UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 July 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 July 2024)
• SC judgment on the Muslim women’s right to maintenance
SC judgment on the Muslim women’s right to maintenance
• Rules governing the conduct of Civil Servants
Rules governing the conduct of Civil Servants
GS Paper 3:
• Trade in Indian Rupee
Trade in Indian Rupee
Content For Mains Enrichment (CME)
• 15-minute neighbourhoods
15-minute neighbourhoods
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Article 341 of the Constitution
Article 341 of the Constitution
• Fraud Risk Management
Fraud Risk Management
• MV Sea Change
MV Sea Change
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Mapping:
• Tizu and Zungki River (National Waterways 101)
Tizu and Zungki River (National Waterways 101)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 July 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
SC judgment on the Muslim women’s right to maintenance
Syllabus: Government policies and Interventions/ Issues related to Minorities/ Issues related to Women/ Indian Society
Source: IE
Context: The recent Supreme Court judgment in “Mohd Abdul Samad vs The State of Telangana” has affirmed that the Muslim Women Act of 1986 does not override the rights of divorced Muslim women to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC.
What was the issue about?
A Muslim man challenged an order to pay maintenance to his divorced wife under Section 125 of the CrPC. He argued that the Muslim Women Act of 1986, which has special rules for maintenance, should override Section 125. He claimed that this Act gives Magistrates the authority to handle maintenance and other related issues, not family courts.
What does Section 125 of the CrPC say?
Section 125 of the CrPC mandates that a Magistrate can order a person with sufficient means to pay monthly maintenance to:
• His wife, if she cannot maintain herself.
• His minor child (legitimate or illegitimate) is unable to maintain itself.
• His adult children with physical or mental disabilities are unable to maintain themselves.
• His father or mother, if they cannot maintain themselves.
What is the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986?
It was enacted to safeguard the rights of Muslim women following the landmark Shah Bano case in 1985. This Act ensures that divorced Muslim women receive fair maintenance from their former husbands during the iddat period, typically about three months after divorce. It also addresses matters such as the payment of mahr (dower) and the return of properties received at the time of marriage.
Importantly, the Act allows divorced couples to choose to be governed by the provisions of Sections 125 to 128 of the CrPC, 1973, for maintenance, if they declare so jointly or separately at the first hearing of the application.
The 2009 Shabana Bano case reaffirmed that divorced Muslim women can claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC even after the iddat period, as long as they do not remarry, highlighting the application of secular provisions regardless of religious affiliation.
What does the Supreme Court say?
SC affirmed Section 125 CrPC applies universally to all women, not just married ones, and Muslim women can seek maintenance under Section 125 CrPC despite the 1986 Act.
Significance of SC decision:
• Affirms equality: This decision underscores the Court’s commitment to ensuring equality and non-discrimination, particularly for divorced Muslim women seeking maintenance.
• Financial Empowerment: The Supreme Court stressed the importance of financial empowerment for women who lack independent income, distinguishing between economically active married women and those reliant on support for their personal expenses.
• Right to Maintainance: The Court affirmed that divorced Muslim women, including those divorced through triple talaq (which has been declared void and criminalized), retain the right to seek maintenance under Section 125 CrPC, reinforcing the principle of equitable treatment under Indian law.
It is important for women to have the right to maintenance:
• Financial Independence: Maintenance ensures women have financial support to meet their daily needs, especially if they lack independent income.
• Social Security: It provides a safety net for women, particularly in cases of divorce or separation, reducing vulnerability to poverty and homelessness.
• Equality and Rights: Maintenance rights uphold principles of gender equality, ensuring women have access to resources similar to men in similar circumstances.
• Legal Protection: It offers legal recourse for women facing economic hardship due to marital breakdown or abandonment.
• Child Welfare: Maintenance supports the well-being of children, ensuring they have adequate support from both parents.
• Dignity and Well-being: It promotes the dignity and well-being of women by recognizing their right to financial support irrespective of their marital status.
Insta Links:
• Insights into Editorial: Beyond talaq: On Muslim divorce bill
• Plea in SC against uniform civil law on divorce and alimony
Mains Link:
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (UPSC 2020)
Prelims Link:
Q. Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice? (UPSC 2019)
(a) Article 19 (b) Article 21 (c) Article 25 (d) Article 29
Ans: (b)
Rules governing the conduct of Civil Servants
Syllabus: Governance: Civil Services/ Ethics: Conduct of Civil Servants
- •Source: IE*
Context: Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, is under scrutiny by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for alleged misconduct and issues related to her appointment under the OBC and PH quotas. The centre has set up a single-member committee under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to review her appointment process.
What is the Issue about?
Puja Khedkar (IAS 2022 batch), despite a low rank, obtained a position in the IAS through OBC and PH reservations. Allegations question the validity of her OBC and PH certificates. If proven that these were falsified, she could face discharge from service. This controversy is compounded by her failure to attend a required medical examination for her PH status, citing reasons including a COVID-19 infection. Critics have also raised concerns about her eligibility for OBC benefits due to her family’s political background and her father’s former government service.
Rules Governing civil servants in India:
Rules on Integrity of Services | Rules for Probationers
All IAS, IPS, and IFoS officers are governed by the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules from the time they join their respective services and begin their probation period. | Probationers are governed by additional rules during their probation period, which lasts at least two years after selection.
Integrity and Devotion to Duty | IAS (Probation) Rules
Rule 3(1): Officers must uphold absolute integrity and dedication to their duties at all times. | Officers undergo training at LBSNAA in Mussoorie and must pass an examination at the end of two years to be confirmed in their service.
Gifts and Benefits | Salary and Allowances
Rule 11(1): Officers may accept gifts only from near relatives, with strict reporting requirements for any gift exceeding Rs 25,000 to prevent influence on their duties. | Probationers receive a fixed salary and travel allowance but do not have entitlements like an official car, official accommodation, or an official chamber with staff.
Unbecoming of an Officer | Probationer Discharge
Rule 4(1): Officers must not use their position or influence to secure employment for any family member with private undertakings or NGOs. | Rule 12: Circumstances for discharge include being found ineligible or unsuitable by the central government, neglecting duties, or lacking essential service qualities.
Property Details | Enquiry Process
Rule 13: Officers must annually submit property returns detailing all immovable properties owned, inherited, acquired, or held through lease or mortgage by themselves or family members. | If disciplinary action is initiated, a summary enquiry by a DoPT-appointed committee submits its report within two weeks to inform decisions regarding the probationer’s status.
Sub-Rules Added in 2014 |
Added standards include maintaining high ethical standards, integrity, honesty, political neutrality, accountability, transparency, responsiveness to the public, and courtesy in public interactions. |
Ethical issues concerning Puja Khedkar’s case:
Ethical Issues | Description
Misuse of Reservation Quotas | Allegations that Khedkar may have falsely claimed OBC and PH status to secure a position in the IAS, exploiting affirmative action meant for disadvantaged groups.
Misconduct and Special Privileges | Accusations include seeking undue privileges, such as using an unauthorized beacon on her car and occupying official premises improperly.
Falsification of Documents | Concerns were raised about the authenticity of her OBC and PH certificates, which, if proven false, could indicate deception in securing her civil service appointment.
Integrity and Ethical Conduct | Questions about adherence to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, including maintaining integrity, avoiding misuse of position, and transparency in dealings.
Legal and Disciplinary Violations | Issues related to disciplinary actions for failure to attend mandatory medical examinations and other alleged breaches of conduct as outlined by the rules for probationers.
Public Trust and Accountability | Impact on public trust in the civil service, given the sensitive nature of the allegations and the importance of ethical behaviour in upholding the integrity of governance.
Other rules regarding the conduct of Civil servants:
• Code of Conduct for Civil Servants: Mandates that every member of the service maintains:
• Integrity and honesty Political neutrality Promotion of merit, fairness, and impartiality Accountability and transparency Responsiveness to the public, particularly the weaker sections Courtesy and good behaviour towards the public.
• Integrity and honesty
• Political neutrality
• Promotion of merit, fairness, and impartiality
• Accountability and transparency
• Responsiveness to the public, particularly the weaker sections
• Courtesy and good behaviour towards the public.
• Draft Public Service Bill (2007): Proposed by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions to establish generic standards known as “values” for civil servants. Major values include:
• Allegiance to constitutional ideals Apolitical functioning Prioritization of good governance for public welfare Objective and impartial duty performance Accountability and transparent decision-making Highest ethical standards maintenance Merit-based selection respecting cultural and ethnic diversities Economy in expenditure Promotion of a healthy work environment Communication, consultation, and cooperation in management.
• Allegiance to constitutional ideals
• Apolitical functioning
• Prioritization of good governance for public welfare
• Objective and impartial duty performance
• Accountability and transparent decision-making
• Highest ethical standards maintenance
• Merit-based selection respecting cultural and ethnic diversities
• Economy in expenditure
• Promotion of a healthy work environment
• Communication, consultation, and cooperation in management.
Committee Recommendations:
Committee Recommendations | Description | Year
Santhanam Committee | Recommended reforms in recruitment processes and ethical standards for civil servants. | 1964
Hota Committee | Suggested measures to enhance transparency and merit-based selection in civil service recruitment. | 2003
Second ARC | Advocated for reforms to improve efficiency and accountability in recruitment and training. | 2006
Alagh Committee | Proposed reforms to align civil service selection processes with modern requirements. | 2008
Khanna Committee | Examined issues related to civil service reforms and competency in public service delivery. | 2010
Conclusion:
The Puja Khedkar controversy highlights the critical need for honesty and transparency in civil services. Rules are in place to prevent misuse of authority for personal benefit. The incident also prompts scrutiny of the reservation system’s integrity and implementation. Ethics are pivotal in ensuring public trust and confidence in civil service operations.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 July 2024 GS Paper 3:
Trade in Indian Rupee
Syllabus: Economy: Liberalisation of Economy
- •Source: TH*
Context: India and Russia have significantly increased their rupee-rouble transactions in 2024, doubling them since the previous year despite U.S. and EU sanctions.
What does the data show?
• Trade Volume between India and Russia: Bilateral trade is already at $65 billion in 2023-24, with $60 billion from Russian exports to India, mainly in energy.
• Future Prospects: Trade target of $100 billion by 2030
• Banking Developments: Russia’s Sberbank reports a six-fold increase in corporate deposits in rupees since January.
What does internationalisation of the rupee mean?
Internationalisation of the rupee refers to expanding Rupee usage in international transactions between residents of India and non-residents. Initially focused on trade transactions like imports and exports, this process aims to gradually extend to other current account dealings and eventually capital account transactions. The rupee’s internationalisation seeks to reduce dependency on dominant global reserve currencies such as the US dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, and pound sterling.
Government steps towards Internationalization of the Indian Rupee:
• 1950s: Indian rupee was widely used in UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar as legal tender. However, the devaluation of the Indian rupee (in 1966) led these countries to introduce sovereign currencies, reducing reliance on the rupee.
• Establishment of the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) in 1974 by 10 Asian central banks: ACU facilitates multilateral trade transaction settlements among its 13 member countries.
• GIFT City Developments
• July 2022: RBI circular on “International Trade Settlement in Indian Rupees.” Introduction of external commercial borrowings in Rupees (Masala Bonds).
• March 2023: RBI introduced a mechanism for rupee trade settlement with 18 countries. Banks from these countries are authorized to open Special Vostro Rupee Accounts (SVRAs).
• July 2023: Agreement with UAE allowed Indian Oil Corporation to pay in rupees for crude. Similar rupee settlements for Russian oil imports
Advantages:
Benefit | Description
Reduced dependency on dollars | International use of rupee reduces overdependence on US dollar for India’s import payments, insulating from pricing fluctuations and political sanctions.
Currency stability | Greater global use can lead to more stability and confidence in the rupee, similar to historical examples with currencies like the pound sterling or Japanese Yen.
Lower transaction costs | International rupee invoicing and settlement should reduce transaction costs on bilateral trades settled in dollars or euros, saving on currency conversion.
Soft power and investor appeal | Wider adoption enhances India’s soft diplomacy, positioning it among emerging economies, and potentially boosting growth and investment appeal over the long term.
Macroeconomic discipline effect | Wider use encourages Indian policymakers to maintain stricter fiscal and monetary discipline, ensuring stability and signalling reliability to global markets.
Limitations of Internationalization of the Indian Rupee:
• Volatility of rupee: High volatility versus currencies like USD and low stability makes it less attractive globally for trade and investment flows. This impacts the feasibility of its wider adoption.
• Capital flight concerns: Opening up the rupee to international markets may lead to capital flight if investors lose confidence in the currency or anticipate unfavourable economic conditions. This can strain the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
• This can strain the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
• Limited capital account convertibility: Full capital account convertibility is needed to allow wider use in global capital flows. But India doesn’t have full capital account convertibility. Also, this is risky for India given past currency crises and high external debt.
• Underdeveloped corporate debt and securities markets: Deep, liquid debt and securities markets crucial to allow rupee serving reserve, trading currency purposes globally. Indian markets lack relative depth, especially in derivative instruments.
• High inflation history for rupee: Vulnerability to high inflation historically due to dependence on import of commodities like oil and gold. Risk of imported inflation through rupee internationalization due to exchange rate pass-through.
Way forward:
• Develop Deeper Domestic Bond Markets: Take policy steps to enable greater investment options for foreign investors and Indian trade partners in rupee-denominated securities to facilitate its global usage.
• Make the Rupee More Freely Convertible: Aim for full convertibility by 2060, allowing easier movement of financial investments between India and abroad.
• Streamline Trade Settlement Processes: Optimizing documentation and procedures for rupee-denominated settlement of export and import transactions would promote internationalization.
• Expand Bilateral Currency Swap Agreements: As undertaken with partners like Sri Lanka and Russia, allow settlement of bilateral trade and investment in rupee terms rather than intermediate reserve currencies.
• Offer Incentives for Rupee Usage: Provide tax and regulatory incentives to international businesses to invoice more transactions in Indian rupee.
• Ensure Macroeconomic Stability: Pursue fiscal prudence, low inflation for currency stability and predictable currency issuance procedures to build confidence in economic management.
• Implement Recommendations of Tarapore Committees: Work towards goals like reducing fiscal deficit below 3.5% of GDP and banking sector non-performing assets below 5% for stability.
Conclusion
The Tarapore Committee’s recommendations (1997, 2006) to reduce fiscal deficits, inflation rates, and banking non-performing assets are crucial steps towards rupee internationalization. Advocating for rupee as an official currency in international organizations would boost its profile and global acceptance
Insta Links:
• Internationalisation of rupee
Prelims Links:
Q1. Convertibility of rupee implies (UPSC 2015)
(a) being able to convert rupee notes into gold (b) allowing the value of rupee to be fixed by market forces (c) freely permitting the conversion of rupee to other currencies and vice versa (d) developing an international market for currencies in India
Ans: (c)
Q2. With reference to Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes/ constitute the Current Account? (UPSC 2014)
• Balance of trade
• Foreign assets
• Balance of invisibles
• Special Drawing Rights
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
• 1 only b. 2 and 3 c. 1 and 3 d. 1, 2 and 4
Ans: (c)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 July 2024 Content For Mains Enrichment (CME)
15-minute neighbourhoods
Source: Th
Context: The article discusses the potential of 15-minute neighbourhoods to address Bengaluru’s urban challenges, such as congestion, water crises, and erratic weather.
What are 15-minute neighborhoods?
The 15-minute neighbourhood concept is an urban planning approach where all essential services and amenities—such as groceries, schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities—are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from residents’ homes. This model aims to reduce car reliance, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance community well-being by promoting walkability and local accessibility.
The 15-minute neighborhood concept can help address Bengaluru’s urban challenges through:
• Reduced Traffic Congestion: By promoting walking and cycling for short trips, it decreases the reliance on cars, alleviating road congestion.
• Improved Air Quality: Less vehicle use leads to lower emissions, enhancing air quality.
• Enhanced Community Interaction: Close proximity to essential services fosters stronger social connections and a sense of community.
• Increased Safety: Better infrastructure for non-motorized transport reduces accidents and improves public safety.
• Support for Vulnerable Groups: Accessible services within walking distance benefit women, children, the elderly, and economically weaker sections.
• Health Benefits: Encouraging active transport like walking and cycling boosts physical health and well-being.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 July 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Article 341 of the Constitution
Source: IE
Context: The Supreme Court ruled that states cannot modify the Schedule Caste (SC) list published under Article 341 of the Constitution.
The court quashed a Bihar government notification from 2015 that classified the Tanti-Tantwa community as SC, reverting them back to the category of Extremely Backward Class. The court called the notification “mala fide” and emphasized that only Parliament has the authority to amend the SC list through legislation, not state governments.
About Article 341:
Article 341 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to specify castes, races, or tribes as Scheduled Castes (SC) for various states and union territories. This designation is made after consulting with the Governor of the concerned state.
• The list of Scheduled Castes is intended to provide special privileges and benefits to these communities to promote their social and educational advancement.
• Parliament holds the authority to amend this list by including or excluding groups through legislation, ensuring the criteria for inclusion are clearly defined and adhered to.
Fraud Risk Management
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its rules on fraud risk management for Regulated Entities (REs), including commercial banks, cooperative banks, NBFCs, and housing finance companies.
What are REs?
REs, or Regulated Entities, refer to financial institutions that are under the regulatory oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These include:
• Commercial Banks: Includes all scheduled commercial banks, including regional rural banks, and other banking institutions.
• Cooperative Banks: This category encompasses urban cooperative banks, state cooperative banks, and central cooperative banks.
• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs): This includes entities engaged in financial activities like lending, investments, and financial intermediation, but do not hold a banking license. It also includes housing finance companies.
These entities are regulated by the RBI to ensure compliance with financial regulations, maintain stability in the financial system, and protect the interests of depositors and investors. The RBI issues guidelines and directives that REs must adhere to regarding operations, risk management, governance, and compliance.
Major Points of RBI’s Master Directions:
• Compliance with Principles of Natural Justice: REs must adhere to principles of natural justice before classifying Persons/Entities as fraud, as per the Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment.
• Mandatory Data Analytics and Market Intelligence Unit: Required to strengthen risk management systems.
• Enhanced Early Warning System: Strengthened for early fraud detection and prevention.
• Timely Reporting: Ensured to law enforcement agencies and supervisors.
MV Sea Change
Context: The MV Sea Change, the world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered by 100% zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells, was launched in San Francisco.
It can travel 300 nautical miles and operate for 16 hours before refuelling.
What are hydrogen fuel cells?
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing water vapour as the only emission. They are a clean and efficient alternative to traditional combustion engines, offering zero tailpipe emissions and the potential for use in various applications, including transportation and stationary power generation.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- •Source: TH*
Context: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first human electroencephalogram (EEG), pioneered by German physiologist Hans Berger.
What is EEG?
EEG stands for electroencephalography, combining “Electro” for electricity, “encephalo” for the brain, and “graphy” for representation. It is an instrument that measures brain electrical activity generated by neurons, essential in fields such as neuroscience and neurolinguistics.
• Uses: Common applications include epilepsy diagnosis, monitoring anaesthesia effects, assessing sleep patterns, coma activity, and brain death.
• Functioning: Neurons in the brain create electrical signals, detected by EEG to differentiate normal and abnormal brain states.
• Advantages: EEG is cost-effective, non-invasive, portable, and emits no radiation or noise.
• Disadvantages: Setup involves time and sensitivity to hair thickness, and it primarily detects surface brain activity, sometimes needing support from MRI and advanced data processing for deeper insights.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 July 2024 Mapping::
Tizu and Zungki River (National Waterways 101)
Source: PIB
Context: The government has announced initiatives for the economic development of Nagaland through the harnessing of Tizu and Zungki rivers (National Waterways 101)
About Tizu and Zungki River:
• Tizu River: Originates near Longkhim in Tuensang district, Nagaland. It flows into the Chinwin River (also known as Ningthi River) in Myanmar, a major tributary of the Irrawaddy River.
• Main Tributaries: Include Zungki, Lanye, and Likimro rivers.
• Zungki River: The largest tributary of the Tizu River within Nagaland.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 July 2024 [PDF]
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