UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 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 – 4 September 2024)
• Issues with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024
• Use of Drones in Warfare
GS Paper 4:
• Bulldozer Justice Must End: SC Warns States
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Lothal
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
• AgriSURE Fund & Krishi Nivesh Portal
• Project Strawberry
• Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)
Mapping:
Brunei Darussalam
#### GS Paper 3:
Issues with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024
Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Disaster Management/ Geography
Source: TH
Context: The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced on August 1, 2024, seeks to centralize disaster management, undermining cooperative federalism. It adds layers of bureaucracy, complicating disaster response and exacerbating delays, as seen in past disasters like those in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Aim of the Bill: The Bill aims to introduce changes for effective pre-planning of disaster events, integration of disaster preparedness in developmental plans, and give clarity of roles and responsibilities to the authorities handling disasters (aligning with recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission)
Key Features of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024:
Feature | Description
Creation of Disaster Database | Establishes a disaster database at national and state levels, including disaster assessments, fund allocation, expenditure, preparedness and mitigation plans, and risk registers.
Prepare Disaster Plan | Empowers NDMA and SDMA to prepare disaster plans, replacing the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees. Plans must be reviewed every three years and updated every five years.
Creation of Urban Disaster Management Authority | Proposes the creation of Urban Disaster Management Authorities for state capitals and large cities with municipal corporations (excluding Delhi and Chandigarh).
Statutory Recognition | Grants statutory status to the National Crisis Management Committee and the High-Level Committee.
State Disaster Response Force | Allows state governments to form State Disaster Response Forces to enhance state-level disaster response.
New Section 60A | Empowers Central and State governments to direct individuals on disaster management actions and impose penalties up to ₹10,000 for non-compliance.
How Measures in the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Will Help in Disaster Management?
• Enhanced Disaster Database: Provides detailed data on disaster assessments and risk, such as tracking the impact of floods in Bihar or cyclones in Odisha, aiding better planning and response.
• Urban Disaster Authorities: Creates dedicated authorities in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, improving response to urban crises such as building collapses or air pollution emergencies.
• Revised Disaster Planning: NDMA and SDMAs can develop more integrated plans, as seen in coordinated responses to the 2023 Gujarat earthquake, enhancing efficiency and coverage.
• Statutory Recognition: Strengthens bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee, leading to improved coordination in large-scale disasters such as the 2019 Kerala floods.
• State Disaster Response Force: Empowers states to form specialized forces, like the proposed response team in West Bengal for riverbank erosion, improving local readiness and response.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Ensures adherence to disaster management protocols, for instance, enforcing building safety standards to prevent disasters similar to the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
Key issues with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024:
• Increased Centralization: Over-centralizes decision-making, which could delay disaster relief and complicate coordination.
• Bureaucratic Complexities: Adds multiple layers of governance, potentially creating confusion between national, state, and local bodies.
• Leadership Conflicts: The power imbalance between municipal commissioners and district collectors could hinder disaster management coordination.
• Financial Constraints: Lack of financial resources for urban local bodies (ULBs) to effectively manage disaster preparedness and mitigation.
• Dependence on Central Funds: Limited clarity on access to the National Disaster Mitigation Fund, undermining local financial autonomy.
• Exclusion of Major Cities: Delhi and Chandigarh are excluded from the UDMA (Urban Disaster Management Authority) framework, leading to potential coordination gaps.
• Urban Bias: Focuses primarily on urban areas, potentially neglecting rural disaster management needs.
• Challenges with UDMA Expansion: Potential difficulties in staffing and administrative support as more municipal corporations are included in UDMA.
Disaster Management Act, 2005: Key Features
Feature | Description
3-Tier Institutional Structure | National Level: NDMA, led by the Prime Minister. State Level: SDMAs, headed by Chief Ministers. District Level: DDMAs, led by District Collectors, Magistrates, or Deputy Commissioners.
National Disaster Response Force | Established for specialist response to disaster situations.
National Disaster Response Fund | Created to fund and manage response efforts during threatening disaster situations.
Conclusion:
Though the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduces essential reforms aimed at improving preparedness in urban areas, its success will depend on addressing leadership coordination, financial empowerment, and the efficient allocation of resources to local bodies. Without resolving these concerns, the noble intentions of the Bill may not fully translate into effective disaster management across India’s rapidly urbanizing landscape.
Insta Links:
National Disaster Management Act, 2005
Tags: Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024, GS3, Disaster Management
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2024 GS Paper 3:
Use of Drones in Warfare
Syllabus: Internal Security
Source: HT
Context: Manipur Chief Minister condemned recent drone bombings on civilians, calling them acts of terrorism. His comments followed a second day of grenade-laden drone attacks that injured three people in Imphal West.
What is a UAV?
A drone or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a remotely controlled flying device that is gradually being adopted in warfare for logistics, surveillance-reconnaissance, and combat roles.
Drone warfare is becoming asymmetric as the capability of launchers is usually of insurgent/terrorist scale. However, the Russia-Ukraine war also shows some asymmetric nature with drone warfare by a state actor like Ukraine.
Drone use by state actors:
• The USA and Israel are at the forefront of drone development with Predator and Heron models.
• The use of Turkish-made Bayraktar drones by Ukraine against the Russian invasion has turned the tide of war.
• Russia’s use of Orion drones in Syria in 2019 for striking strategic targets.
Drone use by non-state actors:
• Houthi rebels used drones from Iran to attack Saudi oil facilities.
• Islamist terror outfits like ISIS and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have used drones for surveillance and attack.
• Even organised narco-traders like the CJNG cartel of Mexico have used drones for bombing targets.
Advantages of Drone Warfare for actors:
Security challenges to India:
• Recently, drones were used for the first time to drop explosives at the Jammu airbase.
• Multiple incidents of cross-border drone threats from Pakistan-sponsored terror groups to drop bombs and deliver arms, ammunition, and equipment.
• Internal insurgents too are acquiring DIY (Do-it-yourself) drone kits to increase such capabilities.
• Drone Terrorism: Drones are increasingly used by terrorist groups due to their affordability, manoeuvrability, and payload capacity.
• Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Drones monitor military sites, borders, and sensitive government facilities.
• Critical Infrastructure Disruption: They can execute cyber-attacks, jamming, or physical attacks on infrastructure.
• Cross-Border Smuggling: Drones smuggle contraband, drugs, and weapons, particularly from Pakistan.
• Privacy Concerns: Drones with cameras threaten individual privacy and the security of sensitive facilities, like nuclear plants.
Steps taken:
• Drone Rules 2021 to regulate the internal movement of drones while incentivizing the indigenous drone manufacturing industry.
• Indian Army Aviation Corp is being made responsible for offensives and drone counter-measures.
• Indigenous anti-drone systems are being developed like Indrajaal by Hyderabad-based Grene Robotics.
• Drone development by the DRDO including Nishant, Rustom, MALE, et al and acquisition of foreign-made variants like the Heron.
• Drone Import Policy 2022: Bans foreign drone imports, but allows drone component imports.
• PLI Scheme: Incentivizes domestic drone and component manufacturing.
Mitigating Drone-Related Threats:
• Counter-Drone Technology: Neutralizes unauthorized drones.
• Capacity Building: Improves drone detection and response by security forces.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Supports indigenous drone technology development.
Conclusion:
Drone warfare is causing a revolution in the nature of warfare in the 21st century, providing asymmetric warfare capabilities to the smallest of state and non-state actors. India must keep pace with the world for its security.
Tags: Use of Drone in Warfare, GS3, Internal Security
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2024 GS Paper 4:
Bulldozer Justice Must End: SC Warns States
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Source: HT
Context: The Supreme Court warned states against demolishing properties of accused individuals without due process, calling such actions unjustified even in cases of conviction. The court plans to establish nationwide guidelines to regulate demolitions, emphasizing the need for legal procedures and protections.
In the case of “bulldozer justice” and demolitions linked to criminal accusations, several ethical issues arise:
• Due Process Violation:
• Issue: Demolishing properties without following legal procedures undermines the right to a fair trial. Example: Authorities demolish homes based on accusations without court proceedings, denying the accused the opportunity to defend themselves.
• Issue: Demolishing properties without following legal procedures undermines the right to a fair trial.
• Example: Authorities demolish homes based on accusations without court proceedings, denying the accused the opportunity to defend themselves.
• Collective Punishment:
• Issue: Punishing families or communities for the actions of an individual is ethically unjustifiable. Example: Bulldozing the homes of family members of the accused, even though they were not involved in the alleged crime.
• Issue: Punishing families or communities for the actions of an individual is ethically unjustifiable.
• Example: Bulldozing the homes of family members of the accused, even though they were not involved in the alleged crime.
• Discrimination:
• Issue: The selective use of demolitions disproportionately targeting certain communities could reflect bias and discrimination. Example: Demolitions carried out in communal violence cases, particularly targeting minority communities, as seen in instances like Jahangirpuri in Delhi.
• Issue: The selective use of demolitions disproportionately targeting certain communities could reflect bias and discrimination.
• Example: Demolitions carried out in communal violence cases, particularly targeting minority communities, as seen in instances like Jahangirpuri in Delhi.
• Abuse of Power:
• Issue: Using demolitions as a tool for quick justice reflects an abuse of state power. Example: Governments use bulldozers to demonstrate decisiveness rather than ensuring justice through the legal system.
• Issue: Using demolitions as a tool for quick justice reflects an abuse of state power.
• Example: Governments use bulldozers to demonstrate decisiveness rather than ensuring justice through the legal system.
• Violation of Property Rights:
• Issue: Destroying someone’s property without adequate legal backing infringes on their right to ownership and security. Example: Properties demolished without a court order or sufficient notice to the owners.
• Issue: Destroying someone’s property without adequate legal backing infringes on their right to ownership and security.
• Example: Properties demolished without a court order or sufficient notice to the owners.
• Human Rights Concerns:
• Issue: Destruction of homes leaves people homeless and vulnerable, raising concerns about human dignity and the right to shelter. Example: Families rendered homeless after demolitions carried out without sufficient cause or alternatives provided.
• Issue: Destruction of homes leaves people homeless and vulnerable, raising concerns about human dignity and the right to shelter.
• Example: Families rendered homeless after demolitions carried out without sufficient cause or alternatives provided.
• Transparency and Accountability:
• Issue: Lack of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process of demolitions leads to unethical governance practices. Example: Authorities claiming properties are illegal without providing adequate documentation or evidence to the property owners.
• Issue: Lack of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process of demolitions leads to unethical governance practices.
• Example: Authorities claiming properties are illegal without providing adequate documentation or evidence to the property owners.
Local Laws on Demolitions:
• Rajasthan: Requires notice and opportunity to respond; governed by Municipalities Act and Forest Act.
• Madhya Pradesh: Demolitions only after notice and failure to respond; under Municipalities Act.
• Uttar Pradesh: Requires formal order, notice (15-40 days), and appeal process; under Urban Planning and Development Act.
• Delhi: Notice and opportunity to contest required; governed by DMC Act.
• Haryana: Shorter notice period (3 days), with opportunity to appeal; under Municipal Corporation Act.
Reforms Needed:
• Establish Clear Guidelines: Implement national guidelines to regulate property demolitions, ensuring adherence to due process.
• Ensure Due Process: Mandate judicial oversight and proper legal procedures before demolitions are carried out.
• Prevent Collective Punishment: Prohibit demolitions of properties not directly linked to the accused.
• Enhance Transparency: Require authorities to provide documentation and justification for demolitions.
• Protect Property Rights: Ensure property owners have the right to appeal and contest demolitions.
• Address Human Rights: Provide alternative housing and support for those affected by demolitions.
• Increase Accountability: Implement monitoring mechanisms to oversee and review demolition actions.
Tags: Bulldozer Justice Must End, GS4, Ethics
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Lothal
Source: IE
Context: A new study by IIT Gandhinagar has provided fresh evidence supporting the existence of a dockyard at Lothal, Gujarat, during the Harappan Civilization.
• The research reveals that the Sabarmati River, which now flows 20 km away, once ran close to Lothal, enhancing its significance as a major trade route.
• The study suggests that Lothal was connected via waterways to other Harappan sites like Dholavira, facilitating trade with regions as far as Mesopotamia.
About Lothal:
Lothal, located in the Bhāl region of Gujarat, was one of the southernmost sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, built around 2200 BC.
It was a significant trade centre, known for trading beads, gems, and ornaments with West Asia and Africa.
The name “Lothal” means “the mound of the dead” in Gujarati, similar to the meaning of “Mohenjo-daro” in Sindhi.
Lothal is notable for having the world’s earliest known dock, which connected it to the Sabarmati River, facilitating trade between Harappan cities and the Saurashtra peninsula.
Tags: GS1, Arts and Culture, Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
Source: Economic Times
Context: The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 3,300 crore proposal by Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to establish a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat.
• This unit, part of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), will produce nearly 60 lakh chips daily for applications across various sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, and telecom.
• The initiative aligns with India’s goal of developing indigenous semiconductor capabilities.
• India’s semiconductor market is projected to reach $64 billion by 2026, positioning the country as a major global semiconductor hub
ISM is a specialized, independent division within the Digital India Corporation.
Objective: It aims to develop a robust semiconductor and display ecosystem to establish India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design.
Responsibilities: ISM has full administrative and financial powers to drive the semiconductor ecosystem in India, focusing on manufacturing, packaging, and design.
Advisory Board: The division is supported by an advisory board of leading global semiconductor experts.
Role: ISM serves as the nodal agency for implementing schemes under the Semicon India Programme.
Tags: GS3, Economy, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
AgriSURE Fund & Krishi Nivesh Portal
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Minister launched the AgriSURE Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal.
• The event also featured the presentation of the Greenathon AIF Excellence Awards, recognizing top-performing banks and states for their efforts in implementing the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme.
Aspect | AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises | Krishi Nivesh Portal
Established | Following the 2022-23 Budget announcement by India’s Finance Minister. | Launched on December 5, 2022.
Purpose | To support innovative, high-risk, and high-impact agricultural start-ups. | To simplify agricultural investments and enhance transparency.
Focus Areas | Investment in agriculture, technology-driven start-ups, farm mechanization, and rural enterprises. | Facilitating access to information and applications for various government schemes in agriculture.
Objectives | – Foster investment in agriculture. | – Streamline the investment process.
– Create employment opportunities. | – Provide guidelines for market entry strategies and regulatory frameworks.
– Encourage youth participation in agriculture. | – Empower women in agriculture through special provisions and training programs.
– Strengthen the agricultural value chain. |
Tags: GS3, Agriculture, AgriSURE Fund & Krishi Nivesh Portal
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Project Strawberry
Source: IE
Context: OpenAI’s Project Strawberry is an upcoming AI model expected to be significantly more advanced in math, programming, and reasoning than existing chatbots.
• Likely to be integrated into ChatGPT-5, this model represents a step towards achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), with capabilities akin to the human brain.
• Project Strawberry, previously known as Project Q*, is designed to autonomously conduct internet research, solve complex puzzles, and improve AI’s reasoning abilities.
• It is also expected to generate high-quality synthetic data, addressing the scarcity of accessible training data on the internet.
• This synthetic data aims to reduce biases and errors, potentially leading to breakthroughs in fields like scientific research and personalized education.
The project underscores OpenAI’s commitment to advancing AI while addressing security concerns raised by its rapid development.
Tags: GS3, Science, Project Strawberry
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)
Source: Economic Times
Context: A central team, as part of the GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) Early Warning Systems Mission, visited Tenchungkha Lake in Sikkim, marking the first of 16 planned assessments in the region.
• The NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) has identified 188 critical lakes across the Indian Himalayan Region, vulnerable to GLOF events, and is working with state governments and experts, including ISRO scientists, to implement early warning systems and risk mitigation strategies.
Glacial lakes are large bodies of water formed by meltwater from glaciers, located in front of, on top of, or beneath melting glaciers.
They develop near the glacier’s snout as meltwater accumulates.
Hazard: As these lakes grow, they are often dammed by unstable ice or loose sediment, making them dangerous.
GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood): This occurs when the dam or boundary around a glacial lake fails, causing a sudden release of water that can flood downstream areas.
Triggers: GLOFs can be caused by earthquakes, heavy rains, or ice avalanches.
Tags: GS3, Disaster Management, Glacial Lake outburst flood (GLOF)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2024 Mapping:
Brunei Darussalam
Source: IE
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Brunei Darussalam marks a significant milestone as the first Indian PM to visit the nation, celebrating 40 years of diplomatic ties.
• Brunei plays a crucial role in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. As a major oil and gas producer and an ASEAN member, Brunei is vital for India’s economic and strategic interests, especially in counterbalancing China’s influence in the region.
• Location: A Southeast Asian country with two non-contiguous regions on the northern coast of Borneo Island.
• Borders: Surrounded entirely by Malaysia’s Sarawak state, except for its northern coastline on the South China Sea.
• Membership: Part of the Commonwealth and ASEAN.
Tags: Mapping, Brunei Darussalam
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