UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 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 3: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024)
• Cabinet approves Digital Agriculture Mission
GS Paper 2:
• 75 years of the Supreme Court of India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Government Initiatives for LGBTQI+ Community
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Ramon Magsaysay Award
• Munich Agreement
• Mitochondria
• Operation Bhediya
Mapping:
• Sudan
#### GS Paper 2:
75 years of the Supreme Court of India
Syllabus: Polity: Indian Judiciary
Source: PIB
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Conference of District Judiciary in New Delhi, commemorating 75 years of the Supreme Court of India with a new stamp and coin.
Important Points highlighted by PM:
• Role of the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in India, responsible for upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice.
• Judicial Infrastructure: Significant investments have been made in judicial infrastructure, including the development of court halls and residential units for the district judiciary.
• e-Courts Project: Modernizing courts through digital technology to improve efficiency, with the third phase of the e-Courts project approved in 2023.
• Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita: New legal framework focusing on ‘Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First’, including the repeal of colonial-era laws and introduction of modern practices.
• Judicial Training and Wellness: Efforts to enhance the capabilities and well-being of the judiciary through training programs and wellness initiatives.
• Modern Technology Integration: Adoption of emerging technologies like AI and Optical Character Recognition to improve case management and predict case trends.
• Focus on District Judiciary: Emphasis on improving the first touchpoint of justice for common citizens through modernization and better infrastructure.
• Legal Reforms: Implementation of stricter laws for crimes against women and children, and the introduction of community service as punishment for minor crimes.
• Coordination and Fast-Track Courts: Establishment of fast-track special courts and District Monitoring Committees to expedite cases related to serious crimes and ensure effective justice delivery.
Key points about the Supreme Court (SC) and Indian judiciary:
Aspect | Details
Role | The highest judicial authority, final court of appeal, power of judicial review.
Judicial System | Federal structure with three tiers: Supreme Court, High Courts, and Subordinate Courts.
Brief History | – Established by Regulating Act 1773 in Calcutta.
– High Courts created in 1861, Federal Court in 1935.
– The Supreme Court of India was established on 28 January 1950.
Constitutional Provisions | – Part V, Chapter 6: Articles 124-147.
– CJI and up to seven other judges.
Organisational Structure | – 31 judges currently, including CJI.
– Increased to 34 judges by Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Bill, 2019.
Seat | Delhi, with CJI authorized to appoint other seats with Presidential approval.
Appointment of Judges | – Appointed by the President after consultation with CJI and relevant judges.
– Senior most judge convention for CJI appointment, modified by Supreme Court judgments.
Controversy and Collegium System | – Evolved interpretations of ‘consultation’ from the exchange of views to concurrence.
– Collegium system requires multiple senior judges’ consultation for appointments.
Qualifications | – Citizen of India.
– High Court judge for 5 years, advocate for 10 years, or distinguished jurist.
Oaths/Affirmations | – Bear true faith in the Constitution.
– Uphold sovereignty, and perform duties without bias.
Tenure | – Until age 65.
– Can resign or be removed by the President on Parliament’s recommendation.
Removal Process | – Impeachment by Parliament supported by the special majority for proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
Salaries and Allowances | – Determined by Parliament, cannot be varied to disadvantage except during a financial emergency.
Independence | – Secured by fixed service conditions, security of tenure, financial autonomy, etc.
Jurisdiction and Powers | – Original jurisdiction in federal disputes.
– Does not extend to certain matters like pre-Constitution treaties and inter-state water disputes.
Issues:
Aspect | Summary
Judicial Accountability | – Allegations of sexual harassment against the CJI.
– Tension between judicial independence and accountability.
– Judiciary is retributive, not rehabilitative.
– Out of RTI’s ambit, leading to information asymmetry.
– Opacity highlighted by the 2019 press conference of 4 judges.
Judicial Overreach | – Concerns over the judiciary encroaching on executive functions.
Contempt of Court | – Excessive use to silence dissent.
Credibility Crisis | – Controversy over the appointment of ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi to the Rajya Sabha in 2020.
Vacancies and Case Pendency | The judge-population ratio is 20 per million.
| – ~88% case clearance rate leading to 5 crore pending cases (Economic Survey 2018).
Reforms Needed:
To address the challenges facing the Indian judiciary, several key reforms are essential. Introducing a new Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill would enforce strict standards and accountability for judges. A comprehensive Code of Conduct, enforceable by law, is needed to ensure judicial integrity. The Contempt of Court Act, 1971, should be amended as per the Law Commission’s recommendations to prevent its misuse. Establishing an independent Lokpal specifically for the judiciary could enhance oversight. Addressing the issue of judicial vacancies by implementing the Law Commission’s suggested formula and expanding the All India Judicial Service would improve the quality and efficiency of the judiciary. Utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions, such as the LIMBS system, and exploring alternative dispute resolution methods, including Lok Adalats and Gram Nyayalayas, can help manage caseloads and expedite justice.
Conclusion:
The accessibility, affordability, and speedy justice are fundamental pillars of an efficient judicial system. Continuous assessment and reform are crucial for strengthening and reinforcing the justice delivery system in India, ensuring it meets the needs of its citizens effectively and fairly.
Insta Links
• Judicial Pendency
Mains Links:
Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on the ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (USPC 2017)
Prelims Links:
With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (USPC 2021)
• Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
• A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither I nor 2
Ans: (c)
Tags: 75 years of the Supreme Court of India, Indian Judiciary, GS2, Polity
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September 2024 GS Paper 3:
Cabinet approves Digital Agriculture Mission
Syllabus: Agriculture
Source: IE
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Rs 2,817-crore Digital Agriculture Mission aimed at creating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the farm sector.
What is Digital Agriculture?
Digital Agriculture refers to the use of digital technologies to collect, store, analyze, and share data throughout the agricultural sector. It includes tools like sensors, drones, GPS, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance farm management, improve crop monitoring, optimize inputs like water and fertilizers, and increase yields.
What is Digital Agriculture Mission?
The Digital Agriculture Mission is a government initiative aimed at developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agriculture sector. It seeks to improve farm management, enhance productivity, and provide services to farmers by integrating data and digital tools. The mission focuses on modernizing Indian agriculture through the use of digital technologies like data analytics, geospatial information, and AI to support decision-making, crop estimation, and efficient resource management.
Components of Digital Agriculture Mission
Component | Description | Progress/Fact
AgriStack | Digital infrastructure for farmer databases, village maps, and crop registries. | Pilots conducted in 6 districts; Target: 11 crore farmers to receive digital IDs.
Krishi Decision Support System (DSS) | Geospatial system to unify crop, soil, weather, and water data. | Launched; Supports crop pattern identification and drought/flood monitoring.
Soil Profile Maps | Detailed soil maps (1:10,000 scale) of agricultural lands. | 29 million hectares of soil mapped; Target: 142 million hectares.
Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) | Improves crop yield estimates and data accuracy for production. | Nation-wide rollout planned; Pilots conducted in 11 states in FY2023-24.
Issues with Agri-Tech in India:
• Limited Digital Literacy: Many farmers lack the skills and access needed to adopt agri-tech.
• High Upfront Costs: Significant initial investment required for agri-tech solutions is a barrier for small-scale farmers.
• Fragmented Land Holdings: Small, fragmented land makes large-scale mechanization challenging.
• Limited Infrastructure: Poor access to basic infrastructure like electricity and internet hinders agri-tech adoption.
• Inadequate Government Policies: Inconsistent or poorly implemented policies affect the effectiveness of agri-tech initiatives.
• Lack of Collaboration: Limited cooperation among farmers, the private sector, and the government restricts effective solution development.
• Limited Market Access: Challenges in accessing markets and market information affect the adoption of agri-tech.
• Drone Regulation Issues: Privacy concerns arise due to sophisticated sensors and cameras on drones.
Other related Government Initiatives:
Initiative | Explanation
Promotion to Startups | Currently, India has over 1,000 agri-tech startups that play a crucial role in providing innovative solutions for challenges across the agricultural value chain.
Digital Agriculture Mission | A government initiative for projects based on technologies like AI, blockchain, remote sensing, drones, and robots to advance agriculture.
Unified Farmer Service Platform (UFSP) | A platform facilitating seamless interoperability of IT systems in the agriculture ecosystem, enhancing service delivery to farmers.
National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) | A scheme using ICT for timely access to agriculture-related information, including platforms like Farmers Portal and mkisan for advisories.
Strengthening/Promoting Agricultural Information System (AGRISNET) | A scheme for strengthening the IT infrastructure of the Department and enhancing information dissemination through platforms like mkisan.
Way Forward:
To address the issues faced by agri-tech in India, several steps should be taken. Encouraging the adoption of modern technology is crucial; providing subsidies and incentives for advanced farming equipment and techniques can make these solutions more accessible to farmers. Farmer-centric research should be prioritized, focusing on the specific needs of farmers and involving them in the development of relevant technologies. Improving access to technology by creating affordable and accessible solutions will help boost productivity, particularly for small-scale farmers. Additionally, promoting education and training programs will facilitate the adoption of new technologies and support knowledge transfer. Finally, clear regulations for drones must be established and privacy laws enforced to ensure their safe and effective use in agriculture.
Insta Links:
• e-Technology in the aid of farmers
Mains Links:
Examine the role of supermarkets in the supply chain management of fruits, vegetables, and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries? (UPSC 2018)
Tags: GS3, Agriculture, Digital Agriculture Mission, Digital Agriculture Mission
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Government Initiatives for LGBTQI+ Community
Source: PIB
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) invites public and stakeholder inputs to ensure inclusive policies for the LGBTQI+ community. Following the Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment, a committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary was established to define the community’s entitlements.
Key actions include:
• Ration card access for queer partners.
• Allowing joint bank accounts and partner nomination rights.
• Healthcare measures, including banning conversion therapy and ensuring access to sex reassignment surgery.
• Addressing mental health and discrimination issues.
Values exhibited:
• Inclusivity – Ensuring access to social services and equal treatment for LGBTQI+ individuals.
• Non-discrimination – Addressing biases in ration card issuance, banking, and healthcare.
• Dignity – Recognizing queer relationships and providing legal protections.
• Health Rights – Prohibiting conversion therapy and improving access to healthcare.
• Mental Well-being – Promoting mental health and well-being for the LGBTQI+ community.
• Consultation – Inviting public and stakeholder input to create effective policies.
Tags: LGBTQI+ Community, Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Ramon Magsaysay Award
Source: IE
Context: Hayao Miyazaki, a renowned Japanese filmmaker and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has won the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award, recognized for his contributions to animated films that resonate across ages.
• His work is distinguished by its gentle, hand-drawn visuals and deep themes, including pacifism, environmentalism, and strong female characters.
• Miyazaki’s films, such as *Spirited Away* and *Princess Mononoke*, reflect his concerns about modern society, war, and the destruction of nature.
About Ramon Magsaysay Award:
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1957, is Asia’s highest honor and premier prize, recognizing individuals with exceptional dedication to serving the people of Asia, regardless of their background.
It is awarded annually on August 31st, coinciding with the birthday of Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the Philippines.
Recipients receive a certificate, a medallion with Magsaysay’s image, and a cash prize.
The award, often referred to as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
Tags: GS1, Arts and Culture, Awards, Ramon Magsaysay Award
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Munich Agreement
Source: IE
Context: The Munich Agreement, was an accord between Germany, France, Italy, and Great Britain, allowing Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a region in Czechoslovakia with a large ethnic German population.
• This agreement, aimed at appeasing Adolf Hitler to maintain peace in Europe, was strongly supported by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.
• However, Czechoslovakia, despite being directly affected, was not a party to the negotiations and was pressured into accepting the deal.
• The Munich Agreement is widely seen as a disastrous act of appeasement that failed to prevent further aggression.
• Hitler violated the agreement within six months by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia, signalling that expansionist totalitarianism could not be placated.
• This sequence of events set the stage for World War II, which began on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland, leading Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
Tags: GS1, World History, Munich Agreement
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Mitochondria
Source: TH
Context: Researchers have been studying the role of mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses, in Parkinson’s disease.
• Mitochondria are dynamic, constantly changing in size, number, and location to meet cellular demands.
• Imbalances in mitochondrial dynamics have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s.
• The research team focused on a protein called Drp1, which controls mitochondrial division. Excessive Drp1 activity causes mitochondria to fragment, leading to cellular dysfunction and death.
• By reducing Drp1 activity in lab models of Parkinson’s, including cell cultures and animal models, researchers were able to restore normal mitochondrial function, protect neurons from disease, and improve motor function in rats.
These findings suggest that targeting Drp1 could be a promising treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and the researchers are now testing FDA-approved compounds that inhibit Drp1 as potential therapies.
Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of brain cells that control movement, leading to the disease’s signature tremors.
Currently, no treatments exist that can halt or slow down this cell death.
Tags: GS3, Science, Mitochondria, Parkinson’s disease
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Operation Bhediya
Source: Economic Times
Context: In Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, a series of wolf attacks have led to the death of a three-year-old girl and injuries to two women, despite ongoing efforts under “Operation Bhediya.”
• The operation, aimed at capturing the man-eating wolves responsible for several attacks, has successfully caught four wolves, but the community remains frustrated due to the continued threat.
About Indian Gray Wolf:
Scientific Name: *Canis lupus pallipes*
Conservation Status
IUCN: Least Concern
Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I
CITES : Appendix 1
Tags: GS3, Environment, Species In News, Operation Bhediya, Indian Gray Wolf
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024 Mapping:
Sudan
Source: IE
Context: The war in Sudan, now over 500 days old, continues to wreak havoc as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remain engaged in a brutal power struggle.
• The war has devastated cities, displaced entire communities, and plunged over half of Sudan’s population—25.6 million people—into acute hunger, with more than 755,000 on the brink of famine.
About Sudan:
Sudan is located in Northeast Africa and shares borders with several countries: Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west, Egypt to the north, Eritrea to the northeast, Ethiopia to the southeast, Libya to the northwest, and South Sudan to the south.
It also has a coastline along the Red Sea. Before South Sudan's secession in 2011, Sudan was the largest country by area in both Africa and the Arab League.
Tags: Mapping, Sudan
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