UPSC Daily Current Affairs – 03rd Sep 2024 – Edukemy

Today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants explores the latest developments relevant to 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 India’s socio-political and economic landscape. 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. 

India’s Neighbourhood Watch, Past and Present 

Tags: GS-2, IR- International Treaties & Agreements– Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests– Groupings & Agreements Involving India  

Why in the news? 

• India’s strategic neighbourhood has undergone significant changes from 2008 to 2024.  
• While India often engages in excessive self-criticism when regional events falter, overestimating its influence on the outcomes in its neighbourhood. 

A Period of Promising Change (2008-2010) and India’s Role: 

• Bangladesh: The Return of Democracy 
  • 2008: End of military rule and return to civilian governance under Sheikh Hasina, facilitated by India’s diplomatic efforts. 
• Sri Lanka: The Defeat of the LTTE 
  • 2009: LTTE defeated, ending a decades-long civil war. India’s strategic engagement was crucial in shaping the outcome and post-conflict reintegration. 
• Maldives: Multi-Party Democracy 
  • 2008: Transition to multi-party democracy with Mohamed Nasheed’s election. India supported this shift towards democratic governance. 
• Myanmar: Step Toward Civilian Rule 
  • 2010: Elections under military dominance. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release signalled a gradual shift towards democracy. India balanced strategic interests with support for democratic aspirations. 
• Pakistan: Civilian Government Takes Charge 
  • 2008: Transition from military to civilian government after Pervez Musharraf’s ousting. India’s relations were tense but offered potential for dialogue post-2008 Mumbai attacks. 

The Present Situation (2024) and Challenges for India: 

• Bangladesh: Government Collapse 
  • August 2024: Sheikh Hasina’s government fell due to a democracy deficit and protests. India’s failure to engage with opposition exacerbated the situation, questioning its strategy in Bangladesh. 
• Sri Lanka: Economic and Political Crisis 
  • 2022: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled amid protests. India provided a $4 billion bailout, maintaining strong relations despite the political upheaval. 
• Maldives: Electoral Upset 
  • 2024: President Mohamed Muizzu’s unexpected victory caught India off guard. Past engagement with Nasheed indicates India’s learning from its mistakes. 
• Myanmar: Return to Military Rule 
  • 2021: Military coup led to ongoing turmoil, affecting India’s northeastern states. India faces challenges in navigating the unstable situation. 
• Afghanistan and Pakistan: Regional Challenges 
  • 2021: Taliban’s return to power. India was sidelined in U.S.-Taliban engagements and now manages fallout independently. Pakistan’s civilian government collapse in 2022 highlights ongoing challenges. 

Suggestions for Making India’s Response and Strategic Imperatives: 

• Terrorism and Illegal Migration: Enhance border security to address threats from terrorism, illegal migration, and drug trafficking. Monitor demographic changes and ensure cooperation between the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and state governments. 
• Relations with China and Pakistan: Address terrorism from Pakistan through regional and multilateral platforms. Establish a common counter-terrorism platform and build economic ties with Pakistan. 
• Investment in Border Infrastructure: Improve border infrastructure, including roads, railways, and waterways. Consider setting up a regional development fund for connectivity projects. 
• Monitoring LOC Projects: Accelerate the completion of Line of Credit (LOC) projects, which have grown significantly. Strengthen monitoring through the Ministry of External Affairs and Joint Project Monitoring Committees. 
• Defence and Maritime Security: Enhance defence cooperation with neighbours and increase maritime domain awareness in the extended neighbourhood. 
• Development in North-Eastern Region: Align the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies to boost economic development, connectivity, and security in the North-Eastern states. 
• Tourism Promotion: Invest in tourism, including medical tourism, leveraging India’s role as a major source of tourists for South Asia. 
• Multilateral Organisations: Strengthen engagement with regional mechanisms like SAARC and BIMSTEC. Conduct regular reviews of bilateral and multilateral relationships to enhance policy impact. 

Conclusion 

Over the past 16 years, India’s neighbourhood has been volatile with significant challenges and successes. India’s approach needs sustained engagement rather than episodic interventions to maintain influence and foster regional stability. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims: 

Q:1 Elephant Pass, sometimes seen in the news, is mentioned in the context of the affairs of which one of the following? (2009) 

1. Bangladesh 
2. India  
3. Nepal 
4. Sri Lanka 

Ans: (d) 

Q:2 Consider the following statements: (2020) 

1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 
2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 
3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

Ans: (b) 

Mains: 

Q:1 “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (2017) 

Source: TH 

Rights of the accused in PMLA cases and recent SC Verdicts 

Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Judiciary- Judgement- PMLA 

Why in the news? 

• The Supreme Court of India, in the case Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India (2022), upheld key provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), reinforcing the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) broad powers. 

What is PMLA? 

• About: 
  • The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) aims to prevent money laundering and confiscate property derived from such activities, targeting crimes like drug trafficking, smuggling, and terrorism financing. 
• Key Provisions of PMLA: 
  • Offences and Penalties: Defines money laundering offences with penalties including rigorous imprisonment and fines. 
  • Attachment and Confiscation: Allows attachment and confiscation of property involved in money laundering, overseen by an Adjudicating Authority. 
  • Reporting Requirements: Mandates banks and financial institutions to maintain records and report suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). 
  • Appellate Tribunal: Section 25 establishes an Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals against orders from the Adjudicating Authority. 
• Recent Amendments Related to PMLA: 
  • Restoration of Confiscated Property (2019): New Rule 3A allows the Special Court to publish notices for claimants of confiscated property after charges are framed. 
  • Maintenance of Records (2023): Expanded disclosure requirements for NGOs and clarified the definition of “Politically Exposed Persons” (PEPs) to align with FATF recommendations. 
• Concerns Regarding PMLA, 2002:
  • Broad Definition of Proceeds of Crime: Concerns over the broad interpretation, which may include legal transactions. 
  • Coverage of Numerous Offences: PMLA’s schedule includes many offences unrelated to its original intent of combating drug money laundering. 
  • Arrest Without Written Grounds: ED officers have been criticised for not providing written grounds for arrest, violating Article 22(1) of the Constitution and Section 19(1) of PMLA, as reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha. 

Key Relaxations Extended by the Supreme Court: 

• On Grounds of Arrest: 
  • Section 19 of the PMLA grants the ED the power to arrest based on reasonable belief of guilt.  
  • Initially, in the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case, the Court ruled that the ED need not provide the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) but only inform the accused of the arrest reasons. 
• Recent Intervention:  
  • In Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India (2023), the Court mandated that the grounds of arrest must always be provided in writing, underscoring that failure to do so renders the arrest illegal.  
  • This ensures the accused’s right to be informed under Article 20 of the Constitution is upheld. 
• On Bail for Undertrials: 
  • Section 436A of the CrPC, which allows bail if an undertrial has served half the maximum sentence, was extended to PMLA cases in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary. 
• Impact of Amendments:  
  • The introduction of Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita could limit this bail provision, particularly in cases with multiple charges.  
  • Despite this, the Court reiterated in August 2024 that “bail is the rule and jail is the exception,” applying even to PMLA cases. 
• On ‘Need and Necessity to Arrest’: 
  • In July 2024, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, questioning the necessity of his arrest by the ED when the evidence was available months prior.  
  • The case highlighted the requirement for the ED to base arrests on substantial, court-admissible evidence and referred the “need and necessity to arrest” issue to a five-judge bench for further consideration. 
• On Relaxing Twin Conditions: 
  • Section 45 of the PMLA imposes stringent conditions for bail, reversing the usual burden of proof.  
  • However, in August 2024, the Court granted bail to Manish Sisodia, acknowledging prolonged pre-trial detention (17 months in his case) as a valid reason for relaxing these conditions. 
• On Bail Exception for Women: 
  • The Supreme Court granted bail to BRS leader K Kavitha under the Section 45 exception for women, overruling a Delhi High Court decision.  
  • The ruling clarified that the exception applies universally to women, regardless of their educational or social status. 
• On Confession to ED Officer: 
  • Section 50 of the PMLA permits the ED to summon individuals and record statements, which the Court in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary upheld as not violating the right against self-incrimination. 
  • Recent Ruling: In Prem Prakash v. Union of India (2024), the Court emphasised that confessions made in judicial custody may not be voluntary due to potential coercion and are therefore inadmissible as evidence, reinforcing protections against self-incrimination. 

Conclusion: 

These rulings demonstrate the Supreme Court’s efforts to balance the enforcement of the PMLA with the protection of fundamental rights. While the Act remains a robust tool against money laundering, the Court’s interventions ensure that the rights of the accused are not unduly compromised, particularly concerning arrest, bail, and self-incrimination. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims 

Q:1 Which one of the following groups of items is included in India’s foreign-exchange reserves? (2013) 

1. Foreign-currency assets, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and loans from foreign countries 
2. Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and SDRs 
3. Foreign-currency assets, loans from the World Bank and SDRs  
4. Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and loans from the World Bank 

Ans: (b) 

Mains 

Q:1 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (2021) 

Q:2 India’s proximity to the two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same? (2018) 

Source: IE 

75 Years of Supreme Court 

Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Judiciary-  Supreme court 

Why in the news? 

• Recently, the President of India unveiled a new flag and insignia for the Supreme Court of India to mark its 75th year of establishment.  
• The new flag features the Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building, and the book of the Constitution of India.  
• Additionally, the Prime Minister released a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate 75 years of the Supreme Court. 

Evolution of the Supreme Court in 75 Year: 

• First Phase (1950-1967): Adherence to Constitutional Text and Judicial Restraint 
  • Judicial Review: The judiciary maintained a conservative approach, focusing on interpreting the Constitution as written and exercising judicial review without overstepping boundaries. 
  • Avoidance of Ideological Influence: The judiciary avoided aligning with government ideologies, as seen in the Kameshwar Singh case (1952), where it declared the abolition of zamindari illegal but refrained from nullifying constitutional amendments. 
  • Respect for Legislative Supremacy: In cases like Champakam Dorairajan (1951), the judiciary struck down reservations in educational institutions but adhered to a positivist interpretation of the Constitution, avoiding confrontation with Parliament. 
• Second Phase (1967-1976): Judicial Activism and Confrontation with Parliament 
  • Expansion of Fundamental Rights: The GolakNath judgement (1967) marked a shift towards a more expansive interpretation of fundamental rights, challenging Parliament’s legislative power. 
  • Landmark Rulings on Constitutional Amendments: The Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) introduced the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. 
  • Impact of Emergency on Judicial Independence: The ADM Jabalpur case (1976) marked a low point for constitutional democracy, as the judiciary supported the government’s suspension of the right to life during the national emergency. 
• Third Phase (1978-2014): Judicial Activism and Expansion of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) 
  • Course Correction Post-Emergency: The Maneka Gandhi case (1978) broadened the interpretation of Article 21, expanding the scope of the right to life and personal liberty. 
  • Rise of Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The judiciary allowed public-spirited individuals to file petitions on behalf of marginalised groups, leading to increased access to justice. 
  • Collegium System: The judiciary introduced the collegium system for appointing judges, which was later challenged by the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act (2014) but struck down to maintain judicial independence. 
• Fourth Phase (2014-Present): Liberal Interpretation of the Constitution 
  • Liberal Interpretation: The Supreme Court upheld the revocation of Article 370, integrating Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union. 
  • Sustaining Judicial Activism: The judiciary continued to assert its role in protecting constitutional rights, such as invalidating the opaque electoral bonds scheme and striking down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalised adultery. 

Key Challenges Facing the Supreme Court of India 

• Volume of Pending Cases: As of the end of 2023, the Supreme Court had 80,439 pending cases, leading to delays in justice delivery and undermining the judiciary’s efficiency and credibility. 
• Dominance of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs): SLPs constitute the majority of the Supreme Court’s case list, limiting the court’s ability to address a diverse range of issues effectively. 
• Selective Prioritization of Cases: The “pick and choose model” of case prioritisation has led to perceptions of preferential treatment, with high-profile cases often receiving swift attention. 
• Judicial Evasion: The backlog has sometimes led to “judicial evasion,” where important cases are avoided or delayed, such as challenges to the Aadhaar biometric ID scheme and the electoral bonds case. 
• Conflict of Interest and Integrity: Allegations of corruption within the judiciary pose challenges to its integrity and public confidence. 
• Concerns of Appointment of Judges: The process of judicial appointments, particularly the collegium system, has been contentious, with calls for reforms to increase transparency and accountability. 

Way Forward: 

• All India Judicial Recruitment: Establish a national standard for judicial recruitment to ensure consistency and quality across states, improving judicial efficiency. 
• Case Management Reforms: Implement advanced case management techniques, such as the e-Courts Project, to digitise and automate court operations, reducing case backlog. 
• Promote Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR): Encourage the use of ADR mechanisms for cases that do not require Supreme Court intervention, as outlined in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. 
• Transparent Case Listing: Develop a transparent case listing and prioritisation protocol, with a feature on the Supreme Court Portal to publicly track case statuses and priorities. 
• Clarify Institutional Goals: Define and communicate clear institutional goals, using frameworks like Judicial Performance Evaluation to assess and realign the court’s objectives. 
• Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms: Implement stricter accountability measures for judges, such as establishing an Independent Judicial Accountability Commission similar to the Central Vigilance Commission for government officials. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims  

Q:1  With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (2021) 

1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.  
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.  

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

1. 1 only   
2. 2 only   
3. Both 1 and 2  
4. Neither I nor 2  

Ans: (c) 

Q:2 Consider the following statements: (2019)  

1. The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review. 
2. The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of judiciary. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

1. 1 only  
2. 2 only  
3. Both 1 and 2   
4. Neither 1 nor 2  

Ans: (b)  

Q:3 With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: (2019)  

1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid.  
2. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only   
2. 2 only  
3. Both 1 and 2   
4. Neither 1 nor 2  

Ans: (d) 

Mains 

Q:1 Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (2021)  

Q:2 Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (2020)  

Q:3 Critically examine the Supreme Court’s Judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments CommissionAct, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (2017) 

Source: PIB 

India has a special China problem above world’s general China problem 

Tags: GS-2, IR- India and its Neighbourhood– india-China Border Dispute – Line of Actual Control 

Why in the news? 

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s “special China problem,” which he believes is more pressing than the general issues faced by other countries with China.  
• This special focus calls for rigorous scrutiny of Chinese investments due to strained border relations. 

India – China Border Dispute: 

• Western Sector (Aksai Chin): China administers Aksai Chin, which India claims as part of Jammu and Kashmir. The area is uninhabited and includes disputed regions like Daulat Beg Oldi. 
• The most serious recent episodes of conflict were in Galwan Valley in Ladakh in 2020 and in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in 2022. 
• Central Sector: This 625 km boundary has minimal controversy, with no major disagreements between India and China. 
• Eastern Sector (McMahon Line): The McMahon Line, drawn in 1913-14, divides British India from Tibet. China rejects this boundary and claims parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Southern Tibet. 

Border Dispute Settlement Mechanisms: 

• Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility (1993): Renunciation of the use of force, recognition of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and resolution of the border issue through negotiations. 
• Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the LAC (1996): Pledges on non-aggression, prior notification of large troop movements, and exchange of maps to address LAC disagreements. 
• Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (2013): Established after the Depsang Valley incident, focusing on enhancing border defence cooperation and reducing tensions. 

BRO Infrastructure Projects: 

• Road Infrastructure Completion: The BRO is finalising roads such as the Nimu-Padam-Darcha and constructing the Shinku La tunnel, which will be the highest in the world.
• Leh Connectivity: Three routes to Leh include the new Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, reducing distance to Manali by 60 km. 
• Ladakh Border Roads: Key roads include the Leh-Demchok road and connections from Durbuk to Nyoma. 
• ICBR Programme: Focuses on 73 strategic roads in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh under its first two phases. 
• Arunachal Pradesh Frontier Highway: A major 1,800-km highway project near the Myanmar border. 
• Other Projects: Includes the Sungal tunnel and Lipulekh Pass Road. 
• Increased Focus: Since 2020, there’s been a surge in border infrastructure development in Ladakh and Northeast India. 

Key Highlights of EAM’s Speech: 

• Special China Problem: India’s challenges with China are distinct from those faced by other countries. 
• Scrutiny of Chinese Investments: India’s strained border relations justify careful examination of Chinese investments. 
• Border Situation and Diplomacy: Recent talks show progress in resolving the border standoff that began in May 2020, with efforts to “narrow down differences.” 
• Trade Deficit and China’s Position: Jaishankar highlighted the trade deficit with China due to its unique production advantages, stressing the need for policies that account for China’s political and economic system. 
• Economics and Security: The intersection of economics and national security is crucial, particularly concerning reliance on Chinese technology. 
• Ongoing Border Standoff: The standoff has lasted over four years with significant troop deployments, though some friction points remain unresolved. 

Source: IE 

National Conference of the District Judiciary 

Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Judiciary- Judgement 

Why in the news? 

• PM Modi inaugurated the National Conference of District Judiciary on August 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.  
• The two-day conference, organised by the Supreme Court of India, will cover issues related to District Judiciary, including infrastructure, human resources, inclusive courtrooms, judicial security, wellness, case management, and training. 

Evolution of Modern Judiciary in India: 

• Introduction of Judicial System: The British introduced an Anglo-Saxon judicial system in India. 
• Royal Charter of 1661: Empowered the Governor and Council to adjudicate according to English laws. 
• Regulating Act of 1773: Established the Supreme Court of India in Calcutta. 
• Supreme Courts in Madras and Bombay: Extended British judicial system to these presidencies. 
• Dual Judicial Systems: 
  • English Royal Courts in presidencies. 
  • Indian Adalat/Sadr Courts in provinces. 
• High Court Act of 1861: Merged the dual systems into High Courts and replaced native courts. 
• Judicial Committee of the Privy Council: Acted as the highest court of appeal. 
• Government of India Act of 1935: Set up the Federal Court as an intermediate appellate body. 
• Federal Court’s Limited Power: Could only issue declaratory judgments with limited enforcement power. 
• Unified Court System: Transitioned to a three-tier structure starting from lower courts to the Supreme Court. 

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech: 

• Supreme Court’s 75-Year Journey: Reflects the evolution of the Constitution and democracy. 
• Judiciary’s Role in Democracy: The Supreme Court is seen as the custodian of the Constitution. 
• Modernization Efforts: Significant investments and technological advancements, including e-Courts and AI. 
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: New legal code focusing on citizen dignity and digital evidence. 
• Women and Child Safety: Enhanced laws and fast-track courts for swift justice. 
• Vision for Developed India: The district judiciary is vital for realising ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Naya Bharat.’ 

Key Highlights of CJI D Y Chandrachud’s Speech: 

• Legal Education in Regional Languages: Aims to make legal knowledge accessible in native languages. 
• District Judiciary as Backbone: Advocates ending the term “subordinate judiciary” as outdated. 
• Challenges for District Judiciary: Includes affordability of legal representation and geographic access. 
• Adoption of Technology: Emphasises digitization, e-sewa kendras, and video conferencing. 
• Increasing Women Participation: Noted the rise of women in district judiciary roles. 
• Translation of Supreme Court Judgments: 73,000 judgments translated into all constitutionally recognized languages. 

Source: PIB 

Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 

Tags: GS-2, Polity & Governance- Judiciary – Judgement 

Why in the news? 

• Recently, the Supreme Court stayed a Central government notification, whereby Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, was omitted. 

About Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act: 

• About:  
  • Introduced in 2018, Rule 170 was established to prevent the misleading advertisement of AYUSH products, focusing on the manufacture, storage, and sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines.  
  • The rule seeks to regulate advertisements by ensuring that they meet specific safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. 
• Key Provisions of Rule 170 
  • Advertisement Prohibition: AYUSH drug manufacturers are prohibited from advertising their products without prior approval and a unique identification number from the state licensing authority. 
  • Submission Requirements: Manufacturers must submit comprehensive details, including textual references, the rationale for the medicine, indications for use, and evidence of safety and effectiveness. 
• Grounds for Rejection: Applications may be rejected for several reasons, such as: 
  • Lack of contact details. 
  • Obscene or vulgar content. 
  • Promotion of products for the enhancement of sexual organs. 
  • Testimonials from celebrities or government officials. 
  • References to government organisations. 
  • Misleading or exaggerated claims. 
• Reason for Introduction 
  • Rule 170 was introduced in response to concerns raised by a parliamentary standing committee regarding the prevalence of misleading claims in AYUSH product advertisements.  
  • The need for proactive measures by the AYUSH ministry to address these concerns led to the establishment of this regulation. 
• Challenges in Regulating AYUSH Drugs 
  • Licensing Requirements: Like allopathic medicines, AYUSH drug manufacturers must obtain a licence from the drug controller. 
  • Absence of Clinical Trials: Unlike allopathic medicines, AYUSH drugs are not required to undergo phase I, II, and III clinical trials or equivalence studies for approval. 
  • Effectiveness Proof Requirement: Drugs containing specific ingredients or traditional drugs used for new indications must provide proof of effectiveness as per the Act. 

Reasons for AYUSH Ministry’s Recommendation to Ignore Rule 170 

• Expert Recommendation by ASUDTAB:  
  • The Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board (ASUDTAB), an expert body responsible for regulating AYUSH drugs, suggested omitting Rule 170 during a meeting in May 2023. 
• Overlapping Legislative Amendments:  
  • The suggestion to omit Rule 170 was influenced by ongoing considerations for amendments to the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, a law also aimed at preventing misleading advertisements.  
  • Both the health and AYUSH ministries were involved in these legislative changes. 
• Advisory to State Licensing Authorities:  
  • In response to ASUDTAB’s recommendation and the anticipated legislative amendments, the AYUSH Ministry advised state licensing authorities to disregard Rule 170, considering it redundant or potentially conflicting with the upcoming legal framework. 

Source: TH 

Uri-I Hydroelectric Project 

Tags: GS-3, Economy-Growth & Development-  Infrastructure 

Why in the news? 

• Recently, The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has deferred the proposal for the grant of Environmental Clearance (EC) to the Stage-II of the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project. 

About the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project: 

• Recent Development: 
  • On September 2, 2024, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change deferred the proposal for granting Environmental Clearance (EC) to the Stage-II of the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project. 
• About : 
  • Location: Uri-I Hydroelectric Project is situated on the Jhelum River in Uri town, Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir, near the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan. 
  • Commissioning: The project was commissioned in 1997. 
  • Capacity: It has a total installed capacity of 480 MW, with four units, each generating 120 MW. 
  • Ownership and Operation: The project is owned by the Central Government and operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC). 

Key Facts about the Jhelum River: 

• Geography: 
  • The Jhelum River flows through both India and Pakistan and is a tributary of the Indus River. 
  • It is the primary waterway in the Kashmir Valley and is the westernmost of the five rivers of Punjab, passing through the Jhelum District in Pakistan’s Punjab province. 
• Course: 
  • Origin: The river originates from Verinag Spring in Anantnag, located at the foot of the Pir Panjal range in the Kashmir Valley. 
  • Flow: It flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake before entering Pakistan, forming a deep and narrow gorge on its way. 
  • Confluence: It joins the Chenab River near Trimmu, Pakistan. 
• Major Tributaries: 
  • Kishanganga (Neelum) River: The largest tributary, joining the Jhelum near Muzaffarabad and flowing into Punjab province, Pakistan. 
  • Kunhar River: The second largest tributary, connecting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan near the Kohala Bridge of Kanghan Valley. 
  • Other Tributaries: Sandran River, Bringi River, Arapath River, Watlara River, Lidder River, and Veshaw River. 

Source: DE 

Ramon Magsaysay Award 

Tags: GS-1, History- Award 

Why in the news? 

• On September 2, 2024, Japanese anime director Hayao Miyazaki was honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize. 

About the Ramon Magsaysay Award: 

• About: 
  • The Ramon Magsaysay Award is considered Asia’s premier prize and highest honour.  
  • It celebrates individuals who demonstrate greatness of spirit and transformative leadership in Asia. 
• History: 
  • The award was established in 1957 and is named after Ramon Magsaysay, the beloved Philippine President who died in a plane crash in 1957. 
  • The award was created to honour his memory and his ideals of integrity in governance and service to the people. 
• Categories: 
  • From 1958 to 2008, the award was given annually in six categories: 
    • Government Service: Recognizing outstanding public service in any branch of government. 
    • Public Service: Awarded to private citizens for their service to the public good. 
    • Community Leadership: Given for leadership that enhances the welfare of the disadvantaged. 
    • Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts: For effective use of media and arts in promoting the public good. 
    • Peace and International Understanding: For contributions to promoting friendship, tolerance, and peace across borders. 
    • Emergent Leadership: Recognizing young leaders (under 40) making significant contributions to social change. 
• Presentation: 
  • Awardees receive a certificate and a medallion with an embossed image of Ramon Magsaysay. 
  • The awards are presented annually on August 31st in Manila, Philippines, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Ramon Magsaysay. 
• Significance: 
  • The Ramon Magsaysay Award has a long-standing reputation as a prestigious recognition of outstanding individuals and organisations across Asia who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and have made significant contributions to society. 

Source: TH 

Zombie fungus 

Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Species  

Why in the news? 

• Recently, On September 2, 2024, wildlife researcher Chris Ketola shared a video showing a tarantula infected by a zombie fungus, highlighting the eerie and fascinating interaction between the fungus and its host. 

About Zombie Fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis): 

• Functionality: 
  • The zombie fungus, scientifically known as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, parasitizes its host by draining it of nutrients and filling its body with spores, which enables the fungus to reproduce. 
  • The fungus exerts control over the host’s mind and motor functions, effectively turning it into a “zombie” before eventually consuming the host’s body. 
• Infection Targets: 
  • Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that predominantly targets invertebrates. The fungus mainly infects insects like ants and spiders. 
  • It is commonly found in pantropical regions and primarily infects carpenter ants. 

Key Facts about Tarantulas: 

• Classification: 
  • Tarantulas belong to the family Theraphosidae, which includes large, hairy spiders. 
• Species and Distribution: 
  • There are over 900 species of tarantulas found worldwide, with the exception of Antarctica. 
• Behaviour: 
  • Tarantulas are slow-moving on their eight hairy legs and are primarily nocturnal predators. 

Source: HT 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are daily current affairs?

A: Daily current affairs refer to the most recent and relevant events, developments, and news stories that are happening around the world on a day-to-day basis. These can encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, sports, and more.

Q: Why is it important to stay updated with daily current affairs?

A: Staying updated with daily current affairs is crucial because it helps individuals make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. It enables people to understand the world around them, stay aware of significant events, and engage in informed discussions about important issues.

Q: Where can I access daily current affairs information?

A: There are various sources for daily current affairs, including newspapers, news websites, television news broadcasts, radio programs, and dedicated apps or newsletters. Social media platforms are also widely used to share and access current affairs information.

Q: How can I effectively incorporate daily current affairs into my routine?

A: To incorporate daily current affairs into your routine, consider setting aside specific times each day to read or watch news updates. You can also subscribe to newsletters or follow news apps to receive curated content. Engaging in discussions with peers or participating in online forums can further enhance your understanding of current events.

Q: What are some tips for critical analysis of daily current affairs?

A: When analyzing daily current affairs, it’s essential to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, consider the source’s credibility and bias, if any. Develop the ability to identify the main points and implications of news stories, and critically evaluate the significance and impact of the events reported.

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