APRIL 6, 2024 | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR APSC/UPSC

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Mopin Festival

(GS-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Arunachal Pradesh Governor, participated in the Mopin Festival of the Galo community in the state capital.
    • Prayers were offered to the Mopin Goddess, Anyi Pinku Pinte, for agricultural prosperity, livestock proliferation, and environmental preservation.
  • Rituals and Competitions:
    • Mopin rituals were performed by head priest Nyago Bagra and assistant priest Mijo Bagra.
    • Various competitions, including volleyball, archery, folk dance, and cultural contests, were organized as part of the celebrations.

Role of Judiciary

(GS-II: Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary...)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Former Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, highlighted the pivotal role of the judiciary beyond mere interpretation of laws.
    • He emphasized that judiciary serves as a guardian of social justice, influencing the nation's stability and progress through its decisions.
    • The speech was delivered at the 76th establishment day of the Gauhati High Court.
  • Role of Judiciary:
    • Gogoi stated that judiciary's decisions have far-reaching implications, impacting the nation's trajectory beyond the confines of the courtroom.
    • He commended the Indian judiciary for balancing economic growth and environmental preservation effectively through various judgments.
    • Holding the position of a judge commands respect and authority, shaping public trust and perception of the judiciary.
    • Gogoi emphasized the judiciary's proactive role in understanding and addressing public concerns, ensuring justice is not only done but also perceived to be done.
  • Challenges and Solutions:
    • Gogoi addressed challenges like managing caseloads and tackling case backlogs, advocating for innovative solutions and modern infrastructure.
    • He stressed the incorporation of cutting-edge technology and collaboration with industry experts to streamline judicial processes.
    • Innovating ways to make the judicial system more approachable, adaptable, and responsive to society's evolving needs is crucial for preserving public trust.
    • Simplifying legal processes and ensuring accessibility are integral steps in this direction.

India-Maldives

(GS-II: India and its neighbourhood- relations.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, India has responded to a request from the Maldives government by allowing the export of essential commodities for the year 2024-25.
    • This decision showcases India's commitment to supporting the human-centric development in the Maldives.
    • The announcement comes amid a diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives since November last year.
    • President Mohamed Muizzu's assumption of office, known for his pro-China stance, initiated tensions, exacerbated by demands for India to repatriate military personnel.
  • Recent Tensions:
    • Relations soured further when three Maldivian officials made derogatory comments following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's posts about the Lakshadweep Islands.
    • The incident led to backlash from Indian citizens, including celebrities, and resulted in a decline in Indian tourists to the Maldives.

Repo Rate

(GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 6.5% for the seventh consecutive time.
  • Reasons:
    • Concerns over food inflation were raised due to predictions of above-normal maximum temperatures from April to June by the IMD.
    • This decision implies that EMIs on home and auto loans are likely to remain stable for the foreseeable future.
    • The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), by a majority of 5 to 1, decided to maintain the policy repo rate at 6.50%.
    • The Indian economy is projected to grow at 7% in the current fiscal, with expectations of rural demand catching up and consumption supporting economic growth.
    • Strengthening rural demand, improving employment conditions, and sustained momentum in manufacturing and services sectors are expected to boost private consumption.

Balance of Trade 

(GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Indian exporters achieved significant growth in European and Latin American nations in 2023, despite challenges faced by developed markets like the EU and the UK.
    • Merchandise exports from India to the European Union (EU) increased by 2.1% in 2023, showcasing resilience amidst global challenges such as high living costs, weak external demand, and monetary tightening.
  • Destinations:
    • India's export trade expansion was particularly notable in European countries like Romania, Montenegro, Austria, and others, indicating trade resilience and growth despite prevailing uncertainties.
    • In Latin American countries, Indian exports experienced significant growth in nations such as Cuba, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Guatemala in 2023.
    • Despite challenges such as social unrest and oil production cuts in the Middle East, India's merchandise export growth to major Middle Eastern countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE remained positive.
  • Why Remarkable?
    • The increased merchandise exports to these regions demonstrate India's ability to navigate adverse economic conditions and capitalize on export opportunities.
    • According to the Global Trade Research Initiative, India's exports and imports dipped by 2.6% to USD 1,609 billion in 2023 compared to USD 1,651.9 billion in 2022.

Cash Deposit Facility via UPI

(GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced plans to introduce a cash deposit facility in banks through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a popular instant real-time payment system for inter-bank transactions via mobile phones.
    • Additionally, the RBI proposed to allow linking of Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) through third-party UPI applications, offering more flexibility to users.
  • Why Remarkable?
    • Currently, cash deposit machines (CDMs) in banks only allow deposits through debit cards, but with the popularity of UPI, the RBI aims to expand this service to include UPI transactions for cash deposits.
    • RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted that cash deposit machines enhance customer convenience and reduce the cash-handling load on bank branches.
    • Presently, UPI payments from bank accounts are possible via the bank's UPI app or third-party UPI apps, but this option is not available for PPIs.
    • With the new proposal, PPI holders will be able to link their PPIs through third-party UPI applications, enabling them to make UPI payments similar to bank account holders.
    • Detailed instructions regarding this change will also be issued soon.

India to Stop Urea Imports by End of 2025

(GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment...;food security; Technology missions...;Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.)
  • Why in News?
    • Recently, Govt. of India has stated that India will cease importing urea by the end of 2025 due to a significant push for domestic manufacturing, which has helped bridge the supply-demand gap.
    • The crucial role of fertilizers in Indian agriculture, noting that the country has relied on chemical fertilizers for the past 60-65 years to enhance crop production.
    • The government is now focusing on promoting alternative fertilizers like nano liquid urea and nano liquid di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) to improve crop and soil health.
  • Govt. Plans:
    • To achieve self-sufficiency in urea production government has implemented a two-pronged strategy:
      • Reviving closed urea plants: 
        • Four closed urea plants have been revived, and another one is undergoing revival.
      • Increasing domestic production capacities: 
        • Domestic production capacities have been raised from 225 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to around 310 lakh tonnes presently.
  • Goals:
    • The goal is to replace the use of 20-25 lakh tonnes of conventional urea with nano liquid urea, further reducing the dependency on imported urea.
  • Challenges:
    • Despite the increase in domestic production capacities, there remains a gap of around 40 lakh tonnes between annual production and demand.
  • Projections:
    • The annual domestic production capacity of urea is expected to reach around 325 lakh tonnes after the commissioning of the fifth plant.

Deepor Beel

(GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Disaster and disaster management.)
    • Why in News?
      • Recently, The Gauhati High Court ruled that the Assam Cabinet's decision to de-notify the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary was "not warranted at this stage."
      • The court cited that once the notification declaring Deepor Beel as a Wildlife Sanctuary had been affirmed by the Division Bench and a Supreme Court consideration was pending, any decision to de-notify it was deemed premature.
      • The High Court directed the State Government not to issue any notification de-notifying Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Justification for De-notification:
      • The Cabinet cited procedural lapses during the sanctuary's initial notification in 2009 as the reason for the de-notification decision.

    Climate Change & Glaciers

    (GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Disaster and disaster management.)
    • Why in News?
      • Recently, Austrian glaciers experienced rapid recession in the past year, with almost all glaciers measured showing retreat.
      • According to the Austrian Alpine Club, 92 out of 93 glaciers observed receded during the period of 2022-2023.
    • Causes of Recession:
      • The experts attribute the continued recession to a late but prolonged warm melting period in 2023, which accelerated the melting process.
      • While last year's average recession fell short of the record set in 2021-2022, two glaciers experienced significant shrinkage, including the Pasterze and Tyrol province's Rettenbach-ferner glacier.

    Transfer Rules for Captive Elephants

    (GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Disaster and disaster management.)
    • Why in News?
      • Recently, Leading Indian animal welfare organizations, including PETA India and FIAPO, have urged the Centre to reinforce the recently enacted Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024.
    • Background and Legal Status:
      • Elephants are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and recognized as endangered species. However, captivity for commercial purposes, excluding in sanctuaries, remains an issue.

    Human-Elephant Conflict

    (GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Disaster and disaster management.)
    • Why in News?
      • Recently, Aaranyak has initiated the installation of solar-powered LED lights in areas affected by human-elephant conflict to deter wild elephants from crop raiding and entering human settlements.
    • Technology Used:
      • The LED lights are solar-operated standalone devices customized with two LEDs powered by an inbuilt lithium-ion battery charged by a solar panel.
      • The lights blink at regular intervals, creating the illusion of human presence, and deter elephants without causing them physical harm.
      • A total of 40 LED lights are planned to be installed in Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur districts as part of the initiative supported by SBI Foundation.

    The Assam Tribune Editorial Summary (April 6, 2024)

    The Assam Tribune Editorial Summary (April 6, 2024)

    Election Commission

    (GS-II: Indian Constitution....Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies)
    • Why in News?
      • Recently, a worrying trend of voter apathy among young people, as revealed by data from the Election Commission (EC) regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. 
      • Despite being the propulsive force of society and crucial for the health of democracy, only 38% of young voters have enrolled themselves for the elections. 
      • In states like UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, less than half of the youth population has registered to vote, with Bihar having the lowest enrollment at 17%. 
    • Reasons:
      • Reasons such as 
        • corruption scandals, 
        • low political discourse, and 
        • a lack of belief in the efficacy of their vote contribute to youth alienation from the democratic process. 
      • Additionally, the inadequate representation of young people in parliament, with the average age of representatives being 56.7 years, further discourages their participation. 
    • Way Forward:
      • Need for a holistic effort from society to motivate young people to participate more significantly in the democratic process, beyond the responsibility of the EC alone.

    The Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors

    (GS-III & V: Economic Development- Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country,..transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints...)
    • Why in News?
      • Recently, the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in India are of growing importance due to their contribution to food production, export earnings, and economic development. 
    • Why Matters?
      • Currently engaging over 15 million people at the primary level, fish production has significantly increased from 7.5 lakh tonnes in 1950 to 135 lakh tonnes presently. 
      • The sector contributes 1.04% to the total GDP and 5.34% to the GDP of agriculture and allied activities. 
      • India ranks as the second-largest fish-producing nation globally, with exports earning approximately Rs 35,000 crore in 2022-23.
    • Assam's Role:
      • Assam, with its favorable subtropical climate, has seen substantial freshwater fish culture practices, producing 443 million kg of fish in 2022-23. 
    • Challenges:
      • Concerns arise from the introduction of exotic fish species, both legally and illegally, impacting native biodiversity and ecosystems. 
      • These exotic species, once introduced, can become invasive and outcompete native species, causing irreversible environmental and socio-economic damage. 
    • Way Forward:
      • Strict policy guidelines are needed to regulate the introduction of exotic fish species and preserve the purity of important native species.
      • Additionally, there is a need for better regulation of the fish seed market to prevent the illegal sale and mixing of exotic fish seeds, which can lead to infestation and pose a threat to natural resources. 
      • It's essential to ensure the supply of pure seeds and only cultivable fish species to safeguard the biodiversity and sustainability of fisheries in Assam.

    Tourism in Assam

    (GS-V: Macro overview of Economy, ...Biodiversity, Environment)
    • Why in News?
      • Recently,  a boost in tourism has been seen in Assam, particularly at Kaziranga National Park, which saw a record footfall of 3,27,493 tourists, including 13,919 foreign visitors during the 2023-24 season. 
    • Reasons:
      • The increase in tourism is attributed to the 
        • addition of cycling and trekking activities, 
        • alongside traditional jeep and elephant safaris, indicating the popularity of non-conventional tourism sites. 
    • Why Remarkable?
        • Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has made a strong comeback in the state, with other destinations like Manas National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary also recording encouraging footfalls. 
    • Way Forward:
        • Need for further promotion of Assam's tourism potential, especially to attract more foreign tourists. 
        • Nneed for sustained focus, better infrastructure, and promotion of other national parks in the region. 
        • Additionally, engaging local communities as stakeholders in tourism activities to ensure sustainable growth. It advocates for empowering locals through initiatives like home-stays and emphasizes the importance of regulating tourism to prevent negative impacts like plastic pollution in wildlife habitats.
    Credit: The Assam Tribune, April 6, 2024.
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