UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 July 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 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 3: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 July 2024)
• Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024 for Combating Urban Naxalism
Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024 for Combating Urban Naxalism
GS Paper 4:
• Practicing Gratitude can extend the Lifespan
Practicing Gratitude can extend the Lifespan
Reports in News
• “CITES Rosewoods: The Global Picture” Report
“CITES Rosewoods: The Global Picture” Report
• Study: Air pollution harms pollinators more than pests
Study: Air pollution harms pollinators more than pests
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Central Information Commission
Central Information Commission
• Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
• Wolbachia
Wolbachia
• Valorization of Dredged Sediments
Valorization of Dredged Sediments
• GearShift Challenge
GearShift Challenge
• Kashmir willow
Kashmir willow
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 July 2024
#### GS Paper 3:
Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024 for Combating Urban Naxalism
Syllabus: Internal Security: Naxalism/ Government Policies and Interventions
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Maharashtra government introduced the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, to counter urban Naxalism. The bill proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals supporting Naxal-affiliated organizations, even if they are not direct members. This includes activities like contributing to, soliciting aid for, harbouring members of, or promoting such groups.
What is Urban Naxalism?
It refers to the presence and activities of Naxalites or CPI (Maoist) in urban areas. As per the Maoist strategy, urban areas are crucial for providing cadres, leadership, and logistical support for the people’s war. The key objectives are mobilizing masses, building a united front, and military tasks. Activities include maintaining safe houses, providing logistics, and recruiting youth and workers.
Key provisions of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024
Key Provisions | Details
Purpose and Scope | Combat the increasing threat of Naxalism, especially in urban areas through Naxal-affiliated organizations.
Declaration of Unlawful Organizations | The state can declare an organization as “unlawful”. An advisory board of three qualified individuals (current/former/qualified High Court judges) will review such decisions.
Definition of Unlawful Activities | Activities threatening public order, peace, and tranquillity. Interference with law administration and public servants. Violence, vandalism, use of firearms, explosives, and disruption of transportation. Encouraging disobedience to law and institutions. Collecting funds or goods for unlawful activities.
Cognizable and Non-bailable Offences | All offences under this law are cognizable and non-bailable and will be investigated by a police officer not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector.
Punishments | Members of Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to Rs 3 lakh. Non-members Contributing or Aiding Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 2 years and fines up to Rs 2 lakh. Management or Promotion of Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to Rs 3 lakh. Committing, Abetting, or Planning Unlawful Activities: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fines up to Rs 5 lakh.
Seizure and Forfeiture | If an organisation has been declared unlawful, the District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police can notify and take possession of any place used for its activities. The government can forfeit money and assets intended for unlawful organizations.
Legal Review | An advisory board must review the declaration of unlawful organizations within six weeks and submit a report within three months. The high court can review government actions through revision petitions.
Non-members Contributing or Aiding Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 2 years and fines up to Rs 2 lakh.
Management or Promotion of Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to Rs 3 lakh.
Committing, Abetting, or Planning Unlawful Activities: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fines up to Rs 5 lakh.
Issues with the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024:
• Vague Definitions: Sections of the bill such as Section 2(f)(i) to (vii) have vague definitions of “unlawful activities,” which could be prone to misuse and arbitrary interpretation.
• Overriding Powers: Section 9 grants draconian powers to the District Magistrate and Commissioner of Police to seize property without adequate safeguards, potentially impacting the rights of residents, particularly women and children.
• Broad Scope: The bill’s broad definition of “unlawful” actions, including speech and expression, could stifle freedom of the press and legitimate public dissent, criminalizing activities that are essential for democratic discourse.
• Misuse Potential: Concerns were raised about the potential misuse of the law against journalists and activists reporting on sensitive issues like socio-economic disparities or governmental failures.
• Lack of Public Scrutiny: The bill was introduced without prior public consultation or scrutiny by legal experts, raising questions about transparency and the democratic process.
• Constitutional Concerns: Criticisms that the bill’s provisions are repressive, unconstitutional, and overly broad, allowing for arbitrary application and undermining civil liberties.
• Haste in Passing: Introduced hastily towards the end of the legislative session, prompting concerns about rushed legislation before adequate debate and scrutiny could take place.
Way Forward:
• Public Consultation: Conduct comprehensive public consultations and seek feedback from legal experts to address concerns and refine ambiguous provisions.
• Transparency: Ensure transparency in legislative processes by making the draft bill accessible for public scrutiny and debate before reintroducing it in the assembly.
• Safeguard Rights: Incorporate safeguards to protect fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and the right to dissent, while curbing unlawful activities effectively.
• Judicial Oversight: Strengthen provisions for judicial oversight to prevent misuse of powers granted to law enforcement agencies under the bill.
• Balanced Approach: Strike a balance between security imperatives and civil liberties to ensure that the legislation effectively targets unlawful activities without unduly infringing on constitutional rights.
Conclusion:
The Maharashtra Urban Naxal Bill 2024 aims to address urban Naxalism but faces criticism for potentially infringing on civil liberties and stifling dissent. Proponents see it as essential for maintaining public order and security. Its implementation and impact will spark ongoing debate over balancing security measures with fundamental rights.
Insta Links:
• RSTV: THE BIG PICTURE- TACKLING NAXAL THREAT
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 July 2024 GS Paper 4:
Practicing Gratitude can extend the Lifespan
Syllabus: Ethics
Source: Firstpost
Context: A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that practising gratitude can extend lifespan.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for what one has. It involves recognizing and acknowledging the good things in life, whether big or small.
For example:
• Expressing thanks to a friend for their help
• Appreciating a beautiful sunset
• Being grateful for good health.
How does Gratitude help improve lifespan?
• Reduces Stress: Practicing gratitude lowers stress levels by shifting focus away from negative thoughts and emotions.
• Promotes Positive Outlook: Grateful individuals tend to maintain a more optimistic perspective on life, which can buffer against stress-related health issues. It has been shown to improve mental well-being, enhance relationships, and even contribute to physical health.
• Encourages Healthy Behaviors: People who practice gratitude often engage in healthier lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and better sleep habits.
• Strengthens Social Connections: Gratitude fosters stronger relationships and social support networks, which are vital for mental and physical well-being.
• Enhances Coping Mechanisms: Gratitude cultivates effective coping strategies, helping individuals manage challenges and adversity more effectively.
• Improves Emotional Resilience: Grateful individuals exhibit greater emotional resilience, which can contribute to overall mental and physical health.
• Supports Cardiovascular Health: Studies suggest that gratitude may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, improving heart health and longevity.
• Boosts Immune Function: Positive emotions associated with gratitude can enhance immune function, reducing susceptibility to illness.
Quote: Let us Rise Up and be Thankful, for if We didn’t Learn a Lot Today, at Least We Learned a Little— Gautama Buddha
Perspective on Gratitude:
Thinker | Perspective on Gratitude
Mahatma Gandhi | Emphasized gratitude as a spiritual and moral practice, essential for personal and societal well-being.
Swami Vivekananda | Advocated for gratitude as a path to spiritual growth and fulfilment.
Aristotle | Considered gratitude a moral virtue that fosters human flourishing and strengthens social bonds.
Cicero | Advocated gratitude as a moral duty crucial for building strong relationships and societal harmony.
Immanuel Kant | Viewed gratitude as a moral sentiment rooted in recognizing and valuing others’ contributions to one’s life.
Marcus Aurelius | Stoic philosopher who saw gratitude as essential for maintaining inner peace and resilience.
How can one practice Gratitude?
• Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down things you are grateful for daily or weekly.
• Express Appreciation: Verbalize gratitude to others for their kindness or support.
• Count Your Blessings: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life regularly.
• Focus on the Present: Appreciate the current moment and what it offers.
• Use Gratitude Affirmations: Repeat affirmations that express gratitude.
• Perform Acts of Kindness: Helping others can enhance feelings of gratitude.
• Mindful Meditation: Practice meditation focused on gratitude and positive emotions.
• Create a Gratitude Jar: Fill a jar with notes of things you are grateful for and review them periodically.
• Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and appreciate your achievements and milestones.
• Write Thank-You Notes: Send notes of gratitude to people who have positively impacted your life.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 July 2024 Reports in News
Reports in News
Reports | Description
“CITES Rosewoods: The Global Picture” Report | Launched by CITES
The report, details characteristics, ecosystem roles, regeneration rates, and threats of CITES-listed rosewood species. This information aids CITES parties in making informed non-detriment findings (NDFs), a mandatory analysis ensuring exports of Appendix I and II species do not threaten their survival.
About Rosewood: Rosewood refers to tropical hardwoods from the Fabaceae family, known for their rich, dark hues and aromatic properties. Used in high-quality furniture and musical instruments, species like Dalbergia latifolia (Malabar rosewood) and Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) are notable examples. Malabar rosewood is listed as Vulnerable, Shisham as Least Concern, and African rosewood as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. These trees improve soil quality and fix atmospheric nitrogen, playing significant roles in their ecosystems.
About CITES
Study: Air pollution harms pollinators more than pests | A recent study in Nature Communications reveals that air pollution disproportionately harms pollinators like bees and butterflies while crop-destroying pests remain unaffected.
Key findings include air pollutants disrupting scent-based communication, and impairing bees’ and wasps’ ability to locate flowers, mates, or prey. Ozone is the most harmful pollutant, reducing beneficial insects’ ability to thrive by around 34%, with nitrogen oxides also having negative effects. These impacts occur even at low pollution levels.
Pollination is essential for plant reproduction, involving the transfer of pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma. It can be self-pollination (within the same plant) or cross-pollination (between different plants). Pollinators include abiotic agents like wind and water and biotic agents like insects.
Rosewood refers to tropical hardwoods from the Fabaceae family, known for their rich, dark hues and aromatic properties. Used in high-quality furniture and musical instruments, species like Dalbergia latifolia (Malabar rosewood) and Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) are notable examples. Malabar rosewood is listed as Vulnerable, Shisham as Least Concern, and African rosewood as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. These trees improve soil quality and fix atmospheric nitrogen, playing significant roles in their ecosystems.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 July 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Central Information Commission
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Supreme Court has affirmed that the Central Information Commission (CIC) possesses the authority to constitute benches and frame regulations, emphasizing the importance of its autonomy for effective functioning.
• The Supreme Court underscored that the powers of the Chief Information Commissioner to frame regulations are within the scope of Section 12(4) of the RTI Act.
Central Information Commission (CIC):
The CIC was established by the Central Government in 2005, under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005). It is not a constitutional body.
The Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners.
They are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- •Source: IE*
Context: Bihar’s Agriculture Minister has requested the Centre to declare a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana, an aquatic crop extensively cultivated in Bihar.
• This request is significant as Bihar contributes 85% of the country’s makhana production, involving around 10 lakh people, primarily from poorer backgrounds.
About MSP:
Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the minimum price set by the government for certain agricultural products, at which the products would directly be bought from the farmers if the open market prices are less than the cost incurred.
Wolbachia
Source: TH
Context: A new study reveals that Wolbachia bacteria have manipulated the evolution of Encarsia formosa wasps to eliminate males entirely.
• The bacteria, found in insect cells and transmitted only by females, manipulate their hosts to produce more female offspring.
• Researchers discovered that in the wild, formosa wasps rarely produce males, but when treated with antibiotics, about 70% of the progeny were male.
• This indicates that Wolbachia bacteria cause unfertilized eggs to double their chromosomes, resulting in female offspring.
• Additionally, the bacteria’s genome contains a tra gene, acquired from a beetle, which is crucial for female development.
Valorization of Dredged Sediments
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has approved a research proposal on the valorization of dredged sediments, led by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay).
• This three-year project aims to transform dredged sediments, often considered waste, into valuable construction aggregates.
• This initiative not only promotes sustainable development but also addresses environmental concerns by efficiently utilizing resources.
GearShift Challenge
- •Source: PIB*
Context: NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, has launched the NITI GearShift Challenge as part of the e-FAST India initiative.
• This hackathon aims to develop innovative business models to promote the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing economic and environmental issues.
• The first round focuses on initial business models, while the second round involves detailed models and implementation roadmaps, mentored by industry leaders.
With the freight sector being crucial to India’s economy and a significant contributor to diesel consumption and CO2 emissions, the challenge aims to accelerate the shift to electric trucks, improving air quality and energy security.
Kashmir willow
- •Source: TH*
Context: Kashmiri willow bats have gained global attention.
About Kashmir willow:
• The Kashmir Willow (Salix alba) is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters.
• It is primarily found in the Kashmir region of India, where it was extensively planted by the British.
• Key features include its high productivity, attributed to its efficient conversion of solar radiation into chemical energy.
• Willows are known for their extensive fibrous root system and their ability to form symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi.
- •Source: Economic Times*
Context: Argentina, has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization and frozen its financial assets.
• This move aligns Argentina with the US and Israel following a deadly Hamas attack on Israel.
About Hamas:
Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political organization and militant group that has waged war on Israel since the group’s 1987 founding, most notably through suicide bombings and rocket attacks.
It seeks to replace Israel with a Palestinian state.
It also governs Gaza independently of the Palestinian Authority.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 July 2024 [PDF]
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