributions, known as the “Mother of Trees,” underline the importance of public participation in environmental protection.

FOREST SURVEY OF INDIA (FSI)

• Founded on 1st June 1981, replacing the Pre-Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR) initiated in 1965.
• The National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) in 1976 recommended establishing a national organization for forest surveys.

Parent Organization

• Operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India.

Objectives

• Regular Forest Resource Monitoring: Assesses and monitors India’s forest resources periodically.
• Training and Research: Provides services in training, research, and extension.

Headquarters and Regional Presence

• Headquarters: Located in Dehradun.

Conclusion

India is steadily advancing toward environmental sustainability with increased forest cover, reduced fire incidents, and robust conservation programs. Collaborative efforts by the government and communities ensure a greener, healthier future.

NEW PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN SOMALIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The UN Security Council (UNSC) has approved a new peacekeeping mission called the African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

About AUSSOM

• Objective: AUSSOM aims to stabilize Somalia, which faces persistent insurgency and terrorism threats.
• Replacement of AU Mission: It will take over from the larger AU anti-terrorism operation that ends in 2025.
• Mandate: Focuses on supporting Somalia’s government and security forces to maintain peace and stability.

• This mission, starting on January 1, 2025, will replace the existing African Union (AU) anti-terrorism operation.

• Funding concerns from key donors, including the United States and European Union, influenced this decision

Challenges in Implementation

• Dependency on Foreign Aid: Somalia’s security has heavily relied on external funding since Ethiopia’s intervention in 2006. This reliance stems from insufficient domestic capacity to counter insurgency threats.
• Funding Issues: Major donors like the US and EU expressed concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of peacekeeping missions. Negotiations for AUSSOM highlighted the complexity of securing consistent funding.
• UNSC Decision: The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favour, but the US abstained due to financial concerns.

About the UN Security Council (UNSC)

• Role: The UNSC is responsible for maintaining global peace and security. It can authorize military actions, impose sanctions, and establish peacekeeping missions.
• Composition: 15 Members: Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US (have veto power).
• Non-Permanent Members: 10 members elected for two-year terms.
• Decision-Making: Requires 9 votes to pass resolutions, including agreement from all permanent members. UNSC resolutions are legally binding on all UN member states.
• Headquarters: Located in New York City, it conducts regular and emergency meetings.

Conclusion

The UNSC’s authorization of AUSSOM reflects efforts to adapt peacekeeping missions to changing circumstances while addressing funding challenges. Strengthening Somalia’s stability is vital for regional and global security, but sustainable financial support remains a key issue for such operations.

CASTE AND EDUCATIONAL MARGINALIZATION IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIETY: THE HINDU

In India, students from marginalized communities, especially Dalits, continue to face significant barriers in accessing and sustaining higher education. These barriers stem from historical caste-based discrimination, systemic inequalities, and the increasing cost of education, which further marginalizes these students.

Key Issues Faced by Dalit Students

Financial Barriers

• Increased Tuition Fees: Educational institutions, including IITs and IIMs, have raised tuition fees significantly. For instance, IITs increased undergraduate fees by 200% in 2016, from ₹90,000 to ₹3 lakh annually.
• These hikes make it increasingly difficult for students from marginalized communities to afford education, even if they secure admissions through competitive exams.
• Limited Financial Support: While schemes like the Vidyalakshmi scholarship aim to help marginalized students, they do not fully cover the rising costs of education.
• As a result, many students face the harsh reality of either dropping out or being unable to enroll in top institutions due to financial strain.

Dropout Rates

• Widespread Dropout Issues: Over 13,500 students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) have dropped out of institutions like IITs, IIMs, and central universities in the past five years due to financial pressures.
• In IITs alone, 2,066 OBC students, 1,068 SC students, and 408 ST students dropped out between 2017 and 2018.
• Impact on Mental Health: Financial strain and the high cost of education contribute to the mental stress faced by these students. This issue has tragically led to suicides, with 122 cases reported over seven years in IITs and IIMs.

Systemic Inequalities and Caste-Based Discrimination

• Caste-Based Exclusion: Dalits continue to face caste-based prejudice in educational institutions, which affects their integration and social acceptance.
• Discrimination manifests through derogatory remarks, social isolation, and exclusion from peer groups, making it difficult for Dalit students to thrive academically and socially.
• Representation in Faculty: Data shows that Dalit representation in faculty positions is minimal. In IITs, only 5% of faculty members come from SC, ST, and OBC backgrounds, despite these groups constituting a significant portion of the population.

The Need for Reform

• Addressing Economic and Social Barriers: There is an urgent need for reforms that address both the economic barriers and caste-based discrimination that Dalit students face.
• Improving the financial support systems, reducing the cost of education, and creating a more inclusive academic environment can help ensure that Dalit students have equal opportunities to succeed.
• Support for Mental Health: Institutions must also focus on mental health support for students under stress, especially those from marginalized communities, to prevent tragic outcomes like suicides and dropouts.

Conclusion

The educational struggles faced by Dalit students highlight the intersection of caste-based discrimination and economic challenges. A concerted effort to implement systemic reforms, ensure equal representation, and provide financial and emotional support is essential to creating a more inclusive and equitable education system in India.

‘22% RISE IN ENROLMENT AFTER SMART CLASSROOM INITIATIVE’

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has led to a 22% increase in student enrolment in government schools by introducing smart classrooms, improving both learning experiences and teacher comfort.

Key Highlights of the Smart Classroom Initiative

• Increase in Enrolment: The initiative resulted in a 22% rise in enrolment between 2015-16 and 2023-24, as reported by 19 cities. 71 cities have established 9,433 smart classrooms across 2,398 government schools.
• Regional Implementation: Karnataka (80) and Rajasthan (53) have the highest number of smart classrooms. Delhi (12) and West Bengal (2) have fewer smart classrooms.
• Improved Learning and Attendance: Teachers reported improved learning experiences and student attendance due to the smart classrooms.
• Teacher Training and Comfort: Special training for teachers increased their comfort and preference for using smart classroom facilities. Senior secondary teachers exhibited the highest comfort levels with the technology.
• Digital Libraries: 41 cities have developed 7,809-seat digital libraries, providing essential resources for students, especially in competitive exam preparation.

SMART CITIES MISSION (SCM)

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) is a government initiative launched in June 2015 to enhance urban living standards by transforming 100 cities. The mission aims to improve infrastructure, sustainability, and citizens’ quality of life through the application of innovative “Smart Solutions.”

Objectives of the Smart Cities Mission

• Core Infrastructure: Enhance essential urban infrastructure to provide a better quality of life for citizens.
• Clean and Sustainable Environment: Promote environmentally friendly solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
• Smart Solutions: Implement modern technologies to improve urban governance, services, and efficiency.

Components of the Smart Cities Mission

• Area-Based Development: SCM focuses on transforming specific urban areas to achieve comprehensive and sustainable growth.
• Redevelopment: Renewal of existing urban areas to improve infrastructure, amenities, and overall liveability.
  • Example: Bhendi Bazar in Mumbai, where old structures are being rebuilt for modern use.
• Retrofitting: Upgrading existing infrastructure to enhance its efficiency and sustainability.
  • Example: Local Area Development in Ahmedabad, where older districts are being enhanced with smarter facilities and better utilities.
• Greenfield Projects: Creation of new urban areas with a focus on sustainability, modern infrastructure, and smart technology integration.

Conclusion

The introduction of smart classrooms and digital libraries under the Smart Cities Mission has positively impacted education by enhancing enrolment, learning, and teacher comfort.Top of Form

SVAMITVA (SURVEY OF VILLAGES AND MAPPING WITH IMPROVISED TECHNOLOGY IN VILLAGE AREAS) SCHEME,

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: PIB

The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme, launched in 2020, aims to improve the economic stability of rural India by providing property cards to rural households. Over 50 lakh property cards will be distributed by the Prime Minister on December 27th, 2024.

Objectives of the SVAMITVA Scheme

• Financial Empowerment: Helps rural citizens use their property as collateral for loans, enhancing financial stability.
• Accurate Land Records: Aims to create precise land records for better rural planning and governance.
• Property Tax Collection: Facilitates property tax determination, directly benefiting Gram Panchayats or contributing to the state’s revenue.
• Survey Infrastructure Development: Establishes a robust surveying infrastructure with GIS maps that can be used by various government departments for planning.
• Improved Rural Development Planning: Assists in creating detailed and effective Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) using GIS-based data.
• Reduction in Property Disputes: Reduces legal conflicts and disputes related to land ownership by providing clear records.

Nodal Ministry

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the implementation of the SVAMITVA scheme.

Conclusion

SVAMITVA seeks to transform rural India by digitizing land records, reducing property disputes, and enhancing the financial security of rural citizens. Through the use of advanced technology, the scheme aims to support sustainable rural development.