UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 August 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 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 1: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 August 2024)

• Justice Hema Committee Report Released

GS Paper 3:

• Limitations of E-Commerce in India

Limitations of E-Commerce in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Orangutan diplomacy

Orangutan diplomacy

• Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS)

Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS)

• Elemental Abundance Measurements of Lunar Soil

Elemental Abundance Measurements of Lunar Soil

• ISDra2TnpB

ISDra2TnpB

Mapping:

• South China Sea

South China Sea

• Shiveluch volcano

Shiveluch volcano

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 August 2024

#### GS Paper 1:

Justice Hema Committee Report Released

Syllabus: Issues Related to Women

Source: TH, IE

Context: On August 22, the Kerala High Court ordered the state to submit the entire Hema Committee report, including redacted sections, in a sealed cover. This follows a PIL demanding criminal action against offenders named in the report. Released on August 19, four-and-a-half years after its submission, the 233-page report exposes severe discrimination and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry.

Background of the case:

In 2017, a Malayalam actress was abducted and assaulted, leading to an investigation that implicated actor Dileep. This event shook the industry and prompted the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) to support the survivors. The Kerala government established the Justice Hema Committee to investigate gender issues in the industry, and the committee submitted a report in 2019 detailing sexual harassment and gender inequality.

Why was it delayed?

The report was delayed for nearly five years due to privacy concerns and sensitive information but was finally released in August 2024. Key findings include widespread sexual harassment, a fear of retribution, dominance by a male “mafia,” lack of basic facilities for women on film sets, and gender pay disparities.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Report:

Highlights | Details

Sexual Abuse | Unwanted physical advances, rape threats, and code names for women willing to compromise.

Casting Couch | Women are forced to exchange sexual favours for jobs; those who comply are labelled as “cooperating artists.”

Safety on Film Sets | Female workers often bring relatives for protection against sexual demands and harassment.

Criminal Influence | Industry affected by criminal elements; female artists are harassed in hotels, often under threat by intoxicated men.

Fear of Consequences | Despite legal protections, women fear the stigma and consequences of reporting sexual harassment.

Cyberthreats | Women in cinema face online harassment, bullying, defamation, and vulgar comments on social media.

Inadequate Facilities | Lack of proper toilet facilities on sets, especially during menstruation, causes discomfort and difficulties.

Inhumane Working Conditions | Junior artists suffer from inadequate pay, slave-like treatment, long hours, and delayed or misappropriated payments.

Key Recommendations of the Report:

• Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Mandate ICCs under the 2013 Workplace Harassment Act, including FEFKA and AMMA members.

• Independent Tribunal: Suggest an independent tribunal for harassment cases with in-camera proceedings for privacy.

• Written Contracts: Make written contracts mandatory for all workers in the film industry.

• Gender Training: Require cast and crew to complete gender awareness training before production.

• Support for Women Producers: Provide budgetary incentives and loans for films produced by women

Legal framework for Women’s safety:

• Indian Penal Code (BNS): Sections 354, 354A, 509 (sexual offences).

• Workplace Harassment Act, 2013: Mandates Internal Complaints Committees (ICC).

• IT Act, 2000: Addresses obscene digital content.

• POCSO Act, 2012: Protects children from sexual exploitation.

• Immoral Traffic Act, 1956: Prevents trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Mains Links:

What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC 2019)

Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face in both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (UPSC 2017)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 August 2024 – GS Paper 3:

Limitations of E-Commerce in India

Syllabus: Economy

Source: BS

Context: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed concern over the rapid expansion of e-commerce in India, highlighting potential social disruptions and questioning predatory pricing by giants like Amazon.

What is E-Commerce?

E-commerce (electronic commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods or services using the Internet, along with the transfer of money and data to execute these transactions. It allows businesses and consumers to conduct transactions without the need for physical interaction.

Example: Amazon is a popular example of an e-commerce platform.

The recent report shows e-commerce, making up 7.8% of total retail sales in 2022, is growing at a 27% CAGR from 2018 to 2030.

Issues with E-Commerce:

Impact | Description

Predatory Pricing | E-commerce platforms may offer deep discounts to eliminate competitors, potentially leading to monopolies. Once competition diminishes, consumers may lose the cost-effectiveness benefits previously offered.

Reduced Options for Consumers | The decline of local shops can increase travel costs and limit shopping choices if consumers avoid online shopping.

Loss of Employment | The reduced competition and decline in traditional retail sectors may lead to job losses in these industries.

Privacy Issues | There is a risk of abuse of consumer data and privacy violations due to inadequate protection measures.

Breach of Law | Some e-commerce platforms, like Amazon in India, are engaging in direct consumer sales despite existing regulatory restrictions on B2C transactions.

In this context, the government launched ONDC to provide a level playing field to retailers as well as benefit consumers.

What is ONDC?

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) connects e-marketplaces, enabling sellers and brands to list and sell products directly to customers, bypassing middlemen. It transitions from a platform-centric model to an open-source network for buying and selling goods and services.

• Objectives of ONDC are: Democratization and decentralization of e-Commerce Inclusivity and access for sellers Increased choices and independence for consumers. Making goods and services cheaper.

• Democratization and decentralization of e-Commerce

• Inclusivity and access for sellers

• Increased choices and independence for consumers.

• Making goods and services cheaper.

• It is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• It is a not-for-profit company incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 that manages and operates the ONDC Network.

ONDC can transform the e-landscape of India through:

• Empowering consumers: ONDC increases transparency, giving consumers more information to make informed choices and access a wider range of sellers, potentially lowering prices. Eg: Recently ONDC integrated Chennai metro ticketing into its platform.

• Eg: Recently ONDC integrated Chennai metro ticketing into its platform.

• Boosting competition: ONDC breaks down the dominance of existing platforms, creating a level playing field that incentivizes competition among sellers, leading to more product variety and lower prices. Eg: McKinsey reports ONDC can boost self-employment in India.

• Eg: McKinsey reports ONDC can boost self-employment in India.

• Innovation: ONDC’s open-source architecture encourages innovation within the e-commerce ecosystem.

• Cost efficiency: ONDC’s decentralized structure can streamline operations and reduce redundancies, leading to cost savings. Eg: ONDC doesn’t charge any platform fees, unlike platforms like Swiggy.

• Eg: ONDC doesn’t charge any platform fees, unlike platforms like Swiggy.

• Boosting small businesses: ONDC removes entry barriers for MSMEs and local vendors, promoting greater participation and inclusivity in the digital marketplace. Eg: ONDC boosts up the formalization of the Indian economy.

• Eg: ONDC boosts up the formalization of the Indian economy.

However, it faces several obstacles such as:

• Complexity factor: ONDC’s intricate mechanisms make it less user-friendly than systems like UPI, potentially hindering easy adoption. Eg: Integration of different sectors into a single platform leads to confusion.

• Eg: Integration of different sectors into a single platform leads to confusion.

• Dispute resolution concerns: ONDC’s focus on online buying and selling without managing the entire transaction lifecycle may increase disputes over deliveries, product quality, and after-sales service.

• Lack of robust grievance redressal mechanism: The unclear responsibility for customer service and complaint handling may deter users from joining the platform. Eg: No dedicated Ombudsman or grievance redressal cell.

• Eg: No dedicated Ombudsman or grievance redressal cell.

• Challenges from existing e-commerce platforms: Established e-commerce giants have strong consumer loyalty through programs and incentives, requiring ONDC to develop compelling strategies to attract and retain customers. Eg: Options like Flipkart Plus and golden membership for loyalists.

• Eg: Options like Flipkart Plus and golden membership for loyalists.

• Price advantage uncertainty: As a facilitator, ONDC might not directly influence pricing or offer discounts comparable to established players with bulk deals and partnerships. g.: Big billion-day sales by firms like Amazon and Flipkart.

• g.: Big billion-day sales by firms like Amazon and Flipkart.

Way ahead:

• Enhancing digital infrastructure: Government investments in broadband connectivity to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural and remote areas.

• Promoting digital literacy: A digital education policy in regional languages will empower consumers and sellers to use ONDC effectively.

• Targeted outreach programs: Well-funded outreach programs can attract and onboard small sellers, particularly MSMEs promoting platform adoption.

• Dispute resolution framework: An efficient single-window mechanism is essential for addressing information asymmetry, quality concerns, and buyer-seller disputes.

Regulations of E-Commerce:

• Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020: These rules set guidelines for e-commerce platforms to ensure transparency, protect consumer rights, and address grievances.

• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: This act provides a comprehensive framework for consumer rights protection, including provisions for e-commerce transactions and dispute resolution.

Conclusion:

As Nandan Nilekani’s committee suggested ONDC can replicate the success of UPI in India with a collaborative effort between the government, industry players, and civil society.

Insta links:

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

Mains Link:

Discuss the significance of ONDC. (150 Words)

Prelims Links:

Consider the following: ( UPSC 2022)

• Aarogya Setu

• DigiLocker

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

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

Ans: D

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Orangutan diplomacy

• •Source: IE*

Context: Malaysia has revised its controversial “Orangutan diplomacy” policy, initially proposed by the Plantation and Commodities Minister.

• The original plan suggested gifting critically endangered orangutans to countries that purchase Malaysian palm oil, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”

• However, this approach faced significant backlash from wildlife conservationists, who criticized it as hypocritical and harmful, given the link between palm oil production and deforestation, which threatens orangutan habitats.

• In response to the criticism, Malaysia has now altered the policy. Instead of sending orangutans abroad, importers of Malaysian palm oil will be offered the opportunity to “sponsor” orangutans.

• The funds from these sponsorships will be used for conservation efforts within Malaysia, ensuring that the orangutans remain in their natural habitats.

This revised approach aims to demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable palm oil production and environmental conservation, especially in light of growing international pressure, such as the European Union’s ban on deforestation-linked imports.

Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS)

• •Source: TH*

Context: India’s second indigenous 700 MW nuclear power reactor, KAPS-4, located at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat, has begun operating at full capacity.

• The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) confirmed that KAPS-4, which had been operating at 90% capacity, has now reached its full power of 700 MWe.

• This milestone follows the successful operation of its twin unit, KAPS-3, demonstrating the effectiveness of India’s home-grown 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design.

The power level increase was approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). India is currently constructing 14 more reactors of the same design, expected to be operational by 2031-32.

Elemental Abundance Measurements of Lunar Soil

Source: ISRO

Context: The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the Pragyan Rover of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has provided the first in-situ elemental abundance measurements of lunar soil in the South Polar Region of the Moon.

• Conducted by scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and ISRO, these measurements support the Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO) hypothesis, which suggests that the Moon’s primordial crust formed as lighter minerals floated to the surface.

• APXS detected higher levels of magnesium-rich minerals, indicating contributions from deeper lunar layers, likely due to material ejected during the formation of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin.

• The data showed that the lunar soil is a mix of two rock types: Ferroan Anorthosite (rich in plagioclase) and the Magnesian Suite, with unexpected levels of olivine and pyroxene, minerals typically found in the Moon’s inner layers.

ISDra2TnpB

• •Source: TH*

Context: A team of researchers from the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute in India and Pennsylvania State University in the U.S. has developed a new, miniature genome-editing tool that holds promise for agricultural applications.

• The new tool, based on a protein called ISDra2TnpB from the bacterium *Deinococcus radiodurans*, is less than half the size of these proteins, making it more suitable for plant genome editing.

• This TnpB-based system offers a significant improvement in editing efficiency, particularly in plants where traditional tools have been less effective.

• Researchers have successfully used it on both monocots (like rice) and dicots (like Arabidopsis), although the efficiency was lower in dicots.

• The system can perform both base editing and transcription activation, opening new possibilities for crop improvement, such as reducing plant height to make crops like rice less prone to cyclone damage.

The new tool’s potential lies in its ability to precisely modify plant genomes, potentially removing undesirable traits or introducing beneficial ones.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 August 2024 Mapping:

South China Sea

• •Source: IE*

Context: Tensions in the South China Sea, exacerbated by China’s territorial claims and military actions, pose a significant threat to international trade.

• The region is crucial for global maritime trade, with about a third of global shipping, including 40% of the world’s petroleum products, passing through its waters annually.

Shiveluch volcano

Source: TH

Context: The Shiveluch volcano in Russia erupted following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck off the eastern coast.

• The earthquake’s epicentre was located about 55 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city on the Kamchatka Peninsula.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 August 2024 [PDF]

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