UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 1: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2024)
• Impact of War on Children
Impact of War on Children
GS Paper 3:
• Skill Development as a solution to India’s unemployment problem
Skill Development as a solution to India’s unemployment problem
GS Paper 4:
• Alice Munro: Ethical Issues
Alice Munro: Ethical Issues
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Cave painting
Cave painting
• Classical language status
Classical language status
• Anand Marriage Act
Anand Marriage Act
• Zombie Start-ups
Zombie Start-ups
• Regenerative braking
Regenerative braking
• Camcopter S-100
Camcopter S-100
• Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement
• Pearl spot fish
Pearl spot fish
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2024
#### GS Paper 1:
Impact of War on Children
Syllabus: Indian Society/ Social Justice/ Ethics
- •Source: BBC*
Context: A Russian missile strike severely damaged Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, killing two people.
Ethical Issues related with War:
Incidents like these spark debates on the ethics of war, questioning whether war is ever justified. Tolstoy viewed war as inherently criminal, while the ‘Just War’ theory, supported by texts like the Mahabharata and thinkers like Aristotle, Cicero, and Augustine, suggests war can be legitimate under certain conditions. Just War Theory includes:
• Jus ad bellum: Just cause, legitimate authority, last resort.
• Jus in bello: Ethical conduct during war, protecting civilians, fair treatment of prisoners.
• Jus post bellum: Justice after the war.
Ethical Issues Associated with War:
• Loss of human life, including civilians, women, and children.
• Degradation of moral equality by dehumanizing the enemy and mistreating prisoners of war.
• War crimes and atrocities, including genocide and summary executions.
• Fear of arms races and the use of weapons of mass destruction.
Other recent examples of conflict affecting children:
• Current Gazan Crisis: Children form the majority of people killed during the conflict
• Syrian Civil War: The conflict in Syria has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of children affected by displacement, violence, and a lack of access to education and healthcare.
• Yemen Conflict: The conflict in Yemen has impacted children through malnutrition, lack of medical care, and exposure to violence.
• Rohingya Crisis: The persecution and displacement of the Rohingya population from Myanmar to Bangladesh have left many children in overcrowded refugee camps, facing inadequate living conditions and limited access to education.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: Lockdowns, school closures, and economic challenges have disproportionately impacted vulnerable children.
• Natural Disasters (e.g., Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Tsunamis): Events like hurricanes in the Caribbean, earthquakes in Nepal, and tsunamis in Southeast Asia have resulted in displacement, trauma, and disrupted access to basic necessities for children.
• Armed Conflict in Afghanistan: Decades of conflict in Afghanistan have led to the displacement of families, disrupted education, and exposure of children to violence.
• Various Civil Wars in Africa:g., The civil war in South Sudan has led to displacement, food insecurity, and disrupted access to education and healthcare for children.
Impact of conflict on children:
Aspect | Description
Cycle of Revenge | Children experiencing conflict may harbour resentments and seek retribution.
Resistance to Social Norms | Adolescents exposed to violence may exhibit rebellious behaviour against societal expectations.
Psychological Trauma | Survivors of conflict zones may develop anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Impact on Education | Children in war zones may face disruptions in schooling, impacting academic performance and future prospects.
Long-term Consequences | Adults who experience violence in childhood may perpetuate violence or struggle with mental health challenges.
Recruitment and Use | Armed groups exploit children by coercing them into combat or support roles, compromising their well-being.
Sexual Violence and Exploitation | Conflict increases the risk of sexual violence, subjecting children to rape, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
Boys continued to be more affected by recruitment and use, killing and maiming, and abduction, while girls were disproportionately affected by conflict-related sexual violence.
India’s Success in Protecting Children’s Rights:
For the first time since 2010, India has been removed from the 2023 United Nations Report on Children and Armed Conflict. This decision reflects the measures taken by the Indian government to safeguard children, particularly addressing previous accusations of recruiting and using boys in armed groups in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Initiatives to Protect Children’s Rights
Initiatives | Details
Infrastructure Establishment | Establishment of Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, and Child Care Homes under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 in J&K.
UN-Recommended Measures | Implementation of UN-recommended measures, including training programs for security forces on protecting children. Suspension of pellet guns use in J&K
Enforcement of Acts | Active enforcement of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Global Conventions Compliance | Compliance with global conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions, and the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) | Recognition of recruiting child soldiers as a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Recognition of the recruitment and use of child soldiers as one of six “grave violations” by the United Nations.
Indian Legal Framework | India’s status as a party to the CRC and accession to the Optional Protocol. Inclusion of most CRC rights in the Indian Constitution. IPC criminalizes the recruitment or use of persons under 18 in hostilities.
About UNCRC:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a globally recognized international agreement adopted in 1989 and enforced in 1990, with 54 articles outlining children’s rights and governmental responsibilities. Ratified by all UN members except the United States, it ensures children’s fundamental rights, including the Right to life, education, protection from abuse, the right to be heard, and a relationship with parents.
The core principles include non-discrimination, the right to life, survival, and development, the best interests of the child, and respect for the child’s views
Way Forward:
Trauma-Informed Responses: Countries should emphasize understanding the impact of past experiences on children in justice and protection systems. They should also encourage a comprehensive approach to address trauma in children in conflict with the law, using civil society organizations and Child groups.
Kailash Satyarthi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner known for his work in safeguarding children’s rights, condemns the harm inflicted on children in the conflict (the present Israel-Palestine conflict has profoundly affected both Israeli and Palestinian children)
WHO’s INSPIRE strategy against violence on children involves seven key strategies:
Strategy | Description
Implementation and enforcement of laws | Involves enacting and enforcing laws, such as banning violent discipline and restricting access to alcohol and firearms.
Norms and values change | Aims to change societal norms and values, particularly those that condone behaviours like the sexual abuse of girls or aggressive behaviour among boys.
Safe environments | Identifies and addresses specific local causes of violence, often employing strategies like problem-oriented policing.
Parental and caregiver support | Provides training to young, first-time parents to enhance their ability to care for and nurture children effectively.
Income and economic strengthening | Includes initiatives like microfinance and gender equity training to improve economic stability, addressing underlying factors contributing to violence.
Response services provision | Ensures that children exposed to violence have access to effective emergency care and receive appropriate psychosocial support.
Education and life skills | Focuses on promoting school attendance and providing life and social skills training for children, contributing to their overall well-being and resilience.
Conclusion:
Montessori, in “The Secret of Childhood” (1936), emphasized the importance of peaceful childhood circumstances, asserting that major individual and social issues originate from early years and therefore need concerted efforts to shield children from the effects of conflicts.
Insta Links:
• Children impacted by armed conflict
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2024 GS Paper 3:
Skill Development as a solution to India’s unemployment problem
Syllabus: Unemployment
- •Source: IE*
Context: Economic growth alone hasn’t solved India’s job problem over the past 50 years. Job availability has lagged behind economic growth, particularly affecting the young population.
Status of High unemployment rate in India:
• The unemployment rate in the country has consistently increased over the last two decades – from 2% in 2010 to 5% in 2015 and at 9.2 percent in June 2024. (According to the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy)
• Over 42% of India’s graduates under 25 were unemployed in 2021-22 as per the State of Working India 2023.
• Despite a rise in GDP growth during the 2000s, the employment growth rate remained unresponsive, indicating a phenomenon of jobless growth
Types of Employment in India:
Types | Description
Wage Employment | Regular Wage Jobs: Formal, structured positions with fixed salaries, found in government organizations, private companies, and multinational corporations.
Casual or Daily Wage Labor: Involves daily wage labour, prevalent in sectors like construction, agriculture, and unorganized labour markets.
Self-Employment | Entrepreneurship: Individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activities, running small businesses or enterprises such as shops, local services, or manufacturing units.
Farmers: Agriculture serves as a significant source of self-employment, with individuals owning and operating farms independently or as part of a family-run enterprise.
Freelancing and Informal Work: Reflects the gig economy trend, with individuals working as freelancers, consultants, or in part-time roles.
Why Is India’s Economic Growth Not Corresponding with Sufficient Job Creation?
Issue | Explanation | Example
High-Skill, Low-Employment Sectors | Economic growth driven by services and capital-intensive sectors generates fewer jobs. | IT sector contributes significantly to GDP but employs only about 4.5 million directly.
Premature Deindustrialization | Decline in manufacturing’s share of GDP and employment at low per capita income. | Limits absorption of surplus agricultural labor, a key job creation pathway.
Skill Mismatch | Gap between skills demanded by job market and workforce capabilities. | Only 4.7% of workforce had formal skill training as per 2015 report.
Informal Sector Dominance | Over 90% of workforce in low-productivity, insecure jobs. | Gig economy offers flexible work but lacks security and benefits.
Global Economic Trends | Job market affected by global protectionism and economic disruptions. | 4.25 lakh tech employees lost jobs in 2023 due to global recession.
Impact of Automation and AI | Emerging technologies displacing low-skill jobs. | 9% of workforce could be displaced by automation by 2030.
Academia-Industry Mismatch | Education system fails to meet modern job market needs. | Only 47% of Indian graduates were employable in 2019.
‘Missing Middle’ in MSMEs | Predominance of very small and very large firms hampers job creation. | Lack of mid-sized firms limits employment potential.
Regional Disparities | Economic growth concentrated in few urban centers. | Migration pressures from less developed regions to urban areas.
Demographic Dividend Challenge | Need to create 10-12 million jobs annually for new entrants. | Economy consistently falls short of job creation target.
Jobless Growth in India:
• Two types of jobless growth in India: Weak Responsiveness: Automation and tech introduction lead to jobless growth, but increasing GDP can still boost employment. High Responsiveness: In India, labour productivity growth is strongly linked to output growth. So even though GDP increases, output will increase only if labour productivity increases.
• Weak Responsiveness: Automation and tech introduction lead to jobless growth, but increasing GDP can still boost employment.
• High Responsiveness: In India, labour productivity growth is strongly linked to output growth. So even though GDP increases, output will increase only if labour productivity increases.
Social Impact of Unemployment in India:
Social Impact | Details
Marginalisation of People | Prolonged unemployment leads to the erosion of skills, reducing employability even when jobs become available. Perpetuates a cycle of joblessness as skills diminish over time.
Social Unrest | High unemployment can result in dissatisfaction, social unrest, and various forms of manifestation such as protests, crime rates, and civil unrest.
Migration | High unemployment often drives rural-to-urban migration in search of better opportunities. This migration can strain urban infrastructure, leading to the development of slums and inadequate living conditions.
Impact on Education | Financial struggles due to high unemployment may deter families from investing in education. Immediate earning potential may take precedence over education, perpetuating a cycle of limited opportunities for future generations.
Disproportionate Impact on Social Groups | Disadvantaged groups like youth, women, rural labourers, minorities, and scheduled castes are disproportionately affected by unemployment. – Exacerbates existing inequalities in society.
Increased Crime | Lack of lawful income sources due to unemployment can drive individuals toward illegal activities. Unemployment is linked to higher crime rates in affected areas.
Measures to address unemployment:
• India needs good infrastructure, both physical and human, to create more jobs.
• There has to be a convergence in the paths of urbanisation and industrialisation to streamline job creation.
• Tier II cities should be focused as these new cities have the potential to generate 70% of the country’s new jobs and GDP over the next 20 years.
• National Employment Policy (NEP): Implement a focused policy considering both the demand and supply sides. Enhance workforce quality, bridge skills gaps, and create public jobs.
• Urban MGNREGA: Introduce an urban version to provide income security for informal jobs and create public assets in urban areas.
• Industrialization and Agricultural Investment: Rapid industrialization and increased investment in agriculture create more jobs and boost productivity.
• Diversify Agriculture and Promote Agro-Processing: Shift to labour-intensive crops, promote agro-processing for export, reduce wastage, and increase value addition.
• Expand Education and Healthcare: Enhance human capital through education and healthcare expansion, providing employment in the social sector.
• Reform Education, Provide Vocational Training: Improve skills and employability through education system reforms and vocational/technical training.
Conclusion
More than 50% of India’s population is below the age of 25 and more than 65% Is below the age of 35. India’s young demographic is an asset in an ageing world. This clearly presents the case for India to address the jobless growth scenario.
Mains Links:
Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (UPSC 2023)
Prelims Links:
Disguised unemployment generally means (UPSC 2013)
(a) a large number of people remain unemployed (b) alternative employment is not available (c) the marginal productivity of labour is zero (d) productivity of workers is low
Ans: C
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2024 GS Paper 4:
Alice Munro: Ethical Issues
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Source: IE
Context: Alice Munro, a Canadian Nobel laureate renowned for her short stories, is now the subject of a disturbing revelation by her daughter, Andrea Robin Skinner. Weeks after Munro’s death, Skinner disclosed that Munro’s second husband, Gerald Fremlin, had sexually abused her repeatedly.
Despite being aware of the abuse, Munro chose to stand by Fremlin, prioritizing her own needs over her daughter’s suffering. This revelation has tarnished Munro’s legacy, highlighting the moral fallibility of literary idols. Skinner’s estrangement from her family lasted until Munro’s death, and she ultimately shared her story to shed light on the hidden darkness behind Munro’s celebrated literary career.
Ethical Issues involved in the case:
• Failure to Protect: Alice Munro did not protect her daughter from abuse despite knowing about it.
• Silent Acquiescence: Munro’s choice to remain silent and support her abuser over her daughter.
• Victim Blaming: Fremlin blamed Skinner for the abuse, and Munro did not challenge this narrative.
• Complicity: Munro’s family and others close to the situation did not take action to stop the abuse or support Skinner initially.
• Prioritizing Personal Needs: Munro prioritized her own relationship with Fremlin over her daughter’s well-being.
• Abuse of Power: Fremlin used his position of trust as a stepfather to abuse Skinner.
• Public Deception: The true nature of Munro’s family life was hidden, potentially misleading the public about her character.
• Long-term Trauma: The prolonged impact of abuse on Skinner and the lack of support from her mother and family.
Course of Action:
• Therapy and Counseling: Ensure continued psychological support for Skinner to help her heal.
• Public Apology: The Munro family should issue a public apology acknowledging past mistakes and supporting Skinner’s account.
• Advocate for Victims: Use Munro’s literary legacy to raise awareness about sexual abuse and advocate for victims’ rights.
• Family Reconciliation: Encourage ongoing dialogue within the family to rebuild trust and support Skinner.
• Legal Review: Review any remaining legal actions to ensure justice and closure for Skinner.
• Educational Outreach: Support programs and initiatives that educate the public about the importance of protecting and supporting abuse victims.
• Establish a Fund: Create a fund or foundation in Munro’s name to support abuse survivors and promote mental health services.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Cave painting
- •Source: TH*
Context: Scientists have discovered the world’s oldest-known cave painting in the Leang Karampuang cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
• This artwork, created at least 51,200 years ago, depicts three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig.
• Researchers determined its age using a new technique involving laser dating of calcium carbonate crystals that formed over the painting.
• The painting, made with dark red pigment, portrays a pig standing upright, surrounded by three smaller human-like figures, suggesting a narrative scene.
• This makes it the oldest-known evidence of storytelling in art.
Classical language status
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Central government is set to revise the criteria for granting classical language status, affecting languages like Marathi, which has been seeking this status for over a decade.
• Currently, six languages have classical status: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
• The criteria for classical language status include high antiquity, a valuable body of ancient literature, original literary tradition, and distinctness from modern forms.
Anand Marriage Act
- •Source: PIB*
Context: The National Commission for Minorities took initiative to discuss the implementation and registration of Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act with 18 States/UTs.
Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya reported that they have already implemented the Act, while the remaining States/UTs assured that they would implement it within two months.
About Anand Marriage Act:
The Anand Marriage Act is a law that allows Sikhs to register their marriages under a separate act, rather than the Hindu Marriage Act.
It recognises the Sikh marriage ceremony called Anand Karaj.
Zombie Start-ups
- •Source: IE*
Context: Koo, the Indian social media platform created to rival Twitter, is shutting down due to unsuccessful deals with larger companies and media houses.
• Launched in 2020, Koo gained popularity during a conflict between the Indian government and Twitter.
• Koo offered features similar to Twitter, supported multiple Indian languages, and attracted prominent users, including politicians and celebrities.
• However, the company faced increasing losses, declining active users, and weak global sentiment, leading to the layoff of around 30% of its workforce in 2023.
About Zombie Start-ups:
“Zombie start-ups” refer to companies that, while technically still in operation, are struggling to grow, innovate, or generate significant revenue.
These businesses are often stuck in a state of stagnation, unable to attract further investment or reach profitability, yet they continue to exist due to prior funding or minimal operational costs.
Regenerative braking
- •Source: TH*
Context: Regenerative braking in electric vehicles is a system that converts kinetic energy from the wheels into a storable form of energy, increasing efficiency.
• Traditional braking methods, such as disc and induction brakes, convert kinetic energy to heat.
• In regenerative braking, the electric motor that propels the vehicle acts as a generator during braking, converting mechanical energy back to electrical energy, which is then stored in the vehicle’s battery.
• While beneficial, regenerative braking has limitations, such as not being sufficient alone to stop a vehicle completely and reduced energy recovery at lower speeds.
• Other methods of energy recovery include flywheels and compressed air systems.
Camcopter S-100
- •Source: First Post*
Context: India is set to enhance its naval capabilities through a deal with Austrian company Schiebel for their Camcopter S-100 unmanned aerial system (UAS).
Features of Camcopter S-100:
• The system can operate in various extreme climates and has a high endurance, making it ideal for the Indian Ocean Region.
• The Indian Navy has begun using the S-100 for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, which previously required manned helicopters.
• The S-100, known for its versatility and advanced technology, operates with either aviation gasoline or kerosene and can function without GPS.
• It requires minimal space for launch and recovery, making it suitable for deployment from various naval vessels.
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement
- •Source: PIB*
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved India’s signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
• This decision aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, known as the “High Seas.”
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences will lead the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
About Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement:
• The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the “High Seas Treaty,” falls under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• It addresses the protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas through international cooperation and sustainable practices.
• The agreement prohibits sovereign rights over high seas resources and promotes the fair sharing of benefits, an inclusive ecosystem-centric approach, and the use of traditional and scientific knowledge.
• It also aims to minimize environmental impacts and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
The BBNJ Agreement will become the third implementation agreement under UNCLOS, alongside agreements on mineral resources and fish stocks.
Pearl spot fish
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) is set to launch a genome editing mission to enhance the breeding and seed production of pearl spot fish.
• This initiative aims to improve the growth rate of pearl spots, addressing the long-standing challenges faced by farmers in Kerala who have struggled with slow growth rates in uncontrolled environments.
• Pearl spots, which fetch a high market price, take a year to reach 300-400 grams, whereas genetically improved tilapia achieve 600-700 grams in six months.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2024 [PDF]
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