UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 August 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 August 2024)
• US Antitrust Ruling Against Google
US Antitrust Ruling Against Google
• Universal Health Coverage in India: Reducing the Poor’s Health Burden
Universal Health Coverage in India: Reducing the Poor’s Health Burden
GS Paper 3:
• Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Movie Laapataa Ladies Screened at Supreme Court
Movie Laapataa Ladies Screened at Supreme Court
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Geographical Structures in the Indian Ocean
Geographical Structures in the Indian Ocean
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0
• Continuous Clearing of Cheques
Continuous Clearing of Cheques
• Clean Plant Programme
Clean Plant Programme
• Polar Coupled Analysis and Prediction for Services (PCAPS)
Polar Coupled Analysis and Prediction for Services (PCAPS)
Mapping:
• St Martin’s Island
St Martin’s Island
• Kursk region
Kursk region
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 August 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
US Antitrust Ruling Against Google
Syllabus: Governance
- •Source: IE*
Context: On August 5, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by maintaining a monopoly in “general search services” and “search text ads” through exclusive deals with companies like Apple and Samsung.
What are “Anti-trust” issues?
Antitrust laws and regulations are designed to promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in the marketplace. “Anti-trust” issues refer to situations where companies or organizations engage in activities that hinder competition, limit consumer choice, or create monopolies or dominant market positions.
How does Google violate Anti-trust laws?
Google violated antitrust laws by maintaining its search engine monopoly through exclusive agreements. Google invests over USD 26 billion annually to maintain its default search status, holding over 89% share in general search and about 95% on mobile.
It paid billions to companies like Apple and Samsung to ensure Google was the default search engine on their devices and browsers. This practice prevented competitors from gaining market share and stifled competition in search and advertising markets.
In India, the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) has accused Google of stifling competition and harming businesses, highlighting concerns over Google’s Privacy Sandbox initiative.
What are Big-Tech Firms?
Big Tech firms refer to large technology companies that dominate their respective sectors, wielding significant influence and control over digital platforms and services. These companies typically operate on a global scale and are characterized by their immense market capitalization, extensive user base, and diverse portfolio of products and services. Examples of Big Tech firms include
• Google (controls the majority of online search traffic and digital advertising revenue)
• Amazon ( dominates e-commerce and cloud computing)
• Apple (iPhone, iPad, and MacBook,)
• Facebook (Meta) (Leads the social media landscape )
• Microsoft (software, hardware, and cloud services)
Need for Regulations:
• Arbitrary Pricing: Big Tech’s influence on pricing rules in the digital space, leads to concerns about fairness and competition.
• Regulatory Vacuum: Challenges faced by regulators in keeping pace with rapid tech innovation, leading to reactive rather than proactive measures.
• Data Collection and Privacy Concerns: Big Tech’s extensive data collection practices raise privacy, surveillance, and data security issues.
Specific concerns related to the functioning of Big Tech Firms:
Concerns | Description
Prioritizing In-House Services | Allegations against Alphabet, Apple, and Meta for steering customers towards their in-house services over competitors’, potentially limiting consumer choice. E.g., Apple priorities its App Store and Safari browser in its services
Non-Compliance with DMA of EU | Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, and Microsoft were designated as ‘gatekeepers’ under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) (in 2023) and investigated for non-compliance.
Discriminatory Approach | The European Commission is investigating Google for potential bias in search results, focusing on whether the company favours its own services over competitors.
Competition Competition of India has launched a probe into Google’s Play Store pricing policy for alleged discriminatory practices.
Reducing Choices for Customers | In October 2020, the US Department of Justice accused Google of unlawfully maintaining monopolies in search and search advertising markets through anti-competitive practices. They claimed it harmed consumers by limiting search quality, reducing choices, and stifling innovation.
Ecosystem Captivity | The European Commission is investigating whether Apple allows users to uninstall pre-installed apps, change default settings, and choose alternatives easily on iOS. They’re concerned that Apple’s practices might limit user choice within its ecosystem, leading to ecosystem captivity.
Concerns Over ‘Binary Choice’ of Meta | Meta introduced a subscription model in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, allowing users to use Facebook and Instagram without ads or continue using them for free with personalized ads. Regulators found the model’s “binary choice” insufficient in providing a real alternative for users who don’t consent, failing to prevent data accumulation by gatekeepers.
Antitrust Concerns | E.g., Facebook (Meta) is facing antitrust lawsuits and probes for acquiring potential competitors like Instagram and WhatsApp, along with concerns about its control over digital advertising and social networking markets.
Amazon is under antitrust scrutiny for its treatment of third-party sellers, predatory pricing allegations, and potential conflicts of interest as both a retailer and a marketplace operator.
Existing governance frameworks in place to regulate technologies for responsible use:
• Competition Act, 2002 and Competition Commission of India (CCI): The Competition Act, 2002 is the primary legislation governing antitrust issues (unfair competitive practices) in India for regulating Big Tech companies. CCI is responsible for checking monopolistic practices and ensuring fair competition. g., Recently CCI imposed heavy penalties on misuse of Google’s dominant position in the online search market
• CCI is responsible for checking monopolistic practices and ensuring fair competition.
• g., Recently CCI imposed heavy penalties on misuse of Google’s dominant position in the online search market
• Competition Amendment Bill, 2022: It mandates the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to establish regulations for assessing if an enterprise has significant business operations in India. This strengthens the Commission’s review process, particularly in digital and infrastructure sectors, previously underreported due to lower asset or turnover values not meeting jurisdictional thresholds.
• Information Technology Act, 2000: The Act provides a legal framework for electronic governance by giving recognition to electronic records and digital signatures. However, the act is old and doesn’t cover all aspects of technology misuse.
• However, the act is old and doesn’t cover all aspects of technology misuse.
• National Regulatory Frameworks: E.g. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2018)
• Industry Self-regulation: Technology companies often develop their own codes of conduct and industry standards to govern the responsible use of technologies. Self-regulation can provide flexibility and adaptability to rapidly evolving technologies. However, it may lack enforceability and uniformity across different industries and regions. E.g. self-regulation of OTT platforms
• However, it may lack enforceability and uniformity across different industries and regions.
• E.g. self-regulation of OTT platforms
• Multi-stakeholder Initiatives: Collaborative efforts involving governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and academia play a crucial role in technology governance. These initiatives focus on dialogue, knowledge sharing, and best practice development. Examples include the Global Network Initiative (GNI) and the Partnership on AI (PAI).
• Examples include the Global Network Initiative (GNI) and the Partnership on AI (PAI).
• The RBI’s ‘Payments Vision 2025’ aims to regulate big tech and fintech in the payments sector.
Regulation of tech companies in other countries:
Country | Mechanism | Description
Europe | Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) | The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to ban harmful business practices by large digital players, creating a fairer and more competitive economic space. The Digital Services Act (DSA) targets various online services, including websites, internet infrastructure services, and online platforms.
USA | Anti-trust legislation | The United States has adopted anti-trust legislation to address the dominance of Big Tech companies. These measures include giving states greater power in competition cases and increasing funding for federal regulators.
Australia | Competition watchdog recommendations | The competition watchdog in Australia has recommended tighter regulations for Facebook and Google to improve media competition.
Additionally, the Online Safety Act grants the power to force social media companies to delete posts constituting online bullying and imposes fines on companies and hosts involved in the alleged abuse.
Global cooperation can contribute to the development of global standards for technology governance in the following ways:
• Information Sharing and Best Practices: E.g, India can adopt legislation similar to the EU’s Digital Services Act to regulate India’s service marketplace.
• Harmonization of Standards: Global cooperation can facilitate the harmonization of standards across countries and regions g., Algorithmic Accountability, to identify, assess and penalise harmful algorithmic amplification by Tech companies
• Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Global cooperation supports capacity-building efforts in developing countries by providing technical assistance and knowledge transfer.
• Norm Setting and Policy Guidance: These norms can address issues such as AI ethics, privacy protection, autonomous systems, and digital rights.
• Multilateral Governance Mechanisms:g., for regulating the flow of funds, drugs, etc. using the Dark Web and other unregulated technology networks.
The Standing Committee on Finance submitted its report on ‘Anti-Competitive Practices by Big Tech Companies’ in December 2022.
Key observations and recommendations include:
• Regulating Digital Markets: Evaluate competitive behaviour in digital markets before monopolization occurs, suggesting the identification of Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs) and yearly reporting to the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
• Digital Competition Act: Introduce legislation to ensure a fair digital ecosystem.
• Self-Preferencing: SIDIs must not favour their own services over competitors’ on their platforms.
• Data Usage: SIDIs should handle user data responsibly, avoiding merging data from core services without consent and restricting data access to third-party services.
• Revamping CCI: Strengthen the CCI with a specialized digital markets unit to monitor SIDIs and address anti-competitive behaviour.
• Third-Party Applications: SIDIs should allow and technically enable the use of third-party applications without transferring data to foreign governments.
• Bundling and Tying: SIDIs should not force users to subscribe to additional services to use their core platform.
• Anti-Steering: SIDIs should not restrict business users from steering customers to offers outside the platform.
Conclusion
Collaborative efforts can help address the challenges posed by emerging technologies, promote ethical and responsible technology use, and ensure a globally inclusive and sustainable digital future.
Insta Link:
RBI to regulate big-tech and fintech
Mains Link:
There is growing support for regulating big tech companies such as Facebook and Google. Discuss the reasons. (15M)
Prelims Link:
With reference to ‘consumers’ rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2012)
• Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
• When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
• In case of death of consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Universal Health Coverage in India: Reducing the Poor’s Health Burden
Syllabus: GS2/ Health, Management of Social Sector, Issues Relating to Poverty & Hunger
- •Source: IE*
Context: Over the past decade, the poorest in India have become less vulnerable to medical expenditure shocks, largely due to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Expanding it to reach near Universal Health Coverage in India becomes important for India to reduce the Poor’s Health Burden.
Major data points from the article on the success of Ayushman Bharat Yojana:
• Health Expenditure Trends: With hospitalization: Health expenditure decreased from 10.8% to 9.4% of monthly household expenditure.
• Rural vs. Urban Areas: Rural households with hospitalization: Health expenditure decreased from 11.15% to 9.14%. Urban households with hospitalization: Health expenditure decreased from 10.3% to 9.9%.
• Impact on Consumption Status: In 2011-12, 40% of the bottom 50% of households facing hospitalization experienced a decline in consumption status. By 2022-23, this percentage decreased to 33%.
• Hospitalization Incidence: Increased from 17% in 2011-12 to 22% in 2022-23 for the bottom 50% of the population.
• Public Health Policy Impact: Notable improvements in healthcare affordability and accessibility for the poorest, especially in rural areas and among households with young children or elderly members, are attributed to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
What is UHC?
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) refers to a healthcare system where all individuals and communities have access to the quality health services, they need without facing financial hardship. Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for all individuals, rather than a privilege reserved for a few.
Status:
• The Indian Constitutional provisions (Art. 39E, 42, 47) mandate the State to secure workers’ health, improve living standards, and enhance public health.
• The United Nations designated December 12th as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) in 2017
• Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 aims to achieve universal health coverage
• India aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by expanding the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), its flagship publicly financed health insurance (PFHI) scheme
Challenges in Implementing UHC in India:
Challenges | Description
Inequitable Access to Health Insurance | Lowest health insurance coverage among households under the underprivileged sections.
NFHS-5 results show only about 36% coverage among lowest lowest-wealth households.
Poor Finance | India’s current health expenditure stands at approximately 3.2% of its GDP, significantly lower than the average of around 5.2% observed among Lower- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC).
Lack of Financial Protection | Despite schemes like Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, high out-of-pocket expenditure for deliveries, particularly in urban areas
Inclusion and Exclusion Errors | Government Schemes are prone to inclusion and exclusion errors, potentially including ineligible households and excluding eligible ones.
Inadequate Availability of Services | 56% of PMJAY empanelled hospitals in the public sector, and 40% in the private for-profit sector, indicating unequal service availability
Inadequate Infrastructure | Lack of proper infrastructure, including health facilities, equipment, and medical supplies, hinders UHC
The shortfall of over 79% specialists at Community Health Centers compared to the requirement.
Lower bed density: (number of hospital beds per 1000 population) in India is 1.0 while in low-income countries it is 1.2, in middle-income countries it is 2.4 while in the world it is 2.7. 72 per cent of hospital beds in India are available in urban areas, while 28 per cent are in rural areas.
Poor Health Education | Lack of education and awareness about healthy lifestyles and preventive measures contributes to preventable illnesses and conditions.
72 per cent of hospital beds in India are available in urban areas, while 28 per cent are in rural areas.
In line with the objectives of UHC, the government has taken the following measures:
• Ayushman Bharat: Launched in 2018. It consists of two components: Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). PMJAY provides health insurance coverage. A study in 2021 found the scheme is associated with a 21% decline in out-of-pocket health expenditure.
• A study in 2021 found the scheme is associated with a 21% decline in out-of-pocket health expenditure.
• National Health Mission (NHM): aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to rural and underprivileged populations. Utilization of public health facilities for institutional deliveries increased from 56% to 69% in rural areas by 2019.
• Utilization of public health facilities for institutional deliveries increased from 56% to 69% in rural areas by 2019.
• National Ambulance Service-102: Setup as part of the National Health Mission, operates 20,990 Emergency Response Service Vehicles. The ‘108’ service aims at responding within the ‘golden hour’.
• The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and the Essential Diagnostics Lists have been notified and are periodically updated to ensure the availability of more essential, The National Phrama Pricing Authority (NPPA) is set up to monitor the availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and to take remedial steps.
• The National Nutrition Mission has set an objective of reducing the undernutrition, problems of stunting by 2%.
• Under India’s G20 presidency, WHO launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health to boost investments and facilitate international health exchange.
• Increasing doctor population ratio: 1:854 is better than the World Health Organisation’s standard of 1:1000. The number of UG (undergraduate) seats has increased from 51,348 before 2014 to 91,927 in 2022, which is an increase of 79 per cent. Under the Central Sector Scheme for setting up new AIIMS, 22 AIIMS have been approved and undergraduate courses have started in 19 AIIMS.
• Under the Central Sector Scheme for setting up new AIIMS, 22 AIIMS have been approved and undergraduate courses have started in 19 AIIMS.
Technology can be leveraged in the following ways to further augment it:
• Telemedicine: allows remote consultation and diagnosis, enabling patients in rural and remote areas to access healthcare services. National telemedicine service of India, eSanjeevani achieved 8 crore teleconsultations in 2022.
• National telemedicine service of India, eSanjeevani achieved 8 crore teleconsultations in 2022.
• Electronic Health Records (EHR): can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare delivery. The health ID provided for each patient will be a repository of his health-related information.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure.
• Mobile Health (mHealth): mHealth is an emerging concept involving the utilization of mobile devices and technology for health services, such as appointment scheduling, remote monitoring, and medication reminders.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): analyses large amounts of health data, identifies patterns and trends, and provides insights for developing new treatments and therapies thus reducing the workload of healthcare professionals and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
• IoT: The Internet of Things connects vital monitoring equipment giving a composite picture of the health of patients
Conclusion:
Ensuring healthcare as a right for all citizens is not only a moral imperative but also a key driver for social development and economic progress. WHO recommends reorienting health systems using the primary healthcare (PHC) approach, which can deliver 90% of essential UHC interventions. India should build on existing systems, implementing reforms and best practices incrementally for a healthier, more prosperous future.
Insta Links:
Moving forward with a newer concept of Universal Healthcare
Prelims Link:
With reference to the National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker? (UPSC 2012)
• Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care check-up
• Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
• Providing information on nutrition and immunisation.
• Conducting the delivery of the baby
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 August 2024 GS Paper 3:
Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Syllabus: Economy: Banking/ Polity
Source: TH
Context: A bill proposing changes to banking laws, including allowing up to four nominees for a bank account, was introduced in the Lok Sabha recently.
Objective of the Bill:
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to strengthen banking governance, enhance reporting consistency to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and improve protection for depositors and investors. The Bill seeks to elevate audit quality in Public Sector Banks and extend the tenure of directors in cooperative banks, excluding the chairperson and whole-time director. These changes are designed to ensure better oversight and accountability within the banking sector.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Key Provisions | Description
Nominee Option | Allows account holders to designate up to four nominees for their bank accounts and lockers.
Simultaneous and Successive Nominations | Includes provisions for both simultaneous and successive nominations.
Substantial interest in shareholding | The threshold in shareholding has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crore for directorships.
Provision for Cooperative Banks | Extends tenure of directors in cooperative banks from 8 years to 10 years
Transfer to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) | Unclaimed dividends, shares, interest, or redemption of bonds will be transferred to the Investor education and protection fund (IEPF). Individuals can claim these later.
Amendments to Existing Laws | Proposes amendments to the RBI Act, 1934, the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the State Bank of India Act, 1955, and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts of 1970 and 1980.
Banking Sector in India:
India’s banking sector includes 137 scheduled commercial banks offering nationwide services, co-operative and local area banks serving various regions, and around 9,516 NBFCs and All India Financial Institutions targeting specific lending needs. Banking correspondents and outlets in every village ensure 99.97% coverage of inhabited villages, significantly enhancing rural banking accessibility.
Banking Landscape is governed by
Category | Description
Governance | Governed under Banking Regulations Act, 1949. Can be categorized into Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) and Non-Scheduled Commercial Banks.
Scheduled Commercial Banks | Listed in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934. Must maintain minimum paid-up capital and reserves of ₹5 lakh. Prioritize depositor welfare.
Public Sector Banks | Constituted under the State Bank of India Act, 1955 and Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts of 1970/1980. 12 banks currently.
Private Banks | Licensed under Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Private Sector Foreign Banks | Headquartered outside India but operate in India. Must follow RBI regulations and parent organization rules.
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) | Established by the Narasimham Working Group (1975) and under Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976. Aim to provide credit for agriculture and rural sectors. Ownership: 50% Central Government, 35% Sponsor Bank, 15% State Government.
Small Finance Banks | Licensed under Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Aim to enhance financial inclusion by serving underserved sections including small businesses and farmers.
Payment Banks | Public limited companies licensed under Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Restricted to accepting demand deposits and providing payment and remittance services.
Insta Links
• RBI financial stability report
Mains Links
Enumerate the steps taken so far to expedite and enable the resolution of NPAs in India. Critically analyse the potential of National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) as the “Bad Bank” in addressing the issue of NPAs.
How far can financial inclusion help in containing the high level of NPAs of banks in India? Substantiate your views with two examples. (200 words)
Prelims Links
Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news? (UPSC CSE 2017)
(a) It is a procedure for considering the ecological costs of developmental schemes formulated by the Government.
(b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.
(c) It is a disinvestment plan of the Government regarding Central Public Sector Undertakings.
(d) It is an important provision in The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’ recently implemented by the Government.
Answer: B
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 August 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
Movie Laapataa Ladies Screened at Supreme Court
Source: HT
Context: Kiran Rao’s film Laapataa Ladies was screened at the Supreme Court of India recently.
Laapataa Ladies, set in 2001, follows the story of two brides swapped in a train.
Laapataa Ladies explores several ethical aspects through its narrative, including:
• Gender Equality: The film addresses the issues of gender roles and expectations in society, challenging traditional norms and advocating for equality between men and women.
• Human Rights: The storyline highlights the basic rights of individuals, particularly women, emphasizing their right to make choices about their lives and bodies.
• Social Justice: The film sheds light on the marginalization and exploitation of women, urging for a more just and fair society where everyone has equal opportunities.
• Cultural Sensitivity: By setting the story in a fictitious state, the film draws attention to the cultural nuances and the ethical treatment of individuals within different societal structures.
• Moral Responsibility: The characters in the film face moral dilemmas, particularly in dealing with the consequences of the bride swap, raising questions about responsibility and ethical decision-making.
• Empathy and Compassion: The narrative encourages viewers to empathize with the characters’ situations, promoting understanding and compassion for those facing challenging circumstances.
• Individual Autonomy: The film touches on the importance of personal autonomy and the right to self-determination, especially for women in a patriarchal society.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Geographical Structures in the Indian Ocean
- •Source: IE*
Context: Three underwater geographical structures in the Indian Ocean have been named after Indian historical figures and concepts: the Ashoka Seamount, Chandragupt Ridge, and Kalpataru ridge.
• These names, proposed by India, were recently approved by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
• These structures were discovered by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, during international survey explorations.
Including these, there are now seven structures in the Indian Ocean named after Indian scientists or figures, with previous names honoring physicist CV Raman, oceanographer NK Panikkar, geologist DN Wadia, and the research vessel Sagar Kanya.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0
Source: BS
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0, which aims to provide financial assistance to help one crore urban poor and middle-class families build, purchase, or rent affordable housing over five years.
• The scheme, targets families with no permanent house and offers subsidies on home loans for economically weaker sections (EWS), low-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG).
• The program also includes support for rental housing and innovative construction technologies to ensure better living conditions in urban areas.
Continuous Clearing of Cheques
Source: TH
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the implementation of Continuous Clearing of Cheques under the Cheque Truncation System (CTS), aimed at speeding up the cheque clearing process.
• Currently, CTS takes up to two working days to clear cheques.
• With the new system, cheques will be scanned, presented, and cleared within hours on a continuous basis during business hours, significantly reducing the clearing time.
This change is intended to improve efficiency, reduce settlement risk, and enhance customer experience.
Clean Plant Programme
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aimed at revolutionizing India’s horticulture sector.
• The CPP, part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, will enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops by providing virus-free, high-quality planting material.
• The program includes the establishment of nine state-of-the-art Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) across India, which will produce and maintain clean planting materials.
• It also introduces a robust certification and legal framework to ensure accountability and traceability in planting material production.
• The CPP aims to boost farmers’ incomes, improve consumer produce, increase India’s fruit exports, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The program will engage women farmers and address diverse agro-climatic conditions, with implementation overseen by the National Horticulture Board and ICAR.
Polar Coupled Analysis and Prediction for Services (PCAPS)
- •Source: WMO*
Context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has launched a new project, “Polar Coupled Analysis and Prediction for Services” (PCAPS), aimed at enhancing weather, water, ice, and climate forecasting in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
• The project seeks to improve security and safety for those living or travelling in polar areas by developing better observation systems and Earth system models.
• PCAPS builds on previous initiatives like the Polar Prediction Project (PPP) and is part of the broader World Weather Research Programme (WWRP).
• The project addresses the rapid climate change in polar regions, which significantly impacts Indigenous communities and local populations.
• It aims to bridge scientific research with societal needs, improving decision-making and risk assessment related to extreme weather events.
PCAPS will also contribute to the upcoming fifth International Polar Year (IPY) in 2032-2033 and promote collaboration among researchers, service providers, and user groups to develop user-informed, research-driven services.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 August 2024 Mapping:
St Martin’s Island
- •Source: India Today*
Context: St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh’s only coral island, recently gained attention amid political turmoil in the country.
• Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was rumoured to have claimed in an undelivered speech that the U.S. sought her ouster because she refused to hand over the island for a military base.
The island, located in the Bay of Bengal near Myanmar, is geopolitically significant due to its proximity to the maritime boundary and international interest from powers like the U.S. and China.
It has a history of territorial disputes, particularly with Myanmar, and concerns about sovereignty persist.
The island has also been affected by the Rohingya refugee crisis, with reports of military tensions in the area.
Kursk region
- •Source: TOI*
Context: Russia declared a “federal-level” emergency in the Kursk region following a major Ukrainian incursion, marking one of Kyiv’s most significant attacks on Russian soil since the war began.
• Russian reinforcements have been sent to the area, and fighting is ongoing near the border town of Sudzha.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 August 2024 [PDF]
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE