UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 June 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 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 – 15 June 2024)

• Alternate Dispute Redressal System (ADR): Arbitration Guidelines

GS Paper 3:

• The success of Montreal Protocol

Reports In News

• Global Trends Report: Forced Displacement in 2023

• Energy Progress Report 2024

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• Dietary Patterns in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Satnami community

• Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands

• GREAT Scheme

• Google Search Algorithms

Mapping:

• Armenia

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 June 2024

#### GS Paper 2:

Alternate Dispute Redressal System (ADR): Arbitration Guidelines

Syllabus: Polity: Judiciary

•Source: Live Law, IE*

Context: The Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance released guidelines for using arbitration and mediation in domestic public procurement contracts.

More about the Guidelines:

Aim: Guidelines aim to streamline the dispute resolution process for domestic procurement by government entities and address unique challenges in arbitration.

Key Points:

• Avoid the automatic inclusion of arbitration in large contracts.

• Restrict arbitration to disputes below Rs 10 crores.

• Prefer institutional arbitration when used.

• Adopt mediation under the Mediation Act, 2023, for high-value matters.

What is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a quasi-judicial method of resolving disputes outside the courts, where the parties to a conflict agree to submit their issues to an impartial third party (the arbitrator) who makes a decision that is binding. It is often chosen for its faster resolution process, confidentiality, and the ability to select an expert in the relevant field.

• It is a type of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (amended in 2021).

What is ADR?

Alternate dispute resolution (ADR) refers to the means by which disputes are settled outside the traditional court system. In India, modes of ADR include arbitration, negotiation, mediation, and Lok Adalats.

What is Mediation?

It is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method in which a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps parties in a dispute reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Mediation is considered a more cost-effective, efficient, and less adversarial method compared to traditional court litigation.

Why has the government shifted its policy against Arbitration?

• Government’s Distrust in Arbitrators: The government perceives that arbitrators often lack integrity and collude with private parties, resulting in unfavourable awards that are hard to challenge.

• The disadvantage of Transferable jobs: Government officials’ transferable jobs may limit their deep knowledge, putting them at a disadvantage against private parties in arbitration.

• Issue of Informal nature: The informal, binding nature of arbitration can lead to errors and misapplication of the law. Many arbitration decisions are challenged in high courts, failing to ease the courts’ burden.

• Decision-Making Ability of Officials: Government officials, facing multiple layers of accountability and scrutiny, are unlikely to agree to any decision which might be unpopular with the government.

• Vivad se Vishwas – II Scheme: The 2023 scheme shows the government’s preference for settlements (rather than arbitration), often proposing significant discounts on arbitral awards.

Potential Implications of the Guidelines:

• Deter Foreign Investors: Restrictions on arbitration, especially for high-value disputes, may deter foreign investment.

• Ease of Doing Business: Complicates business operations; India ranked low in ‘Enforcing Contracts’ (163rd in 2019, World Bank).

• Arbitration Hub Vision: Challenges India’s ambition to be an international arbitration hub.

• Diminished Investor Confidence: Unpredictable legal frameworks may erode investor confidence.

• Infrastructure Development: Shift to court adjudication could delay projects and increase costs.

• Contractual Uncertainty: Removing arbitration clauses introduces uncertainty in business contracts.

• Potential for Corruption: Settlement negotiations may increase corruption due to a lack of transparency.

• Stifling Innovation: A slow dispute resolution system can hinder startups and innovation.

• Overburdening Courts: The overburdened Indian courts are ill-equipped for complex commercial disputes, leading to prolonged litigation despite efforts to expedite processes.

Other challenges with India’s ADR mechanism are:

Challenges | Description

Lack of Government Support | Uneven growth and limited support for ADR in different regions.

Lack of funding for ADR centres, especially in smaller cities.

Need for greater government backing to promote ADR mechanisms.

Insufficient Infrastructure | An inadequate number of ADR centres even after 27 years of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

Lack of funding hampers the establishment of ADR facilities in small towns.

Accessibility issues due to the concentration of ADR centres in cities.

Court Interference | Frequent interference of courts in arbitral and ADR proceedings.

Over-interference affects the autonomy of ADR mechanisms.

Hindrance to the flexibility and freedom of parties in ADR.

Execution Process | Parties often need to approach courts for execution after ADR awards.

Counteracts the goal of a streamlined dispute resolution process.

Lack of Skilled Professionals | Limited availability of skilled arbitrators, negotiators, and mediators.

Lack of specialized institutions for training in ADR skills.

Unskilled professionals can lead to unsuccessful ADR outcomes.

Limited Remedies and Appeal | Narrow scope for appeal after the ADR award, offering few remedies.

Parties may feel restricted in pursuing justice through ADR.

Lack of Awareness | Widespread lack of awareness about ADR mechanisms in society.

Potential for Coercion | In cases where one party is more influential, there’s a risk of coercion.

Inability to Reach Mutual Agreement | – Despite efforts by negotiators/mediators/arbitrators, parties may be unwilling to agree.

What should be done to improve Arbitration?

• Reconsideration of Policy: The government should rethink excluding arbitration clauses and instead enhance the arbitration framework.

• Strengthening Arbitration: Improving the arbitration process, including timely arbitrator appointments and award enforcement, can enhance its effectiveness.

Measures to Promote ADR:

• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Ensure laws support ADR, making mediated agreements enforceable and integrating ADR into the judicial system.

• Enhancing Awareness and Education: Conduct awareness campaigns and educational programs about ADR benefits and processes.

• Improving Training and Certification: Develop comprehensive training for mediators/arbitrators, establish certification processes, and integrate ADR training into education curriculums.

• Role of Technology: Utilize AI, big data, Machine Learning, and blockchain in legal processes, especially for blockchain-driven arbitration processes for smart contracts.

• Government’s Shift to Mediation: Establish ADR centres, particularly mediation centres, within government departments to resolve disputes. For example, the Maharashtra Mediation and Conciliation Centre in India resolves disputes involving government departments.

Additional Points:

Key features of the Mediation Act, 2023

Key Feature | Description

Pre-litigation Mediation | Parties must attempt mediation before approaching the court/tribunal; courts can refer parties to mediation anytime.

Disputes not Fit for Mediation | Claims against minors, criminal prosecutions, and rights affecting third parties; list amendable by central government.

Applicability | The Act applies to mediations in India: involving only domestic parties, or involving at least one foreign party in a commercial dispute, or if specified in the mediation agreement.

Mediation Process | Confidential proceedings must be completed in 180 days (extendable by another 180 days); withdrawal is allowed after two sessions.

Mediators | Appointed by parties or mediation service provider; mediators must disclose conflicts of interest.

Mediation Council of India | Will be established by the central government; and includes a chairperson, two full-time members, three ex-officio members, and one part-time member.

Functions of the Council | Registration of mediators, recognizing mediation service providers and institutes.

Mediated Settlement Agreement | Final, binding, and enforceable like court judgments; can be challenged on grounds of fraud, corruption, impersonation, or unsuitability for mediation.

Community Mediation | For resolving disputes affecting local peace and harmony; It will be conducted by a panel of three mediators.

The Mediation Act, 2023 is a progressive legislation for peaceful dispute resolution in India. The NITI Aayog (2021) has observed that the model of compulsory mediation up to a few sessions has been successful in countries such as Italy, Brazil, and Turkey. The new act will lead to more out-of-court settlements and reduce the pendency in courts.

Insta Links:

• Reforming arbitration law

• Bills & Acts – Arbitration Laws in India

Mains Links:

What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. (UPSC 2015)

Prelims Link:

With reference to Lok Adalats, which of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2010)

(a) Lok Adalats have the jurisdiction to settle the matters at the pre-litigation stage and not those matters pending before any court

(b) Lok Adalats can deal with matters which are civil and not criminal in nature

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

Ans: D

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 June 2024 GS Paper 3:

The success of Montreal Protocol

Syllabus: Environment Conservation

•Source: Nature*

Context: The Montreal Protocol has successfully reduced radiative forcing and equivalent effective chlorine from hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) since 2021, indicating progress in mitigating climate change and ozone layer loss, as per a new study published in the Nature Journal.

What is the Montreal Protocol?

The Montreal Protocol, enacted in 1987, is a global treaty designed to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). This treaty operates under the framework of the Vienna Convention (adopted in 1985). A significant addition to the Protocol came with the adoption of the Kigali Amendment in 2016, which became effective in 2019. This amendment specifically targets the reduction of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which serve as non-ODS alternatives to previously phased-out substances like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

What are Ozone and Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)?

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are synthetic compounds, such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), containing chlorine and bromine. When released into the atmosphere, these chemicals can ascend to the stratosphere, where they trigger catalytic reactions that degrade ozone molecules.

Success of Montreal Protocol: the most successful global climate treaty

• Researchers indicate a significant reduction in the ozone hole’s size since 2000, attributing it to global efforts to limit the use of chlorofluorocarbons and other harmful gases.

• Projections suggest complete healing of Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone by the 2030s, followed by the Southern Hemisphere in the 2050s, and Polar Regions by 2060.

• Decrease in the impact of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) on Earth’s energy balance since 2021, five years earlier than expected.

• HCFCs, compounds, notably HCFC-22, the most abundant, have declined significantly. HCFC-22, commonly used as a refrigerant, possesses a Global Warming Potential (GWP) thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2).

• HCFC-22, commonly used as a refrigerant, possesses a Global Warming Potential (GWP) thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2).

• Minor declines in HCFC-141b, the second most abundant, used as a blowing agent in foam production.

• India has successfully phased out HCFC-141b under ODS Regulation and Control Amendment Rules, 2014, aligning with its commitment to the Montreal Protocol for Ozone Layer Depletion.

The Montreal Protocol offers a model of a successful environmental treaty that brought nations together to act swiftly on protecting the ozone layer.

The Montreal Protocol serves as a model for addressing environmental challenges:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Despite efforts, emissions and temperatures continue to rise, with the Paris Agreement showing limited effectiveness.

• Biodiversity Loss: Human land and sea use are driving biodiversity loss, but international efforts have seen little progress.

• Wildfires: Increasing greenhouse gases worsen wildfires, necessitating better planning and international cooperation.

• Climate Change: The reality of climate change is undeniable, requiring developed nations to support developing countries in meeting Paris Agreement goals.

Conclusion

With the robust international coalitions and effective implementation of the framework, the Montreal Protocol achieved a milestone in reducing ozone depletion. To protect the environment and to achieve more sustainable development there is a need to follow the pattern of the Montreal Protocol in solving other environmental problems.

Insta Links:

• Ozone Depletion and Protection

Prelims Link:

Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances? (UPSC 2015)

(a) Bretton Woods Conference (b) Montreal Protocol (c) Kyoto Protocol (d) Nagoya Protocol

Ans: (b)

Consider the following statements: (USPC 2012)

Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used

• in the production of plastic foams

• in the production of tubeless tyres

• in cleaning certain electronic components

• as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (c)

Reports In News:

Reports | Description

Global Trends Report: Forced Displacement in 2023 | By United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

As of the end of 2023, there were over 117 million forcibly displaced people globally, with 40% being children under 18 years old. Among them, over 68 million were internally displaced people who remain within their own countries.

The majority of refugees, 73%, come from five countries: Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, and South Sudan.

Recommendations of the report: It includes resettlement of displaced to third countries, enhancing refugee integration through education and labour mobility, and upholding refugees’ rights under national and international law.

What is Forced displacement? It occurs when individuals are compelled to leave their homes due to various factors like persecution, violence, human rights violations, disasters, food insecurity, and the impacts of climate change.

About UNHCR (headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland): It originated as the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees after World War II, established by the UN General Assembly in 1950. It aims to safeguard the rights and improve the lives of those displaced by conflict and persecution. Operating in 135 nations, it has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 1954 and 1981.

Energy Progress Report 2024 | The report is a joint effort of five SDG 7 (affordable and Clean Energy) custodian agencies – International Energy Agency (IEA), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), World Bank and World Health Organization (WHO).

The latest data on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 reveals concerning trends. In SDG 7.1.1, the global number of people lacking access to electricity rose for the first time in over a decade, reaching 685 million, driven by factors such as the global energy crisis and inflation. In India alone, 11 million people lacked access to electricity in 2022.

SDG 7.1.2 highlights that over 2 billion people globally lack access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, leading to over 3 million premature deaths annually. India bears the largest share of this deficit, with 360 million people lacking access to clean cooking fuels. Conversely, However, SDG 7.3 underscores the need for accelerated annual improvements in energy efficiency, exceeding 3.8%, to achieve the target by 2030.

SDG 7.2 notes a positive global trend, with renewable energy comprising 18.7% of Total Final Energy Consumption in 2021, rising to about 35% in India

Recommendations include closing the investment gap in emerging economies through substantial investment and policy support for renewable energy deployment. Furthermore, there’s a call for prioritizing clean cooking within multilateral forums to address this pressing issue globally

It occurs when individuals are compelled to leave their homes due to various factors like persecution, violence, human rights violations, disasters, food insecurity, and the impacts of climate change.

It originated as the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees after World War II, established by the UN General Assembly in 1950. It aims to safeguard the rights and improve the lives of those displaced by conflict and persecution. Operating in 135 nations, it has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 1954 and 1981.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 June 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Dietary Patterns in India

Source: IE

Context: The 2022-23 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey highlights some surprising dietary trends in India, emphasizing vegetable, fruit, pulse, and milk consumption.

Key findings:

• Food Expenditure Snapshot: Rural India spends more per capita on milk than on vegetables, fruits, and pulses. Urban areas also prioritize milk over these items.

• Regional Insights: Rajasthan’s “vegetarian” tag contrasts with lower spending on vegetables, fruits, and pulses. Northeastern states show higher vegetable consumption than Gujarat ( despite having a significant Vaishnav-Jain population)

• Milk Priority: Milk consumption is high, even in states with lower expenditure on vegetables, fruits, and pulses. North, West, and Central Indian states spend more on milk than on eggs, fish, and meat.

• Non-Vegetarian Trend: Kerala, Goa, West Bengal, Northeastern, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh prioritize expenditure on eggs, fish, and meat over milk.

• In India, vegetarianism typically includes dairy but not necessarily veganism.

Key terms:

• Vegetarians abstain from meat but consume animal products like dairy and eggs.

• Vegans avoid all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey, relying solely on plant-based foods.

• Non-vegetarians include meat, poultry, seafood, and sometimes dairy and eggs in their diets.

Usage: The data/Examples can be used in Indian Society/ Sociology/ Essay related Questions on food diversity.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 June 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Satnami community

Source: TH

Context: The Satnami community in Chhattisgarh protested the desecration of a sacred structure, leading to violence where they attacked the SP office, torched vehicles, and threw stones at police personnel.

Who are Satnamis?

The Satnamis, a significant Scheduled Caste (SC) community in Chhattisgarh, trace their roots back to Bir Bhan of Narnaul, Haryana, who founded the sect in 1657. They follow the teachings of Saint Ravidas and prioritize honesty, justice, and proper earning. Satnamis hold Mini Mata in high regard, as she was the first female Member of Parliament from Chhattisgarh, winning the 1955 by-election to enter the Lok Sabha.

More about Satnami:

• Satnami revolt of 1672: A rebellion against Mughal rule led by the Satnamis, triggered by the killing of a Satnami by a Mughal soldier. They seized control but were eventually suppressed by Aurangzeb, facing brutal retaliation.

• Satnami revival: In 1820, Saint Ghasidas founded a significant Satnami group in Chhattisgarh, providing religious and social identity. His teachings emphasized monotheism, ethical conduct, equality, and dietary restraint, propagated through his work Nirvan Gyan. Satnamis have historically navigated their position within the broader Hindu hierarchy, influenced by connections with the Kabir Panth. A section of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve was renamed Guru Ghasidas National Park by the Chhattisgarh government in honour of Guru Ghasidas.

Fig: Guru Ghasidas

Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands

•Source: CNN*

Context: Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands are facing an unprecedented surge in wildfires due to extremely dry conditions.

What are Pantanal?

It is the world’s largest tropical wetland, spanning across Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. Fed by the Paraguay River and its tributaries, it covers an estimated area of 140,000 to 195,000 square kilometres. During rainy seasons, about 80% of the floodplains are submerged, fostering a diverse range of aquatic plants and supporting numerous animal species. Designated as a National Heritage in Brazil, it faces threats from activities like cattle grazing, pollution, and infrastructure development. Despite its ecological significance, less than 5% of the Pantanal is protected, with most of it under private ownership.

GREAT Scheme

Source: PIB

Context: The Ministry of Textiles has approved Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) schemes for startups in technical textiles.

It is part of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). Under the GREAT scheme, grant-in-aid, typically up to INR 50 lakhs, over 18 months will be provided. The scheme aims to harness India’s talent and expertise in the technical textiles sector to introduce innovative products and technologies to the market.

About Technical textiles:

They are specialized fabrics with diverse applications in industries like automotive, construction, healthcare, and more. Their demand stems from a country’s development and industrialization. These textiles are categorized into 12 segments based on their usage, including Agrotech, Meditech, Mobiltech, Geotech, and others. For instance, Mobiltech covers products like seat belts and airbags in vehicles, while Geotech includes materials for soil erosion control.

About The National Technical Textiles Mission:

It was approved in 2020, and aims to elevate India as a global leader in technical textiles and boost domestic usage from USD 40 billion to USD 50 billion by 2024. Operated under the Ministry of Textiles, it spans four years with key components focusing on research, market development, exports, and education. India’s technical textiles sector, currently at USD 40 billion with an 8% share in the global market, targets accelerated growth to 15-20% annually to compete with major players like the USA, Europe, China, and Japan.

Google Search Algorithms

Source: TH

Context: An anonymous email claiming access to Google’s Search algorithm API documents was recently disclosed.

What is an API document?

API documents, or Application Programming Interface documents, are comprehensive guides that detail the functionalities, parameters, endpoints, and usage instructions for developers seeking to integrate with or utilize an API (Application Programming Interface).

What is Google’s search algorithms?

They are intricate systems designed to retrieve and present information from its vast index based on user queries. They analyze billions of web pages using specific criteria like backlinks and content quality to rank results. Google continuously updates these algorithms to enhance search quality and combat spam.

How does it work?

The search process involves three stages:

• Searching/ranking

Web crawlers discover and index URLs, categorizing their content. When a user queries, the algorithm uses language models to understand the query, correct spelling, and determine intent. It assesses content relevance based on keyword matches and signals of expertise and trustworthiness, like backlinks and content length.

User-friendly factors like mobile-friendliness and page load times are also prioritized, along with personalization based on location and search history.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 June 2024 Mapping:

Armenia

•Source: NASA*

Context: Armenia becomes the 43rd signatory of the Artemis Accords, a set of principles for global space exploration cooperation led by NASA.

What are Artemis Accords?

The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by NASA and seven founding member nations, including the US, are a set of non-binding principles aimed at guiding civil space exploration. With 43 signatories, including India (signed in 2023), the accords promote peaceful, sustainable, and transparent cooperation in space, grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.

About Armenia:

Armenia is a landlocked country in the mountainous Caucasus region between Asia and Europe. Yerevan is the capital. Armenia was the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion. It underwent the Armenian genocide during World War I. After periods of independence and Soviet rule, it became independent in 1991.