UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 September 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 September 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 September 2024)
• Analysis of Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
Analysis of Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
• India- UAE Relationship
India- UAE Relationship
GS Paper 3:
• Report: India’s Strategy to Avoid Harm in the Global EV Market Shake-Up
Report: India’s Strategy to Avoid Harm in the Global EV Market Shake-Up
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Sakthan Thampuran
Sakthan Thampuran
• Foreign venture investors
Foreign venture investors
• ‘Siddha’ drugs
‘Siddha’ drugs
• PresVu
PresVu
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 September 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
Analysis of Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
Syllabus: Polity: Parliamentary Committee
Source: TH
Context: The newly constituted Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken a proactive step by selecting 161 subjects for review, including five key areas like banking reforms and energy transition, mainly based on CAG reports.
Headed by Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, the PAC aims to scrutinize the government’s expenditure beyond formalities, focusing on its effectiveness and integrity. This oversight is crucial given the allegations of crony capitalism and lack of accountability in recent years.
About Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
Aspect | Details
Role | Audits government revenue and expenditure, examining C&AG audit reports after being presented in Parliament.
Assistance | Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) assists in investigations.
Function | Ensures government spending is within the scope of Parliament’s grants.
Genesis | Established in 1921, became a Parliamentary Committee under the Speaker’s control in 1950.
Membership | 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha), elected annually.
Chairperson | Appointed from Lok Sabha, traditionally from the Opposition since 1967-68.
Exclusions | Ministers are not members; if a member is appointed a Minister, they must vacate their seat.
Key Functions | 1. Scrutinizes government accounts and C&AG reports. 2. Reviews legality, authority, and prudence of expenditure.
Examination Focus | Ensures appropriations are spent for the approved purpose, follow authority, and maintain economy and efficiency.
PAC and Financial Accountability – Roles and Concerns:
• Examination of CAG Reports:
• The PAC examines annual audit reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which are presented to Parliament by the President.
• The PAC examines annual audit reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which are presented to Parliament by the President.
• Scrutiny of Expenses:
• Reviews public expenditure not only for technical irregularities but also for economy, prudence, and propriety. Highlights waste, loss, corruption, and inefficiency Limitations: Conducts post-mortem scrutiny and has no role in controlling expenses beforehand.
• Reviews public expenditure not only for technical irregularities but also for economy, prudence, and propriety.
• Highlights waste, loss, corruption, and inefficiency
• Limitations: Conducts post-mortem scrutiny and has no role in controlling expenses beforehand.
• Streamlining Government Activities:
• Works with Public Estimates and Public Undertakings Committees to oversee government expenditures. Promotes efficiency and financial propriety. Limitations: Lacks power for day-to-day intervention and its recommendations are advisory, not binding.
• Works with Public Estimates and Public Undertakings Committees to oversee government expenditures.
• Promotes efficiency and financial propriety.
• Limitations: Lacks power for day-to-day intervention and its recommendations are advisory, not binding.
• Need-based Policy-making:
• Offers constructive suggestions for optimal use of resources and passive improvements in government policies. Limitations: Has no direct role in policymaking, and it cannot issue orders—Parliament decides on its findings.
• Offers constructive suggestions for optimal use of resources and passive improvements in government policies.
• Limitations: Has no direct role in policymaking, and it cannot issue orders—Parliament decides on its findings.
Conclusion
Moving forward, the PAC should reinvent itself to more effectively handle the complexity of scrutinizing the accounts and audit of expenditures through capacity building, accessing the inputs of experts and information exchanges.
Insta Links:
• The Role of Parliamentary Committees
Mains Link:
Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (UPSC 2018)
Prelims lInk:
• With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation? (UPSC 2018)
(a) Committee on Government Assurances (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation (c) Rules Committee (d) Business Advisory Committee
Ans: (b)
India- UAE Relationship
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: BS
Context: New Agreements have been signed during Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi’s official visit to India
India and UAE signed four key agreements in the energy sector:
• LNG Supply Agreement: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) will supply 1 million metric tonnes of LNG annually to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
• Crude Oil Storage: ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) will explore new crude storage opportunities and renew their existing agreements.
• Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) will collaborate on nuclear power plant operations and explore mutual investments.
• Oil Production Concession: Urja Bharat secured a concession for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block One to boost India’s energy security.
Additionally, the Gujarat government and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding signed an MoU to develop food parks in India.
Various dimensions of the India-UAE relationship
Dimension | Examples
Diplomatic | Establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972; reciprocal embassies in each other’s countries; a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2015
Economic & Commercial | Bilateral trade valued at US$ 72 billion in FY 2021-22; UAE as India’s third-largest trade partner and second-largest export destination; UAE comes in the Top 10 destination for FDI in India; India-UAE signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
Food security | India is the world’s second-largest food producer and UAE is a major importer of Indian food products.
Investment in the Food sector | E.g., Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (UAE’s largest free trade zone) launched Agriota (agri-trading and commodity platform) to link Indian farmers to food companies in the UAE. In 2022, I2U2 meeting UAE committed $2 billion in investment towards constructing food parks in India and establishing a food security corridor
Cultural | BAPS Hindu temple is planned in UAE; Indian cinema/TV/radio channels are widely available in UAE, annual International Day of Yoga events
Technology partnerships | Collaboration between ISRO and UAESA for the Red Moon mission, digital innovation, and technology partnerships
Defence and Security | The recent I2U2 summits; Annual defence dialogues, bilateral defence interaction, UAE’s role in Indian Ocean Region dialogue, joint military exercises— Exercise Desert Flag; In-UAE BILAT (bilateral naval exercise) and Desert Eagle-II (bilateral air force exercise)
Mediation | The role played by UAE in mediation between India and Pakistan, facilitating meetings between interlocutors including NSA Doval and Pakistan military officials
Indian Community | Indian expatriate community of approximately 34 lakhs, the largest ethnic community in UAE, comprising roughly about 35% of the country’s population
In 2022, I2U2 meeting UAE committed $2 billion in investment towards constructing food parks in India and establishing a food security corridor
Challenges/Issues between the two countries:
Challenge | Example
Labour Issues | There have been reports of mistreatment and exploitation of Indian migrant workers in the UAE
Trade Imbalance | India’s trade deficit with the UAE has been a cause for concern (US $18bn in 2021)
Geopolitical Issues | The UAE’s growing ties with Pakistan, which has long-standing tensions with India, have been a cause for concern. The UAE has also maintained a neutral stance on the Kashmir issue, which India considers an internal matter.
Regional Competition | For instance, the UAE’s recent investments in the port of Gwadar in Pakistan and the development of Chabahar port in Iran have raised concerns in India.
Conclusion:
The relationship between India and UAE has strengthened over the years, with the UAE becoming India’s closest partner in the Arab world. Despite recent challenges, the bilateral ties between the two nations have proven resilient.
Insta Links:
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 September 2024 GS Paper 3
Report: India’s Strategy to Avoid Harm in the Global EV Market Shake-Up
Syllabus: Environment Conservation / Energy
Source: TH
Context: A Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report, “India’s Strategy to Avoid Harm in the Global EV Market Shake-Up,” urges India to let market forces guide its EV sector’s growth and develop its own strategy.
Background:
In 2023, China dominated the global EV market, exporting 1.6 million EVs. Western countries have begun imposing tariffs on Chinese EV imports, prompting China to move production to ASEAN nations and India. Indian EV production remains reliant on Chinese components, including batteries.
India’s reliance on coal for electricity generation significantly reduces the environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), undermining their potential to contribute to cleaner transportation. Additionally, over 80% of the cost of EVs in India is tied to components imported from China, particularly batteries, which increases the country’s dependency on Chinese supply chains. To address these challenges, it is recommended that India invest in research and development for advanced battery technologies, such as solid-state batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, while also establishing robust recycling infrastructure. Moreover, supporting clean energy sources for EV charging and conducting comprehensive assessments of EVs’ environmental impacts will be crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability.
What are Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles (EVs) use electric motors for propulsion instead of traditional internal combustion engines. Interest in EVs has surged due to concerns over carbon emissions from fuel-based vehicles. There are three main types of EVs:
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Fully powered by batteries with zero emissions.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Use both an electric motor and gasoline engine; can be charged externally.
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Combine electric and gasoline power, but cannot be externally charged; the battery is charged via the engine or regenerative braking.
Previously, Union Government has approved an E-Vehicle policy aimed at positioning India as a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EVs) with cutting-edge technology.
Aspect | Details
Policy Objective | Promote India as a manufacturing destination for electric vehicles (EVs) with advanced technology
Implementation | The Project Management Agency (PMA) will be responsible for providing secretarial, managerial and implementation support and carrying out other responsibilities as assigned by the Government of India (GoI)
Ministry | Ministry of Heavy Industries
Eligibility Criteria | Minimum Investment Requirement: Rs 4150 Cr (approximately USD 500 Mn)
Maximum Investment: No cap on maximum investment
Manufacturing Timeline: Set up manufacturing facilities within 3 years
Domestic Value Addition (DVA) criteria during manufacturing: 25% within a period of 3 years, and 50% within 5 years from the date of issuance of approval letter by the Ministry of Heavy Industries/ PMA
The Bank guarantee will be returned only when 50% DVA is attained an investment of at least Rs 4,150 crore has been made, or to the extent of duty foregone in 5 years, whichever is higher.
Performance Criteria: All electric passenger vehicles shall meet the performance criteria of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Auto scheme.
Tenure of the Policy | 5 years or as notified by GoI.
Key Benefits | Encourages technological advancements in EV manufacturing; Fosters Make in India initiative; Promotes healthy competition among EV players; Reduces crude oil imports and trade deficit; Mitigates air pollution, particularly in urban areas; Positive impact on health and environment
Other Initiatives to Promote EV | Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of EVs (FAME) India scheme: Phase I was launched in 2015 and Phase II was launched in 2019.
EV 30@30 initiative for the deployment of EVs and target at least 30 per cent of new EV sales by 2030
PLI Scheme for Automobile and Automotive Components (PLI-Auto) in 2021, as financial incentives to promote domestic manufacturing and draw investments into the value chain of the automotive manufacturing industry.
Measures to Accelerate EV Adoption in India:
• Battery Lease-to-Own Program: Reduce initial costs by leasing batteries.
• Invest in Battery Technology: Develop advanced, high-density batteries.
• Increase Charger Density: Expand and convert parking meters to charging points.
• Standardization: Develop standard protocols for interoperability.
• EV Rural Entrepreneurs Program: Support rural charging station setups.
• Highway Battery Swap Corridors: Create swap stations along major routes.
• Equal Subsidies for EVs and Hybrids: Provide equal support for both technologies.
• Second-Life Battery Bazaar: Repurpose used batteries for various applications.
Lessons from Other Countries:
• Europe: Financial incentives boost adoption.
• China: Government support and competition drive market growth.
• US: Innovation and strategic funding are key.
Mains Link:
How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (UPSC 2019)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Sakthan Thampuran
Source: IE
Context: Recently, Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi pledged to replace a statue of Sakthan Thampuran that was damaged in an accident, if the Kerala government does not act within 14 days.
About Sakthan Thampuran:
• Sakthan Thampuran, also known as Raja Rama Varma IX, ruled the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805 and played a significant role in shaping the region.
• Born in 1751, he was known for his strong leadership and strategic decisions.
• Thampuran maintained friendly relations with both the Dutch and the British, helping secure the kingdom’s independence from Mysore and establishing ties with the British East India Company.
• He relocated the capital from Thrippunithura to Thrissur and developed the city’s infrastructure, inviting merchants of all religions and British officials.
• Thampuran also initiated the famous Thrissur Pooram festival in 1797, enhancing its cultural significance.
• He was known for eliminating crime in the kingdom, reforming temple management, and strengthening the kingdom’s finances.
Foreign venture investors
Source: BS
Context: SEBI has updated the rules for the registration and eligibility of Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs).
Under the new framework, the process of registering FVCIs and managing post-registration activities will be handled by designated depository participants (DDPs), similar to the system for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs).
Applicants must engage a DDP, which will also serve as the custodian for FVCIs.
Key updates include:
• FVCIs must hold their investments in demat form starting January 1, 2025.
• Resident Indians (RIs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can be contributors to an FVCI, but with limitations: no single individual can contribute more than 25%, and their combined contribution should not exceed 50%.
• FVCIs must appoint a domestic custodian for monitoring and reporting to SEBI.
‘Siddha’ drugs
Source: The Print
Context: A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge found that a combination of Siddha drugs, known as ABMN (Annapeticenturam, Bavana katukkay, Matulai manappaku, and Nellikkay lekiyam), effectively reduces anemia in adolescent girls.
• Conducted by researchers from the National Institute of Siddha and other institutions, the study involved 2,648 girls, 2,300 of whom completed a 45-day treatment program.
• The treatment improved hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) while alleviating anemia symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.
The study demonstrated Siddha medicine’s potential as a cost-effective, accessible treatment for anemia, highlighting its role in public health
Siddha medicine is a traditional system of healing that originated in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest medical systems, focusing on the balance of elements in the body. Siddha drugs, derived from herbs, minerals, and metals, are used to treat various ailments, following a holistic approach to health and wellness.
PresVu
- •Source: IE*
Context: Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for its new eye drop, PresVu, designed to reduce dependency on reading glasses for people with presbyopia.
• Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eyes lose the ability to focus on nearby objects, typically starting around age 40.
• PresVu’s active ingredient is pilocarpine, which helps the eyes focus by contracting the iris muscles.
• The drop uses an advanced buffer technology to maintain consistent efficacy and safety for long-term use.
• However, its effects last only 4 to 6 hours, and side effects include itching, redness, and eye spasms.
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