In today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants, we explore the latest developments that hold relevance for the upcoming civil services examination. Our focus today includes a critical analysis of recent policy changes, international affairs, and national developments, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping the socio-political and economic landscape of India. Stay informed and stay ahead in your UPSC preparations with our daily current affairs updates, as we provide you with concise, well-researched insights to help you connect the dots between contemporary events and the broader canvas of the civil services syllabus.
Constitutional Test Mandated for Valid Land Acquisition
Tag: GS-2 Polity
In News:
The Supreme Court of India issued a landmark verdict emphasizing the necessity for all property acquisitions by the government to adhere to the principles outlined in Article 300A. Specifically, the Court overturned Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s decision to acquire private land for a public park, deeming it illegal and unauthorized by law.
The Evolution of Property Rights in India: Transitioning from Fundamental to Constitutional Status
Before the 44th Constitutional Amendment (1978)
- Part III of the Indian Constitution enshrined property rights in Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31.
- Article 19(1)(f) granted residents the freedom to buy, own, and sell property.
- Article 31 safeguarded against arbitrary deprivation of property, seen as an absolute right.
The 44th Amendment to the Indian Constitution
- Abolished Article 19(1)(f) and redefined Article 31 as Article 300-A, making property rights a legal rather than fundamental entitlement.
- Article 300-A mandates that property can only be taken away by the government under the authority of law, typically for public welfare purposes.
Judicial Interpretation
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court (2022) emphasized the need for lawful property acquisition serving a genuine public interest.
- In Vidya Devi v. the State of Himachal Pradesh (2022), the Supreme Court affirmed the requirement for government entities to follow due process in property seizures.
- Vimlaben Ajitbhai Patel vs. Vatslaben Ashokbhai Patel underscored property rights as intrinsic human rights, despite losing their fundamental status.
Supreme Court Observations
- Property rights are now regarded as both constitutional and human rights.
- Article 300-A establishes seven fundamental procedural rights for landowners, ensuring fairness and transparency in acquisitions:
- Right to notice
- Right to be heard
- Right to a reasoned decision
- Acquisition solely for public purposes
- Right to fair compensation
- Right to efficient conduct of acquisition processes
- Right to conclusion of proceedings
- Procedural justice is highlighted as essential, ensuring property acquisitions are conducted fairly and transparently, in accordance with the law.
Source: TOI
IMF’s Asia-Pacific Economic Outlook Report
Tag: GS – 3 Mobilization of Resources, Capital Market, Inclusive Growth
In News:
In its April 2024 Regional Economic Outlook for Asia and the Pacific, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted India as consistently exceeding growth expectations, attributed to robust domestic demand.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Growth in Asia-Pacific
- Late 2023 saw Asia-Pacific exceeding expectations with a growth rate of 5.0%, marked by varying inflation rates among economies.
- Projections for 2024 anticipate a slight growth deceleration to 4.5%, with a balance of near-term risks.
- Strong private demand primarily supported growth in emerging markets.
- India’s Growth Forecasts
- The report raised India’s growth forecast for the financial year 2024-25 to 6.8% from the previous 6.5% and maintained the forecast for 2025-26 at 6.5%.
- India and the Philippines have consistently shown positive growth surprises due to resilient domestic demand.
- Public investment notably contributed to growth in India and China.
- Forecast for China
- China’s economy is projected to grow at 4.6% in 2024, a decrease from 5.2% in 2023, with an expected continuation at 4.1% in 2025.
- The IMF identifies China as both a source of upside and downside risks, particularly due to sectoral policies impacting industries like steel and aluminum.
- Policies addressing stresses in the property sector and boosting domestic demand are recommended.
- Inflation Forecast
- Inflation is currently stable or close to desired levels in emerging markets, but future inflation may be influenced by various factors.
- Core inflation is anticipated to remain low, while certain economies, like India, may see fluctuations due to food price increases.
- The distinction between headline and core inflation is explained, with the former encompassing all goods and services, while the latter excludes volatile food and energy sectors.
- Geoeconomic Fragmentation
- The IMF underscores geoeconomic fragmentation as a significant risk, referring to escalating economic and trade tensions among countries.
- Heightened trade risks, illustrated by maritime route diversions, highlight the need for policymakers to avoid exacerbating trade frictions.
- Public Investment as Key to India’s Growth
- Public investment is essential for critical sectors like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology, shaping the nation’s economic trajectory.
- It facilitates infrastructure development, job creation, poverty alleviation, human capital development, and balanced regional growth.
- Additionally, public investment can stimulate private investment by enhancing the business environment and productivity.
Sunrise Sectors in India Seeking Substantial Public Investments
- Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
- CCUS technologies can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from industries like steel and cement.
- However, public investment in research and deployment of CCUS projects in India is limited.
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Given the rise in cyber threats, public investment is crucial to bolster India’s cybersecurity infrastructure and develop robust data protection frameworks.
- Biotechnology and Precision Medicine
- Public investment in biotechnology research, especially in genomics and precision medicine, can position India as a leader in healthcare innovation.
- Circular Economy and Waste Management
- More public investment is needed to develop a comprehensive circular economy framework, including waste management infrastructure.
- Blue Economy and Marine Research
- Public investment in marine research and the development of a blue economy can unlock economic opportunities in sectors like offshore wind energy and marine biotechnology.
UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2022) Q. “Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by which one of the following? (a) Asian Development Bank (b) International Monetary Fund (c) United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (d) World Bank Ans: (b) Prelims (2020) Q2. “Gold Tranche” (Reserve Tranche) refers to (a) a loan system of the World Bank (b) one of the operations of a Central Bank (c) a credit system granted by WTO to its members (d) a credit system granted by IMF to its members Ans: (d) Prelims (2016) Q3. ‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is prepared by the (a) European Central Bank (b) International Monetary Fund (c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (d) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Ans: (b) Mains (2013) Q. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. |
Source: IMF
Chabahar Port Agreement
Tag: GS-2 IR
In News:
India and Iran have recently entered into a decade-long agreement for the operation of the Chabahar port in Iran.
Importance of Chabahar Port for India
- Overview
- Chabahar Port stands as Iran’s sole oceanic port, situated in the Sistan and Baluchistan Province along the Makran coast, within the Gulf of Oman.
- Comprising two primary ports, namely Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti, it offers strategic maritime access.
- Progress and Updates
- In May 2015, India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for Chabahar Port development.
- A trilateral agreement between India, Iran, and Afghanistan in May 2016 established the International Transport and Transit Corridor, enhancing regional connectivity.
- However, finalizing a long-term agreement faced delays, primarily due to disputes over arbitration venues.
Significance of Chabahar Port
- Alternative Trade Route
- It provides India with an alternate route bypassing Pakistan, enhancing trade connections with Afghanistan and beyond.
- Facilitates access to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), linking India, Iran, Russia, and Europe.
- Economic Benefits
- Enhances India’s trade opportunities with resource-rich Central Asian nations and Afghanistan.
- Expected cost and time savings of 30% and 40%, respectively, through the INSTC route.
- Interest from Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in leveraging Chabahar for market access.
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Serves as a critical entry point for humanitarian aid, notably during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Facilitated the trans-shipment of essential goods from India to Afghanistan.
- Strategic Influence and Regional Stability
- Strengthens India’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean region, countering China’s Gwadar port development in Pakistan.
- Enhances maritime security and serves as a deterrent against sea piracy.
Challenges in Realizing Chabahar Port’s Potential
- US-Iran Relations
- US sanctions pose risks to India’s involvement in Chabahar development.
- Regional Security Concerns
- Instability in Afghanistan and tensions with neighboring countries affect trade relations.
- Competition and Infrastructure Needs
- Competition from other transport corridors and infrastructure development requirements pose challenges.
Status of India-Iran Economic Ties
- Bilateral trade during FY 2022-23 stood at USD 2.33 billion, with a focus on agricultural and petroleum-related products.
- FDI inflows from Iran to India remain modest, and Indian oil imports from Iran ceased due to US sanctions.
UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2017) Q. What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase. (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened. (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India. Ans: (c) Mains (2018) Q. In what ways would the ongoing U.S-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? Mains (2017) Q. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyse India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries. |
Source: TH
Amplifying the Global Value of Earth Observation
Tag: GS – 3 Important International Institutions, Growth & Development GS – 2 Disaster Management, Space Technology
In News:
A recent publication titled “Amplifying the Global Value of Earth Observation,” released by the World Economic Forum, has spotlighted the vast potential of Earth Observation (EO) data in fostering global economic growth and sustainability.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Potential Economic Impact of Earth Observation (EO) Data
- EO data could yield over USD 3 trillion in economic benefits globally by 2030, with an expected value growth to over USD 700 billion by 2030.
- It has the potential to contribute a cumulative USD 3.8 trillion to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.
- Environmental Benefits
- EO data can help eliminate 2 gigatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030, equivalent to the emissions of 476 million gasoline-powered cars.
- Monitoring of climate variables, emissions, ecosystems, and biodiversity aids in mitigating climate change and preserving natural habitats.
- Regional Opportunities
- The Asia Pacific region is projected to capture the largest share of EO’s value by 2030, reaching a potential value of USD 315 billion.
- Africa and South America are anticipated to experience the most significant percentage growth in EO data value.
- EO Blended with Enabling Technologies
- Enabling technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins can accelerate EO data adoption.
- Digital twins, representing physical objects or systems, offer real-time data updates and utilize simulation and machine learning for decision-making.
Key Areas of Application of Earth Observation Data
- Environmental Monitoring and Management
- EO aids in monitoring deforestation, desertification, and coastal ecosystems, facilitating informed environmental management decisions.
- Agriculture and Precision Farming
- It supports crop health monitoring, yield estimation, and precision agriculture practices to optimize agricultural productivity.
- Urban Planning and Development
- EO enables urban sprawl monitoring, infrastructure planning, and land use pattern analysis for sustainable urban development.
- Natural Resource Management
- EO assists in mapping mineral resources, monitoring water resources, and tracking changes in land use patterns.
- Climate Change Studies
- It helps monitor changes in glaciers, sea ice, global temperatures, and atmospheric conditions to understand climate change impacts.
- Disaster Management and Emergency Response
- EO aids in assessing disaster damage extent and facilitating targeted relief efforts during natural disasters.
- Defence and Security
- It supports border monitoring, troop movement tracking, and military activity surveillance for defence and security purposes.
- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
- EO assists in identifying archaeological sites, monitoring historical preservation, and safeguarding cultural heritage.
India’s Handling of Earth Observation Data
- Satellites
- ISRO operates an array of EO satellites, including recent launches such as EOS-07 and EOS-06, alongside RESOURCESAT and OCEANSAT series for comprehensive land and ocean monitoring.
- EO Platforms
- Initiatives like VEDAS, Bhuvan, and MOSDAC provide access to thematic spatial data and satellite imagery for various applications.
- Future Projects
- The joint NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) project aims to develop and launch an advanced radar imaging satellite to enhance global resource management and climate change understanding.
UPSC Previous Year QuestionsPrelims (2017) Q1. Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (a) World Economic Forum (b) UN Human Rights Council (c) UN Women (d) World Health Organization Ans: (a) Prelims (2009) Q2. Who among the following is the founder of World Economic Forum? (a) Klaus Schwab (b) John Kenneth Galbraith (c) Hobert Zoellick (d) Paul Krugman Ans (a) Prelims (2019) Q3. The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the (a) International Monetary Fund (b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (c) World Economic Forum (d) World Bank Ans: (c) |
Source: ET
Apple Cultivation
Tag: GS – 3 Environment, Agriculture
In News:
Over the past few decades, a gradual warming of temperatures has been observed, enabling the viability of apple cultivation in lower regions of Spiti, extending up to an elevation of 3,400 meters above sea level.
About Apple Cultivation
- Apple (Malus pumila) is a significant temperate fruit, although in India, the regions where it is grown do not naturally fall within the temperate zone.
- However, the prevailing temperate climate in these areas is attributed to the presence of the Himalayan ranges and high altitudes.
The climatic conditions necessary for apple cultivation include specific temperature, rainfall, and soil characteristics:
- Temperature: The ideal average summer temperature during the active growth period ranges from 21 to 24 degrees Celsius. Apple trees thrive at altitudes ranging from 1500 to 2700 meters above sea level.
- Rainfall: Optimal apple growth and fruitfulness require well-distributed rainfall of 1000 to 1250 millimeters throughout the growing season.
- Soil: Apple trees prefer well-drained loamy soils for optimal growth.
Apple cultivation in India is primarily concentrated in several regions:
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- The hills of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Additionally, apple cultivation occurs to a lesser extent in other regions such as:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Punjab
- Sikkim
Source: DTE
Swachhata Pakhwada
Tag: GS-2 Governance
In News:
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has initiated efforts to foster cleanliness and environmental sustainability by launching Swachhata Pakhwada, scheduled to run from May 16th to May 31st, 2024.
Overview of Swachhata Pakhwada and Swachh Bharat Mission
Swachhata Pakhwada
- Swachhata Pakhwada is an initiative launched in April 2016 under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
- The primary objective of Swachhata Pakhwada is to bring a fortnight of concentrated focus on Swachhata issues and practices by involving central government ministries and departments.
- It aims to engage all ministries and departments in a common programme to contribute to the Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Ministries receive an annual calendar in advance to plan their Pakhwada activities effectively.
- Swachhata Pakhwada activities of observing ministries are closely monitored using the online monitoring system of Swachhata Samiksha, where they upload action plans, images, and videos related to Swachhata activities.
- Ministries observing Swachhata Pakhwada are designated as ‘Swachhata Ministries’ during the fortnight and are expected to make qualitative Swachhata improvements in their respective areas.
Key Facts about Swachh Bharat Mission
- The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched by the Indian government on October 2, 2014.
- It covers both rural and urban areas, with the urban component managed by the Ministry of Urban Development and the rural component overseen by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
- The mission aims to achieve various objectives including the elimination of open defecation, conversion of unsanitary toilets to pour flush toilets, eradication of manual scavenging, municipal solid waste management, and promoting behavioral changes towards healthy sanitation practices.
Source: PIB
Digital Arrest Cyber Scams
Tag: GS-3 Science and Tech.
In News:
In response to rising instances of “digital arrests” perpetrated by cybercriminals, the central government has partnered with Microsoft to disable over 1,000 Skype IDs utilized for online intimidation, blackmail, and extortion.
Safeguarding Against Digital Arrest Cyber Scams
Overview
Digital Arrest is a novel tactic utilized by cybercriminals to deceive unsuspecting individuals and extort money from them.
Modus Operandi
- Impersonation: Fraudsters masquerade as law enforcement officials like police, Enforcement Directorate, or CBI, convincing victims they’ve committed serious crimes.
- Digital Detainment: Victims are coerced into believing they’re under “digital arrest,” often via Skype or similar platforms, until ransom demands are met.
- Coerced Compliance: Victims are threatened with prosecution unless they pay exorbitant sums of money.
- Self-Arrest Tactics: Cybercriminals trick victims into self-quarantine or confinement, exploiting their fear of legal repercussions.
Preventive Measures
- Cyber Hygiene: Regularly update passwords and software, and enable two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
- Avoid Phishing: Refrain from clicking suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, and verify the authenticity of emails and messages before sharing personal information.
- Secure Devices: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware solutions, and keep operating systems and applications up to date with the latest security patches.
- Use VPNs: Employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt internet connections and enhance privacy, but exercise caution with free VPN services and opt only for trustworthy providers.
- Secure Communication: Utilize encryption for sensitive information sharing, especially in public forums, to prevent unauthorized access.
- Promote Awareness: Increase public awareness and educate individuals on preventive measures to combat digital arrest scams.
Source: IE
The Deda Method
Tag: GS-3 Agriculture
In News:
A Muria tribal farmer, who relocated from Chhattisgarh and established residence in the dense forests of the Godavari Valley, is employing the ‘deda’ method for seed preservation.
The Deda Method: Traditional Seed Preservation Technique of the Muria Tribe
- Description
- The Deda method is a traditional seed preservation technique passed down through generations among the Muria tribe.
- Preservation Process
- Seeds are carefully stored in leaves and tightly packed to resemble boulders from a distance.
- Siali leaves, locally known as ‘addakulu,’ are woven around the packaged seeds to create the deda.
- Each deda comprises three layers: wood ash spread inside Siali leaves, lemon leaves forming a casing over the ash, and seeds sealed within the casing. Each deda can support up to 5kg of seeds.
- Advantages
- The Deda method ensures protection of seeds from pests and worms.
- Seeds preserved using this method remain viable for cultivation for up to five years.
- It is particularly effective for preserving pulses like green gram, red gram, black gram, and beans.
- Key Facts about the Muria Tribe
- Location: The Muria tribe resides in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, and they speak the Koya language, which is Dravidian.
- Muria settlements are known as habitations of Internally Displaced People (IDPs), with approximately 6,600 residing in Andhra Pradesh, referred to as ‘Gutti Koyas’ by native tribes.
- The Muria tribe has progressive views on marriage and life, exemplified by the Ghotul, a communal dormitory that fosters understanding of sexuality among Muria youth.
- While the Gutti Koyas hold Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Chhattisgarh, they have not been granted the same status in migrated states like Telangana.
Source: TH
Ambaji White Marble
Tag: GS-3
In News:
The Central Government recently granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to marble mined in Gujarat’s Ambaji.
Exploring Ambaji White Marble: A Marvel of Nature’s Beauty
- About Ambaji White Marble
- Ambaji White Marble, renowned for its stunning white appearance and distinctive natural patterns, derives its name from the town of Ambaji in Gujarat, where it is primarily quarried.
- Also referred to as Amba White Marble and Ambe White Marble, it exhibits a pristine white color with subtle gray or beige veining, ranging from delicate to bold, resulting in each slab possessing a unique character.
- These natural variations arise from mineral presence and impurities during the marble’s formation process, enhancing its individualistic appeal.
- Known for its enduring shine and durability, the marble’s smooth, polished surface adds to its allure and sophistication.
- Widely favored for luxury architectural endeavors, sculptures, and monuments, Ambaji White Marble remains a sought-after material for various prestigious projects.
- Key Facts about Marble
- Marble, a metamorphic rock, forms through the metamorphism of limestone under heat and pressure.
- Primarily composed of calcite (CaCO3), marble may contain other minerals like clay, micas, quartz, pyrite, iron oxides, and graphite.
- During metamorphism, calcite recrystallizes to form interlocking crystals, resulting in the marble’s characteristic texture.
- Dolomitic marble, produced from dolostone under similar conditions, is another variant of marble.
- Marble transformation typically occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where large areas of Earth’s crust experience regional metamorphism.
- Contact metamorphism, induced by hot magma bodies heating adjacent limestone or dolostone, also leads to marble formation, often at convergent plate boundaries.
Source: TH
The PREFIRE Polar Mission
Tag: GS-3
In News:
Recently, a NASA PREFIRE polar mission is scheduled for launch from New Zealand.
Unveiling Earth’s Polar Heat Loss: The PREFIRE Polar Mission
- Overview
- The PREFIRE Polar Mission, or Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment, involves twin satellites equipped with instruments to measure Earth’s poles approximately six hours apart.
- Objective
- The primary objective is to comprehensively assess the heat loss spectrum from Earth’s polar regions, offering crucial insights to refine climate models.
- Aim
- The mission aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps and furnish data for enhancing climate change and sea level rise predictions.
- Specifically, it seeks to unveil how Earth’s atmosphere and ice impact the emission of heat into space from both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
- Satellite Operations
- Cube satellites, each resembling a shoebox, will be deployed via an Electron launch vehicle.
- Outfitted with validated Mars-tested technology, these satellites will scrutinize an understudied segment of Earth’s radiant energy.
- The twin satellites, carrying thermal infrared spectrometers, will orbit asynchronously near the poles, overlapping every few hours to optimize coverage.
- Weighing less than 6 pounds (3 kilograms) each, the instruments will utilize thermocouples, akin to those found in household thermostats, for data collection.
- Mission Significance
- Shedding light on why the Arctic has warmed significantly faster than other regions since the 1970s.
- Providing insights into the emission efficiency of far-infrared heat by substances like snow and sea ice, along with the influence of clouds on far-infrared radiation.
- Enhancing future predictions regarding the exchange of heat between Earth and space, and its implications for phenomena like ice sheet melting, atmospheric temperatures, and global weather patterns.
Source: IE
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