28-November-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

MONSOON MAYHEM IN SHIMLA RINGS ALARM BELLS, TRIGGERS CALLS FOR COURSE CORRECTION

GS 3 (DISASTER MANAGEMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The recent monsoon wreaked havoc in Shimla, prompting environmentalists to urge immediate remedial actions. An expert committee, commissioned by the State government, identified critical issues exacerbating the damage, emphasizing the adverse effects of construction overburden and the unplanned open drainage system. The monsoon’s delayed withdrawal, coupled with excessive rainfall, triggered landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, causing substantial losses.

Key Concerns:

Construction Overburden: Unplanned and unregulated construction activities led to an accumulation of old debris on fragile hill slopes, compromising their stability.

Unplanned Drainage System: The open drainage system contributed to soil erosion, diminishing the binding force of trees, exacerbating the vulnerability of the slopes.

                             

Committee’s Findings:

• The expert panel, comprising members from various departments, highlighted the inability of slopes to withstand heavy rains due to construction overburden.
• The collapse of structures along debris flow paths resulted in significant damage. Additionally, uprooting of cedar trees and linear structural depressions amplified the impact in certain areas.

Environmentalists’ Perspective:

• Environmentalists stress the urgent need for policy changes, advocating for restrictions on multi-storey constructions in favor of lighter structures suitable for fragile slopes.
• The report underscores the grim scenario for Shimla, emphasizing the detrimental impact of rampant construction on hills, necessitating immediate government intervention.

Conclusion:

Shimla’s recent ordeal calls for a comprehensive approach involving geo-hydrological assessments, land use planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Urgent measures should address construction practices, promote sustainable infrastructure development, and safeguard the fragile ecosystem. The government must lead a concerted effort involving various stakeholders to mitigate the environmental degradation and ensure the town’s resilience against future monsoon challenges.

KHALISTAN SUPPORTERS HECKLE INDIAN ENVOY AT U.S. GURDWARA

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

A recent incident at a gurdwara in Long Island, New York, witnessed Khalistani supporters attempting to heckle India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Despite the disturbance, the Sikh community rallied to escort the protestors out. Ambassador Sandhu, present for Gurpurab celebrations, emphasized the significance of unity, togetherness, and equality in Guru Nanak’s teachings.

Incident at Hicksville Gurdwara:

• Ambassador’s Presence: Taranjit Singh Sandhu joined local Sangat at Guru Nanak Darbar in Long Island for Gurpurab celebrations.
• Heckling Attempt: Khalistani supporters disrupted the event, questioning Ambassador Sandhu about Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death.
• Community Response: Members of the Sikh community promptly escorted the disruptors out of the gurdwara.

                     

Ambassador’s Response:

• Post-Incident Statement: Ambassador Sandhu shared his experience on X, expressing privilege in celebrating Gurpurab with the local Sangat.
• Assurance to Sikh Community: In his gurdwara address, Ambassador Sandhu assured the Sikh community of support from Indian diplomats in the U.S.

Recognition and Felicitation:

• Growth in India-U.S. Partnership: Sandhu highlighted advancements in various sectors, emphasizing the deepening ties between India and the U.S.
• Honoring Ambassador: Gurdwara members and officials recognized and felicitated Ambassador Sandhu for his contributions.

Historical Context:

• Afghan Sikhs Resilience: Sandhu acknowledged the resilience of Afghan Sikhs in the face of adversity, citing the relocation of three Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul to Delhi in 2021.

Conclusion:

The incident underscores the challenges faced by diplomats, emphasizing the importance of community unity. Ambassador Sandhu’s commitment to promoting Guru Nanak’s teachings and his assurance of support reflects the diplomatic resolve to strengthen ties with the Sikh community in the U.S. Despite disruptions, the celebration of Gurpurab served as a platform for fostering cultural connections and historical linkages.

PUNJAB AND HARYANA FARMERS CONTINUE SIT-IN OVER VARIOUS DEMANDS

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

Farmers from Punjab and Haryana, aligned with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), persist in their protest near Chandigarh for the second day. The demonstration focuses on unresolved issues, including the demand for a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP). Participants from different regions assembled in Mohali, Punjab, and Panchkula, Haryana, responding to the SKM’s nationwide protest call.

Protest Details:

• Sit-In Protest: Amid heightened security, farmers engage in a sit-in, planning to march to Chandigarh to meet Governors and present their demands.
• Leaders’ Meeting: Leaders of 32 farmer outfits, including Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan), will meet the Punjab Governor to submit a memorandum.

Ongoing Talks:

• Haryana Governor Meeting: Discussions about meeting the Haryana Governor are underway, with a decision expected on Tuesday.

Key Demands:

• MSP Legal Guarantee: Primary demand includes a legal assurance for the minimum support price.
• Case Withdrawal: Farmers seek the withdrawal of police cases from the 2020-21 agitation against the now-repealed agricultural laws.
• Compensation and Jobs: Demands include compensation and jobs for family members of farmers who lost their lives during the agitation.
• Loan Waiver: Farmers call for a comprehensive loan waiver.
• Electricity (Amendment) Bill: Opposition to the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
• Action Against Minister: Demand for action against Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni in the Lakhimpur Kheri case.

Conclusion:

The sustained protest by Punjab and Haryana farmers underscores the persistence of unresolved issues. The emphasis on legalizing the MSP and addressing concerns from previous agitations reflects the ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector. The leaders’ meeting with Governors and the farmers’ steadfastness highlight the urgency for a comprehensive resolution to the farmers’ demands.

REPORT URGES CENTRE TO ADDRESS INEQUALITY, CORRUPTION IN INDIA

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

A comprehensive report evaluating the Narendra Modi government’s performance, titled “Promises and reality 2019-2023: citizen review of 4+ years of NDA II Government,” has been released by the “Wada Na Todo Abhiyan.” This collaborative effort by academics and civil society organizations raises concerns about the government’s response to issues of inequality and challenges to democracy.

Key Concerns:

Democratic Erosion:

• Passage of Bills without adequate debate.
• Limited engagement of parliamentary committees.
• Reduced sitting days and budgetary deliberations.
• Growing presence of elected representatives with criminal records.

Media Landscape:

• Struggles faced by the media.
• Increased capital investment influencing editorial independence.
• Growing communalism and limited space for establishment critique.
• Escalating attacks on journalists deviating from the established narrative.

Restrictions on Fundamental Freedoms:

• Draconian laws employed against students, activists, academics, journalists, and others exercising fundamental freedoms.

Economic Inequality:

• Despite robust GDP growth, India remains highly unequal.
• Top 1% holds 22% of national income, while the top 10% collectively holds 57%.
• Bottom 50% share has decreased to 13%, reflecting a widening gap.

Conclusion:

The report highlights significant challenges in the areas of democracy, media freedom, and economic inequality. It emphasizes the need for the government’s attention to address these issues, urging a more inclusive and democratic development paradigm that prioritizes the well-being of marginalized populations. The juxtaposition of robust economic growth with increasing inequality underscores the imperative for policy adjustments to foster an equitable and inclusive socio-economic landscape.

AMID A SURGE IN SUNSPOTS, NASA WARNED OF MULTIPLE CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS (CMES)

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECH): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

NASA has issued a warning regarding the escalation of sunspots, anticipating multiple Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). These CMEs involve significant expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona, often accompanying solar flares and solar wind.

                   

Sunspots and Solar Dynamics:

• Sunspots and Magnetic Fields: Dark spots on the Sun’s surface signify strong magnetic fields. Cooler than other areas, making them appear dark.
• Solar Wind: A stream of charged particles released from the corona. Carries embedded magnetic fields, expanding as they move away from the Sun.
• Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): Occur around sunspot groups, often with solar flares. Eject billions of tons of coronal material, reaching Earth in 15-18 hours.

Impact of CMEs:

• Aurora Formation: Interaction with Earth’s magnetic field leads to aurora displays.
• Technological Disruptions: Radio blackouts, satellite damage, and navigation system errors.
• Space Radiation Exposure: Astronauts face high doses of radiation during CME events.

Solar Flares:

• Nature of Solar Flares: Intense radiation bursts associated with sunspot magnetic energy release. Classified from B-class (smallest) to X-class (largest), akin to the Richter scale.
• Impact on Earth: Direct influence on the ionosphere and disrupts radio communications.

Conclusion:

NASA’s warning about the heightened solar activities underscores the potential repercussions, from captivating auroras to critical technological disruptions. Understanding the dynamics of sunspots, solar wind, and CMEs is crucial for anticipating and mitigating the impacts on space-based systems and astronaut safety.

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (SEBI) BOARD APPROVES FLEXIBILITY IN FRAMEWORK FOR SOCIAL STOCK EXCHANGE (SSE)

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken a significant step in enhancing the framework for the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) to bolster fundraising by Not for Profit Organizations (NPOs). The approval includes adjustments to the minimum issue size and application size for Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments (ZCZP) during public issuance by NPOs on SSE.

SEBI’s Revisions for SSE:

• Minimum Issue Size: Reduced to Rs 50 lakh from Rs 1 crore for public issuance of ZCZP by NPOs on SSE.
• Minimum Application Size: Reduced to Rs. 10,000 from Rs. 2 lakh for public issuance of ZCZP by NPOs on SSE.
• ZCZP Instrument: Can be publicly or privately issued by registered NPOs on SSE.

Benefits of SSE:

• Common Platform: Brings social enterprises and donors together on shared platforms.
• Funding Facilitation: Facilitates funding and growth for social enterprises.
• Standards and Transparency: Ensures robust standards for social impact and financial reporting. Enhances transparency in fund mobilization and utilization.

Mechanism and Listing Criteria:

• Donor Engagement: SSE enables NPOs or For-Profit Social Enterprises to raise funds through the stock exchange. Donors receive ZCZP instruments similar to bonds but without principal or interest.
• Listing Criteria: Social enterprises must engage in social activities aligned with SEBI guidelines, including eradicating hunger, poverty, malnutrition, promoting healthcare, supporting education, and advancing gender equality.

Conclusion:

SEBI’s approval of flexibility in SSE’s framework, particularly the reduction in minimum issue and application sizes, marks a strategic move to empower NPOs in their fundraising endeavors. The SSE’s role as a common ground for social enterprises and donors fosters financial support, growth, and adherence to social impact standards. The evolution of SSE aligns with broader societal goals, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the realm of fundraising and social enterprise initiatives.

NATIONAL CADET CORPS (NCC)

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) commemorated its 75th Anniversary on November 26.

                                 

• Operating under the Ministry of Defence and headquartered in New Delhi, NCC stands as the world’s largest uniformed youth organization, established by the NCC Act of 1948.
• It functions as a voluntary organization, enrolling cadets from high schools, colleges, and universities across India.
• The primary objective of NCC is to instill qualities of character, courage, a secular outlook, and ideals of selfless service among the youth, shaping them into valuable citizens.
• The motto “Unity and Discipline” reflects NCC’s commitment to fostering a sense of unity and inculcating discipline among its cadets.
• As a significant milestone in India’s youth development, NCC’s 75th Anniversary marks its enduring role in nurturing leadership and patriotism among the country’s future generations.