UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 July 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 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 – 2 July 2024)

• Smart Cities Mission extended till 2025

Smart Cities Mission extended till 2025

• Three criminal laws become effective from July 1

Three criminal laws become effective from July 1

GS Paper 3:

• Inclusive Growth of the North-East Region of India

Inclusive Growth of the North-East Region of India

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• James Lawson

James Lawson

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Santhal Hul

Santhal Hul

• eSankhyiki portal

eSankhyiki portal

• Eco-friendly supercapacitors

Eco-friendly supercapacitors

• Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican conservation

Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican conservation

Mapping

• Shyok River (Ladakh)

Shyok River (Ladakh)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02 July 2024

#### GS Paper 2:

Smart Cities Mission extended till 2025

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Governance

• •Source: Th*

Context: The Smart Cities Mission has received an extension until March 31, 2025, following an appeal by the Chief Minister of Telangana A Revanth Reddy.

About SCM:

The SCM (Smart Cities mission) was launched in 2015, with the expressed objective of promoting cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to their citizens. A clean and sustainable environment and the application of ‘smart’ solutions were the promises made.

The six fundamental principles on which the concept of Smart Cities is based are:

Objectives of SCM:

The Smart Cities Mission aims to enhance urban life by focusing on core infrastructure, sustainability, and smart solutions. It seeks to create replicable models for compact, inclusive development, acting as a beacon for other cities to follow. The mission sets examples for both local and national replication, catalyzing the development of smart cities across regions in India.

City-wise Progress Report as of December 2023:

• Madurai: Completed 100% of projects.

• 56 cities: Completed over 80% of work.

• Lagging behind: 14 cities at 50% progress or below.

• Lagging cities primarily from the northeast, Union Territories, and hilly areas. Examples include Gangtok, Atal Nagar, Shillong, Silvassa, Itanagar, Puducherry, Saharanpur, and Port Blair with completion percentages ranging from 16% to 39%.

Achievements of SCM:

• Digital Transformation: Implementation of smart technologies for efficient governance and service delivery, such as Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) in all 100 Smart Cities.

• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Over 70% of projects align with UN SDGs, particularly SDG11 (inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities).

• Infrastructure Development: Improvement of urban mobility through metro lines, BRTS, and pedestrian-friendly pathways.

Smart Cities Mission Success Stories:

• Ahmedabad: Sensor-based water network monitoring increased supply by 50 MLD.

• Indore: Gravity-based network prevented 205 MLD of untreated sewage from entering water bodies.

• Visakhapatnam: Mudasarlova Reservoir Floating Solar Plant generated 3,613 MWh annually, preventing over 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Issues with the SCM:

• Behind deadlines: As per the recent mission director’s statement, the SCM has completed only about 66% of the projects. Protests and criticisms have been laid against many SCM projects like Warangal and Ludhiana SCMs.

• Challenges in Project Management and Implementation: Frequent changes and dropping of projects, insufficient financial progress, and varying physical progress among cities.

• Lack of integrated monitoring mechanism and cross-city learning. Insufficient emphasis on core infrastructure projects like social infrastructure and smart energy.

• Governance and Capacity Issues: Frequent transfer of Smart City CEOs, undefined governance structure, and monitoring capacity.

• Mission Deadline Extension: The current phase was originally set to conclude by June 2023, but was extended until June 2024 to complete pending projects.

• Funding Challenges:

• Less funds received: Some regions, including Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, and Port Blair, received less than 50% of pledged central funds. Only 28 cities received 100% of their share from states/ULBs, with funds released below 60% in 14 cities.

• Fund utilization: The SCM has been taking in more funds against the current progress and has utilized 90% of the funds (while completing only 66% of the projects)

• Failure in Fundraising Mechanisms: Only 6% of projects are funded through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), with about 50 cities unable to generate any funding through this avenue.

• Ineffective Advisory Forum Meetings: State-level advisory forum meetings are irregular, with an average of 1-8 meetings in the first five years. Some cities, like Amravati and Imphal, had no meetings.

• Absence of Master Plans: Master plans, crucial for urban development, are absent in 65% of recognized urban entities, according to a report by NITI Ayog.

• Low capacity of local bodies: The functionaries at local bodies are of inadequate strength and lack the skills to implement the scheme

• Scarcity of land within the central part of cities and other prime locations where the scheme is to come up

Recommendations of the parliamentary committee:

• Union ministry to lead the master plan for Greenfield development.

• Implement fixed tenure for CEOs of Smart Cities’ Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).

• Conduct third-party assessments of Smart Cities Mission (SCM) projects.

• Launch Phase II of SCM covering more cities, utilizing SPVs’ experience.

• Focus more on Pan City projects, emphasizing technology-driven solutions for holistic development.

• There is a need to protect digital infrastructure from misuse and cyber-attacks, ensuring privacy rights.

• Leverage the expertise gained by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and expand the role of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) in providing various city services.

• International Collaboration: E.g., India is supporting the Gelephu Smart City Project in Bhutan, while also seeking lessons from Singapore Smart City.

Conclusion

The foremost idea of smartness in smart cities should be to make cities resource-neutral or resource-positive. This means that the city should collect and process all the aftermaths of consumption within the city or consume resources within its ability to replace or regenerate. This needs attention across all micro sectors to bring forth a holistic change and ‘smartness’ to cities.

Insta Links:

• Smart Cities Mission

Mains Links:

With a brief background of the quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.’ ( UPSC 2016)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 July 2024 GS Paper 3:

Three criminal laws become effective from July 1

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions

Source: HT

Context: Three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—replacing colonial-era laws, came into effect on July 1, 2024.

About Three Criminal Laws:

Exception: Section 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which provides for punishment in hit-and-run cases, has been put on hold.

The positive aspects of the proposed criminal law reforms (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.):

• Modernization of Criminal Justice System: E.g., using e-FIR, Zero FIR, new cyber offences, and modernised evidence collection.

• Update of Outdated Laws

• Stringent Provisions for Women and Children: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has dedicated a separate chapter to these matters and introduced new forms of offence.

• Sexual intercourse with a minor wifehas been brought under the ambit of rape.

• Innovations: Innovations such as trial in absentia and the introduction of community service as a penalty for minor offences are noteworthy.

• Gender Inclusivity: The reforms have reviewed language for gender neutrality and replaced outdated terms such as ‘insanity’ with ‘mental illness.’

• Specific Definitions and Offenses: The act defines and addresses offences like terrorism, organized crime, mob lynching, and negligent acts, adding new dimensions to criminal law.

• Protection for Victims: protection and rights of victims, including provisions related to victims’ participation, and rights.

• Expedited Justice:g., Requirement for judgments to be given within 30 days after the trial concludes and limitations on adjournments.

Steps being taken to implement the three laws:

• Operational training: The Bar Council of India mandates new laws in university curricula from 2024-25.

• Publicity/awareness campaign: BPR&D coordinates efforts for a coordinated publicity campaign through the Inter-Ministerial Group.

• Tech upgradation: NCRB modified the CCTNS application for tech compatibility, including FIR registration; NIC developed applications like eSakshya, NyayShruti, and eSummon for crime scene documentation, judicial hearings, and electronic court summons.

• Capacity building: BPR&D developed 13 training modules for police, prisons, prosecutors, judicial officers, forensic experts, and central police organizations.

What more needs to be done:

• Bail Reform: Supreme Court directive: Bail should be the rule (Balchand v. State of Rajasthan, 1978). Implement the Law Commission’s 268th Report (2017) to reduce undertrial detention and ensure bail is the norm, not the exception.

• Victim and Witness Protection: Fully implement the Witness Protection Scheme (2018) with proper funding and oversight, as recommended by the Malimath Committee (2003).

• Revamping Fast-Track Courts: Assign dedicated judges, improve infrastructure, set binding timelines, and introduce case management systems to expedite cases.

• Combatting Criminalization of Politics: Establish an institution to tackle political criminalization, investigate the political-criminal nexus, and take decisive action, as suggested by the Vohra Committee (1993).

• Legal Aid Reform: Increase funding and create performance-based incentives for legal aid providers to ensure effective representation for disadvantaged defendants.

• AI in Case Management: Integrate AI for case management, scheduling, and pretrial risk assessment, ensuring transparency and preventing biases.

• Prison Administration Reform: Implement mandatory segregation of undertrials, convicts, and first-time offenders, and enforce national health insurance schemes in prisons, following the Justice Amitava Roy Committee recommendations.

• Gender Sensitization: Mandatory training for judicial officers on gender sensitivity, and establishing accountability mechanisms for gender-biased comments, referencing the SC Handbook on Gender Stereotypes.

• Victim-Centric Justice: Provide comprehensive victim support services, including counselling, legal aid navigation, and a guaranteed right to be heard in court.

• Promoting Restorative Justice: Adopt restorative justice practices focusing on healing harm caused by crime, as recommended by the Madhav Menon Committee (2007).

Insta Links:

• India’s Criminal Justice System

Mains Link:

We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (UPSC 2014)

Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (UPSC 2015)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 July 2024 GS Paper 3:

Inclusive Growth of the North-East Region of India

Syllabus: Indian Economy: Inclusive growth

Source: EPW

Context: Despite its natural wealth, the North East region in India struggles with infrastructure, market access, and social disparities. This underscores the urgent need for India to enhance integration efforts, unlocking the region’s potential in culture, economy, and environment.

What is the North-East Region of India?

North-East India, known as the land of seven sisters, is a distinct geographic and political division of India. It boasts diverse physiographic and ecoclimatic conditions, serving as a gateway for India’s unique flora and fauna.

Significance of North-East Region:

Significance | Example

Strategic Geopolitical Location | Economic corridors like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway

‘Act East’ policy

Rich Biodiversity and Natural Resources | Biodiversity hotspots

Oil, natural gas, and coal reserves

Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Mosaic | Over 220 ethnic groups and dialects

Cultural tourism potential

Agricultural and Horticultural Potential | Organic farming, high-value crops

Cultivation of medicinal plants

Hydroelectric Power Generation | 58,000 MW hydropower potential

Contribution to renewable energy goals

Tourism Potential | Kaziranga, Meghalaya’s living root bridges

Adventure tourism opportunities

Human Resource Development | High literacy rate and young population

Potential for innovation and entrepreneurship

Issues with the North East:

• Economic Underdevelopment and Unemployment: The region’s economy remains largely agrarian with limited industrialization. High youth unemployment fuels social unrest and out-migration, creating a brain drain.

• High youth unemployment fuels social unrest and out-migration, creating a brain drain.

• Infrastructure Deficit and Connectivity Issues: Despite efforts like the Act East Policy, the region lags in infrastructure development. Example: Slow progress of projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway hampers economic integration.

• Agricultural Challenges: Limited success in promoting organic farming despite initiatives.

• Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Example: The devastating 2022 Assam floods affected millions, showcasing the region’s vulnerability.

• China’s Growing Influence and Border Disputes: Example: clashes in Tawang (December 2022) and Dokhlam highlight tension.

• Drug Trafficking and Cross-border Crime: Vulnerability to drug trafficking from the Golden Triangle.

• Political Instability and Governance Issues: Frequent changes in government leadership hinder policy continuity. Example: Political instability in states like Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh affects governance and development planning.

Government Initiatives:

Initiative | Description

Infrastructure

Bharatmala Pariyojana | National highways development project aimed at improving road connectivity across the country.

Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN | Enhances air connectivity to underserved regions, including Northeast India, promoting tourism and trade.

Connectivity

Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project | Aims to connect India’s Northeast with Myanmar’s Sittwe Port to facilitate trade and economic activities.

India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway | Strategic highway project to improve road connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Tourism

Swadesh Darshan Scheme | Promotes integrated development of tourism infrastructure in theme-based circuits, including Northeast destinations.

Other

Digital North East Vision 2022 | Aims to digitally empower Northeast India through improved connectivity and access to digital services.

National Bamboo Mission | Promotes bamboo cultivation and utilization to enhance livelihoods and economic growth in the region.

Way forward:

Solutions | Description

Act-East from Northeast | Implement Act East policy comprehensively, collaborating closely with Northeastern state governments.

Enhancing Connectivity | Prioritize air links and road projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway for economic integration.

Development of Tourism | Promote tourism at sites like Kaziranga National Park; develop infrastructure under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Promoting Entrepreneurship | Conduct capacity building for local entrepreneurs; support initiatives like the National Bamboo Mission.

Education and Digital Connectivity | Establish centres of excellence for higher education; extend digital connectivity under Digital North East Vision 2022.

Infrastructure Development | Research viability for physical infrastructure; focus on disaster-resilient road and bridge construction.

Land Record Management | Improve land record systems to resolve disputes; for example: implementing a credible land record maintenance system.

Sports and Cultural Promotion | Support sports talents as exemplified by athletes like Mary Kom and Mirabai Chanu; promote regional sports infrastructure.

Mains Link:

“The simmering North East India has awaited a healing touch since Independence”. Explain. (10M)

Prelims Link:

Which Schedule of the Constitution of India contains special provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas in several States? (UPSC 2008)

(a) Third (b) Fifth (c) Seventh (d) Ninth

Ans: (b)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 July 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

James Lawson

• •Source: IE*

Context: James Lawson, an American non-violence activist who passed away on June 9, 2023, at age 95, played a pivotal role in integrating Gandhian non-violence principles into the American civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. regarded Lawson as a crucial figure in the movement and a global leader in nonviolence strategy.

James Lawson demonstrated several key ethical values:

• Nonviolence: Advocated and practised nonviolent resistance inspired by Gandhian principles.

• Inclusivity: Promoted inclusivity by combining Gandhian methods with Christian teachings.

• Courage: Showed courage in training activists to peacefully challenge segregation.

• Integrity: Criticized unjust actions, including US military policies, maintaining a consistent ethical stance.

• Love: Emphasized love as a powerful tool in social movements, advocating for unity and justice.

• Empowerment: Empowered African Americans in their struggle for civil rights through strategic nonviolence.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 July 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Santhal Hul

• •Source: IE*

• •Context: The 169th anniversary of the Santhal rebellion is celebrated*

Hul Divas is observed annually on June 30 in memory of tribal leaders — Sidho and Kanhu Murmu — who led the Santhal hul (rebellion) on June 30, 1855, at Bhognadih in Sahebganj district (now Jharkhand)

About Santhal Rebellion:

Topic | Information

What is the Santhal Rebellion? | Santhal rebellion (also known as ‘Hul’) (1855-1856) was a revolt against both the British East India Company and the zamindari system by the Santhal. The rebellion was led by the four sibling Brothers – Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav.

Santhals and their Migration | The Santhal people migrated from the Birbhum and Manbhum regions of Bengal to modern-day Santhal Pargana. The British relocated them to the forested area of Damin-i-Koh as part of their revenue collection strategy.

Reasons behind the Hul | The Santhals rebelled against the British due to extortions, oppressive extractions, dispossession of property, false measurements, and other illegalities.

Organization of the Hul | Contrary to popular belief, the Hul was a well-planned and organized political war. Preparations included guerrilla formations, military teams, detectives, secret bases, logistics, and a network of message carriers for coordination. Non-Adivasi Hindu castes also participated in the rebellion.

Contribution of Women | Phulo-Jhano, two sisters, led an army of 1,000 women who played crucial roles in the rebellion. The East India Company’s army was defeated twice during the uprising.

End | After the rebellion started, martial law was proclaimed by the East India Company which lasted until January 3, 1856, when martial law was suspended and the rebellion was eventually suppressed by the Presidency armies.

Lasting Impact of the Hul | The Santhal rebellion inspired future uprisings, such as the Santhal involvement in the 1857 mutiny. It symbolized resistance against British colonialism and laid the foundation for subsequent movements in Jharkhand.

eSankhyiki portal

• •Source: PIB*

Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched the eSankhyiki portal (https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in) to enhance user experience and facilitate easier access to official statistics, on the eve of Statistics Day (29th June). The portal features two modules:

• Data Catalogue Module: Provides centralized access to major datasets including National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, and more, with over 2291 datasets available. Users can search, download, and visualize data along with specific metadata.

• Macro Indicators Module: Offers time series data on key macro indicators like National Accounts Statistics and Consumer Price Index, allowing data filtering, visualization, and API sharing for increased data reusability.

About Statistics Day:

It is observed on June 29th, and commemorates the birth anniversary of P.C. Mahalanobis (1893-1972), a pioneering figure in Indian statistics. His legacy includes founding the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931, establishing the National Sample Survey and Central Statistical Organisation in 1950, and shaping India’s Second Five-Year Plan (1956-61), focusing on public sector development and industrialization. Mahalanobis also devised the Mahalanobis Distance, a significant statistical measure used in fields like pattern recognition. His contributions earned him the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, and led to the establishment of the Mahalanobis International Award, recognizing lifetime achievements in statistics in developing countries or regions, supported by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Eco-friendly supercapacitors

Source: TH

Context: Researchers at the Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, have developed a method to create eco-friendly supercapacitors using activated carbon derived from coconut husks, a prevalent agricultural waste in Kerala.

What are supercapacitors?

Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors or electrochemical capacitors, are energy storage devices that store electrical energy via electrostatic charge separation at the interface between electrode and electrolyte. Unlike traditional capacitors, they can store much larger amounts of charge per unit volume and have the ability to charge and discharge rapidly. They complement batteries by providing bursts of power and extending battery life.

This new biowaste-derived activated carbon offers sustainable and efficient solutions for high-performance supercapacitors due to its availability, low cost, and environmentally friendly properties. The innovative microwave-assisted production method, developed at the college’s Centralised Common Instrumentation Facility (CCIF), produces high-quality activated carbon quickly and efficiently, making it suitable for various applications including energy storage.

Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican conservation

• •Source: IE*

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved Rs 56 crore for the next phase of Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican conservation.

Since 2016, the Wildlife Institute of India has led a conservation program for the long-term recovery of the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican. The next phase, planned from 2024 to 2033, focuses on habitat development, in-situ conservation, completing a conservation breeding centre, and releasing captive-bred birds. These efforts aim to protect these endangered species, which include the Bengal Florican and Houbara Bustard among others.

About the Bustards:

Great Indian Bustard | The Great Indian Bustard is classified as critically endangered under Schedule I and IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and listed under Appendix I of CITES. It is part of a Species Recovery Program due to its declining population.

The male bustards do not participate in incubating or caring for their young. They are omnivorous and adapt opportunistically to their grassland habitat, predominantly found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with smaller populations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Lesser Florican | The Lesser Florican, also critically endangered, is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and shares the same grassland endemicity across the Indian subcontinent.

Male floricans are noticeably smaller and lighter than females and are known for their aerial courtship displays. They inhabit areas in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 July 2024 Mapping

Shyok River (Ladakh)

Context: Five soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer, died in Ladakh after their T-72 tank was swept away by the Shyok River during a training exercise near Saser Brangsa.

About Shyok River:

It is a tributary of the Indus River and flows through northern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and into Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. Originating from the Rimo Glacier, it flows southeast before turning northwest at the Pangong range and joining the Indus at Skardu. The river, fed by glacial meltwater, traverses high-altitude deserts and mountain ranges, spanning approximately 550 km. Its main tributary is the Nubra River.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 July 2024 [PDF]

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