UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 August 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 – 22 August 2024)
• Issue of Women Safety in India
Issue of Women Safety in India
GS Paper 4:
• Moral Pressure and Human Rights Compliance
Moral Pressure and Human Rights Compliance
Facts For Prelims (FFP)
• Portals in News
Portals in News
• Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
• Jan Poshan Kendras
Jan Poshan Kendras
• Quantum nonlocality
Quantum nonlocality
• Super Blue Moon
Super Blue Moon
• JUICE Mission
JUICE Mission
• Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024
#### GS2 / GS1:
Issue of Women Safety in India
Syllabus: Issues related to Women
Source: IE
Context: The recent rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata highlights severe flaws in the legal system.
Women’s Safety Statistics (2022)
• Total Crimes: 445,256 cases registered, a 4% increase from the previous year (about 51 FIRs per hour).
• Crime Rate: 66.4 per lakh population; charge sheet rate at 75.8%.
• Crime Types: 31.4% cruelty by relatives, 19.2% kidnapping, 18.7% assault, 7.1% rape.
• Sexual Violence: Nearly 39,000 incidents in 2016; one rape every 15 minutes in 2018.
• Workplace Harassment: Over 400 cases annually since 2018.
• Juvenile Offenders: 86 rape cases, 68 modesty outrages.
• State Data: Delhi had the highest rate (144.4 per lakh); Uttar Pradesh reported the most cases (65,743).
Demands of Healthcare Workers:
Demands | Current Provisions
Central Protection Act | Advocating for a nationwide law similar to the UK’s NHS zero-tolerance policy and US felony classifications. Felonies range from Class A (life imprisonment) to Class E (1-5 years).
Enhanced Safety Measures | Better lighting, security guards, monitored security cameras, safer working conditions, and emergency response systems in healthcare settings.
State Responsibilities | Health and law enforcement are State subjects; lack of centralized data on attacks on medical professionals. N.K. Singh proposed shifting health to the Concurrent List.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Order | Mandates filing of an FIR within six hours of violence against healthcare workers.
National Medical Commission (NMC) Directives | Requires medical colleges to develop safe work environment policies and timely incident reporting.
Issues with Legal Response to Crimes Against Women
• Inadequate Legal Action: History of violence often goes unaddressed, as seen in the Kolkata case.
• Low Conviction Rates: High dowry death cases with low convictions due to lenient settlements.
• Underpunished Domestic Violence: Domestic violence laws are weak, with minimal punishment for offenders.
• Lax Bail Norms: Easy bail access for serious crimes like stalking and harassment.
• Slow Legal Process: Delayed trials and high rates of cases disposed of without proper legal proceedings.
India’s initiatives related to women’s safety:
Legislations:
• CEDAW ratified (1993)
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (1956)
• Indecent Representation of Women Act (1986)
• National Policy for Women Empowerment (2001)
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005)
• PoSH Act (2013)
• Criminal Law (Amendment) Acts (2013 & 2018)
• POCSO Act (2012)
Strategies and Measures:
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
• Ujjawala Scheme
• NIRBHAYA Fund
• Ministry of Women and Child Development initiatives
• Safety in trains: 182 helpline, CCTV, ‘R-Mitra’ app
• Safety for women tourists: ‘Incredible India Help Line’, Code of Conduct
• Safety in metro: Women-only coaches, reserved seats
• Universal Women Helpline Scheme
Mobile Apps:
• Amrita Personal Safety System (APSS)
Global Initiatives:
• International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Observed on November 25 by the UN.
• UN Women Safe Cities Initiative: Creates safer public spaces for women and girls.
• Gender Inclusive Cities Programme: Funded by the UN Trust Fund, improves women’s safety in cities.
• UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM): Supports gender equality and women’s empowerment.
National Commission for Women (NCW) had asked all states to ensure that coaching centres and educational institutes strictly enforce the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Insta Links:
Prevention of sexual harassment or POSH Act
Mains Links:
“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu”? (UPSC 2021)
Tags: Issue of Women Safety in India, GS1, GS1, Issues related with women
Key Words: Issue of Women Safety in India
#### GS Paper 4:
Moral Pressure and Human Rights Compliance
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Source: The Hindu
Context: In a world increasingly plagued by prejudice and fanaticism, the centrality of human rights is more crucial than ever.
What are Human Rights?
Human rights are moral principles or norms for certain standards of human behaviour and are regularly protected in municipal and international law.
Issues with Human Rights Compliance at global level
• Authoritarian Regimes: Governments like those in North Korea, China, and Russia often ignore international human rights norms. Despite global condemnation, these regimes maintain oppressive practices without significant reforms.
• State Sovereignty: The principle of state sovereignty can obstruct the enforcement of human rights. Countries may reject external pressures or interventions, citing their right to self-governance.
• Selective Enforcement: Human rights violations are sometimes addressed selectively based on geopolitical interests. For example, some nations receive criticism for abuses while others, due to strategic alliances, avoid significant international scrutiny.
• Lack of Implementation: Even when human rights standards are adopted, implementation can be superficial. For instance, Myanmar has faced global condemnation for its treatment of the Rohingya, but substantive policy changes remain limited.
• Ineffective Sanctions: Economic sanctions or military interventions, such as those imposed on Syria or Venezuela, often fail to resolve human rights abuses and can exacerbate humanitarian crises.
• Resistance to Shaming: Efforts to name and shame violators, like the international backlash against Israel’s policies or Russia’s actions in Ukraine, may lead to only cosmetic changes or outright denial of allegations.
Promotion and protection of human rights:
• Article 51 A (g): Every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment and have compassion for living creatures.
• Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993(as amended in 2019) provided for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission at the Union level, which steers the State Human Rights Commission in States and Human Rights Courts.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights: It is an international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It establishes the rights and freedoms of all members of the human race.
• Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10th December all around the world.
• Freedom in the World 2021 report released earlier this year downgraded India’s status from ‘Free’ to ‘Partly Free’.
• Human Rights Council: The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights.
• Amnesty International: An international organisation of volunteers who campaign for human rights.
Steps taken for the preservation of human rights:
• Governance systemic reforms and affirmative initiatives: particularly in the Health and Economic sectors.
• Inclusive growth: It is also antidotal to violation of human rights.
• Banking network: 400 million getting into banking networks and over 200 million families benefiting out of free cooking gas connections.
Challenges to human rights:
• Conflicting definition of what forms human rights: E.g. while the world has condemned Chinese persecution of the Uighur community for human rights violations, China sees it as anti-terror/ anti-separatist measures.
• Silence: Silent and voiceless existence of the majority of our citizens
• Corruption: Human rights get compromised in the face of corruption.
Importance of Human rights:
• Flourishing of Democracy: Human rights are quintessential for flourishing democracy.
• Democratic values: They are of no significance in the absence of human rights.
• Dignity: Nurturing human rights is the nectar of dignity and dignified human existence.
• Positive ecosystem: Flourishing human rights generates a positive ecosystem that facilitates optimal utilisation of human talent.
• Development: It brings about holistic development.
• Indian culture: The pro-human rights foundational spirit of Indian culture, is reflected in Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad.
Actions to Improve Human Rights Compliance:
• Strengthen International Pressure: Increase coordinated global efforts through sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and public condemnation to hold violators accountable.
• Enhance Accountability Mechanisms: Improve international legal frameworks and institutions to effectively investigate and prosecute human rights violations.
• Support Grassroots Activism: Encourage and support local human rights organizations and activists to address abuses from the ground up.
• Promote Transparency: Advocate for greater transparency in human rights practices and data reporting to expose abuses and drive accountability.
• Foster Global Cooperation: Build alliances among nations, NGOs, and international bodies to create a unified front against human rights violations.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Critically examine the roles and responsibilities of the National Human Rights Commission. (10M)
Tags: Human Rights compliance, Ethics, GS4
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024 –Facts For Prelims (FFP)
Portals in News
Source: PIB**
Portal | Description | Objectives | Key Features
PROMPT | Portal for Online Monitoring of Projects – Thermal, developed with NTPC’s assistance. | Real-time tracking and analysis of thermal power projects; enhance transparency, accountability, and resource optimization. | Real-time tracking, improved project execution, reduces delays and cost overruns, ensures efficient electricity demand management.
JAL VIDYUT DPR | Centralized digital platform developed by CEA for monitoring survey and investigation activities for Hydro Electric Projects and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). | Improve project management and coordination; enhance efficiency and transparency in DPR preparation. | Comprehensive view of project development statuses, real-time tracking, seamless communication, and quicker appraisals and approvals.
DRIPS | Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for Power Sector portal, developed by CEA. | Enhance disaster preparedness and response; improve coordination and efficiency in managing power sector disruptions. | Centralized system for identifying and deploying resources, comprehensive inventory of power system equipment and critical supplies.
Tags:GS2, Governance, Portals, Portals in News, PROMPT, JAL VIDYUT DPR, DRIPS
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024 –Facts For Prelims (FFP)
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Source: HT
Context: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) criticized United World Wrestling’s rules for penalizing athletes for failing a second-day weigh-in, calling them “draconian.”
• However, CAS denied Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat any relief after she was disqualified for being 100 grams over the weight limit on the second day of the 50kg wrestling event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The ruling highlighted the fairness of the elimination but criticized the severity of the punishment.
The *Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), established in 1984, operates under the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS). It is an independent institution focused on resolving sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation*, adapting procedural rules to the sports world’s needs.
Tags: GS2, Governance, Sports, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024 –Facts For Prelims (FFP)
Jan Poshan Kendras
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister launched a pilot program to transform 60 Fair Price Shops (FPS) into Jan Poshan Kendras, which will offer nutrition-rich food items and additional income for FPS dealers.
• This initiative, part of the government’s first 100 days program, aims to improve food security, curb malnutrition, and increase transparency.
• Alongside this, several digital tools were launched, including the FPS Sahay application for paperless financing, Mera Ration App 2.0 for enhanced beneficiary services, and a Quality Management System for better quality control.
• Additionally, NABL accreditation of three laboratories and a new Contract Manual for the Food Corporation of India were introduced to enhance standards and transparency in the Public Distribution System.
Tags: GS2, Social Justice, Jan Poshan Kendras
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024 –Facts For Prelims (FFP)
Quantum nonlocality
Source: PIB**
Context: A recent study has revealed that a universal standard for measuring quantum nonlocality, which describes a strange connection between distant quantum objects, is impossible.
• Quantum nonlocality, a concept first introduced by physicist John Stewart Bell in 1964, challenges classical physics’ idea of local realism.
• It has significant applications in secure communication, random number generation, and cryptographic key creation.
• The study, shows that nonlocal quantum correlations vary depending on the type, making each nonlocal resource unique and incapable of being universally measured or compared.
This finding underscores the complexity and uniqueness of quantum nonlocality, expanding its potential applications and understanding in quantum mechanics.
Tags: GS3, Science, Quantum nonlocality
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024 –Facts For Prelims (FFP)
Super Blue Moon
Source: IE
Context: Recently a special astronomical event known as a “Super Blue Moon “occurred. This event combines two rare phenomena: a “blue moon” and a “super moon.”
Blue Moon: Contrary to what the term suggests, a blue moon isn’t necessarily blue in color. It refers to a second full moon within a single calendar month, or, less commonly, the third full moon in a season with four full moons. This phenomenon happens every two or three years.
Super Moon: This occurs when a full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This proximity makes the moon appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to when it’s at its farthest point, or apogee.
While the term “blue moon” might imply a rare occurrence, the sighting of a supermoon and blue moon together is indeed rare.
Tags: GS3, Science, Super Blue Moon
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024 –Facts For Prelims (FFP)
JUICE Mission
Source: TH
Context: The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) probe is set to perform a ground-breaking double slingshot manoeuvre.
• The probe will first use the moon’s gravity to redirect its trajectory toward Earth, followed by using Earth’s gravity to slow down, setting it on course for its journey to Jupiter.
• This complex manoeuvre, a first in space exploration, is risky due to the potential for errors that could derail the mission.
• If successful, JUICE will reach Jupiter and its moons—Callisto, Europa, and Ganymede—by 2031, using additional gravity assists from Venus and Earth along the way.
The mission aims to:
• Map Moons’ Surfaces: Create detailed maps of Jupiter’s moons, particularly Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa, and investigate their subsurface water bodies for potential habitability.
• Study Jupiter: Develop a comprehensive understanding of Jupiter’s origin, history, and evolution.
• Focus on Ganymede: Examine Ganymede, the largest moon in the Solar System with its own magnetic field.
• Assess Habitability: While the mission cannot detect life, it will assess whether conditions such as water, essential biological elements, energy, and stability exist around Jupiter, which could support life.
Tags: GS3, Science, JUICE Mission
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024 –Facts For Prelims (FFP)
Anaphylaxis
Source: TH
Context: The U.S. FDA approved the first nasal spray, Neffy, for treating severe allergic reactions, offering a needle-free alternative to traditional injectors like EpiPen.
• Developed by ARS Pharmaceuticals Inc., Neffy is intended for emergency use in adults and children over 66 pounds experiencing anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It can happen seconds or minutes after you’ve been exposed to something you’re allergic to.
Peanuts or bee stings are examples.
In anaphylaxis, the immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can cause the body to go into shock.
Tags: GS3, Science, Anaphylaxis
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 August 2024 [PDF]
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