UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 July 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 July 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 1: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 July 2024)
• Debate on Menstrual Leave Policy
Debate on Menstrual Leave Policy
GS Paper 2:
• RTI Appeals Disposal Nears 100%
RTI Appeals Disposal Nears 100%
GS Paper 3:
• PDS Impact on Household Expenditure and Reforms Needed
PDS Impact on Household Expenditure and Reforms Needed
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Bastille Day
Bastille Day
• Resolution on Ukraine’s nuclear safety
Resolution on Ukraine’s nuclear safety
• Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide
• Vulture conservation
Vulture conservation
• Dogfish shark Squalus hima
Dogfish shark Squalus hima
Mapping
• Mackenzie River
Mackenzie River
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 July 2024
#### GS Paper 1:
Debate on Menstrual Leave Policy
Syllabus: Indian Society
- •Source: IE*
Context: The Supreme Court’s recent comment that a mandatory menstrual leave policy might be counterproductive highlights the complexity of this issue. The court urged the Centre to create a model policy, considering potential misuse and ensuring it doesn’t hinder women’s workforce participation.
What is a Menstrual leave?
It is a type of leave where a woman may have the option to take paid or unpaid leave from her employment if she is menstruating and is unable to go to work because of this. According to a study, out of the 40% of women who are part of the labour force 20% experience a condition called dysmenorrhea that causes pain during menstruation.
Paid menstrual leave can enhance workforce participation and promote gender inclusivity:
• Addressing physical needs: Menstrual leave acknowledges the physical and emotional challenges that women may face during their menstrual cycles, promoting a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
• Breaking taboos: Implementing menstrual leave can help break the stigma and silence surrounding menstruation, fostering a culture of openness and acceptance.
• Reduced absenteeism: Providing paid leave for menstruation-related issues can reduce overall absenteeism, as women may otherwise take unplanned sick leaves due to severe menstrual pain or discomfort.
• Increased productivity: When women are allowed to rest and recover during their periods, they are likely to be more productive and focused when they return to work.
• Health and comfort: Recognizing menstrual health as a legitimate concern can improve the overall well-being and comfort of female employees, leading to higher job satisfaction and loyalty.
• Work-Life balance: Menstrual leave can contribute to a better work-life balance, helping women manage their health without compromising their professional responsibilities. g. Bihar allows two days of paid menstrual leave every month.
• g. Bihar allows two days of paid menstrual leave every month.
Challenges and considerations for implementation:
• Gender bias: If not implemented carefully, menstrual leave could reinforce gender biases and stereotypes, leading to discrimination against women in hiring, promotions, and other career opportunities.
• Negative perceptions: There may be negative perceptions or stigma associated with taking menstrual leave, which could discourage women from using
• Business continuity: Employers may face challenges in managing workforce schedules and ensuring business continuity, especially in smaller organizations with fewer employees.
• Economic impact: Funding for menstrual leaves needs clarification. It may increase the cost of hiring women, similar to the impact seen with the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2016.
• Inadequate reach: Period leave policies may not benefit casual women workers in the informal economy.
Menstrual Leave in Other Countries
• Taiwan and Zambia: Have policies but face implementation challenges.
• Spain: Introduced paid menstrual leave in 2023, with low uptake due to complex processes and fear of discrimination.
• Indonesia: Offers two-day leave, seldom used due to required medical examinations.
Draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy: Suggests flexible hours and support leaves to help all employees and prevent stigma or assumptions about productivity related to menstrual cycles, serving as a starting point for policy discussions.
Government Schemes:
• Menstrual hygiene scheme launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram
• SABLA programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development
• National Rural Livelihood Mission of the Ministry of Rural Development
• Swachh Bharat Mission and Swachh Bharat: Swachh Vidyalaya (SB:SV)
• Guidelines for Gender Issues in Sanitation, 2017
• The National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management
• Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene among adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years (supported by the National Health Mission)
Way forward:
• Clear communication: Clearly communicate the purpose, benefits, and guidelines of menstrual leave to all employees to ensure understanding and acceptance.
• Optional use: Make menstrual leave optional and confidential, allowing women to use it at their discretion without fear of judgment or scrutiny. g. Zomato has a 10-day paid period of leave per year.
• g. Zomato has a 10-day paid period of leave per year.
• Holistic approach: Integrate menstrual leave with other health and wellness initiatives, such as providing access to sanitary products, comfortable rest areas, and health education programs.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the policy’s impact on workforce participation, employee well-being, and organizational culture. Make necessary adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.
• Inclusive policies: Menstrual leave should be part of a broader effort to promote gender inclusivity, including policies on maternity leave, paternity leave, flexible working hours, and other supportive measures.
Conclusion
To improve the working conditions of the 10% of women who are in the formal workforce, we must not forget about the remaining 90% of women workers who are in the informal sector for whom such policies threaten to become the gatekeepers. Given all these apprehensions, we need to find a balance between creating space for women to seek period leave when required and ensuring that it doesn’t become another ground for employers to favour men over women.
Insta Links:
• Demand for paid Menstrual leave and Gender Equality
Mains Links:
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (UPSC 2019)
Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organisations free from gender bias. Comment. (UPSC 2013)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 July 2024 GS Paper 2:
RTI Appeals Disposal Nears 100%
Syllabus: Governance: RTI
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced that nearly 100% of Right to Information (RTI) appeals are being disposed of, with pendency decreasing annually, (from approximately 35,000 (2019-20) to 23,000 (2023-24))
About RTI Act 2005
• Purpose: Grants citizens the right to access information from Public Authorities (PAs) to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance, while combating corruption.
• Nodal Agency: Department of Personnel and Training under MoPPG&P.
• Replacement: Replaced the Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
Key Features
• Information Commissions: Establishes Central and State Information Commissions, outlining their constitution, composition, and functions.
• Public Information Officers: Obligates PAs to designate Central/State Public Information Officers (CPIO/SPIOs) to provide requested information.
Appeals System:
• First Appeal: To a senior officer within 30 days of filing the RTI application.
• Second Appeal: To the Central/State Information Commissioner (CIC/SIC) within 90 days of the first appeal decision.
• Burden of Proof: On CPIO/SPIOs to justify denial of information.
• Appeal Resolution: Must be resolved within 30 days, extendable to 45 days.
• Binding Decisions: CIC/SIC decisions are binding.
How RTI Act remain a vital tool?
• Transparency and Accountability: The Act has played a pivotal role in fostering transparency and holding public institutions accountable. Eg: RTI applications have been instrumental in identifying and addressing ghost workers in the case of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
• Eg: RTI applications have been instrumental in identifying and addressing ghost workers in the case of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
• Curbing corruption: Increased transparency through RTI has shed light on corrupt practices, empowering citizens to hold authorities accountable. Eg: Transparency International India’s annual Corruption Perception Index has shown improvement since the enactment of the RTI Act.
• Eg: Transparency International India’s annual Corruption Perception Index has shown improvement since the enactment of the RTI Act.
• Promoting good governance: The Act fosters citizen participation in decision-making and policy formulation, leading to more responsive and inclusive governance.
• Empowering citizens: Access to information empowers individuals from disadvantaged groups to access entitlements and hold authorities accountable for discrimination. Eg: Over 3.02 crore RTI applications were filed in the last 15 years.
• Eg: Over 3.02 crore RTI applications were filed in the last 15 years.
• Democratizing knowledge: RTI democratizes access to information, ensuring greater public awareness about government functioning and social issues. Eg: The Press Council of India has found that the RTI Act has led to an increase in investigative journalism in India.
• Eg: The Press Council of India has found that the RTI Act has led to an increase in investigative journalism in India.
Challenges Facing the RTI Act:
• Vacant posts: There are currently seven vacancies out of 11 positions in the Central Information Commission, and several state information commissions are also facing vacancies.
• Backlog of requests: Public authorities often grapple with overwhelming backlogs of RTI requests, leading to delays and frustrations for applicants. Eg: over 3.2 lakh appeals and complaints were pending as of June 2023.
• Eg: over 3.2 lakh appeals and complaints were pending as of June 2023.
• Non-compliance and apathy: Some public officials exhibit apathy towards adhering to the Act’s provisions, failing to respond to requests within the stipulated timeframe or providing incomplete or misleading information. Eg: The Official Secrets Act of 1923 has also been frequently used as an excuse to not implement RTI wholly.
• Eg: The Official Secrets Act of 1923 has also been frequently used as an excuse to not implement RTI wholly.
• Frivolous and repetitive requests: While the Act encourages active citizen engagement, a surge in frivolous or repetitive requests can strain resources and divert attention from genuine queries of public interest.
• Fee barriers and intimidation tactics: Such tactics against RTI applicants can discourage individuals from exercising their right to information, particularly marginalized communities.
• Lack of awareness and training: Inadequate public awareness about the Act and insufficient training for public officials on its proper implementation hamper its effectiveness.
• Eg: In 2021, a study found that 40% of RTI requests denied were without a valid reason.
Needful measures:
• Streamlining procedures and reducing fees: Simplifying application processes and rationalizing fees can encourage wider participation and remove unnecessary hurdles for information seekers.
• Stricter Implementation: Stringent measures to prevent misuse of exemptions and refusals, ensuring compliance with the Act’s provisions.
• Safeguarding Whistleblowers: Enhanced protection and support for individuals using the Act, safeguarding them against threats and harassment.
• Proactive Disclosure: Encouraging proactive disclosure of information by public authorities to reduce reliance solely on RTI applications. Eg: provisions under Section 4(1) (b) of the RTI Act.
• Eg: provisions under Section 4(1) (b) of the RTI Act.
• Strengthening Commissions: Ensuring the independence and adequate resources for Information Commissions to function effectively. Eg: 8 States and 2 UTs have low-cost and accessible online RTI portals, this can be replicated by the rest.
• Eg: 8 States and 2 UTs have low-cost and accessible online RTI portals, this can be replicated by the rest.
Conclusion:
The right to information is a fundamental right under Article 19 (1) of the Indian Constitution. In light of the recent case, the court has directed the government to collate information on vacancies and pending complaints under the RTI Act and take immediate steps to fill the vacancies. This and other challenges must be addressed to realise the fundamental rights of the citizens.
Insta Links:
• New draft digital data protection bill: How it compares with the older version and laws elsewhere
Mains Links:
The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill must ensure that individuals’ personal data is collected and processed in a manner that respects their privacy rights under Article 21 of the Indian constitution. Comment. (250 Words)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 July 2024 GS Paper 3:
PDS Impact on Household Expenditure and Reforms Needed
Syllabus: Agriculture: PDS
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) data offers insights into the impact of the Public Distribution System (PDS) on household spending.
Impact of PDS on Household Food Consumption Diversity
The Public Distribution System (PDS) provides subsidized foodgrains to eligible households, covering up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban populations under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. This subsidy allows households to save money on staples and allocate more resources to diverse foods like vegetables, milk, pulses, and meat, potentially enhancing their overall nutrition and dietary variety.
Implications of PDS for Poverty:
• Economic Relief for Poorer Households: The PDS provides food grains at highly subsidized rates. Reduces financial burden on poorer households. Enables allocation of resources to other essential needs.
• The PDS provides food grains at highly subsidized rates.
• Reduces financial burden on poorer households.
• Enables allocation of resources to other essential needs.
• Enhanced Measurement of Poverty: Imputes value of free or subsidized items received through PDS. Improves accuracy in measuring household consumption. Provides a more comprehensive assessment of economic well-being.
• Imputes value of free or subsidized items received through PDS.
• Improves accuracy in measuring household consumption.
• Provides a more comprehensive assessment of economic well-being.
• Policy Insights and Targeting: Helps policymakers target social welfare programs effectively. Guides allocation of resources based on poverty metrics.
• Helps policymakers target social welfare programs effectively.
• Guides allocation of resources based on poverty metrics.
• Diversification of Diet: Access to subsidized food grains frees up resources. Enables purchase of diverse, nutrient-rich foods. Enhances overall nutrition and dietary variety.
• Access to subsidized food grains frees up resources.
• Enables purchase of diverse, nutrient-rich foods.
• Enhances overall nutrition and dietary variety.
Reforms in PDS: Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in the Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS)
It is a comprehensive initiative launched by the Indian government to revamp the existing Public Distribution System (PDS). SMART-PDS aims to address the prevalent inefficiencies and leakages in the system while ensuring fairer and more transparent distribution of subsidized food grains to beneficiaries.
Key Components of SMART-PDS:
• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): Data: It functions under ONORC where over 3.6 crore ration cards are issued nationwide, granting beneficiaries access to subsidized foodgrains across any PDS shop.
• Technology-Driven Reforms: SMART-PDS builds upon existing initiatives like End-to-End Computerization, ensuring continued digitization and preventing regression in states.
• Infrastructure Interventions: Upgrades hardware, software, and technical manpower across all states/UTs, addressing limitations and creating a unified national system.
• Standardization and Integration: Encourages uniform PDS operations through technology, linking with FCI, CWC, Education Ministry, and UIDAI for data sharing and improved targeting.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The scheme emphasizes leveraging data analytics and business intelligence tools to analyse beneficiary needs, consumption patterns, and distribution trends.
How is it helping reform the PDS in India?
• Reduced Leakages and Corruption: Standardized processes and biometric verification minimize diversion and pilferage, ensuring food grains reach intended beneficiaries. Eg: A study states that the existing PDS system has been highly “leaky”, with large amounts of grains (40 to 50 per cent).
• Eg: A study states that the existing PDS system has been highly “leaky”, with large amounts of grains (40 to 50 per cent).
• Improved Efficiency and Transparency: Real-time data tracking and a centralized system enhance transparency, and accountability, and reduce administrative costs. Eg: In 2023, the ONORC plan was functional in all 36 States/UTs and consistently recorded over 3.5 crore monthly portable transactions.
• Eg: In 2023, the ONORC plan was functional in all 36 States/UTs and consistently recorded over 3.5 crore monthly portable transactions.
• Empowerment and Flexibility: ONORC allows beneficiaries to access rations across India, while data analytics helps target subsidies effectively, empowering vulnerable populations.
• Enhanced Policymaking: Data-driven insights inform policy decisions, allowing for targeted interventions and adjustments to address specific challenges. g.: targeted public distribution system (TPDS) providing rice/wheat in areas of preference of either.
• g.: targeted public distribution system (TPDS) providing rice/wheat in areas of preference of either.
• Sustainable Reforms: Continuous monitoring and upgrades ensure the system remains adaptable to evolving needs and challenges, preventing stagnation. g.: Linkage with Aadhaar ensures further innovation.
• g.: Linkage with Aadhaar ensures further innovation.
Mains Links:
How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in the recent past? Elaborate on the emphasis on millet production and consumption. (UPSC 2018) (200 WORDS, 10 MARKS)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 July 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Bastille Day
- •Source: IE* Context: France celebrates its national day, Bastille Day, on July 14, marking the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789.
• This event was a defining moment in the French Revolution, symbolizing the fall of the oppressive ancien régime.
• By the mid-18th century, France faced severe financial crises, famine, and social inequality, leading to widespread discontent.
• The Estates-General’s failure to address commoners’ grievances led to the formation of the National Assembly and escalating tensions.
Bastille Day has been celebrated since 1790, and in 1879, it was officially declared France’s National Day.
Resolution on Ukraine’s nuclear safety
- •Source: Tribune*
Context: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution addressing the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP).
• It expressed “grave concern” over the safety at the ZNPP and emphasized the need to follow the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) guidelines for nuclear safety and security.
• India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution.
• Countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka also abstained, while Belarus, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, and Syria voted against the resolution.
Russia criticized the resolution as politicized and non-consensual, claiming it would escalate the conflict rather than promote peace.
Tirzepatide
- •Source: IE*
Context: India is set to approve the weight-loss drug tirzepatide marking a significant advancement in obesity treatment.
• This follows global trends where drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) have shown dramatic weight loss effects.
• Tirzepatide, originally approved for diabetes, also induces weight loss by boosting hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which promote satiety and manage glucose levels.
• Clinical trials have demonstrated substantial weight loss with tirzepatide, with participants losing up to 20.9% of their body weight.
• However, ongoing use is necessary to maintain these results, as stopping the medication leads to weight regain.
• Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and risk of thyroid tumours.
Vulture conservation
- •Source: TH*
Context: A study on vulture conservation awareness in Mudumalai (MTR) and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserves (STR) in Tamil Nadu revealed that local communities lack knowledge on “vulture-safe” livestock practices and the importance of vultures.
• Researchers found that although large veterinary doses of the harmful drug diclofenac were not sold, smaller human doses were available, potentially being used for cattle.
• Other harmful NSAIDs like Ketoprofen, Aceclofenac, and Nimesulide were still available in veterinary pharmacies.
Dogfish shark Squalus hima
- •Source: TH*
Context: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark, named *Squalus hima*, from Kerala along the Arabian Sea.
• The newly identified species was often misidentified with S. mitsukurii and S. lalannei, but detailed morphological, meristic, and morphometric analyses revealed it to be a distinct species.
• Squalus hima differs from other species by specific features like the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, trunk and head heights, fin structure, and fin colour.
• Species from the genus Squalus, along with Centrophorus, are exploited for their liver oil, which is rich in squalene, a substance in high demand for making high-end cosmetic and anticancer products.
Tags: GS3, Environment, Species In News, Dogfish shark Squalus hima
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 July 2024 Mapping:
Mackenzie River
- •Source: Times Now*
Context: The Mackenzie River, Canada’s longest river, is experiencing historically low water levels, stranding communities that rely on it for essential goods.
• The river spans 1,738 kilometres from Great Slave Lake to the Beaufort Sea, covering parts of five provinces and territories.
Tags: Mapping, Mackenzie River
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 July 2024 [PDF]
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