UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 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 – 28 August 2024)
• Centres Demand Autonomy for Classical Language Promotion
GS Paper 2:
• Union Government Issues New Grievance Handling Guidelines
Union Government Issues New Grievance Handling Guidelines
GS Paper 4:
• Ethical Issues related to Hema Committee’s Report and the Malayalam film industry
Ethical Issues related to Hema Committee’s Report and the Malayalam film industry
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Mass Wasting
Mass Wasting
• Creation of five new districts in Ladakh
Creation of five new districts in Ladakh
• Literacy and Full Literacy Defined by MoE
Literacy and Full Literacy Defined by MoE
• Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis
• Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Mapping:
• Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 August 2024
#### GS Paper 1:
Centres Demand Autonomy for Classical Language Promotion
Syllabus: Arts and Culture
- •Source: Th*
Context: The centres for the promotion of classical languages Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia are demanding autonomy to improve their functioning.
What is the issue involved?
• Current System: Under the current system, these centres operate under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, which requires pre-approval for events and has caused staffing and funding issues.
• Funding and Staffing:
• Telugu and Odia Centres: Facing delays and funding issues; staff positions remain unfilled. Malayalam Centre: Only two staff members, struggling with financial constraints.
• Telugu and Odia Centres: Facing delays and funding issues; staff positions remain unfilled.
• Malayalam Centre: Only two staff members, struggling with financial constraints.
• Comparison: Tamil and Sanskrit centres are autonomous and funded directly by the Union Education Ministry. Tamil language is promoted through an autonomous institute named Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT). Sanskrit is promoted through three Central Universities.
Currently, six languages enjoy the ‘Classical language’ status in India. These are Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
Criteria for classical language status: The Government has over time given the following criteria to determine the declaration of a language as a Classical language:
• High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years
• A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers
• The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community
• The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots
Benefits of having classical language criteria:
• The Ministry of Human Resource and Development provide the following benefits to a language declared as a “Classical Language.” Two major international awards for scholars of eminence in Classical Indian Languages are to be awarded annually. A ‘Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages’ will be set up. The University Grants Commission will be requested to create and to start with at least in the Central Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for Classical Languages for scholars of eminence in Classical Indian Languages.
• Two major international awards for scholars of eminence in Classical Indian Languages are to be awarded annually.
• A ‘Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages’ will be set up.
• The University Grants Commission will be requested to create and to start with at least in the Central Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for Classical Languages for scholars of eminence in Classical Indian Languages.
Government measures to promote classical languages:
• Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL): In addition to promoting all Indian languages, the CIIL, Mysore works for the promotion of four Classical Languages namely Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia. CIIL works and collaborates with various stakeholders including Universities, Institutes, State Governments, etc. for the development of languages through its various schemes. These include the National Translation Mission, Linguistic Data Consortium of Indian Languages, Bharatavani, etc. Allocation of funds: The Union Government allocates funds for the promotion of classical Indian languages. To note, a grant of Rs 1,074 crore has been released for the promotion of Sanskrit from 2017-2022.
• In addition to promoting all Indian languages, the CIIL, Mysore works for the promotion of four Classical Languages namely Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.
• CIIL works and collaborates with various stakeholders including Universities, Institutes, State Governments, etc. for the development of languages through its various schemes. These include the National Translation Mission, Linguistic Data Consortium of Indian Languages, Bharatavani, etc.
• These include the National Translation Mission, Linguistic Data Consortium of Indian Languages, Bharatavani, etc.
• Allocation of funds: The Union Government allocates funds for the promotion of classical Indian languages. To note, a grant of Rs 1,074 crore has been released for the promotion of Sanskrit from 2017-2022.
• The Union Government allocates funds for the promotion of classical Indian languages. To note, a grant of Rs 1,074 crore has been released for the promotion of Sanskrit from 2017-2022.
• To note, a grant of Rs 1,074 crore has been released for the promotion of Sanskrit from 2017-2022.
Conclusion
As discussed, classical languages in India are declared based on a defined set of criteria and enjoy some literary and financial benefits for their status.
Prelims Link:
Which one of the following was given classical language status recently? (UPSC 2015)
(b) Konkani
(c) Bhojpuri
(d) Assamese
Answer: (a)
Consider the following languages (UPSC 2014)
Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 August 2024 – GS Paper 2:
Union Government Issues New Grievance Handling Guidelines
Syllabus: Governance
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Government has introduced Comprehensive Guidelines for Handling Public Grievances to streamline and improve the redressal process.
Key features include:
• Unified Platform: CPGRAMS (pgportal.gov.in) for all grievances.
• Nodal Officers: Appointed in each Ministry/Department for efficient grievance management.
• Grievance Cells: Dedicated cells in every Ministry/Department with knowledgeable staff.
• Timely Redressal: Grievances to be resolved within 21 days; interim replies for longer cases.
• Escalation Process: Appellate officers for further review.
• Feedback Mechanism: SMS and email updates, with appeal options for dissatisfied citizens.
• AI Analysis: Feedback is analyzed using AI tools for improvements.
• Monthly Index: Assessment index for ranking Ministries/Departments.
• Training: Capacity building for grievance officers via state Administrative Training Institutes.
What do you understand by ‘Public Grievance’?
‘Public Grievance’ refers to the complaints, concerns, or dissatisfaction expressed by citizens regarding the functioning of public services, government policies, or administrative actions. It represents the grievances and grievances of the general public, highlighting their expectations of efficient and accountable governance.
• Data: According to the Annual Report 2020-21 of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, the number of public grievances received by the Government of India increased from 2,29,612 in 2015 to 18,31,507 in 2020, indicating the significance of public grievances in a democratic society.
Why is public grievance significant in a democratic society?
• Accountability: Ensures the government is answerable and transparent.
• Citizen Empowerment: Allows citizens to voice concerns and influence governance.
• Service Improvement: Identifies and corrects flaws in public services.
• Trust Building: Enhances public confidence in government actions.
• Participatory Governance: Encourages citizen involvement in decision-making, e.g., Mahila Samakhya’s role in India.
Different levels of institutional mechanisms available for addressing Public Grievances in India:
Level | Mechanisms | Examples
Central Level | DARPG & DPG | CPGRAMS: 80% resolved in 60 days (2020)
CPGRAMS | PMO Grievance Redressal System
State Level | State Public Grievance Redressal Commissions | Odisha OGRS: Streamlined grievance process
State Grievance Portals |
Constitutional Bodies | National Commission for SCs |
National Commission for STs |
Statutory Bodies | Lokpal/Lokayukta | Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta: Addressed corruption
NHRC/SHRCs | NCDRC/SCDRCs: Consumer dispute resolution
Judiciary | High Courts & Supreme Court |
About CPGRAMS:
Aspect | Details
About CPGRAMS | A platform for registering complaints against Central and State authorities.
Genesis | Launched in 2007 by DARPG.
Achievements | Resolved 60 lakh grievances (2022-2024).
| Reduced redressal timeline from 30 to 21 days.
Reforms (2022) | Universal CPGRAMS 7.0, automatic flagging, AI/ML use.
Other Initiatives | PRAGATI: ICT-based grievance platform by MeitY.
INGRAM: Portal for consumer grievances by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Sevottam: Model to improve public service quality (2006).
Conclusion:
Public grievance is a critical aspect of a democratic society as it allows citizens to voice their concerns, seek redressal for grievances, and hold the government and other institutions accountable. It promotes transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in governance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 August 2024 – GS Paper 4:
Ethical Issues related to Hema Committee’s Report and the Malayalam film industry
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Source: IE
Context: The Justice K Hema Committee report, released on August 19, reveals that a small, influential group of 10-15 men controls the Malayalam film industry, often issuing bans and ignoring women’s harassment complaints.
To know about the Hema Committee Report: Click Here
Several ethical issues within the Malayalam film industry:
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: The report reveals widespread incidents of sexual harassment and abuse, including unwanted physical advances, rape threats, and coercive casting practices.
• Power Imbalance: A small group of influential men controls the industry, using their power to issue bans, suppress dissent, and ignore complaints from women.
• Ineffective Internal Complaints Mechanisms: The report criticizes the Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) as ineffective due to their control by the same power structures that perpetuate harassment.
• Gender Discrimination: Systemic gender bias is prevalent, with women facing discrimination in hiring, working conditions, and opportunities within the industry.
• Unlawful Bans and Blacklisting: Actors and crew members can be banned without due process, often based on personal prejudices or complaints of harassment.
• Inadequate Support and Facilities for Women: Female workers face a lack of basic facilities, safety on sets, and proper protection against harassment.
• Cultural Hegemony and Subjugation: The report highlights the creation of a culture where the dominance of a few is imposed on others, marginalizing less powerful individuals and groups.
• Fear of Retribution: Women fear stigma and retaliation for reporting harassment, which deters them from coming forward and seeking justice.
• Lack of Transparency: The process of banning individuals is opaque, with no public records or formal notices, leading to informal and unofficial blacklisting.
Examples from India and Global:
• Pay Disparity: Female actors like Deepika Padukone earn less than male co-stars.
• Casting Couch: Actresses like Kangana Ranaut have reported coercion for roles.
• Fewer Female Directors: Limited opportunities for women directors in Bollywood.
• Stereotyping: Women are often portrayed in stereotypical roles.
• Sexual Harassment: #MeToo movement exposed cases like Vikas Bahl.
Global
• Pay Gap: Jennifer Lawrence highlighted lower pay compared to male co-stars.
• Underrepresentation: Women directed only 10% of the top 250 films in 2019.
• Harvey Weinstein Scandal: Revealed widespread sexual misconduct.
• Objectification: Women are often reduced to physical appearance in films.
• Career Barriers: Female directors face challenges in major projects, despite successes like Kathryn Bigelow.
Potential solutions to the ethical issues highlighted in the Malayalam film industry:
Ethical Issue | Potential Solutions
Sexual Harassment and Abuse | – Establish robust anti-harassment policies and protocols. – Implement mandatory training for all industry members on sexual harassment and consent. – Create confidential reporting mechanisms and support systems for survivors.
Power Imbalance | – Promote transparency in decision-making processes. – Implement checks and balances to prevent power concentration. – Encourage diversity and representation in leadership roles.
Ineffective Internal Complaints Mechanisms | – Form independent tribunals with external oversight to handle complaints. – Ensure ICCs are composed of impartial members with no conflicts of interest. – Regularly review and audit the effectiveness of ICCs.
Gender Discrimination | – Enforce equal opportunity policies in hiring and promotions. – Conduct gender sensitivity training. – Ensure equitable pay and working conditions for all genders.
Unlawful Bans and Blacklisting | – Establish clear, formal procedures for issuing bans with documented reasons. – Create an appeals process for banned individuals. – Publicly disclose the criteria and procedures for bans.
Inadequate Support and Facilities for Women | – Improve basic facilities such as restrooms and safety measures on set. – Implement policies to ensure a safe working environment for all genders. – Provide support services like counselling and legal assistance.
Cultural Hegemony and Subjugation | – Foster an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. – Promote dialogue and awareness about cultural and systemic biases. – Support initiatives and organizations advocating for marginalized groups.
Fear of Retribution | – Protect whistleblowers and ensure confidentiality. – Create safe spaces for individuals to report without fear of retaliation. – Implement legal protections for those who report misconduct.
Lack of Transparency | – Increase transparency in industry practices and decisions. – Publicly report on the outcomes of investigations and actions taken. – Ensure accessible and clear communication channels for all stakeholders.
Thinkers Views:
• Satyajit Ray: Advocated for transparency and integrity in all professional practices.
• Swami Vivekananda: Emphasized the need for self-awareness and ethical leadership, advocating for equality and justice.
• Rabindranath Tagore: Criticized social hierarchies and championed democratic and egalitarian values
• Sarojini Naidu: Promoted women’s rights and the need for proper support and conditions for women.
• Martha Nussbaum: Emphasized capabilities and equality, advocating for gender justice and women’s rights.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Mass Wasting
- •Source: Th*
Context: Frequent mass wasting in Tibet’s Sedongpu Gully, upstream of the Brahmaputra, has become a concern for India, especially the Northeast.
Since 2017, warming and seismic activity have triggered landslides, adding millions of cubic meters of debris to the Yarlung Tsangpo River, posing a risk of river choking and flash floods downstream in Assam and Bangladesh. Increasing sedimentation could exacerbate flood hazards, affect navigation, and threaten livelihoods.
What is Mass Wasting?
Mass wasting, also known as mass movement, is the downhill movement of soil, rock, and debris under the influence of gravity. It occurs when the force of gravity exceeds the strength of the materials on a slope, causing them to shift downward. This process can be triggered by factors such as weathering, water saturation, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and human actions like deforestation or mining. Types of mass wasting include landslides, rockfalls, avalanches, and soil creep, varying in speed and volume.
Creation of five new districts in Ladakh
- •Source: Th*
Context: The Union Home Minister announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang—to improve governance. Currently, Ladakh has only two districts: Leh and Kargil.
A committee will be formed to assess details such as boundaries and structures for the new districts. The decision follows demands for Statehood and Sixth Schedule protection by local groups, though some continue to push for greater autonomy and protection for Ladakh’s culture, land, and jobs.
Significance of Creating New Districts
• Ladakh, being sparsely populated and geographically challenging, faces administrative difficulties in reaching remote areas.
• New districts aim to enhance public welfare outreach and promote overall development in Ladakh.
Procedure for Creating New Districts in India
• State Power: State governments have the authority to create, alter, or abolish districts through either executive orders or laws passed in the State Assembly.
• Centre’s Role: The Centre is involved only when renaming districts or railway stations. The process requires clearance from various departments after the state submits a proposal.
Literacy and Full Literacy Defined by MoE
Source: Th
Context: The Ministry of Education (MoE) has redefined ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ in light of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), which aims for full literacy by 2030.
Definitions:
Term | Definition
Literacy | The ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, along with critical skills like digital and financial literacy.
Full Literacy | Achieving 95% literacy in a State/UT, is considered equivalent to 100% literacy.
About New India Literacy Programme (NILP):
Also known as ULLAS, NILP is a five-year, centrally sponsored scheme (2022-27) aiming to educate non-literate individuals aged 15 and above, focusing especially on females and backward states. It targets 5 crore learners using online systems and volunteer teachers, aligning with NEP 2020 goals
Leptospirosis
- •Source: DTE*
Context: After the Nipah threat subsided in Kerala, a deadly Leptospirosis outbreak emerged, causing 121 confirmed deaths and over 1,170 cases under treatment.
About Leptospirosis, or “rat fever”:
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by leptospire bacteria, transmitted from animals to humans, usually through skin cuts. It’s common in tropical, high-rainfall areas, with human-to-human transmission being rare. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare runs a program for its prevention and control.
It spreads through bacteria in contaminated water, particularly during monsoons. The surge in cases is attributed to heavy rainfall and poor waste management, increasing rat populations. Experts stress the need for early detection, personal hygiene, protective gear, and doxycycline distribution. Additionally, Kerala faces outbreaks of hepatitis A and dengue, underscoring the need for better water quality and public health strategies.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 August 2024 Mapping:
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
- •Source: IE*
Context: Assam’s wildlife department has recommended forest clearance for Vedanta’s oil and gas exploration project in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, citing national interest.
The project, in the habitat of endangered Hoolock Gibbons and wild elephants, involves diverting over 4 hectares of forest land. Conditions include preventing pollution and managing risks like oil leaks and gas explosions. The proposal is pending with the Union Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee.
Key Facts about Hoolock Gibbon:
Facts | Description
About | Gibbons, the smallest and fastest of all apes, inhabit tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia. They have high intelligence, distinct personalities, and strong family bonds. They are one of the 20 gibbon species found worldwide.
Population and Habitat | The current population of hoolock gibbons is around 12,000. They are found in Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Southern China.
Gibbon Species in India | Two distinct species in India’s northeast: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
Threats | All 20 gibbon species, including hoolock gibbons, are at high risk of extinction due to conservation challenges. Significant population and habitat decline due to deforestation for infrastructure projects in India.
Conservation Status | International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List: Western Hoolock Gibbon: Endangered; Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Vulnerable. Both species are listed on Schedule 1 of the Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972.
| The Global Gibbon Network (GGN) recently convened its inaugural meeting in Haikou, China’s Hainan province, to address its critical situation. The GGN was initiated at the International Gibbon Day 2020 event, with representatives from 20 gibbon conservation organizations.
About Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary | The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, formerly known as the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary or Hollongapar Reserved Forest, is an isolated evergreen forest in Assam, India. Established in 1997, the sanctuary was initially set aside in 1881, with its forests once extending to the Patkai mountain foothills. It is home to India’s only ape and gibbon species, the hoolock gibbons, and the Bengal slow loris, Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate. The forest’s upper canopy is dominated by hollong trees, the middle by nahar trees, and the lower by evergreen shrubs and herbs.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 August 2024 [PDF]
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