MARCH 31, 2024 | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR APSC/UPSC
Bharat Ratna Awards 2024
- Recipients:
- Posthumously awarded to former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, and two-time Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur.
- PV Narasimha Rao:
- Recognized for leading significant economic reforms and his contribution to the freedom struggle, particularly in Hyderabad.
- Acknowledged for his multilingualism and literary prowess.
- Chaudhary Charan Singh:
- Praised as a patriotic figure who faced imprisonment during the freedom struggle.
- Remembered for his efforts in zamindari abolition, land reforms, and his understanding of rural economy.
- MS Swaminathan:
- Credited as the "Father of India’s Green Revolution" for his role in making India self-sufficient in food production.
- Recognized for his expertise in agricultural research, education, and development.
- Karpoori Thakur:
- Acknowledged as a freedom fighter and advocate for equality and inclusive development.
- Remembered for his simplicity and selfless actions.
- Total Awardees:
- Five Bharat Ratna awards were announced in 2024, including one awarded to BJP stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani.
Introduction of Six Indigenous Languages in Assam's Education System
- Languages Included:
- Mising, Rabha, Karbi, Tiwa, Dimasa, and Deuri languages have been officially declared as the medium of instruction in the foundational stage.
- The decision aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy, aiming to enhance learning outcomes for students belonging to these indigenous communities.
- The policy takes immediate effect, emphasizing the significance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages from the foundational level onwards.
- Shift in Medium of Instruction:
- Following the foundational stage, the instruction medium will transition to the regional language. This ensures continuity in education while providing a strong foundation in the students' mother tongue.
- Empowerment through Mother Tongue Education. Such empowerment is crucial for fostering a sense of identity and inclusivity among students.
- The introduction of indigenous languages in education is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the educational attainment and cultural preservation of these communities.
- By providing instruction in languages familiar to the students, the policy aims to facilitate better understanding and engagement, ultimately improving overall learning outcomes.
Fish Consumption Trends in India:
- The northeastern states of India, particularly Tripura, Manipur, and Assam, exhibit the highest proportion of fish consumption.
- Tripura stands out as the undisputed champion with 99.35% of its population consuming fish.
- Assam witnessed an increase in fish consumption from 97.55% in 2005-06 to 99.10% in 2019-21, reflecting changing dietary preferences.
- Assam and Tripura lead in weekly fish consumption, followed by Odisha, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- Kerala emerges as the leader in daily fish consumption, followed by Goa, West Bengal, Manipur, Assam, and Tripura.
- National Consumption Trends:
- The study indicates that 72.1% of the Indian population, equivalent to 966.9 million individuals, incorporate fish into their diet.
- Data Sources:
- The study utilized primary data from various government sources, including National Family Health Survey reports, to analyze consumption trends over the past 15 years.
Indian Navy Rescues Hijacked Iranian Fishing Vessel:
- The Indian Navy conducted a successful anti-piracy operation, freeing an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked by pirates.
- The operation lasted over 12 hours and involved intense coercive tactical measures.
- The vessel's crew, consisting of 23 Pakistani nationals, was rescued safely by the Indian Navy.
- Operational Achievements:
- The Navy highlighted its anti-piracy and other maritime security operations undertaken under "Op Sankalp," which saved a total of 110 lives, including 45 Indians and 65 foreign nationals, in a 100-day period.
- Maritime Incidents:
- From November to March, over 90 maritime incidents occurred, including drone or missile attacks/sightings and piracy incidents, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in maritime security.
Improvement in Indian Banking System's Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA)
- The gross non-performing assets (GNPA) of the Indian banking system are expected to improve further, reaching 2.1% by the end of FY25.
- Background on NPA Recognition:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiated a comprehensive exercise in the mid-2010s, directing banks to classify certain stressed assets as non-performing assets (NPAs) to ensure accurate representation on balance sheets.
- Factors Contributing to Improvement:
- Asset quality improvement is attributed to recoveries, increased write-offs by banks, lower slippages, and the sale of non-performing assets to asset reconstruction companies.
Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) Trends in Indian Markets
- In the fiscal year 2023-24, foreign investors injected over Rs 2 lakh crore into Indian equities, showcasing confidence in the country's robust economic fundamentals despite global challenges.
- Factors Driving Investments:
- Factors such as inflation and interest rate scenarios in developed markets, currency movement, crude oil prices, geopolitical dynamics, and the health of the domestic economy influenced FPI flows.
- India's demonstrated resilience during uncertain periods and its comparatively robust and stable economy attracted foreign investments amidst global economic turbulence.
- Shift Towards Debt Investments:
- FPIs poured a significant amount into the debt market, marking a noteworthy shift in capital flow. Robust debt investments were driven by attractive yields on Indian sovereign debt relative to US treasury, stable macroeconomic indicators, and the upcoming inclusion of Indian bonds in JP Morgan's index.
- Sustainable Trends in Debt Inflows:
- The expected global tapering in policy rates is anticipated to make Indian bond yields even more attractive, ensuring the sustainability of inflows into Indian debt markets.
- JP Morgan's Inclusion of Indian Bonds:
- In September 2023, JP Morgan announced the addition of Indian government bonds to its benchmark emerging market index from June 2024, further bolstering investor confidence in Indian debt securities.
India-US Bilateral Tri-Service HADR Exercise: Key Highlights
- India and the United States conducted a bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise on Kakinada Beach as part of 'Tiger Triumph-24'.
- The exercise aimed at enhancing readiness and cooperation between the armed forces of both countries, focusing on HADR operations.
Alaska Introduces Wildlife Deterrent Robot Named Aurora
- The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has introduced a headless robot named Aurora, about the size of a Labrador retriever, to enhance safety and operations at Fairbanks airport. Aurora will mimic predator-like movements to ward off migratory birds and other wildlife, aiming to prevent harmful encounters with planes.
Innovative Technology Allows Blind to Experience April's Total Solar Eclipse
- On April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur over North America, offering a captivating celestial event.
- While many will observe visually, those who are blind or visually impaired can experience the eclipse through innovative sound and touch technology.
- Accessibility Initiative:
- The initiative aims to make eclipses accessible to everyone, regardless of visual impairment.
- Students, including visually impaired individuals like Yuki Hatch from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, will use special devices to sense the eclipse.
- LightSound Box:
- The LightSound box, developed by astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced and Harvard astronomer Allyson Bieryla, translates changing light into sounds.
- Different musical notes represent various stages of the eclipse: high flute notes for bright sunlight, clarinet notes as the Moon covers the Sun, and low clicking sounds for darkness.
- This initiative highlights the importance of inclusivity and innovation in making science and astronomy accessible to diverse audiences.
- It represents a step forward in creating a more inclusive environment in STEM fields.
- Through the LightSound box and similar innovations, individuals with visual impairments can participate in and enjoy celestial events like the total solar eclipse, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the universe.
The Assam Tribune Editorial Summary (March 31, 2024)
Decline in Political Discourse in India
- Shift Towards Negative Rhetoric:
- Political discourse in India has deteriorated, moving from good-natured banter to abusive and animus-filled diatribes.
- Despite the expectation of more decorum and temperate language after the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates and the implementation of a moral code of conduct, incidents of vile language against opponents persist.
- Contrast with Democratic Ideals:
- The decline in discourse contrasts with India's attempt to showcase its democratic credentials globally.
- It undermines India's position as a model for nascent democracies in other regions.
- Limitations of Monitoring Bodies:
- Bodies like the Election Commission have limitations in ensuring civility in political discourse.
- They cannot always uphold the level of decorum necessary to bolster India's global image.
- Onus on Political Leadership:
- Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the political leadership to maintain decorum and uphold India's image as a democracy.
- Existing laws and institutions alone cannot ensure civil discourse; leadership must prioritize it to safeguard India's reputation.
Escalating Educated Unemployment Crisis in India
- Educated unemployment in India has long been overlooked by successive governments, posing a looming threat.
- ILO Report Highlights Crisis:
- The latest International Labour Organization (ILO) report underscores the severity of the issue, revealing that 83% of the jobless population comprises young individuals.
- Youth employment and underemployment surged between 2000 and 2019 but declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly affecting educated youths.
- Despite a decline, the 'improvement' in unemployment needs careful interpretation, as doubts remain about the underlying drivers of these changes.
- Unemployment coincides with declining or stagnant wages, with real wages showing a negative trend after 2019.
- A substantial portion of unskilled casual workers did not receive mandated minimum wages in 2022, highlighting widespread livelihood insecurities.
- Urbanization and Migration Trends:
- Urbanization and migration rates are projected to increase, with a migration rate of around 40% by 2030.
- Substantial urban population growth is expected, driven by migration from eastern and central regions to southern, western, and northern regions.
- Skills Gap and Digital Literacy:
- Despite boasting an increasing youth population, India faces a skills gap among the workforce.
- A significant portion of the youth lacks basic digital literacy skills, hindering their employability in the modern job market.
- Impact on Assam:
- Assam also grapples with alarming levels of educated unemployment, with approximately 20 lakh youths unemployed annually.
- This scenario not only wastes precious human resources but also adversely affects the state's socio-economic spheres.
- Unemployment contributes significantly to unrest, crime, regional chauvinism, insurgency, and secessionism in Assam.
- Need for Government Action:
- Addressing educated unemployment requires urgent attention from governments, focusing on skill development, job creation, and social protection measures.
- Tackling this crisis is crucial for ensuring stability, prosperity, and social cohesion in India and regions like Assam.
Celebrating Chatra Divas: Upholding the Legacy of Bodofa in Assam
- Upendra Nath Brahma, fondly known as "Bodofa," was born on March 31, 1956, in Dotma, Kokrajhar district.
- Despite facing socioeconomic challenges, Bodofa pursued education fervently, obtaining a Master's Degree in Science, exemplifying the transformative power of learning.
- Bodofa's ascent from rural Assam to leading the Bodoland movement showcased his indomitable spirit and visionary leadership.
- Assuming the presidency of the All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) in 1986, he became a stalwart voice for Bodo aspirations, advocating for a separate Bodoland state.
- The Bodoland movement symbolized more than political aspirations; it represented cultural preservation, socioeconomic development, and indigenous identity assertion.
- Bodofa envisioned Bodoland as a beacon of dignity, autonomy, and self-determination for the Bodo people.
- Principles of Harmony and Coexistence:
- Central to Bodofa's philosophy was "Live and Let Live," promoting harmony, coexistence, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
- He advocated for inclusive development honoring Assam's cultural plurality.
- Significance of Chatra Divas:
- Chatra Divas serves as a platform to commemorate Bodofa's ideals, inspiring successive youth generations.
- Bodofa's legacy imparts lessons of courage, resilience, and community service.
- Lessons from Bodofa's Legacy for Assam's Youth:
- Education as Empowerment:
- Bodofa's emphasis on education underscores its transformative potential, transcending socioeconomic barriers and unlocking opportunities for personal and collective advancement.
- Non-Violent Resistance and Democratic Engagement:
- Bodofa's advocacy embraced non-violence, democratic principles, and inclusive dialogue, offering guidance for youth activism in Assam's diverse society.
- Solidarity and Inclusivity:
- Bodofa's vision emphasized solidarity, inclusivity, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
- Advocacy for Marginalized Communities:
- Bodofa's advocacy for marginalized communities highlights the importance of social justice and equitable development.
- Celebrating Chatra Divas not only honors Bodofa's legacy but also serves as a reminder of the enduring values he embodied.
Credit: The Assam Tribune, March 31, 2024.
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