APRIL 5, 2024 | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR APSC/UPSC

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Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)

(GS-II: Polity & Governance- Amendments, significant provisions etc.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, PM Modi, explained the provisions of CAA, stating it grants Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries up to December 31, 2014.
  • About CAA:
    • The CAA was first introduced in 2016 by amending the Citizenship Act of 1955.
    • It was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, 2019, and later reintroduced in the 17th Lok Sabha on December 9, 2019.
  • The CAA aims to 
    • Provide Indian citizenship to undocumented immigrants who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
    • Protect individuals who sought refuge in India due to religious persecution in their home countries.
    • shield against illegal migration proceedings.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • The Act covers migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
    • Eligible migrants belong to six different religions: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.
    • They must have resided in India during the last 12 months and for 11 of the previous 14 years.
    • These minorities must have arrived in India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan by 2014.
  • Notable Exclusion:
    • Muslims are not listed in the Act for this accelerated citizenship process.

Delimitation of Constituencies

(GS-II: Polity & Governance- Parliament and State legislatures...)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Both ruling and opposition parties acknowledge that delimitation of constituencies in Assam will significantly impact the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
  • Impacts on Assam: 
    • Shift in demographics due to delimitation, particularly in Barpeta and Kaliabor (renamed Kaziranga) constituencies.
    • Indigenous people now constitute the majority in Barpeta and Kaliabor, altering the political landscape.
  • What is Delimitation Commission?
    • Purpose and Need:
      • The Delimitation Commission ensures that all population segments are equally represented.
      • It aims for a fair division of geographic areas to prevent any election advantages for one political party over others.
      • The guiding principle is “One Vote, One Value.”
    • Composition:
      • The Indian President appoints the Delimitation Commission.
      • It collaborates closely with the Election Commission of India.
    • The Commission comprises:
      • A retired Supreme Court judge (as the Chairman).
      • The Chief Election Commissioner or either of the two Election Commissioners.
      • The Election Commissioner of the state where the election occurs.
    • Process of Delimitation:
      • After each Census, the Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act (as per Article 82 of the Constitution).
      • States are also divided into territorial constituencies based on the Delimitation Act (as per Article 170).
      • Once the Act is in effect, the Union government establishes a Delimitation Commission.
      • The first delimitation exercise took place in 1950–1951, conducted by the President with the assistance of the Election Commission.
      • Subsequent Delimitation Commissions were established in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002 under various Acts.
      • Notably, delimitation was absent following the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.
    • Reserved Seats for Disadvantaged Groups:
      • In areas with significant SC (Scheduled Caste) or ST (Scheduled Tribe) populations, a certain number of seats must be reserved for these communities.

Changes in CBSE Exam Format for Classes 11 and 12

(GS-II: Polity & Governance- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies...Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.)
  • Why in News?
    • CBSE officials announce a change in the exam format for Classes 11 and 12 starting from the 2024-25 session.
    • The percentage of competency-focused questions assessing the application of concepts in real-life situations has been raised from 40% to 50%.
    • The percentage of constructed response questions, including short and long answers, has been decreased from 40% to 30%.
  • Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
    • The changes align with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy, 2020, aimed at moving away from rote memorization towards fostering critical thinking and creativity among students.
    • CBSE emphasizes the importance of developing students' creative, critical, and systems thinking capacities to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Mid-day Meal Workers

(GS-II: Polity & Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Allegations are made against the present government for neglecting the welfare of mid-day meal workers and resorting to superficial welfare schemes.
  • Demands for Better Treatment:
    • Fair treatment, including a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000 for the entire year, 
    • regular payment, 
    • compensation for job loss, 
    • medical compensation for workplace injuries, and 
    • withdrawal of privatization plans for the mid-day meal scheme.
  • Decrease in Employment:
    • The total number of mid-day meal workers in Assam has decreased from around 1.21 lakh in 2014 to around 1.07 lakh currently, largely due to school amalgamations.
    • Many mid-day meal workers, who come from poor families, are facing financial hardship after losing their jobs.

Essential Medicines

(GS-II: Polity & Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Govt. of India assures that there will be no increase in prices of essential medicines during the fiscal year.
  • Basis of Price Control in Essential Medicines:
    • The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, revises the ceiling prices of scheduled medicines annually based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
    • Essential medicines fall under scheduled formulations as per the Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO) 2013.
    • Prices of essential medicines, categorized as scheduled formulations, are regulated by the government to ensure affordability and accessibility.
  • Non-Scheduled Formulations:
    • In contrast, non-scheduled formulations allow manufacturers to set prices independently.
    • Govt. clarifies that prices of essential medicines (scheduled formulations) will remain unchanged for the fiscal year.

India's Improved Relations with Neighbors (Except China and Pakistan)

(GS-II: International Relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights significant improvements in India's ties with neighboring countries, excluding China and Pakistan.
    • Affirms that India has maintained strong relationships with countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, providing assistance during times of need.
  • Challenging Relationship with China:
    • Acknowledges the challenging nature of India's relationship with China but expresses confidence in India's ability to protect its interests.
    • Addresses concerns about Chinese interference in smaller countries surrounding India, stating India's readiness to compete in a competitive world.
  • Neighborhood Relations:
    • Dismisses claims of having more unfriendly neighbors compared to a decade ago, citing positive engagements with countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
    • Emphasizes India's strong ties with Bangladesh, despite some anti-India protests by opposition forces, indicating confidence in the growth of bilateral relations.
    • Reiterates India's firm stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), emphasizing the unified national position that PoK is an integral part of India.
  • Terrorism and Relations with Pakistan:
    • Identifies terrorism as the central issue in India's relationship with Pakistan, affirming India's commitment to addressing terrorism.
    • Asserts that India will not ignore or tolerate terrorism, maintaining a clear stance on dealing with terrorist activities.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

(GS-II- International Relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.)
  • Why in News?
    • NATO celebrated its 75th anniversary on April 4, marking 75 years of collective defense across Europe and North America. 
  • What is NATO?
    • NATO is an alliance of countries from Europe and North America.
    • Its primary purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its member nations through both political and military means.
    • Officially established on April 4, 1949.
    • NATO’s main headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium.
    • The combined militaries of all NATO members comprise around 3.5 million soldiers and personnel.

Strong Growth in India's Services Sector

(GS-III: Economic Development- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment...)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, India's services sector experienced one of the strongest growth rates in over 13-and-a-half years in March, driven by robust demand leading to increased sales and business activity.
  • HSBC India Services Business Activity Index:
    • The seasonally adjusted index rose from 60.6 in February to 61.2 in March, indicating one of the strongest expansions in total sales and business activity in nearly 14 years.
    • In Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) terms, a score above 50 signifies expansion, while below 50 denotes contraction.
  • Factors Driving Growth:
    • The upturn is attributed to healthy demand conditions, efficiency gains, and positive sales developments in the services sector.
    • Service providers increased hiring at the fastest pace since August 2023 to expand production capacity, reflecting optimism and confidence in future growth.
    • New export business also surged, reaching the fastest rate since the series began in September 2014. 
    • Survey participants cited gains from various regions, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Reducing Remittance Costs

(GS-II: International Relations: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
GS-III: Economic Development- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment...)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Senior officials of the RBI and NPCI made a presentation to WTO members on March 25 to address the high cost of remittances globally.
    • India is advocating for open and interoperable payment systems like UPI to reduce remittance costs among WTO members.
  • India's Suggestions:
    • India proposes encouraging digital transfers, fostering interoperable systems, promoting competition, streamlining regulations, and enhancing pricing transparency to cut remittance costs.
    • A similar proposal was presented by India during the 13th ministerial conference in February.
  • Current Scenario:
    • Global remittance costs stand at about 6.18%, well above the UN's target of 3%.
    • India emphasizes the significance of remittances for its expatriate population and the economy, highlighting the need for cost reduction.
  • Challenges and Opposition:
    • High charges imposed by banks and clearing houses contribute to the high remittance costs.
    • Opposition from countries like the US and Switzerland, driven by the interests of their large banks, complicates the proposal's progress.
  • Role in Socioeconomic Development:
    • Cross-border remittances contribute significantly to socioeconomic development, especially in developing and poor nations.
    • WTO emphasizes the need to reduce remittance costs to achieve sustainable development goals, aiming to reduce transaction costs to less than 3% by 2030.

General Artificial Intelligence & The Global Capability Centres

(GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment;  
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.)
  • Why in News?
    • Deloitte's report suggests that India could witness substantial GDP growth of USD 359-438 billion by 2030 through the adoption of GenAI (General Artificial Intelligence).
    • The Global Capability Centres (GCCs) market in India is anticipated to exceed USD 100 billion by 2030, with over 2,500 GCCs employing over 4.5 million people.
  • Technological Adoption and Economic Growth:
    • The report emphasizes the close connection between technological adoption and accelerated economic growth, attributing it to improved accessibility and government initiatives.
    • Advanced technologies such as AI offer avenues for growth and efficiency, including automating tax filing and digitizing government processes.
    • Indian companies are increasingly integrating AI-driven analytics, leading to a remarkable 2.7X growth in AI-related initiatives compared to previous years.
    • The GenAI market is expected to witness significant growth, with a projected CAGR of over 24.4% from 2023 to 2030.
  • Cybersecurity Challenges:
    • Despite technological advancements, India faces challenges in cybersecurity awareness, making individuals susceptible to manipulation and online threats such as phishing attacks and scams.
  • Innovations and Solutions:
    • India is positioned as a leader in exploring spatial computing, metaverse solutions, cloud computing, quantum computing, and AI supercomputing, fostering innovation across sectors.
    • The hyperscale market in India is projected to reach USD 10 billion by 2028, while cloud technology could contribute significantly to India's GDP and job creation.
  • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):
    • India's DPI has played a crucial role in achieving financial inclusion, with 80% inclusion achieved within six years.
    • Eight countries have signed agreements with India to access its DPI, indicating its success and open-source accessibility.

CAR T-cell Therapy

(GS-III:  Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.)
    • Why in News?
      • Recently, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated India's first indigenous CAR T-cell therapy for cancer treatment, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Bombay and Tata Memorial Centre. This breakthrough therapy offers new hope in the fight against cancer.
    • Significance
      • CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient's immune system cells to target and destroy cancer cells. 
      • The 'NexCAR19 CAR T-cell therapy' is expected to significantly reduce the cost of cancer treatment in India compared to international prices.
      • The indigenous development of this therapy exemplifies the 'Make in India' initiative, showcasing India's scientific and medical capabilities.
      • The therapy, which was previously expensive and inaccessible to many, has been made available at a fraction of the cost outside India. 
      • It is estimated to cost around Rs 30 lakh in India compared to Rs 4 crore abroad.
      • The introduction of the CAR T-cell therapy places India firmly on the global map of cell and gene therapy, similar to India's achievements in space exploration with Chandrayaan-3.
      • The therapy is expected to benefit around 20,000 Indians annually and represents a significant milestone in cancer care and genetic engineering.

    The Assam Tribune Editorial Summary (April 5, 2024)

    Discovery of Stone monoliths and Artefacts in Maibang and other areas of Dima Hasao

    (GS-I, GS-V: Art & Culture- Salient features of Architecture and Monuments, Arts, Paintings and Handicrafts...)
    • Why in News?
      • The recent discovery of stone monoliths and artefacts in Maibang and other areas of Dima Hasao district highlights the archaeological richness of the region. 
      • These discoveries emphasize the need for further study, research, and preservation of the area's heritage, which also includes scenic beauty, pristine forests, and diverse cultures. 
    • Importance:
      • Heritage of the 18th-century Dimasa Kachari kingdom
    • Why Should We Preserve:
      • Dima Hasao district has been neglected in terms of development and heritage preservation. The region's historical significance, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it a prime candidate for tourism development. 
    • Way Forward:
      • Neglecting Assam's history and heritage is a common trend, reflecting a lack of responsiveness and concerted action in preserving cultural identity. 
      • There is a need for scientific preservation, research, and promotion of Assam's ancient heritage to showcase it to a global audience and draw lessons from it for the future.

    Earthqaake in Taiwan

    (GS-I: Geography- Important Geophysical Phenomena Such as Earthquakes...;
    GS-III: Disaster and disaster management)

    • Why in News?
      • Taiwan experienced its largest earthquake in at least 25 years, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, resulting in nine fatalities and over 900 injuries. 
      • The quake struck near Hualien county, causing buildings to tilt dangerously, bridges to sway, and people to seek shelter. 
      • Its effects were felt in neighboring regions like Japan, the Philippines, China, and even as far as Shanghai. 
    • Disaster Management in Taiwan:
      • Despite being prone to earthquakes due to its location near tectonic plates, Taiwan's relatively limited casualties and infrastructure damage were attributed to its engineering prowess and disaster preparedness.
      • In contrast, the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria in February 2023 claimed over 55,000 lives, highlighting the importance of effective disaster management. 
      • Taiwan's response to the 1999 earthquake, incorporating earthquake-proof techniques in construction, has helped mitigate the impact of subsequent quakes. 
    •  What Assam/ India Should Learn?
      • Importance of proactive disaster preparedness measures, particularly in earthquake-prone regions like Assam. 
      • Authorities should learn from Taiwan's example to minimize casualties and damage in future disasters.

    Plasma Propulsion

    (GS-III:  Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.)
    • Why in News?
      • Plasma propulsion, an advanced space propulsion technology, utilizes ionized gas (plasma) to generate thrust for spacecraft. 
      • Unlike traditional chemical rockets, plasma thrusters use electric or magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles, resulting in higher efficiency, longer mission durations, and increased payload capacities. 
    • Background:
      • The concept of plasma propulsion was first explored in the mid-20th century, with experimental work starting in the 1960s. 
      • Various types of plasma thrusters have been developed, including ion thrusters, pulsed plasma thrusters, magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, and Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR). 
      • Among these, the Hall-effect thruster (HET) stands out for its high specific impulse and efficiency. 
      • Theoretical research plays a crucial role in advancing plasma propulsion systems, focusing on understanding plasma dynamics, ionization and acceleration processes, optimizing magnetic fields, and thermal management. 
    • India's Role:
      • In recent years, India has made strides in plasma propulsion, with Bellatrix Aerospace achieving significant milestones, including testing India's first privately built Hall thruster. 
    • Way Forward:
      • With ongoing research and breakthroughs, plasma propulsion systems are poised to revolutionize space exploration, offering efficiency, sustainability, and innovation for future missions.

    Credit: The Assam Tribune, April 5, 2024.
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