UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 June 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 June 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 – 13 June 2024)

• A Review of Village Government in India

GS Paper 3:

• UN declares 2025 as International Year of Quantum Science and Tech

Reports In News

• Reports in News

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Notified Disasters

• Freedom of Artistic Expression in India

• Portable Optical Atomic Clock

• ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission

• Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Mapping:

• Lipulekh pass

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 June 2024

#### GS Paper 2:

A Review of Village Government in India

Syllabus: Polity: Panchayati Raj

•Source: BS*

Context: The World Bank Group released a Policy Research Working Paper titled “Two Hundred and Fifty-Thousand Democracies: A Review of Village Government in India,” analyzing the impact of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment on India’s democratic path.

What is Panchayati Raj (PRI)?

A Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) is a local self-government system in rural areas of India, established to decentralize administration and promote grassroots democracy.

What was the 73rd Constitutional Amendment?

It added Part IX to the Constitution, encompassing provisions from Article 243 to 243-O. Its salient features include the establishment of Gram Sabha as a permanent unit comprising all registered village residents and the implementation of three tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the village, intermediate, and district levels, although states with populations below 20 lakh may not have the intermediate level. Additionally, the amendment mandates reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) at every level of the Panchayat, proportionate to their population, along with 1/3rd reservation of seats for women.

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment of 1992, sought to revolutionize rural governance in India by empowering Panchayats with greater autonomy and resources. While this amendment ushered in a new era of decentralization, Panchayats have yet to fully realize their potential as effective entities for planning and service delivery in rural areas.

Competitive political landscape post the 73rd constitutional amendment:

• Increased Political Participation: The amendment led to a surge in political participation at the grassroots level, with more candidates contesting Panchayat elections.

• Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: Reserved seats for marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, played a pivotal role in enhancing political competition. Eg: 21 states in India have reserved 50% of seats in Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) for women.

• Eg: 21 states in India have reserved 50% of seats in Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) for women.

• Formation of Multiple Political Parties: The competitive landscape saw the emergence of multiple political parties at the local level, leading to a vibrant political environment within Panchayats.

• The shift in Power Dynamics: The competitive nature of Panchayat elections signalled a shift in power dynamics, emphasizing the importance of local governance in shaping policies and addressing community-specific issues.

• Enhanced Accountability: The competitive political landscape was envisioned to enhance accountability as elected representatives would be mindful of their performance to secure re-election in subsequent terms.

Key Findings of the World Bank Report:

• Funding Dependency: PRIs rely heavily on grants from state and national authorities.

• Shortage of Functionaries: Scarcity of Panchayat Secretaries, with an average of 0.67 per Gram Panchayat.

• Recentralization Trends: Local government autonomy eroded by MIS-based beneficiary selection and digital tracking.

• Revenue Composition: Only 1% of revenue is generated by taxes, majority from grants.

• Revenue Per Panchayat: Average tax revenue per panchayat is Rs 21,000, while grants from central and state governments total Rs 17 lakh and Rs 3.25 lakh respectively.

• Inter-State Disparities: Kerala and West Bengal lead in revenue per panchayat, while Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Mizoram, Punjab, and Uttarakhand lag behind.

Othe issues with the Panchayats:

• Inadequate Capacity Building: Many Panchayat members lack the necessary skills and knowledge to manage finances, plan projects, and monitor progress. This leads to inefficient resource utilization and poor project outcomes.

• Financial Constraints: Panchayats heavily rely on central government grants, which are often delayed or inadequate. Eg: Panchayats received 95% of their revenues from the devolved funds from the Centre/State while generating only 5% from own powers.

• Eg: Panchayats received 95% of their revenues from the devolved funds from the Centre/State while generating only 5% from own powers.

• Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Weak monitoring systems and limited public access to information make it difficult to hold Panchayats accountable for their actions.

• Socio-economic Inequalities: Existing social inequalities and discrimination can hinder equitable development within Panchayat jurisdictions. This requires specific interventions to address the needs of marginalized communities and ensure inclusive development.

• Limited Community Participation: Many citizens remain unaware of their rights and responsibilities in the Panchayati Raj system.

Key Recommendations of the World Bank Report:

• Enhance Local Tax Capacity: Improve property records and grant Panchayats more authority to levy taxes.

• Empower Gram Sabhas: Increase their frequency and broaden their authority, including village planning and beneficiary selection.

• Strengthen SHG-Panchayat Linkages: Foster greater coordination between Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Panchayats to better address women’s needs and improve decision-making.

Other Suggested Measures:

• Fiscal autonomy: Grant Panchayats greater fiscal autonomy by empowering them to raise and manage their own finances. Eg. Kerala’s decentralized planning model has empowered Panchayats.

• Regular elections: Ensure regular, timely elections to maintain the democratic functioning of Panchayats.

• Citizen participation: Promote awareness campaigns and civic education to enhance citizen understanding and participation in local governance and enhance regular meetings and participation in Gram Sabha.

• Social audit: Strengthen social audit mechanisms by providing training to villagers, ensuring transparency in financial records, and addressing concerns raised through audits. Eg: Social audits in Rajasthan have led to the identification and correction of irregularities.

• Eg: Social audits in Rajasthan have led to the identification and correction of irregularities.

• Inter-panchayat coordination: Encourage joint planning and resource sharing through inter-panchayat forums, workshops, and knowledge exchange programs.

• Decentralisation: Devolve additional powers and responsibilities to Panchayats across sectors like education, health, and agriculture, while providing capacity-building support to ensure effective implementation.

Related Initiatives

• SVAMITVA Scheme: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme was launched on National Panchayati Raj Day 2020 to enable the economic progress of Rural India by providing a “Record of Rights” to every rural household owner.

• e-Gram Swaraj e-Financial Management System: e-Gram Swaraj is a Simplified Work Based Accounting Application for Panchayati Raj.

• Geo-Tagging of Assets: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has developed “mActionSoft”, a mobile-based solution to help in capturing photos with Geo-Tags (i.e., GPS Coordinates) for the works which have assets as an output.

• Citizen Charter: In order to focus on the commitment of the PRIs towards its Citizens in respect of the Standard of Services, the MoPR has provided a platform to upload Citizen Charter documents with the slogan “Meri Panchayat Mera Adhikaar – Jan Sevaayein Hamaare Dwaar”.

Conclusion:

The Venugopal Committee report of 2018, highlighted the critical role of Panchayats in fostering rural development and achieving sustainable progress. It emphasizes the need to address the challenges faced by Panchayats, such as inadequate capacity building, financial constraints, lack of transparency, and limited citizen participation.

Insta Links:

• Local Self Governance

Mains Links:

To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (UPSC 2022)

Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources can the Panchayats look out for financing developmental projects? (USPC 2018)

In absence of a well-educated and organised local level government system,`Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss. (USPC 2015)

Prelims Links:

Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in (UPSC 2017)

(a) Federalism

(b) Democratic decentralisation

(d) Direct democracy

Ans: (b)

The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (UPSC 2015)

People’s participation in development

Political accountability

Democratic decentralisation

Financial mobilisation

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (c)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 June 2024 GS Paper 3:

UN declares 2025 as International Year of Quantum Science and Tech

Syllabus: Applications of S&T

•Source: TH*

Context: UN has declared 2025 as International Year of Quantum Science and Tech. Next year marks the centenary of Werner Heisenberg’s foundational paper on quantum mechanics.

What is Quantum computing?

Quantum computing is a new way of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. In traditional computing, data is processed using bits, which are either a 0 or a 1. But in quantum computing, the data is processed using quantum bits or qubits, which can be both a 0 and a 1 at the same time. This property of qubits is called superposition, which allows for multiple calculations to be performed simultaneously, making quantum computing exponentially faster than traditional computing for certain types of problems.

Foundational Concepts of Quantum Mechanics

• Wave-Particle Duality: Small objects exhibit both particle and wave characteristics.

• Quantum Superposition: Particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured.

• Entanglement: Linked particles affect each other regardless of distance.

• Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle: The position and speed of a particle cannot both be known with perfect accuracy simultaneously.

Potential socio-economic impacts of quantum computing:

Impact on society:

• Privacy and Data Security: Quantum computing’s ability to break current encryption raises privacy and data security concerns. Governments, businesses, and individuals must adapt by developing quantum-resistant encryption and secure communication protocols.

• Disruption of Industries and Jobs: Quantum computing can disrupt industries like finance, healthcare, and transportation, introducing efficiency but also potential job displacement. Workforce preparation is vital to mitigate negative employment impacts.

• Workforce preparation is vital to mitigate negative employment impacts.

• Ethical Considerations: Ethical concerns surrounding responsible use, equitable access, and potential misuse of quantum technology must be addressed with clear frameworks and guidelines.

• Digital Divide: Widespread quantum computing may worsen the digital divide. Ensuring equitable access to resources and education is essential to prevent further social and economic disparities.

Economic impact

• Scientific advancements: Quantum computing could accelerate scientific research by simulating complex quantum systems, revolutionizing drug discovery, materials science, and climate modelling. This can lead to breakthroughs in healthcare, energy, and environmental protection, benefiting society at large.

• This can lead to breakthroughs in healthcare, energy, and environmental protection, benefiting society at large.

• Faster data analysis: Quantum computers excel at specific types of calculations, allowing for significantly faster data analysis. This speed boost is vital for addressing big data challenges, particularly those involving large datasets generated at high speeds.

• Enhanced machine learning: Quantum computing enhances machine learning, optimizing algorithms efficiently, particularly in computer vision for faster and more accurate image and video analysis. Generative AI, offers better real-time recommendations, benefiting driverless cars and digital public services.

• Generative AI, offers better real-time recommendations, benefiting driverless cars and digital public services.

• Optimization for complex problems: Quantum computers can solve complex optimization problems much faster than classical computers. This capability is essential for tackling intricate analytics challenges, resulting in more efficient solutions for complex systems.

• Advancements in industrialization: Quantum computing fuels Industry 4.0 and beyond, powering technologies like digital twins. It boosts the efficiency of distributed computing, federated learning, IoT, blockchain, and more, yielding higher-quality results. For instance, adopting quantum tech could add $280-310 billion to India’s economy by 2030.

• For instance, adopting quantum tech could add $280-310 billion to India’s economy by 2030.

• Process efficiency in digital transformation: Quantum computing’s real-time data analysis capabilities can accelerate process automation within organizations. This means that tasks can be automated more quickly and efficiently, contributing to overall digital transformation efforts.

• This means that tasks can be automated more quickly and efficiently, contributing to overall digital transformation efforts.

Challenges Associated with Quantum Computing:

• Error Correction: Develop effective error correction techniques, as quantum computers are susceptible to errors due to their inherent sensitivity.

• Cost of Implementation: Quantum computers and their infrastructure are expensive to develop and maintain which may hinder widespread adoption, limiting access to quantum computing resources.

• Lack of Skilled Workforce: There is a shortage of professionals with expertise in quantum computing which may impede the effective utilization of quantum technologies.

• Ethical and Security Concerns: Addressing ethical considerations surrounding quantum computing, especially in fields like cryptography and AI. Ensuring responsible use and preventing malicious applications to avoid potential security threats.

• Ensuring responsible use and preventing malicious applications to avoid potential security threats.

• Integration with Classical Systems: Developing effective interfaces and integration mechanisms between quantum and classical computing systems. Seamless integration is essential for practical applications in hybrid computing environments.

• Seamless integration is essential for practical applications in hybrid computing environments.

• Environmental Impact: Quantum computers require extremely low temperatures, contributing to high energy consumption. Addressing the environmental impact and energy efficiency of quantum computing systems is crucial for sustainable implementation.

• Addressing the environmental impact and energy efficiency of quantum computing systems is crucial for sustainable implementation.

Ethical Considerations of Quantum Computing:

• Misinformation and Bias: Risk of AI algorithms amplifying biases, leading to unfair outcomes.

• Privacy Infringement: Potential for more intrusive data analysis; robust privacy protection needed.

• Autonomous Weaponry: Concerns about creating independent, life-or-death decision-making weapons.

• Societal Repercussions: Potential disruptions in employment, economy, and social dynamics.

• Technical and Security Challenges: Ethical issues related to decoherence, error correction, and security implications.

Government Initiatives:

Initiatives | Description

National Quantum Mission (2023) | To seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology.

Quantum Enabled Science & Technology (QuEST) | A research program to build quantum capabilities.

Quantum Computing Applications Lab (QCAL) | To accelerate quantum computing-led research and development and enable new scientific discoveries.

What Can Be Done to Overcome the Challenges?

• Quantum-Resistant Encryption: Develop new encryption methods to secure data against quantum computers.

• Ethical Guidelines and International Regulations for Autonomous Systems: Establish clear ethical guidelines and international regulations to prevent unintended consequences and ethical breaches.

• Ethical Frameworks for Converging Technologies: Create frameworks to manage the ethical impact of merging technologies like quantum computing and AI, ensuring equitable benefit distribution.

• Transparent Communication and Collaboration in Quantum-Powered AI: Promote transparent communication and collaboration to address security risks and ensure responsible development.

Conclusion

The government must prioritize quantum computing, as it relies on exploiting information assets both within and outside organizations in the long term. India has a significant opportunity to make strategic investments in research, development, and training to enhance its capability in this domain for the benefit of its citizens and the nation.

Insta Links:

Quantum Computing

Mains Links:

What is quantum computing? Explain its applications and steps taken by India to promote quantum technologies in the country. (250 words)

Prelims Link:

Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned?

(a) Cloud Services (b) Quantum Computing (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

Ans: B

Reports In News

Reports | Descriptions

“Raising Ambition, Accelerating Action: Towards Enhanced NDCs for Forests" report | Report published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

A UNEP report highlights significant gaps in forest protection, management, and restoration in current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which represent countries' efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

From 2019 to 2023, tropical deforestation in the top 20 countries emitted 5.6 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. Despite this, only eight countries have explicit targets to reduce deforestation, all falling short of the global goal to halt deforestation by 2030.

International Agreements to Prevent Deforestation:

REDD+: Efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

New York Declaration on Forests: Aimed to halve deforestation by 2020.

Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration: To halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.

Bonn Challenge: Restore 150 million hectares by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.

About UNEP: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), established in 1972, sets the global environmental agenda and promotes sustainable development within the UN system. It produces major reports like the Emission Gap Report and leads campaigns such as Beat Pollution. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP advocates for global environmental protection and coordinates initiatives like World Environment Day.

Study on Urbanization and regional climate change-linked warming of Indian cities | A study of 141 Indian cities reveals their vulnerability to the compounding effects of climate change and urbanization.

Key findings indicate a 60% increase in warming due to urbanization alone, with the Urban Heat Island effect exacerbating temperatures. Cities experience nearly double the warming compared to the rest of India due to dense population, infrastructure, and increased emissions.

To address this, urbanization must be carefully planned, and comprehensive climate-action plans implemented for sustainable development.

India has initiatives like the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat and the Ease of Living Index to promote low-carbon growth and enhance urban liveability. Additionally, the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework aims to facilitate the adoption of best practices for climate resilience.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 June 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Notified Disasters

Source: IE

Context: The ongoing discussion on including heatwaves as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act (DM Act) has reopened due to the extreme heat in many parts of India.

Currently, heatwaves are not considered disasters under the Act, which was enacted after the 1999 Odisha super-cyclone and the 2004 tsunami. The Act defines a disaster as a catastrophic event resulting in substantial loss of life, property, or damage to the environment, beyond the community's coping capacity.

States have prepared heat action plans to deal with extreme heat impacts, but financial constraints hinder their implementation. The reluctance to include heatwaves as a notified disaster stems from concerns about the financial implications and the difficulty in attributing deaths solely to heatwaves. While some states have added heatwaves as local disasters, the Centre has resisted national notification, citing financial and practical difficulties.

The Disaster Management Act of 2005 regulates the allocation and utilization of resources from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). These funds are dedicated to managing and responding to notified disasters. Currently, there are 12 such disasters, including cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloud bursts, pest attacks, and frost & cold waves. In 2020, the government designated COVID-19 as a notified disaster as a special one-time measure

Freedom of Artistic Expression in India

Source: DH

Context: Karnataka bans the Hindi film 'Hamare Baarah' due to communal concerns, suspending its exhibition and trailers for two weeks or until further notice.

About Freedom of artistic expression:

It is the principle that artists should be free from legal or conventional constraints in creating their art. In India, the Supreme Court affirmed this right for movies under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. International agreements like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also uphold this freedom. Films are considered differently due to their unique ability to combine visuals, sound, and emotions in a potent manner, making prior censorship necessary to prevent potential negative impacts on viewers' minds.

Portable Optical Atomic Clock

•Source: TH*

Context: Researchers have developed a portable optical atomic clock for use on ships, offering superior accuracy compared to other maritime timekeeping methods. They assert it is the most advanced optical clock available for maritime use.

About Atomic Clock:

Atomic clocks measure time using atom vibrations, particularly electrons' oscillations, with extreme precision, having an error margin of a few billionths of a second per day. They rely on stable caesium atoms, whose specific vibration frequency serves as the clock's basis. A microwave cavity filled with caesium vapour stimulates atom vibration, emitting radiation at a precise frequency. This emitted frequency is compared to a standard, adjusting the clock's timekeeping.

Developed for maritime use, it represents a significant advancement in optical timekeeping, aiding navigation, maritime communication, and scientific research, including monitoring underwater seismic and volcanic activity and conducting experiments in space.

ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission

•Source: Th*

Context: Recently, ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission captured images of the Sun during the May solar storm.

The Solar Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) and the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) instruments on board took images and made vital observations, aiding in the study of solar flares, energy distribution, sunspots, and space weather prediction.

What are Geomagnetic storms?

They occur when events like solar flares emit higher-than-normal levels of radiation toward Earth, interacting with its magnetic field. These disturbances, driven by solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) or high-speed streams of solar wind from coronal holes, lead to geomagnetic storms.

Effects of such storms range from the appearance of auroras to disruptions in communication systems due to high radiation, making communication on Earth challenging.

These storms are classified on a scale measuring their effects. At G1, there are weak fluctuations in power grids and minor impacts on satellite operations, with auroras visible. At G5, voltage control problems and grid system collapse occur, radio waves are disrupted for days, and auroras can be seen at lower latitudes.

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Source: Free press journal

Context: A rare four-horned antelope has been sighted for the first time in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.

About the four-horned antelope, also known as Chousingha:

It is a small bovid antelope found in Asia. Unique for its four horns, only males bear them, with one pair between the ears and another on the forehead. Typically, solitary and diurnal, they may form small groups. Endemic to India and Nepal, they inhabit open, dry, deciduous forests in hilly terrain, often near water bodies. Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting.

About Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve:

It spans Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts in Madhya Pradesh, being the seventh in the state. It encompasses parts of the Nauradehi and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuaries, featuring the historic Singorgarh Fort. A green corridor links it to the Panna Tiger Reserve for tiger movement. Rivers from the Narmada and Yamuna basins flow through, with dry deciduous vegetation dominated by Teak, Saja, and others.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 June 2024 Mapping:

Lipulekh pass

•Source: BS*

Context: Indian traders, engaged in border trade through the Lipulekh pass since 1992, urge the government to resume trade with China. The route was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, leaving goods worth Rs 15 lakh stranded in Tibet.

About Lipulekh Pass:

It is located near the India-China (Tibet)-Nepal tri-junction in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, is a crucial pass in the Kumaun region’s Kali Valley. Historically, it has served as a vital trade route for traders, pilgrims, and travelers, facilitating cultural exchange for centuries. Importantly, it offers a shorter travel route for the Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage, saving considerable travel time.