30-July-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

ANY FURTHER DELAY IN CENSUS TAKING IS PERILOUS

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

The postponement of the Census, initially set for 2021, has significant repercussions for India. The delay affects the allocation of resources and the implementation of policies, particularly those targeting marginalized populations.

Current Status

• The deadline to freeze administrative boundaries was not extended beyond June 30, 2024.
• Budget 2024-25 allocated ₹1,309.46 crore for the Census, a reduction from ₹3,768 crore in 2021-22.
• The Census remains on hold with no new schedule announced.

Necessity of the Census

• Essential for accessing schemes, benefits, and services, especially post-2011.
• Critical for implementing the women’s Reservation Act, which reserves 33% of seats in Parliament and Assemblies for women.

Preparation Requirements

• Necessary to allocate sufficient funds in the 2025-26 Census Budget.
• Activities include updating maps, delineating areas, pre-testing questionnaires, and training staff for digital data collection.

Challenges and Readiness

• Preliminary arrangements ongoing in Census Directorates.
• Tamil Nadu’s Directorate ready to start with refresher training for staff.
• ₹1,309.46 crore could be utilized for preparatory activities.

Legal and Policy Framework

• The Constitution (Eighty-fourth Amendment) Act of 2001 mandates no delimitation of constituencies till post-2026 Census.
• The reference date for Census 2027 should be announced soon.

Clarifications and Updates

• The National Population Register (NPR) to be updated during the Census.
• New NPR questions have sparked opposition due to potential NRC implications.
• Government needs to decide on retaining contentious questions.

Caste-Based Census

• Demand for a caste-based census to understand marginalized communities’ well-being.
• Government’s stance: administratively difficult and cumbersome.

Conclusion

The delay in the Census has far-reaching impacts on governance and resource allocation. Prioritizing the Census and ensuring its timely execution are crucial for informed policy-making and equitable development.

Multiple choice question:

1. Which of the following statements about the Census in India is/are correct?
2. The Census is conducted every five years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. The first Census in India was conducted in 1871.
4. The Census includes the collection of data on demographic, economic, and social parameters of the population.

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: B

EXPLANATION:

The Census in India is conducted every ten years, not five years.

The first Census in India was indeed conducted in 1871.

The Census collects data on various demographic, economic, and social parameters.

WIDENING CONFLICT IN WEST ASIA

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

The ongoing Gaza war has intensified, leading to a precarious situation in West Asia. A recent rocket attack in the Golan Heights, which killed 12 young people, has escalated tensions, bringing the region to the brink of a wider war.

Rocket Attack in Golan Heights

• Location: Majdal Shams, Golan Heights.
• Casualties: 12 young people killed.
• Responsible Parties: Israel and the U.S. blame Hezbollah, a Shia militia backed by Iran.

Hezbollah’s Involvement

• Initial Claims: Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacking an Israeli military outpost but later denied involvement in the Majdal Shams incident.
• Israel’s Response: Prepared for retaliation despite Hezbollah’s denial.

Background of the Conflict

• Hamas Attack: October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out a cross-border attack in Israel, killing 1,200 people.
• Subsequent Events: Israel’s northern border has seen a slow-burning war with Hezbollah following the Gaza war initiated by Israel.

Impact on Civilians

• Displacement: 60,000 Israelis fled from Upper Galilee due to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks.
• Retaliation: Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Lebanon.

Historical Context

• Previous Conflicts: Hezbollah and Israel last fought an all-out war in 2006.
• Hezbollah’s Strength: Since 2006, Hezbollah has built a stronger army and amassed weapons.

Ongoing Violence

• Israel’s Actions: Strikes on Lebanon’s civilian neighbourhoods.
• Hezbollah’s Provocations: Rocket attacks targeting Israeli military outposts.

Conclusion

The cycle of violence between Israel and Hezbollah is self-defeating and risks escalating into a larger war involving Iran. Peace can only be achieved if both parties cease hostilities and negotiate to resolve the Gaza conflict and broader regional tensions.

Multiple choice question:

1. With reference to the conflict between Israel and Gaza, consider the following statements:
2. Gaza is a coastal strip of land bordering Israel and Egypt.
3. The governance of Gaza is primarily under the Palestinian Authority.
4. The Oslo Accords were significant in establishing the current political status of Gaza.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Gaza is a coastal strip of land that borders Israel to the east and north, and Egypt to the southwest.

The governance of Gaza is primarily under Hamas, which took control from the Palestinian Authority in 2007.

The Oslo Accords, signed in the 1990s, were significant in establishing the framework for the political status and governance of Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

TEACHING COMPUTERS TO FORGET: MACHINE UNLEARNING

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

As the complexity of Machine Learning (ML) models increases, issues such as AI bias, misinformation, and privacy breaches become more prevalent. Machine Unlearning (MUL) emerges as a solution to address these challenges by enabling computers to forget specific data.

Challenges of Machine Learning

• Complexity in correcting, updating, and erasing sensitive data.
• Increased AI bias, misinformation, and privacy breaches, especially during elections.

Concept of Machine Unlearning

• Proposed by Cao and Yang in “Towards Making Systems Forget with Machine Unlearning”.
• Algorithm identifies and deletes false, incorrect, discriminatory, outdated, and sensitive information.

Data Lineage and Issues

• Constant data processing by Large Language Models (LLMs) creates complex data lineage.
• Difficulties in tracking, manipulating, and removing sensitive data.
• Risk of data poisoning by hackers.

Alternative to Data Pruning

• Deleting entire datasets and retraining models is costly and time-consuming.
• MUL offers a cost-effective and efficient solution being tested by companies like IBM.

Implementation Approaches

• Private Approach: Companies voluntarily test and apply MUL algorithms. Challenges include expertise and affordability for smaller firms.
• Public Approach: Government mandates MUL models through legislation or guidelines. Examples include the EU’s AI Act addressing data poisoning.
• International Approach: Global standards set by international organizations to ensure uniform application across jurisdictions.

Conclusion

MUL represents a promising solution to mitigate the risks associated with ML models. Effective implementation requires addressing technical and regulatory challenges, with collaboration between private, public, and international stakeholders.

QUAD CALLS FOR END TO VIOLENCE IN UKRAINE, GAZA, AND MYANMAR

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

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) consisting of Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. is expanding its maritime security initiative and advocating for peace in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar.

Expansion of IPMDA

• The Quad aims to extend the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) to the Indian Ocean.
• The initiative focuses on the safety and security of critical sea lanes, ensuring maritime stability through satellite data, training, and capacity building.

Addressing Global Conflicts

• Ukraine: The Quad calls for an immediate cessation of violence, respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Gaza: Condemnation of Hamas attacks and emphasis on humanitarian aid to Gaza, urging compliance with international humanitarian law.
• Myanmar: Concern over the ongoing violence, advocating for an end to hostilities, the release of detainees, and unhindered humanitarian assistance.

Maintaining Maritime Freedom

• Emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded commerce, particularly in the South China Sea, in line with international law.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

• Discussions on practical outcomes for HADR, reflecting understandings and SOPs between the Quad navies for better coordination and response.

Global Peace and Stability

• The Quad’s interest extends to ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East, aligning with broader international law and UN principles.

Conclusion

The Quad’s recent meeting underscores their commitment to regional maritime security and addressing global conflicts through diplomatic and humanitarian means, aiming for practical and coordinated international efforts.

Multiple choice question:

1. With reference to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), consider the following statements:
2. The Quad comprises India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
3. The primary focus of the Quad is to promote economic cooperation among member countries.
4. The Quad has a framework called the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) aimed at ensuring maritime security.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

The Quad comprises four countries: India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.

While the Quad does engage in economic cooperation, its primary focus includes security and strategic issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad has initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) aimed at ensuring maritime security and safety.

SC DECLINES INTERIM STAY ON BIHAR QUOTA RULING

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

The Supreme Court has declined to grant an interim stay on the Patna High Court’s decision, which quashed the 65% reservation for various backward classes in Bihar.

High Court Ruling

• The Patna High Court annulled the amendments extending the reservation quota to 65%.
• The court ruled it violated the right to equal opportunity under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution.

Supreme Court’s Response

• A three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, refused interim relief but agreed to hear Bihar’s appeal.

Government’s Position

• Bihar’s Solicitor-General argued that many interviews were ongoing based on the now-invalidated Act.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s refusal to stay the High Court’s decision poses a significant challenge to the Bihar government’s reservation policy. The appeal will be heard in September.

IMPACT OF DIGITALISATION ON CONSUMERS AND MONETARY POLICY: RBI REPORT

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2023-24 highlights the dual impact of digitalisation on consumer behaviour and monetary policy. While digitalisation enhances financial accessibility and convenience, it also poses risks such as impulsive spending, herd behaviour, and data breaches.

Consumer Behaviour and Financial Stability

Impulsive Spending

• Digital platforms make financial services more accessible, leading to impulsive spending.
• Quick dissemination of financial trends through digital platforms can influence spending habits.

Herd Behaviour

• Consumers may follow crowd behaviour in financial activities, leading to market frenzies or bank runs.
• Rapid spread of financial choices across social networks exacerbates herd behavior.

Data Breaches

• Digitalisation increases the risk of data breaches, with phishing and compromised credentials being the most common attacks.
• The average cost of data breaches in India was $2.18 million in 2023, a 28% increase since 2020.
• Implications for Monetary Policy

Monetary Policy Transmission

• Digitalisation impacts inflation and output dynamics, affecting monetary policy transmission.
• Shifting credit supply from banks to less-regulated non-banks can dampen the impact of monetary policy.

Central Bank Adaptation

• Central banks need to incorporate digitalisation into their models to maintain the efficacy of monetary policy.
• Proactive measures by the RBI aim to harness benefits while mitigating risks of digitalisation.

Benefits of Digitalisation

Boost to External Trade

• Digitalisation can enhance India’s external trade, particularly in modern services exports.
• Reduces the cost of international payments, increasing remittances and savings.

Cross-Border Payment Systems

• Projects like Nexus aim to interlink domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPS) for instant cross-border retail payments.
• Integration of UPI with systems in Singapore and the UAE to facilitate faster and cheaper remittances.

Digital Payment Growth

UPI Growth

• UPI transactions have seen a tenfold increase over four years, with 131 billion transactions in 2023-24.
• UPI records nearly 14 billion transactions a month, driven by 424 million unique users.

Internationalisation of the Rupee

• Cross-border digital trade policies support the internationalisation of the rupee.
• Policies focus on data security, cybersecurity, and regulatory coordination.

Conclusion

The RBI’s RCF report underscores the transformative impact of digitalisation on financial services, consumer behaviour, and monetary policy. While digitalisation offers significant benefits, it also necessitates robust measures to address emerging risks and ensure financial stability. The proactive approach of the RBI aims to balance these dynamics, fostering a secure and efficient digital financial ecosystem.

UNESCO INSCRIPTION OF CHINA’S MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARIES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THEPRINT

UNESCO recently added China’s Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase II) to its World Heritage List.

This area is crucial for the conservation of migratory bird species.

About Bohai Gulf

• Location:

• Innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea, located on the coast of Northeastern and North China.
• Also known as Bohai Sea or Bo Hai.
• Previously called the Gulf of Chili or Gulf of Pechili.

• Size and Proximity:

• Approximately 78,000 sq. km.
• Close to Beijing, making it a major seaway.

• Geography:

• Enclosed by the Liaodong Peninsula (northeast) and the Shandong Peninsula (south).
• Major cities: Dalian and Tianjin.
• Features three significant bays: Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizhou Bay.
• The Yellow River, China’s second longest river, flows into the gulf.

• Resources and Industry:

• Rich in petroleum deposits both onshore and offshore.
• Hosts several oil refineries and other industries.

Key Facts about Yellow Sea

• Location and Size:

• Marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean.
• Located between mainland China (west and north), Korean Peninsula (east), and Shandong Peninsula and Liaodong Peninsula (south).
• Connects with Bohai Sea to the northwest.
• Length: 870 km, Width: 556 km.

• Depth:

• Average depth: 44 meters, Maximum depth: 152 meters.

• Inflow:

• Major rivers: Yellow River and Yangtze River.

• Islands:

• Notable islands: Jeju Island (South Korea), Shandong Peninsula islands (China), Ganghwa Island (South Korea).

• Climate:

• Winters: Very cold and dry.
• Summers: Wet and warm.

• Currents:
• Warm current (part of Tsushima Current) flows northward.
• Southward currents along continental coasts, stronger in winter monsoon, bringing cold, turbid, and low salinity water.

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY’S JUICE MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) mission.

The mission aims to explore Jupiter and its three largest moons: Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede.

Objectives of JUICE Mission

• Scientific Goals:

• Investigate the potential for life in space and understand the origins of Jupiter.
• Study Jupiter’s magnetic, radiation, and plasma environments and their interactions with the moons.
• Conduct an extensive exploration of Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system, and larger than Mercury.

• Milestones:

• JUICE will become the first probe to orbit a moon other than Earth’s, specifically Ganymede.

Features of JUICE

• Propulsion:

• Powered by mono-methyl hydrazine (MMH) fuel and mixed oxides of nitrogen (MON) oxidizer, which ignite on contact.
• This propellant will enable crucial course adjustments during its journey.

• Instrumentation:

• Equipped with 10 scientific instruments to study Jupiter’s icy moons, focusing on their potential to harbor oceans.

• Launch Vehicle:

• The mission will be launched aboard the Ariane-5 rocket, a reliable launcher for ESA missions.

Conclusion

The JUICE mission represents a significant step in space exploration, aiming to enhance our understanding of Jupiter and its moons, and explore the potential for life beyond Earth.