Daily Current Affairs UPSC 05 and 06 May 2024

Endosymbiotic Theory

Endosymbiotic Theory and Nitrogen Fixation Research

• Recent studies on nitrogen fixation and nitroplast have sparked interest in the endosymbiotic theory.
• The endosymbiotic theory suggests that organelles like mitochondria and plastids in eukaryotic cells evolved from free-living prokaryotes.
• Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus with genetic information stored within a membrane, while prokaryotes have DNA bundled in a nucleoid region without a membrane-bound nucleus.
• Some organisms ingested prokaryotic cells, which survived within the organism and developed a symbiotic relationship.

Areca Nut

Areca Research Centre in Karnataka Declares Thirthahalli Arecanut as Best Quality

• The Areca Research Centre in Karnataka has announced that Thirthahalli Arecanut is the highest quality Areca in the state.

Characteristics of Arecanut

• Arecanut is a tropical horticultural and commercial crop that thrives in temperatures ranging from 14 to 36 degrees Celsius.
• It requires a rainfall of 750-4500 mm and grows best at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level.
• Arecanut grows well in soil types such as laterite, loamy, clayey, and alluvial.
• Karnataka is the leading producer of Arecanut in India, accounting for around 80% of the country's production, followed by Kerala and Assam.
• India imports Arecanut from countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

Minimum Import Price Imposed by Centre

• The Centre has imposed a Minimum Import Price on Arecanut to prevent illegal imports and protect the domestic market.

Section 498A of the IPC

Request for Amendments to BNS 2023 by Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court has called for changes to be made to the corresponding sections in the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023 due to the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
• The Court noted that Sections 85 and 86 of the BNS are essentially the same as Section 498A.
• BNS 2023 is scheduled to be implemented from July 01, 2024.

Overview of Section 498A

• Section 498A was introduced in 1983 to address the issue of domestic violence and harassment faced by married women in India from their husbands or relatives.
• The punishment for offenses under Section 498A can include a jail term of up to 3 years or a fine.

Goldene

Development of Goldene

• Goldene is a one-atom thick sheet of gold developed by scientists.
• It is created by sandwiching silicon between titanium carbide layers, depositing gold, and allowing gold atoms to replace silicon to form a monolayer.
• Goldene is roughly 100 nanometers thick, making it approximately 400 times thinner than the thinnest commercially available gold leaf.

Potential Applications of Goldene

• Goldene has potential applications as a catalyst in the electronics industry, for carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen generation, water purification, and more.
• Its unique properties and thinness make it a versatile material for various technological advancements.

Eta Aquarid meteor shower

Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks in early May each year

• This meteor shower is caused by space rocks entering Earth's atmosphere and burning, creating streaks of light.
• Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids.

About the ETA Aquarid meteor shower

• This meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the orbital plane of Halley's Comet, which orbits the Sun every 76 years.
• Eta Aquarid meteors are known for their speed.
• The Southern Hemisphere is the best location for viewing the Eta Aquarids as the radiant point, the Aquarius Constellation, is higher in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere.

FWD-200B

Introduction of FWD-200B

• A company in Bengaluru has introduced India's first indigenous bomber unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Features of FWD-200B

• The FWD-200B is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV.
• It has a maximum take-off weight of 498 kg and can operate at an altitude of 9,000 ft above sea level.
• The UAV is equipped with optical surveillance payloads and has integrated missile-like weapons for accurate air strikes.

Mullaperiyar Dam

Tamil Nadu's Allegations Against Kerala Regarding Mullaperiyar Dam

• Tamil Nadu has taken its case to the Supreme Court, claiming that Kerala is hindering efforts to strengthen the Mullaperiyar Dam.

Details About Mullaperiyar Dam

• The Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed between 1887-1895 and is situated in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Idukki district, Kerala. 
• This dam is a composite gravity structure located at the meeting point of Mullayar and Periyar rivers. 
• Its main purpose is to redirect water from the west-flowing River Periyar towards the arid rain shadow regions of Tamil Nadu, specifically the Vaigai basin. 
• Tamil Nadu is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the dam under a 999-year lease agreement from 1886 and another agreement from 1970.

Government Securities

Government of India's announcement of a Rs 40,000 crore buyback of Government Securities

• The Government of India has decided to repurchase Government Securities worth Rs 40,000 crore.
• This buyback involves the government choosing to pay off a portion of its outstanding debt before it is due.
• Buybacks of securities inject liquidity into the banking system.

About Government Securities (G-Secs)

• Government Securities are tradable instruments issued by the central or state governments.
• They represent the government's debt obligation.
• These securities can be short-term (treasury bills) or long-term (government bonds).
• G-Secs are considered to have minimal risk of default.

Vallabhacharya (1479 -1531)

Celebration of Vallabhacharya's 545th Birth Anniversary.

Vallabhacharya's Background

• Born in Champaranya in Raipur Central Province.
• Uttaradhi Tailang Brahmin.
• Pioneer of Bhakti movement and contemporary of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Vallabhacharya's Contributions

• Established Pushti Marg tradition with Brahmasutra, Srimad Bhagwat, and Geeta as its literature.
• Founded Shhudhadvaita school of thought based on Vedanta.
• Important literary works include Anubhashya on Brahma Sutra, Subhodhini Vyakhya of Bhagavat, Siddhanta-Rahsya, Bhagavat Leela Rahasya, Ekanta-Rahsya, Vishnupada, etc.

Values of Vallabhacharya

• Emphasized selfless service, devotion, social justice, and equality.

"Nepal Introduces New Currency Note with Indian Territories"

New Denominations of Nepalese Currency Featuring Indian Territories

• The Nepal cabinet has approved the printing of new denominations of 100 Nepalese currency that include a map featuring Indian territories of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani.
• In 2020, Nepal passed its second Constitution Amendment Bill to provide legal status to its claims over these territories.

Territorial Dispute Over Kalapani

• Kalapani is the largest territorial dispute between Nepal and India, located at a tri-junction between India, Nepal, and Tibet (China).
• The origin of the dispute dates back to the Treaty of Sagauli in 1816, which demarcated Uttarakhand’s Kumaon with River Kali as the boundary between India and Nepal.

Disagreement Over River Kali's Origin

• Nepal believes that the River Kali, which flows to the west of Kalapani, originates at either Limpiyadhura or the nearby Lipulekh pass, justifying the area as an inherent part of Nepal.
• India argues that River Kali originates from a smaller rivulet named Pankhagad, lying on the southern portion of Kalapani, and the subsequent ridge on the eastern part of this area as the true border.

India's Position on the Dispute

• India claims that all three territories belong to India and criticizes Nepal's constitutional amendment as a unilateral act, artificial enlargement, and untenable.

 "Analysis of PM-JAY Implementation in Chhattisgarh"

Patients faced high Medical Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure in private hospitals under PMJAY due to dual billing

• Study revealed that patients had to pay significant out-of-pocket expenses when admitted to private hospitals under PMJAY.
• Private hospitals charged patients and also claimed reimbursement under PMJAY, leading to high expenses for patients.

Overview of PMJAY

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare oversees PMJAY.
• Launched in 2018 as part of Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• Provides Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for hospital cover for secondary and tertiary care in public and private empanelled hospitals.
• No restrictions on family size, age, or gender.
• Covers pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses, including pre-existing medical conditions.

Challenges in implementing PMJAY

• Capacity deficit in some states with high number of people per healthcare provider.
• Delays in claim settlements despite clear guidelines.
• Lack of validation controls in beneficiary registration, as highlighted in CAG report.
• Delayed grievance disposal, with only around 10% of grievances addressed within 15 days turnaround time.
• Non-adoption of whistle blower policy in states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan.

Importance of Government-Supported Health Insurance Scheme:

• Lowering out-of-pocket expenses and providing financial security.
• Guaranteeing fair access to medical services.
• Easing the strain on public healthcare resources.

"Empowering EWRs: Leading the Way in Local Governance"

Role of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Advancing Localization of Sustainable Development Goals

• The event held at the UN Headquarters in New York emphasized the importance of EWRs in promoting the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level.

Women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India

• India has over 1.4 million EWRs, making up approximately 46% of all PRI representatives.
• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 reserved one-third of electoral seats in PRIs for women.
• Currently, 22 states and union territories have implemented a 50% reservation for women in PRIs as of 2021.

Significance of EWRs

• EWRs have played a crucial role in improving developmental outcomes by ensuring better distribution of essential public goods.
• They are instrumental in strengthening sustainable development at the grassroots level and prioritizing policies that promote equity and responsiveness in local communities.
• EWRs have contributed to positive social changes such as reducing the Total Fertility Rate and improving the median age of marriage for women.

Concerns and Challenges Faced by EWRs

• Cultural constraints such as undervaluation and neglect of EWRs' contributions due to patriarchal social norms and stereotypes.
• Issues of proxy representation where actual decision-making powers lie with husbands or male family members.
• Challenges related to the policy of rotation of reserved seats, limiting EWRs' ability to extend their knowledge and experience.
• Other concerns include domestic and caregiving responsibilities, doubts about their capabilities, and the digital divide.

Initiatives to Support EWRs

• Various programs such as Leadership and Management Development Programme, Capacity-building Programme for EWRs, Drone Didi, and Lakhpati Didi have been implemented to empower and support EWRs in their roles.

SDG Localization:

• SDG localization refers to the process of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level, aligning with national strategies and addressing the needs of communities.

Global Adoption of SDGs:

• The SDGs were established by the United Nations in 2015, consisting of 17 goals and 169 targets aimed at addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Role of Local Governments in SDG Achievement:

• Local governments play a crucial role in supporting the achievement of the SDGs through grassroots initiatives and community engagement, ensuring that the goals are integrated into local development policies.

"Global Security Threat: Online Radicalisation on the Rise"

Radicalisation and the Internet

• Radicalisation is the process of individuals or groups adopting a radical ideology that supports violence, including terrorism, for political or ideological goals.
• Internet platforms, such as social media, are used by terrorists for radicalisation, recruitment, and financing of terror activities.

Challenges in National Security

• Social media is used as an echo chamber to spread propaganda, disinformation, and incite violence.
• The Kozhikode arson case exemplifies how online radicalisation can lead to violence.
• Terrorists use the internet for fundraising campaigns, making it difficult to track their activities.
• Data collection is used for micro-targeting and tailoring radical content, leading to an increase in cybercrimes and organized crimes.

Addressing Security Concerns

• Challenges include anonymity, deepfakes, cross-border jurisdictions, and difficulties in enforcing laws due to privacy concerns.

Way Forward

• Implement targeted counter-narrative campaigns to debunk misinformation and disrupt echo chambers.
• Implement content moderation and fact-checking measures.
• Promote international cooperation among law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, and policymakers.
• Strengthen cybersecurity measures and regulate virtual and crypto assets.

Interpol

• Interpol is an inter-governmental organization established in 1923 to facilitate information exchange between national police forces.
• It has 196 member countries, including India.
• The organizational structure includes a General Assembly, General Secretariat, Executive Committee, and National Central Bureaus (NCB).
• The Central Bureau of India (CBI) is India's designated NCB for Interpol activities.

"SC Directs 33% Reservation for Women in SCBA Posts"

Implementation of Reservation in Judiciary to Increase Women Representation

• A recent order by a 2-Judge bench of the SC has directed the implementation of reservation in the judiciary, including for the upcoming elections in 2024-25.
• This move is expected to increase the pool of women candidates who can be appointed as judges in the SC.

Current Status of Women in Higher Judiciary

• Only 11 out of 268 Judges ever appointed in the SC since independence have been women.
• Justice Fathima Beevi was the first woman judge to serve in the SC in 1989.
• India Justice Report 2022 shows that there are 35% women judges in subordinate courts, but only 13% in High Courts (HCs).
• Only 15% of practising lawyers are women.

Reasons for Inadequate Women Representation

• Patriarchal societal norms discourage women from pursuing legal professions.
• Lack of transparency in appointment processes.
• Existence of a judicial 'glass-ceiling'.

Significance of Better Representation of Women in Judiciary

• Gender Sensitivity: Greater empathy and understanding towards gender-related issues like domestic violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
• Legitimacy and Public Confidence: Diversity in the judiciary will make institutions more representative and lend legitimacy to them.
• Role Models and Inspiration: Encouraging more women to pursue legal careers and aspire to positions of decision-making.

"Challenges of the 45-Day Payment Rule for MSMEs"

Amendment to Income Tax Act for MSMEs

• The Finance Act 2023 made changes to the Income Tax Act regarding payments owed to MSMEs, stating that if these payments are not resolved within 45 days, tax deductions will not be allowed until the payment is made.
• This rule applies to transactions involving the purchase of goods/services from enterprises registered under the MSMED Act, 2006.
• The amendment became effective from April 01, 2024.

Unintended Consequences of the Amendment

• Large companies are canceling orders with registered MSMEs and giving them to unregistered MSMEs.
• Many smaller MSME entities are choosing to give up their registration to survive and keep their businesses.
• MSMEs are being reclassified from 'manufacturing entity' to 'trading entity', among other changes.

Challenges Faced by MSMEs in India

• Access to finance is difficult for many MSMEs due to strict lending criteria, lack of collateral, and insufficient credit history.
• Infrastructure issues lead to higher operational costs and production delays.
• Complex and uncertain regulatory frameworks, including taxation and environmental regulations, increase compliance costs.

Significance of MSMEs

• MSMEs play a crucial role in employment generation, contribute around 30% to GDP, promote rural industrialization, support balanced regional development, and help in export promotion.

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