UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 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.

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024)

• RBI vs Centre

RBI vs Centre

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• e-Governance

e-Governance

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Removal of Judges

Removal of Judges

• Subramania Bharati

Subramania Bharati

• Hyperloop

Hyperloop

• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

• Malaria

Malaria

• The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Mapping:

• Caspian Sea

Caspian Sea

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024

#### GS Paper 3:

RBI vs Centre

Syllabus: Economy

Source: IE

Context: The RBI-government relationship has often seen conflicts over autonomy and policy. As Shaktikanta Das’ tenure as RBI Governor ends, disputes over monetary policy echo past tensions.

Laws Governing RBI-Centre Relations:

• RBI Act, 1934: Establishes the RBI’s role and functions. Section 7: Empowers the central government to issue directions to the RBI in matters of public interest.

• Establishes the RBI’s role and functions.

• Section 7: Empowers the central government to issue directions to the RBI in matters of public interest.

• Banking Regulation Act, 1949: Governs banking sector regulation, providing the RBI authority over banking operations.

• Governs banking sector regulation, providing the RBI authority over banking operations.

• Public Debt Act, 1944: Empowers the RBI to manage public debt on behalf of the government.

• Empowers the RBI to manage public debt on behalf of the government.

• Monetary Policy Framework Agreement (2016): Introduced inflation targeting, mandating coordination between the RBI and the government.

• Introduced inflation targeting, mandating coordination between the RBI and the government.

History of Rift Between RBI and Centre:

• Y.V. Reddy (2003-2008): Clashes over forex reserves usage and financial market development priorities. Opposition to loan waivers and Tobin tax proposals.

• Clashes over forex reserves usage and financial market development priorities.

• Opposition to loan waivers and Tobin tax proposals.

• D. Subbarao (2008-2013): Resisted government pressure to lower interest rates during the global financial crisis. Opposed the Financial Stability and Development Council, citing undermining of RBI’s role.

• Resisted government pressure to lower interest rates during the global financial crisis.

• Opposed the Financial Stability and Development Council, citing undermining of RBI’s role.

• Raghuram Rajan (2013-2016): Advocated RBI independence, resisting regulatory shifts to SEBI. Advised against demonetisation, emphasizing preparation and costs.

• Advocated RBI independence, resisting regulatory shifts to SEBI.

• Advised against demonetisation, emphasizing preparation and costs.

• Urjit Patel (2016-2018): Dispute over surplus reserve transfer. Resigned citing government interference under Section 7 of the RBI Act.

• Dispute over surplus reserve transfer.

• Resigned citing government interference under Section 7 of the RBI Act.

Factors Leading to Tussles:

• Monetary Policy Autonomy: RBI focuses on inflation control; governments prioritize growth stimulation.

• Surplus Reserve Transfers: Governments often seek access to RBI reserves for fiscal spending.

• Interest Rate Policy: Frequent government demands for rate cuts to boost investment and growth.

• Regulatory Overreach: Conflicts over RBI’s regulatory authority in banking and financial markets.

• Political and Economic Divergences: Immediate political goals of governments clash with the RBI’s long-term stability goals.

Consequences of RBI-Centre Conflicts:

• Erosion of Institutional Trust: Weakens credibility of RBI as an autonomous institution.

• Policy Uncertainty: Impacts investor confidence due to lack of clear economic policy direction.

• Economic Instability: Misdirected monetary or fiscal policies can harm economic stability.

• Resignations and Leadership Gaps: Leadership disruptions, as seen during Urjit Patel’s tenure.

Way Ahead for Resolving Issues:

• Enhance Dialogue: Regular consultations between the RBI and the government to align policy priorities.

• Strengthen Frameworks: Revisit and reinforce the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement to clarify roles.

• Limit Political Interference: Avoid invoking Section 7 except in extraordinary circumstances.

• Transparent Decision-Making: Encourage data-driven, transparent monetary policy decisions.

• Institutional Reforms: Establish a formal mechanism for resolving disputes between the RBI and the government.

Conclusion:

The RBI-government tussles underscore the delicate balance between monetary autonomy and fiscal accountability. Strengthening mutual respect and institutional frameworks is critical to fostering stability and confidence in India’s financial ecosystem.

Insta Links:

• The-reserve-bank-of-India

If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do? (2020)

• Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate

• Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio

• Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate

• Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a. 1 and 2 only

c. 1 and 3 only

d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

e-Governance

Context: Kerala Tourism has introduced a multilingual microsite dedicated to the Sabarimala temple to simplify the pilgrimage experience.

• The site provides comprehensive information about the shrine’s customs, traditions, and geography and is available in five languages: English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.

• The site includes details on nearby temples, route maps, and hotel facilities, enhancing accessibility for devotees.

Relevance in UPSC Exam:

• Tourism and Development: Highlights Kerala’s tourism initiatives to boost religious tourism, aligning with GS Paper 1 (Indian culture and traditions).

• Governance: Demonstrates e-governance and digital inclusion to ease public access to information (GS Paper 2).

• Regional Connectivity: Promotes knowledge of infrastructure development and regional connectivity in pilgrimage tourism (GS Paper 3).

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Removal of Judges

Source: NIE

Context: The Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha are gearing up to submit a motion for the impeachment of Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, following his controversial remarks made at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event.

Procedure for Removal of Judges:

• Constitutional Provisions

• Articles Involved: Article 124: Governs the removal of Supreme Court judges. Article 218: Governs the removal of High Court judges.

• Article 124: Governs the removal of Supreme Court judges.

• Article 218: Governs the removal of High Court judges.

• Grounds for Removal: A judge can be removed on grounds of ‘proven misbehaviour or incapacity’

Judges Inquiry Act, 1968:

• The procedure for removal is elaborated in the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968, which outlines the following steps:

• Initiation of Motion: A motion for impeachment can originate in either house of Parliament. Requires: At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker. At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman.

• A motion for impeachment can originate in either house of Parliament.

• Requires: At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker. At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman.

• At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker.

• At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman.

• Admission of Motion: The Speaker or Chairman may consult relevant individuals and materials before deciding whether to admit or reject the motion

• The Speaker or Chairman may consult relevant individuals and materials before deciding whether to admit or reject the motion

• Investigation Committee Formation: If admitted, a three-member committee is constituted: A Supreme Court judge. The Chief Justice of a High Court. A distinguished jurist. The committee investigates the charges and frames them accordingly

• If admitted, a three-member committee is constituted: A Supreme Court judge. The Chief Justice of a High Court. A distinguished jurist.

• A Supreme Court judge.

• The Chief Justice of a High Court.

• A distinguished jurist.

• The committee investigates the charges and frames them accordingly

• Report Submission: After investigation, the committee submits its report to the Speaker or Chairman. If misbehaviour or incapacity is found, the motion is taken up for consideration in Parliament.

• After investigation, the committee submits its report to the Speaker or Chairman.

• If misbehaviour or incapacity is found, the motion is taken up for consideration in Parliament.

• Parliamentary Approval: The motion must be adopted by both houses: Requires a majority of total membership and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in each house Presidential Order: Once both houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who issues an order for removal

• The motion must be adopted by both houses: Requires a majority of total membership and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in each house Presidential Order: Once both houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who issues an order for removal

• Requires a majority of total membership and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in each house

• Presidential Order: Once both houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who issues an order for removal

• Once both houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who issues an order for removal

• History:

• No Supreme Court judge has been successfully impeached so far; notable attempts include those against Justice V. Ramaswami and Justice Dipak Misra, both of which did not succeed in Parliament

Insta Links:

Subramania Bharati

Source: PIB

Context: Prime Minister released the complete works of the eminent Tamil poet and freedom fighter Subramania Bharati.

About Subramania Bharati:

• Birth and Early Life:

• Born: December 11, 1882.

• Location: Ettayapuram, Tamil Nadu.

• Literary Contributions:

• Revolutionized Tamil literature with his innovative style and social themes.

• Translated the Bhagavad Gita into

• Promoted themes of equality, women’s empowerment, and freedom through his poetry.

• Major Works: Kuyil Pattu: A poem celebrating the simplicity of nature. Kannan Pattu: Depicts divine love and spirituality. Panchali Sabatham: A poetic re-telling of the Mahabharata’s Draupadi episode with a focus on justice and valor. India Weekly (1906): First Tamil newspaper to include political cartoons.

• Kuyil Pattu: A poem celebrating the simplicity of nature.

• Kannan Pattu: Depicts divine love and spirituality.

• Panchali Sabatham: A poetic re-telling of the Mahabharata’s Draupadi episode with a focus on justice and valor.

• India Weekly (1906): First Tamil newspaper to include political cartoons.

• Significance:

• Infused patriotism and cultural pride among Indians during the freedom struggle.

• Advocated for women’s rights and education, breaking societal barriers.

• His vision for a united and progressive India continues to inspire generations.

Insta links:

• Sangam-literature

Hyperloop

Source: News9Live

Context: India’s first hyperloop test track, a collaboration between Indian Railways, IIT-Madras, and TuTr Hyperloop, was inaugurated at IIT-Madras’ Discovery Campus in Chennai.

About Hyperloop:

• What is Hyperloop?

• A high-speed transport system where pods travel inside low-pressure vacuum tubes, achieving speeds comparable to aircraft.

• Operates using magnetic levitation and propulsion, eliminating the need for traditional tracks.

• Developed by:

• Concept proposed by Elon Musk in 2013.

• India’s test track is developed by Indian Railways, IIT-Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team, and TuTr Hyperloop.

• India’s Status in Hyperloop:

• India’s first 410-meter-long test track launched in Chennai, tested successfully at 100 km/h.

• Plans underway to achieve speeds of 600 km/h in the next phase.

• Feasibility studies for Hyperloop projects between Chennai Airport and Parandur, Mumbai-Pune, and Amritsar-Chandigarh.

• How Hyperloop Works:

• Pods travel in vacuum tubes using magnetic levitation and propulsion technology.

• Minimal air resistance and friction allow ultra-fast travel speeds.

• Pods can accommodate 40-100 passengers, depending on design specifications.

Insta links:

• Hyperloop

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Source: DH

Context: The Smuggling in India Report 2023-24 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sheds light on evolving narcotics smuggling routes and the major drug hubs impacting India.

About Smuggling in India Report 2023-24:

• Major Narcotics Hubs:

• The *Death Crescent* (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) as a primary heroin source.

• The *Death Triangle* (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) for synthetic drugs and heroin, affecting northeastern states like Manipur and Mizoram.

• Trafficking Routes:

• Maritime Routes: Drugs concealed in shipping containers and fishing vessels due to India’s vast coastline.

• Land Routes: Porous borders and difficult terrain along the Indo-Myanmar region facilitate drug entry.

• Key vulnerable sectors include Moreh and Churachandpur (Manipur) and Zokhawthar (Mizoram).

• Air Routes: Increasing use of international air traffic for smuggling via luggage, courier packages, or drug mules.

• Significant Seizures:

• 123 kg of methamphetamine confiscated in Assam and Mizoram during April-September 2023.

About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI):

• Origin: Established in 1957.

• Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

• Functions:

• Preventing and investigating smuggling of narcotics, gold, counterfeit currency, and wildlife.

• Collaborating with international agencies to combat transnational crimes.

• Enforcement of the Customs Act and related laws.

Insta links:

• Human-trafficking

Malaria

Source: TH

Context: The World Malaria Report 2024 by WHO highlights India’s significant progress in reducing malaria cases but underscores the country’s continued burden in Southeast Asia.

About Malaria:

• What is Malaria?

• A life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, primarily falciparum and P. vivax, transmitted through infected female Anopheles mosquito bites.

• How it Spreads: Non-contagious; transmitted via mosquito bites.

• Vectors: Female Anopheles mosquitoes.

• Symptoms:

• Begin 10–15 days after a mosquito bite.

• Common symptoms: fever, chills, and headache; can be mild in partially immune individuals.

• Prevention and Cure:

• Prevention:

• Vector control (e.g., insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying).

• Treatment:

• Preventable and curable with early diagnosis and prompt treatment to reduce disease transmission and fatalities.

India’s Present Status on Malaria:

• Reduction in Cases: From 22.8 million (2000) to 4 million (2023) — an 82.4% decrease.

• From 22.8 million (2000) to 4 million (2023) — an 82.4% decrease.

• Decrease in Deaths: From 35,000 (2000) to 6,000 (2023) — an 82.9% reduction.

• From 35,000 (2000) to 6,000 (2023) — an 82.9% reduction.

• Case Incidence: 93% reduction since 2000.

• 93% reduction since 2000.

Insta links:

• Malaria-vaccine-r21-matrix-m

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Source: TH

Context: The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to modernize and streamline the legal framework governing Indian Railways by incorporating the provisions of the colonial-era Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989.

About The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024:

• Purpose:

• Repeals the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905.

• Incorporates its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989, simplifying the legal framework.

• Key Features:

• Grants statutory backing to the Railway Board, ensuring legal authority.

• Empowers the central government to determine the number of board members, their qualifications, terms, and conditions of service.

• Establishes an independent regulator to oversee tariffs, safety, and private sector participation.

• Operational Improvements:

• Decentralizes decision-making to railway zones for greater autonomy.

• Aims to fast-track infrastructure and train service approvals, benefiting underserved regions.

• Historical Context:

• The Indian Railways Board Act, 1905, was enacted to separate railways from the Public Works Department.

• Its incorporation into the 1989 Act aligns with recommendations from committees like the 2014 Sreedharan Committee and the 2015 Restructuring Railways Committee.

Insta links:

• Bibek-debroy-committees-on-railways

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024 Mapping:

Caspian Sea

Source: TH

Context: Kazakhstan’s state-owned energy company, KazMunayGas, recently announced the cleanup of significant Soviet-era oil waste along the Caspian Sea, highlighting the environmental challenges faced by this body of water.

About Caspian Sea:

• Location: The Caspian Sea is situated between Asia and Europe.

• Neighbouring Nations:

• Russia Azerbaijan Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Iran

• Azerbaijan

• Kazakhstan

• Turkmenistan

• Major Rivers:

• The Caspian Sea receives water primarily from three major rivers:

• Volga River: Contributes about 80% of inflow. Ural River Terek River

• Volga River: Contributes about 80% of inflow.

• Ural River

• Terek River

• Formation:

• A landlocked remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea, isolated due to tectonic uplift and sea-level changes. Features oceanic basalt on its seafloor, unlike continental granite.

• A landlocked remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea, isolated due to tectonic uplift and sea-level changes.

• Features oceanic basalt on its seafloor, unlike continental granite.

• Water Characteristics:

• Varies from fresh (north) to salty (south). Mean salinity: ~one-third of ocean salinity.

• Varies from fresh (north) to salty (south).

• Mean salinity: ~one-third of ocean salinity.

Insta Links:

• Caspian sea

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 12 Dec 2024

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024)

RBI vs Centre

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

e-Governance

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Removal of Judges

Subramania Bharati

Hyperloop

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Malaria

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Mapping:

Caspian Sea

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 December 2024

RBI vs Centre

e-Governance

Removal of Judges

Subramania Bharati

Hyperloop

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Malaria

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Caspian Sea