UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 July 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 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 – 11 July 2024)
• Supreme Court Guidelines on Stereotyping Differently-Abled Persons in Films and Media
Supreme Court Guidelines on Stereotyping Differently-Abled Persons in Films and Media
GS Paper 2:
• 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit: India-Russia Relations
22nd India-Russia Annual Summit: India-Russia Relations
GS Paper 4:
Examples of Ethics
• Example 1: Anukathir Surya: IRS Officer’s Historic Name and Gender Change
Example 1: Anukathir Surya: IRS Officer’s Historic Name and Gender Change
• Example 2: Puja Khedkar: misuse of power
Example 2: Puja Khedkar: misuse of power
• Example 3: Hannibal Directive
Example 3: Hannibal Directive
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle
Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle
• Ahom ‘Moidam’
Ahom ‘Moidam’
• Integrated tribal development programme
Integrated tribal development programme
• Kartarpur Corridor
Kartarpur Corridor
• Mitochondrial donation
Mitochondrial donation
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 July 2024
#### GS Paper 1:
Supreme Court Guidelines on Stereotyping Differently-Abled Persons in Films and Media
Syllabus: Indian Society/ Social Justice
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has issued a landmark judgment addressing the portrayal of differently-abled individuals in visual media and films.
What did the SC say?
The Supreme Court observed that stereotyping differently-abled persons perpetuates discrimination and inequality. The judgment was in response to activist Nipun Malhotra’s petition challenging the portrayal of differently-abled individuals in the film ‘Aankh Micholi.’
Key features of Guidelines are:
• Guidelines for Creators: Avoid insensitive language; Seek accurate representation of medical conditions;
• CBFC and Expert Opinion: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) must seek the opinion of experts on disability before certifying films for screening.
• Inclusivity Principle: Follow the ‘Nothing about us, without us’ principle to ensure inclusivity. Involve differently-abled individuals in statutory committees for decision-making under the Cinematograph Rules.
• Diverse Depictions: Visual media should depict the diverse realities of persons with disabilities, showcasing their challenges, successes, talents, and contributions to society.
• Accurate Representation: Films and visual media content must aim for an accurate representation of medical conditions as much as possible.
What is Stereotyping?
Stereotyping is a specific belief or assumption (thoughts) about individuals based solely on their membership in a group, regardless of their individual characteristics.
Example: A TV show depicting a character with a physical disability as completely dependent on others, ignoring their potential for independence and self-sufficiency.
Reasons Why Differently-Abled Individuals Are Stereotyped:
• Lack of Exposure: Limited interaction and exposure to differently-abled individuals lead to misconceptions.
• Media Portrayals: Negative or inaccurate representations in films and visual media.
• Cultural Myths: Historical and cultural myths that associate disability with weakness or abnormality.
• Educational Gaps: Insufficient education and awareness about disabilities and the capabilities of differently-abled people.
• Social Prejudices: Deep-rooted societal prejudices and biases.
• Medical Model of Disability: Focus on disability as a personal tragedy or defect, rather than recognizing social barriers.
• Language: Use of derogatory and insensitive language.
• Lack of Advocacy: Inadequate representation and advocacy for differently-abled individuals in decision-making processes.
Who are Persons with Disabilities?
Persons with disabilities include those with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, in interaction with barriers, hinder their full participation in society (UN CRPD). The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aligns with this definition and specifies a “Person with Benchmark Disability” as having at least 40% of a specified disability. The 2016 Act expanded recognized disabilities from 7 to 21, with provisions for the Union Government to add more.
Status of Persons with Disabilities in India (2011 Census)
• 2.21% of the total population
• 56% male, 44% female
• 69% reside in rural areas
Other Issues Related to Persons with Disability in India:
• Discrimination: Stigma and lack of understanding hinder their full participation; Women and girls with disabilities face higher risks of gender-based violence.
• Health: Many disabilities are preventable but lack awareness and accessible medical facilities
• Education and Employment: Limited special schools, access, trained teachers, and materials; Lower employment rates for disabled adults compared to the general population.
• Political Participation: Exclusion from political processes Lack of data on disabled populations in constituencies Inaccessibility of voting processes (e.g., limited braille EVMs). Political parties do not prioritize disabled needs due to perceived low electorate size.
• Exclusion from political processes
• Lack of data on disabled populations in constituencies
• Inaccessibility of voting processes (e.g., limited braille EVMs).
• Political parties do not prioritize disabled needs due to perceived low electorate size.
• Lax Implementation: Many buildings remain inaccessible despite the Accessible India Campaign; Quotas for the disabled in government jobs and education often remain unfilled.
Provisions for Persons with Disabilities:
Category | Provision
Constitutional Provisions | Preamble: Secures social justice and equality of opportunity.
Fundamental Rights: Ensures dignity and fundamental rights to persons with disabilities.
Directive Principles: Articles 41 and 46 support the right to work, education, public assistance, and the promotion of weaker sections’ interests.
State Subject: Relief of the Disabled (Entry 9, List II) under the Seventh Schedule.
Eleventh and Twelfth Schedule: Welfare of the Disabled and mentally retarded (Items 26 and 09).
Legal Provisions | Mental Health Act, 2017: Provides mental healthcare and protects the rights of persons with mental illness.
RPwD Act, 2016: Replaces the 1995 Act, increases reservations for disabled persons in jobs and education, and ensures accessibility in public buildings.
Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992: Regulates services for persons with disabilities and maintains a register of qualified professionals.
National Trust Act, 1999: Provides welfare for persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
Welfare Programmes | Accessible India Campaign: This aims to create an accessible environment for PwDs, focusing on the built environment, transportation, and ICT ecosystem.
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): Provides financial assistance to NGOs for rehabilitation projects for persons with disabilities.
Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP): Assists in procuring aids and appliances for disabled persons to enhance their rehabilitation and economic potential.
Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre: Promotes sign language and develops human resources in the field.
National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation: Focuses on capacity building and community-based rehabilitation for mainstreaming persons with mental illness.
National Policies | National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006: Framework for disability rights.
Draft Guidelines: Accessibility standards for public exhibition of films for persons with hearing and visual impairments.
Global | Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific.
United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disability
UN Principles for People with Disabilities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Strategies for Accommodating and Including Persons with Disabilities:
• Accommodation and Inclusion: Employment: Ensure equal job opportunities. Social and Political Participation: Encourage active involvement in social and political decisions.
• Employment: Ensure equal job opportunities.
• Social and Political Participation: Encourage active involvement in social and political decisions.
• Sensitization: Changing Attitudes: Adopt the term “Divyangjan” to highlight the potential of persons with disabilities. Education Campaigns: Increase public awareness about the challenges faced by PwDs; Inclusive schools with transition programs to mainstream education.
• Changing Attitudes: Adopt the term “Divyangjan” to highlight the potential of persons with disabilities.
• Education Campaigns: Increase public awareness about the challenges faced by PwDs; Inclusive schools with transition programs to mainstream education.
• Preventive Measures: Newborn Screening: Expand the CNS program under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram for early detection of disabilities. Under this, a comprehensive clinical examination is to be performed on all babies, usually within the first 48 hours of life. Healthcare Access: Improve care for pregnant mothers and medical facilities in rural areas with union government support.
• Newborn Screening: Expand the CNS program under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram for early detection of disabilities. Under this, a comprehensive clinical examination is to be performed on all babies, usually within the first 48 hours of life.
• Healthcare Access: Improve care for pregnant mothers and medical facilities in rural areas with union government support.
• Public Policy Interventions: Budget Allocation: Increase funding for disabled welfare, similar to gender budgeting. Monitoring: Implement systems for monitoring and accountability of public funds.
• Budget Allocation: Increase funding for disabled welfare, similar to gender budgeting.
• Monitoring: Implement systems for monitoring and accountability of public funds.
• Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR): Ensure people with disabilities can maximize their abilities, access services, and integrate fully into communities.
• Public Awareness: Campaigns: Run social campaigns to change attitudes towards PwDs. Media Representation: Promote positive portrayals in media (e.g., “Taare Zameen Par” and “Barfi”)
• Campaigns: Run social campaigns to change attitudes towards PwDs.
• Media Representation: Promote positive portrayals in media (e.g., “Taare Zameen Par” and “Barfi”)
Insta Links:
• Persons with Disabilities
Prelims Link:
India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law? (USPC 2011)
• Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government run schools.
• Preferential allotment of land for setting up business.
• Ramps in public buildings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 July 2024 GS Paper 2:
22nd India-Russia Annual Summit: India-Russia Relations
Syllabus: Bilateral Relationship
- •Source: PIB*
Context: The Prime Minister of India co-chaired the 22nd Annual Summit with the President of Russia in Moscow.
Key outcomes of the summit:
• Trade and Economic Partnership: Set a bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030. Promote bilateral settlements using national currencies. Expand energy cooperation in nuclear, oil, and petrochemical sectors.
• Set a bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.
• Promote bilateral settlements using national currencies.
• Expand energy cooperation in nuclear, oil, and petrochemical sectors.
• Transport and Connectivity: Increase cargo turnover via projects like the North-South International Transport Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.
• UNSC Reform: Advocate for comprehensive reform to make it more representative and effective.
• Counter-Terrorism: Urge finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
• Implement UNGA and UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.
• Ukraine: Support peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
• Military Cooperation: Encourage joint manufacturing in India for maintenance of Russian-origin arms and defence equipment under the Make-in-India program.
Timeline of the Relationship:
Important Dimensions of India-Russia Relations:
Dimensions | Details
Political Relations | The Annual Summit meeting between the PM of India and the Russian President is the highest institutionalized dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership.
The Strategic Partnership between the two countries was elevated to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010.
International/Multilateral Organisations and Connectivity Projects | BRICS, SCO, G20, International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
Defence and Security Cooperation | Evolution of India-Russia military-technical cooperation from a buyer-seller framework to joint research, development, and production of advanced defence technologies
Russia is India’s top military supplier accounting for 45% of total defense imports.
Examples include the BrahMos Missile System, licensed production of SU-30 aircraft, and T-90 tanks. Deal for five S-400 batteries in 2018, and supply of MiG-29-K aircraft and Kamov-31
Cooperation is guided by the Agreement on the Programme for Military-Technical Cooperation for 2021-2031
Trade and Economic Relations | Revised targets of increasing bilateral investment to US $50 billion and bilateral trade to US $30 billion by 2025.
Bilateral investments surpassed the previous target of $30 billion in 2018, leading to a revised target of $50 billion by 2025.
Nuclear Energy | 2014 Strategic Vision for strengthening cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is being built in India with Russian cooperation.
Space Cooperation | Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. MoU between ISRO and ROSCOSMOS on Joint Activities in the field of Human Spaceflight Programme (Gaganyaan).
Science & Technology | Working Group on S&T under IRIGC-TEC.
Institutional mechanisms: Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP) and Basic Science Cooperation Programme.
Initiatives: Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), GIAN, and Russia-India Network (RIN) of Universities.
Cultural Cooperation | A strong tradition of Indian studies in Russia. Strong Russian interest in Indian dance, music, yoga, and Ayurveda.
Challenges faced by India India-Russia relationship.
• Issues related to Defence – There has been a gradual decline in the orders of India from Russia because of India’s desire to diversify its defence imports from other countries like Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Israel.
• Russia’s apprehensions over India’s foreign policy – Russian officials have repeatedly criticized the idea of the Indo-Pacific and the Quad, arguing that it is meant to contain China. Russia believes that India is currently an object of the Western countries.
• The USA factor – The source of divergence between Indian and Russian interests lies in the continuing problems that Russia faces in its relations with the US. The consequence of this confrontation is that Moscow has increasingly leaned on China both for support as well as a way to undermine American power.
• Further, India also signed all the Foundational agreements with the US. Such as LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA.
• Due to these developments, Russia changed their decades-old policy and started supplying China with weapon systems like the Sukhoi 35 and the S-400 missile defence system.
• The China Factor – Russia’s increasing bond with China also to some extent brings strain to Indo-Russia relations.
• Failure of RIC — Russia already proposed a Russia-India-China (RIC) forum of foreign ministers. However, there has been no major diplomatic success for RIC due to India’s unresolved issues with China.
• China-Russian ties are growing due to their shared interest in opposing the US. The intense geostrategic rivalry between China and the US in the region. Russia which opposes the US joined hands with China. This is evident as Russia joined the Chinese One Belt One Road initiative.
Way forward
• India has to rebuild on its strengths and common concerns with the Russians.
• Both India and Russia have to identify their strengths and common concerns like developing joint projects in third countries. Such as the involvement of India and Russia in the Rooppur nuclear plant project in Bangladesh.
• India needs to deepen its scientific and technological relations with Russia since a base for this already exists.
• India can use some creative means to build a Russia-India-China (RIC) alliance.
• India needs to balance its relationship between Russia, China and the US. This is essential after the US conducted a Freedom of Navigation operation(FONOP) in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Conclusion
On the whole, Both India and Russia will have to learn to navigate their relationship amidst challenges emerging not just from bilateral factors but also regional and global ones, as both countries seek to strengthen their position at a time of flux in the international order.
Insta Links:
• 30 years of Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty 1993
• India-Russia relations
Mains Links:
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC 2020)
Prelims Links:
Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (UPSC 2019)
(a) Japan (b) Russia (c) The United Kingdom (d) The United States of America
Ans: B
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 July 2024 GS Paper 4:
Examples of Ethics
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Sources: The wire, IE
Example 1: Anukathir Surya: IRS Officer’s Historic Name and Gender Change
Anukathir Surya, an IRS officer, has become the first in Indian Civil Service history to officially change his name and gender to be identified as a man. Approved by the Ministry of Finance on July 9, the order recognizes him as Mr. M. Anukathir Surya in all official records.
Ethical Values from Anukathir Surya’s Experience
• Integrity: Staying true to one’s identity despite societal pressures.
• Courage: Taking bold steps to seek official recognition for his gender identity.
• Inclusivity: Promoting acceptance and understanding within the workplace.
• Resilience: Overcoming personal and professional challenges related to identity.
• Respect for Diversity: Highlighting the importance of diversity in the civil service.
• Advocacy for Rights: Paving the way for others in similar situations to seek recognition and respect.
Example 2: Puja Khedkar: misuse of power
Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra, faced controversy and was transferred to Washim for alleged misuse of power. She used a private Audi with a red-blue beacon and claimed facilities were not allowed for probation officers. This included occupying a senior official’s office without permission and making demands like a separate cabin and residential quarters. Her actions led to scrutiny over the alleged submission of fake disability and OBC certificates for her civil services exam.
Ethical Issues concerned here are:
• Misuse of Power: Using a private vehicle with an unauthorized beacon and claiming facilities beyond entitlement.
• Ethical Breach in Documentation: Allegedly submitting fake disability and OBC certificates.
• Entitlement and Privilege: Demanding exclusive office space and facilities not permitted during probation.
• Influence Peddling: Allegations of her father pressuring officials to meet her demands.
• Transparency and Accountability: Lack of compliance with verification processes for disability certification.
Example 3: Hannibal Directive
The Hannibal Directive was allegedly used by Israeli forces following the October 7 by Hamas on Israel.
The Hannibal Directive is an alleged Israeli military policy aimed at preventing the capture of Israeli soldiers by militant groups, even at the risk of harming or killing the soldiers themselves.
Ethical issues associated with it:
• Disregard for Human Life: Critics argue that the directive prioritizes preventing capture over minimizing harm to civilians and soldiers, potentially leading to excessive use of force.
• Lack of Transparency: The secretive nature of the directive raises concerns about accountability and oversight in military operations.
• Legal and Moral Implications: The policy has been criticized for potentially violating international humanitarian law by endangering civilians and using disproportionate force.
• Impact on Prisoner Rights: It raises questions about the treatment and rights of captured combatants, challenging conventions on the humane treatment of prisoners of war.
• Public Perception and Accountability: The directive’s existence and implementation without public debate or transparency undermine democratic principles of accountability and oversight.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 July 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle
- •Source: IE*
Context: The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Russia’s highest civilian honour, was awarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Russia.
• Announced in 2019, the award recognized the Prime Minister for his exceptional services in enhancing the strategic partnership and fostering friendly relations between Russia and India.
About the Award:
• Recipients: The award is given to notable government and public figures, military leaders, and outstanding representatives in various fields, including science, culture, and the economy. It can also be awarded to foreign heads of state for their services to Russia.
• It can also be awarded to foreign heads of state for their services to Russia.
• Historical Background: Named after Saint Andrew, one of Jesus’ apostles who is said to have spread Christianity in Russia and Europe, and founded the Church of Constantinople.
• Establishment: Created by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698, the order was abolished in 1918 after the Russian Revolution but was reinstated in 1998 by a presidential executive order.
• Design: The chain of the Order features 17 alternating links, with a gilded image of the State Emblem of Russia, and includes a badge, star, and a light blue silk ribbon.
Past Recipients:
• Prominent figures in Russia, including military engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov, author Sergey Mikhalkov, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church, have received the honour.
• Notable foreign recipients include Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Ahom ‘Moidam’
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Ahom era ‘Moidams’ in Assam’s Charaideo district have been recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
• These Moidams are the burial grounds of Ahom royalty, created by constructing earth mounds over hollow vaults topped by shrines.
History and Significance:
• The Moidams enshrine the mortal remains of Ahom royalty along with cherished objects, reflecting their funerary traditions and cosmologies.
• The Tai-Ahoms migrated to present-day Assam in the 13th century, making Charaideo their first capital and royal necropolis.
• The site demonstrates their integration with the natural landscape, creating a sacred geography.
Integrated tribal development programme
- •Source: TH*
Context: NABARD is set to launch an integrated tribal development programme in Kerala marking its first initiative in the region.
• Implemented by the environment organization Thanal, the five-year project aims to enhance the livelihoods of 413 tribal families in eight hamlets through sustainable agriculture and various income-generating activities.
Previous Initiatives:
NABARD and Thanal previously collaborated on animal husbandry and skill development programs in Ranni taluk, Pathanamthitta, benefiting 429 families with sustainable development support.
Kartarpur Corridor
- •Source: IE*
Context: Pakistan has completed the 420-meter-long bridge at the zero line of the Kartarpur Corridor after a delay of two and a half years.
• The bridge was necessary due to the area’s susceptibility to flooding, ensuring a safe passage for visitors to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
About Kartarpur Corridor:
• Connects Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab.
• Visa-Free Movement: Indian pilgrims need only a permit to cross into Pakistan.
• Commemoration: Built to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 12, 2019.
• Open Year-Round: The corridor will remain operational throughout the year.
Mitochondrial donation
- •Source: BS*
Context: Mitochondrial disease (Mito) encompasses a group of disorders that impair mitochondria’s ability to produce the energy necessary for organs to function, potentially leading to organ failure.
• A new procedure called mitochondrial donation offers a cure for Mito.
Mitochondrial Disease:
• Types: Caused by faulty genes in nuclear DNA (inherited from both parents) or mitochondrial DNA (inherited from the mother).
• Symptoms: Affects 1 in 5,000 people, impacting energy-intensive organs like the heart, brain, and muscles.
Mitochondrial Donation:
• Procedure: An IVF-based technique allowing parents with faulty mitochondrial DNA to have genetically related children without passing on the disease.
• Process: Involves transferring nuclear DNA from an egg with faulty mitochondria to a donor egg with healthy mitochondria. The resulting child inherits nuclear DNA from the parents and mitochondrial DNA from the donor.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 July 2024 [PDF]
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