Monday, 28th November 2022

Table of contents

1   Daily Current Affairs

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India: High Growth, Controlled Urban Pollution, G20 Position

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India-GCC to pursue the resumption of FTA

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Russia launches nuclear-powered ice-breaker in the Arctic

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India's Night Sky Sanctuary & Bird Migration Light Pollution

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Bluebugging - Edukemy Current Affairs

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Ima Market: Imphal - Edukemy Current Affairs

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Shiveluch Volcano - Edukemy Current Affairs

●  

Millets in Mid-Day Meal Scheme

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Jallikattu: Tamil Nadu Tradition Upheld

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Transfer of High Court Judges - Edukemy Current Affairs

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Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

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Buddhist varsity in Tripura - Edukemy Current Affairs

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Sangeet Natak Akademi - Edukemy Current Affairs

●  

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant

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Tobin Tax - Edukemy Current Affairs

2   Daily Editorial Analysis

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President's Prison Overcrowding Caution: Indian Express

3   Case Study of the Day

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Barren land transformed: Seawater grain from Salt soil

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Daily Current Affairs

India: High Growth, Controlled Urban Pollution, G20 Position


In News

India will be presiding over the G-20 summit from December 2022, after taking charge from incumbent president Indonesia.

About the news:

  • The unveiled logo of G-20 contains the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One Family, One Future’ which reflects the idea of universal brotherhood. The theme also spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices
  • But the poor air quality standards of Delhi, placing it as the most polluted capital of the world, raises questions about the true resolve to the principles of environmentally sustainable and responsible choices.
  • Despite being among the top three biggest GHG emitters along with China and USA in 2019, India is in a relatively better position in terms of GHG emissions on a per capita basis in 2021

What are the reasons for poor AQI in Delhi?

  1. Change in Wind Direction: October usually marks the withdrawal of monsoons in Northwest India and during this time, the predominant direction of winds is northwesterly, which brings the dust from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.
  2. Reduced Wind Speed: High wind speed in summer facilitates the faster movement of particulate matter in the air. As the wind speed decreases in winter, the air is not able to draw the pollutant away from a region.
  3. Landlocked Geography of Delhi obstructs the escape route of air which already carries pollutants from the North-West.
  4. Vehicular Emissions: It is one of the biggest causes of dipping air quality in Delhi in winter and around 20% of PM2.5 in winter comes from it.
  5. Industrial chimney wastes: There are a number of industries which are sources of pollution. The chief gases are SO2 and NO2. There are many food and fertilizers industries which emit acid vapours in the air.
  6. Stubble burning in Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana is blamed for causing a thick blanket of smog in Delhi during winters.
  7. Construction Activities and Open Waste Burning in Delhi-NCR is another culprit that is increasing dust and pollution in the air.

What are the measures taken to tackle air pollution in Delhi?

  • Graded response action plan: In pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order in the M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi, the Graded Response Action Plan was notified by MoEFCC in 2017.
  • The government has notified construction & demolition (C&D) waste management rules for all generators of C&D waste. They must segregate it into four categories and then either deposit it at collection centres set up by the local authority or hand it over to processing facilities.
  • A new Tree policy with an aim to the preservation and transplantation of trees has been introduced by the Delhi government.
  • Smog Towers which are large-scale air purifiers usually fitted with multiple layers of air filters which clean the air of pollutants as it passes through them.
  • The introduction of BS-VI vehicles, push for electric vehicles (EVs), Odd-Even as an emergency measure and construction of the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to reduce vehicular pollution.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/g20-india-presidency-air-pollution-8293259/

 

Image Source:

https://www.statista.com/chart/19837/new-delhi-pm25-pollution-daily-averages/

 

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Keywords: GS Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Daily Current Affairs

India-GCC to pursue the resumption of FTA


Why in news?

What is Free Trade Agreement?

  • A free trade agreement is an agreement between two or more countries to reduce import and export barriers.
  • Under a free trade policy, there are little to no government tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or prohibitions that prevent the exchange of products and services across international borders.
  • The idea of free trade is the inverse of economic isolationism or trade protectionism.

About GCC

  • It comprises of six countries in the Gulf region — Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain. It is the largest trading bloc of India.

 Current Status of India-GCC Trade Relationship

  • Exports to GCC member Countries: Hiked by 58.26% (~USD 44 bn)in 2021-22 against USD 27.8 billion in 2020-21.
  • Bilateral trade in goods: Increased to USD 154.73 bn(2021-22) from USD 87.4 bn (2020-21).
  • Services trade: Valued at around USD 14 bn(2021-22)
  • Oil & Gas Imports: GCC countries contribute ~ 35% of India’s oil importsand 70% of its gas imports.
  • Overall crude oil imports: In 2021-22(~ USD 48 bn), while LNG and LPG imports in 2021-22 (~ USD 21 bn).

Status of Successful Indian Trade Agreements with Other Countries

  • India-Australia: India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA)
  • India-UAE: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
  • India-Mauritius: Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership Agreement (CECPA)
  • India-Sri Lanka: Indo Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement
  • India-Singapore: India Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
  • India-Japan: Japan India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements
  • India-South Korea: India Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements

Pending FTA’s

  • India-European Union: India and the EU restarted their FTA negotiations in goods and services in early 2021 after a gap of eight years
  • India-UK: India and the UK will begin negotiations on a free trade agreement in the coming months (FTA).
  • India-Canada: India and Canada confirmed that they would hold the fourth round of negotiations to secure an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA)

Way Forward

  • For India, the Gulf region is significant in terms of history, politics, economy, strategy, and culture. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the GCC could further strengthen ties.
  • The GCC region is currently volatile, thus India must protect its significant economic, political, and demographic ties to the area.

Content Source Link:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1878714

https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/india-gulf-cooperation-council-gcc-decide-to-pursue-resumption-of-free-trade-agreement-fta-negotiations-122112500645_1.html

Image Source Link:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gulf-Cooperation-Council

 

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Keywords: GS Paper 2, Indian Diaspora, Regional Groupings, Important International institutions
Daily Current Affairs

Russia launches nuclear-powered ice-breaker in the Arctic


In News:

  • Russia launches nuclear-powered ice-breaker in Arctic

About the News:

  • The Russian government has recently launched the nuclear-powered icebreaker “Yakutia” which is of immense strategic importance to Russia
  • These ice-breakers are touted to improve Russia's Arctic power besides ensuring year-round navigation in the Western Arctic.
  • These vessels have been launched as part in a series of the Project 2220 to fully unlock its export potential and establish efficient logistics routes including to Southeast Asia.

Major highlights:

  • About: Icebreakers are part of a large serial project with systematic work to re-equip and replenish the domestic icebreaker fleet and strengthen Russia's status as a great Arctic power.
  • Advantage arctic: Climate change has given the Arctic greater geopolitical significance as, melting ice caps are creating new sea channels.
  • Strategic region: The Arctic regions of Russia contain enormous reserves of oil and gas, including a liquefied natural gas plant on the Yamal Peninsula giving it tremendous importance.
  • Ice-breakers:
    • Yakutia: It is a 3-metre vessel with a displacement of up to 33,540 tonnes which can smash through the ice of up to three metres.
    • In service: These include Vessels Arktika and the Sibir
    • Future ice-breaker: These are proposed icebreakers in the same series and will include Rossiya and Chukotka, which are scheduled for 2026 and 2027

Project 22220:

  • About: It was launched by Russia in 2009 to build six ice-breaking vessels of which Arktika and Sibir are in service, Ural is in sea trials, Chukotka is currently under construction, and Yakutia was launched recently.
  • Features: These vessels are powered by two RITM-200 pressurised water reactors, which produce total thermal power of up to 350 MWt which converts to 60 MW at the propellers.
  • Function: Vessels are intended to service and maintain the passage of large tankers and container vessels through the Northern Sea Route that enables a shorter route between Northern Europe and the Far East.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/putin-touts-russias-arctic-power-with-launch-of-nuclear-icebreakers/article66170343.ece

 

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Keywords: General studies III: Technology, Ice-breakers
Daily Current Affairs

India's Night Sky Sanctuary & Bird Migration Light Pollution


In News

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has announced the completion of setting up of India’s first Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle, Ladakh by the end of 2022. It will be located as part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

About the News:

  • A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial light interference.
  • These areas are important for stargazers and astronomers because they allow for clear views of the night sky as they have little to no artificial light pollution.
  • The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT), High Energy Gamma Ray telescope (HAGAR), the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment Telescope (MACE) and GROWTH-India are prominent telescopes located at the Hanle observatory.
  • In order to be designated as a Dark Sky Reserve, an area must meet certain criteria set forth by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDSA).

What are the criteria for becoming a dark sky reserve?

The IDSA considers a piece of land suitable for dark sky place only if

  1. It is either publicly or privately owned.
  2. It is accessible to the public partially or entirely during the year.
  3. The land is legally protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment purposes.
  4. The core area of the land provides an exceptional dark sky resource relative to the communities.
  5. Cities that surround it and the land offers prescribed night sky brightness either for a reserve, park or sanctuary.

What is Light Pollution?

Light pollution is the improper or excessive use of artificial light. It may have severe environmental effects on people, animals, and our climate. Major causes of light pollution are:

  • Glare – extreme brightness causing visual discomfort
  • Skyglow – the illumination of the night sky over populated regions
  • Light intrusion — light falling where it is not desired or required
  • Clutter – Bright, disorienting, and overbearing clusters of light sources.

What are the impacts of Light Pollution on migratory birds?

  • Light pollution alters a variety of avian behaviour, including migration, foraging, and communication.
  • It impacts the level of activity and energy consumption of species that migrate at night.
  • It draws and confuses off nocturnally migrating birds, which may lead to them circling in luminous regions.
  • Artificial light-induced behavior may exhaust their energy reserves, which increases their vulnerability to weariness, predation, and deadly collisions.
  • Light pollution may disrupt the biological clock and capacity for long-distance migration of migratory birds.

Source:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/indias-first-night-sky-sanctuary-in-ladakh-to-be-ready-in-a-month-minister/articleshow/95793660.cms

https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/growing-effects-light-pollution-migratory-birds

 

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Keywords: GS-3 Achievements of Indians in science & technology, Indigenization of Technology
Daily Current Affairs

Bluebugging - Edukemy Current Affairs


  • Context: Recently cyber security experts warned about the vulnerability of Bluetooth devices getting hacked.
  • Bluebugging is a technique that allows skilled hackers to access mobile commands on Bluetooth-enabled devices that are in discoverable mode.
  • How are the devices bluebugged?

A device can be remotely controlled, which allows hackers to intercept or reroute communication.

Hackers may

  1. Send and read text messages.
  2. Place or monitor phone calls.
  • Ways to prevent Bluebugging:
  1. Turning off Bluetooth and disconnecting paired Bluetooth devices when not in use
  2. Updating the device’s system software to the latest version
  3. Limited use of public Wi-Fi and using VPN as an additional security measure

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/what-is-bluebugging-and-how-is-it-used-to-hack-bluetooth-enabled-devices/article66191220.ece

 

techopedia.com/definition/5044/bluebugging

 

Image Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/wireless-earplug-apps-tws-vpn-device-smartphone-laptop-bluetooth-vulnerable-apple-iphone-hacks/article66139566.ece

 

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Keywords: GS III:, Security: Cyber security: Bluebugging
Daily Current Affairs

Ima Market: Imphal - Edukemy Current Affairs


  • Context: The External Affairs minister recently visited Manipur’s Ima market, calling it a “great example of Nari shakti (women’s power) powering economic growth”.

  • 'Mothers' Market' or Ima Keithel or Nupi Keithel, situated at Khwairamband Bazaar in Imphal, a 500-year-old market is unique as “Imas” or mothers, run the stalls.
  • One unusual rule: only women who are married can trade here, and this custom has continued over the years and centuries.
  • Male vendors and shopkeepers are barred here, under the Manipur Municipalities Act,2004. Men are only allowed here for shopping, not trading.
  • The Ima Market has its origins in Lallup Kaba, an ancient bonded labour system, where Meitei men had to compulsorily serve some time working in the military and on other civil projects, and the women, left to manage on their own, developed a market system which is today the Ima Keithel.
  • Manipuri women developed their entrepreneurial skills and became a symbol of women's empowerment. The women traders, with their distinct character, status, and self-identity, are the pride of the state.

Sources:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-imphals-ima-market-which-minister-jaishankar-called-a-great-example-of-nari-shakti/

 

Image source:

https://www.indiatoday.in/newsmo/video/ima-keithel-the-worlds-largest-only-womens-market-in-manipurs-imphal-2297965-2022-11-16

 

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Keywords: GS Paper 3: Economy/ Society: Ima Market, Women Empowerment
Daily Current Affairs

Shiveluch Volcano - Edukemy Current Affairs


  • Context: Shiveluch is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Kamchatka, having erupted at least 60 times in the past 10,000 years.

  • Kamchatka, home to 29 active volcanoes, is a part of the “Ring of Fire” which circles the Pacific Ocean and is prone to eruptions and frequent earthquakes.
  • Shiveluch is the most productive and highly explosive volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula and one of the most active dome-building volcanoes worldwide.
  • It has two main parts: Old Shiveluch, which tops 3,283 metres (10,771 ft), and Young Shiveluch – a 2,800-metres peak protruding from its side.
  • Young Shiveluch lies within an ancient caldera – a large crater-like basin, likely formed when the older part underwent a catastrophic eruption.
  • Young Shiveluch has become extremely active, the volcano’s lava dome continues to grow and stronger “fumarole activity” has been observed.
  • Domes are mounds that form from accumulating lava, and fumaroles are openings through which hot sulphurous gases emerge.
  • The dome glows at night from nearly all sides, typically happening before a powerful “paroxysmal eruption”.
  • When the paroxysmal stage of eruption occurs, pyroclastic flows (a mixture of hot gas, ash and rock) will descend from the slopes of Shiveluch.

Sources:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/russia-volcano-shiveluch-kamchatka-may-erupt-8292463/

Image Source: 

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/2/11/2571/htm

 

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Keywords: GS Paper 1:, Geography
Daily Current Affairs

Millets in Mid-Day Meal Scheme


  • Context: The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
  • Millets are hardy crops grown primarily in arid and semi-arid areas in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of the world.

  • Some of the millets grown in India include jowar, bajra and ragi and minor millets such as kodo, kutki, kakun, sanwa, cheena and kuttu.
  • It is grown in about 131 countries (majorly in Asia & Africa.)
  • India is the largest producer of millet in the world accounting for 20% of the global production.
  • India’s own production of these “nutri-cereals” has fallen from 23-24 million to 19-20 million tonnes over the last 4-5 decades.
  • The reason for the decline:
  1. Wheat has gluten proteins that make the dough more cohesive and elastic. The resultant bread come out soft, unlike millets that are gluten-free. Therefore, producers do not prefer millet as their first choice.
  2. The Public Distribution System (PDS) has made rice and wheat accessible even to the rural poor, for whom these were previous aspirational cereals.


Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/mid-day-meals-in-schools-anganwadis-could-boost-millets-cultivation-8293267/lite/

Image Source:

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Different-minor-millets-their-panicles-standing-crop-view-and-whole-grains_fig1_295593043

 

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Keywords: • Tags: GS I: Geography, agriculture in India
Daily Current Affairs

Jallikattu: Tamil Nadu Tradition Upheld


  • Context: Recently Jallikattu has been supported by the T.N. Govt in the SC hearing.
  • It is a bull-taming festival which is popular in Jallikattu belt (Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul districts) of Tamil Nadu.

  • It is a 2000-year-old tradition celebrated during Pongal (Tamil harvest festival) specifically in the second week of January each year.
  • Jallikattu is also symbolic of the purity of the breed and it appreciates the efforts of the peasant community to keep it pure.
  • Legal turmoil so far:
    • The sport was banned between 2014 and 2016 until the State passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act of 2017 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Jallikattu) Rules of 2017.
    • The statutes had re-opened the gates for the conduct of the popular bull-taming sport in the name of culture and tradition despite the 2014 ban by the Supreme Court claiming their right to practice it under Art 29(1) of the Constitution.
    • The petitions were referred to the Constitution Bench in February 2018 and the case has re-opened.
    • Karnataka too passed a law to save a similar sport, called Kambala which is related to buffaloes.

 

 

 

 

 

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Keywords: GS Paper 1: Art and Culture, Jallikattu
Daily Current Affairs

Transfer of High Court Judges - Edukemy Current Affairs


Why in news? The Collegium system of judicial appointments is opaque, and arbitrary, in the matter of transfers of judges from one High Court to another.

About:

Article 222 of the Indian Constitution Provides for the Transfer of a Judge from one High Court to another

  • The President may transfer a Judge from one High Court to another High Court after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
  • On transfer, the judge of the High Court is entitled to receive an addition to his salary such as a compensatory allowance as may be determined by Parliament.
  • Supreme Court has ruled that the transfer can be done only in the public interest and cannot be used as a way of punishment.
  • Supreme Court has also ruled that judicial review is necessary to check any arbitrary transfer. But only the judge for which the transfer order is passed can challenge it.

 

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/transfers-unexplained-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-transfer-of-high-court-judges/article66191935.ece/amp/

 

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Keywords: General Studies –2 Indian Polity and Constitution, Transfer of High Court Judges
Daily Current Affairs

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)


Why in news?  Recently released data shows that the Mudra loan NPAs at just 3.3% in 7 years since its launch.

About:

  • MUDRA, which stands for Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd., is a financial institution set up by the Government.
  • It provides funding to the non-corporate small business sector through various last-mile financial institutions like Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).
  • MUDRA does not lend directly to micro-entrepreneurs/individuals.
  • Loans under this scheme are collateral-free loans.

Non-Performing Asset

  • NPA refers to a classification for loans or advances that are in default or are in arrears on scheduled payments of principal or interest.
  • In most cases, debt is classified as non-performing, when the loan payments have not been made for a minimum period of 90 days.

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/small-is-good-mudra-loan-npas-at-just-3-3-per-cent-in-7-years-8293362/lite/

 

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Keywords: General Studies –3, Indian Economy and Banking Sector in India
Daily Current Affairs

Buddhist varsity in Tripura - Edukemy Current Affairs


Why in News?  World Buddhist Pope Association of South Korea, will lay the foundation stone for the International Buddhist University at Manu Bankul in Sabroom of South Tripura district.

About

The Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University will be the first Buddhist-run university in India to offer Buddhist education along with courses in other disciplines of modern education.

Buddhism:

  • Buddhism started in India over 2,600 years ago as a way of life that had the potential of transforming a person. It is one of the important religions of South and South-Eastern Asian countries.

  • The religion is based upon the teachings, and life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam, born in circa 563 BCE.
  • He was born into the royal family of the Sakya clan who ruled from Kapilvastu, in Lumbini which is situated near the Indo-Nepal Border.

Eight-Fold Paths: It consists of various interconnected activities related to knowledge, conduct, and meditative practices.

  • Right view, Right intention
  • Right speech, Right action
  • Right livelihood, Right mindfulness
  • Right effort, Right concentration

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/world-buddhist-pope-association-chief-shakya-gasan-buddhist-varsity-tripura-8293248/lite/

 

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Keywords: General Studies – 1 History Art and Culture, Buddhism and Jainism
Daily Current Affairs

Sangeet Natak Akademi - Edukemy Current Affairs


Why in news? Recently, Sangeet Natak Akademi announced the winners of the SNA Award (Akademi Puraskar), one-time SNA Amrit Award and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar.

About:

  • Sangeet Natak Akademi is an autonomous body of the Ministry of Culture and is the apex body in the field of performing arts in the country.
  • It was set up in 1953 and aims for the preservation and promotion of the intangible heritage of India’s culture expressed in forms of music, dance and drama.
  • Chairman is appointed by the President of India for a term of 5 years.
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi awards are the highest national recognition conferred on practising artists.

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sangeet-natak-akademi-winners-puraskar-8290250/

 

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Keywords: eneral Studies –1 Art & Culture, Indian Art Forms, INDIAN DANCE FORMS, Indian Music
Daily Current Affairs

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant


Why in news? Recently, the Russian state-owned nuclear energy corporation Rosatom has offered a more advanced fuel option to India’s largest nuclear power station at Kudankulam.

About:

It will allow its reactors to run for an extended two-year cycle without stopping to load fresh fuel.

About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP)

  • It is located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu,
  • It is a Civilian Nuclear Power Plant, built by India in joint collaboration with Russia.
  • It is India’s first nuclear plant to use imported Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology.
  • It is owned and operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL).

 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/russia-offers-advanced-nuclear-fuel-to-extend-kudankulam-reactor-cycle-from-18-months-to-2-years/article66183179.ece

 

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Keywords: General Studies –1 Mineral & Energy Resources, General Studies – 3 Nuclear Technology
Daily Current Affairs

Tobin Tax - Edukemy Current Affairs


Why in news? A Tobin tax could make a significant contribution towards stabilising the domestic economy.

About:

  • The Tobin tax is a tax levied on spot currency conversions, with the intention of disincentivizing short-term currency speculation.
  • It generates a revenue stream for countries that see a great deal of currency movement.
  • The Tobin tax is sometimes referred to as the Robin Hood tax, as many see it as a way for governments to take small amounts of money from the people making large, short-term currency exchanges.

 

https://pearsonblog.campaignserver.co.uk/tag/tobin-tax/

 

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Keywords: General Studies –3 Economy, Capital Inflow
Daily Editorial Analysis

President's Prison Overcrowding Caution: Indian Express


Overcrowding of Prison

Exam View: Status of Indian Prisons, Constitutional Provisions, Prison Statistics India 2021 report, judiciary

In News: Recently, the President's call to the government and the judiciary to address the issue of overcrowding of prisons is significant and a very welcome intervention.

Indian prisons have been housing more inmates than their capacity for decades now. Prisons are not isolated from society and prison health is public health. It is important to provide adequate health facilities.

Overcrowding of prisons, under trials, and custodial violence all are gross violations of human rights. Imprisonment disproportionately affects individuals and families living in poverty.

Prisoners’ health conditions deteriorate in prisons which are overcrowded, where nutrition is poor, sanitation inadequate and access to fresh air and exercise often unavailable. Prison staffs are also vulnerable to most of the diseases of which prisoners are at risk.

Status of Indian Prisons:

  • Indian prisons face three long-standing structural constraints:
  • Overcrowding,
  • Understaffing and underfunding and
  • Violent clashes.
  • Prison Statistics India 2021 report: published by the Ministry of Home Affairs, between 2016-2021.
  • The number of convicts in jails has decreased by 9.5 per cent
  • whereas the number of undertrial inmates has increased by 45.8 per cent.
  • With three out of four prisoners being undertrials, the problem of overcrowding of prisons is essentially an undertrial issue.
  • As of December 31, 2021, around 80 per cent of prisoners were confined for periods of up to a year.
  • The report states that an overwhelming 95 per cent of undertrials released in 2021 were granted bail by courts while a mere 1.6 per cent were released on acquittal by the court.
  • It shows that the sluggish pace at which trial courts work to reach a final decision cannot keep up with the increasing number of undertrials.
  • Unnatural Deaths in Prison: The number of “unnatural” deaths in prisons has doubled between 2015 and 2016, from 115 to 231. The rate of suicide among prisoners also increased by 28%, from 77 suicides in 2015 to 102 in 2016.

Constitutional Provisions

  • Seventh Schedule: 'Prisons/persons detained therein' is a State subject under Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs provides regular guidance and advice to States and UTs on various issues concerning prisons and prison inmates.

  • Article 39A: It directs the State to ensure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity and provide free legal aid, to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities.
  • Article 21: It says, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”.
  • Article 22 (3) (b): It allows for preventive detention and restriction on personal liberty for reasons of state security and public order.
  • Article 22 (4): It states that no law providing for preventive detention shall authorise the detention of a person for a longer period than three months unless:
  • An Advisory Board reports sufficient cause for extended detention.
  • Such a person is detained in accordance with the provisions of any law made by the Parliament.

Causes & Concerns

Recommendations:

Recommendations of Law Commission of India in its 268th report

  • The Commission recommended that those detained for offences that come with a punishment of up to seven years of imprisonment should be released on completing one-third of that period and for those charged with offences that attract a longer jail term after they complete half of that period.
  • it also recommended that the police should avoid needless arrests, while magistrates should refrain from mechanical remand orders.

Justice Amitava Roy Committee Recommendations

  • Special fast-track courts should be set up to deal exclusively with petty offences which have been pending for more than five years.
  • Further, accused persons who are charged with petty offences and that granted bail, but who are unable to arrange surety should be released on a Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond.
  • Launching a National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms.

Way Forward:

  • Speedy Trial: Speedy trial remains one of the best ways to remedy the unwarranted phenomenon of overcrowding.
  • Lawyer to Prisoner Ratio: There should be at least one lawyer for every 30 prisoners, which is not the case at present.
  • Special Courts: Special fast-track courts should be set up to deal exclusively with petty offences which have been pending for more than five years.
  • Legal Aid: Providing effective legal aid to prisoners and taking steps to provide vocational skills and education to prisoners.
  • Alternatives: The courts may be asked to use their "discretionary powers" and award sentences like "fine and admonition" if possible, instead of sending the offenders to jails.
  • E-platforms: Improve judicial infrastructure through the use of e-platforms and setting up of more courts. India has launched the e-Courts National portal “ecourts.gov.in” of the eCourts Project.

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/president-murmu-caution-overcrowding-prisons-wake-up-call-executive-judiciary-8293265/

 

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Keywords: GS Paper – 2 Indian Constitution, judiciary, social empowerment, Issues arising out of design & implementation of Policies
Case Study of the Day

Barren land transformed: Seawater grain from Salt soil


Background

The coastal city of Weifang in Shandong province of China, transformed large expanse of salinized land into a productive area, to grow crops and fruits.

About Salt Tolerant crops:

  • According to a report published by FAO, more than 1,100 million hectares of soil are affected by salinity and sodicity e. presence of a high proportion of sodium ions relative to other cations, worldwide.
  • China has been transforming its once-barren land into a productive area for seawater (salt-tolerant) rice by managing the salt-affected soil and cultivating salt-tolerant seeds.
  • Farmers in China are cultivating salt-tolerant goji (Chinese wolfberries), corn, rice and grapes on the Hetao Plain along the upper Yellow River, adding color to this once-barren land.

Salt resistant varieties in India:

  • The Pokkali variety of rice known for its saltwater resistance flourishes in the rice paddies of coastal Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts of Kerala.
  • The single-season paddy is raised in saltwater fields between June and November followed by a season of fish-farming.
  • Vyttila-11 is the latest variety of pokkali rice.

Source:

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202211/07/WS63684710a3105ca1f2274564.html

 

Click the link below to attempt the daily MCQs and the Mains based questions.

Keywords: GS-3, agriculture
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