UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 September 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 September 2024)
• West Bengal’s Aparajita’ Bill
West Bengal’s Aparajita’ Bill
GS Paper 3:
• Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack
Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• California’s New Law on Deceased Personalities’ Likeness
California’s New Law on Deceased Personalities’ Likeness
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Poshan Tracker Initiative
Poshan Tracker Initiative
• Financialisation
Financialisation
• India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC) Launched
India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC) Launched
• Scientists Advance Unification of Classical & Quantum Gravity
Scientists Advance Unification of Classical & Quantum Gravity
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 September 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
West Bengal’s Aparajita Women and Child Bill 2024
Syllabus: Social Justice, Indian Society
Source: IE
Context: The West Bengal Assembly has passed the ‘Aparajita’ Bill, introducing the death penalty for rape.
Salient provisions of the Aparajita Bill:
Category | Provisions
Provisions of BNS Amended | – Maximum Punishment: Adds “or with death” for aggravated rape circumstances.
– Death Penalty: Mandatory for rape cases resulting in death or permanent vegetative state.
– Gang Rape: Introduces death penalty for gang rape of women above age 18.
– Repeat Offenders: Replaces simple imprisonment for life with rigorous imprisonment for life.
– Victim Identity Disclosure: Increases jail terms for disclosing the identity of rape victims and publishing court proceedings.
– Acid Attacks: Removes lighter punishments, mandates rigorous imprisonment for life.
Provisions of the POCSO Act Amended | – Penetrative Sexual Assault: Introduces death penalty where the highest punishment was previously life imprisonment.
Provisions of BNSS Amended | – Investigation Time: Reduces investigation time from two months to 21 days (extendable by 15 days if needed).
– Trial Time: Reduces time to complete the trial after the chargesheet from two months to 30 days.
Task Forces, Special Courts | – Special Task Forces: Establishes a special Aparajita Task Force in each district for rape case investigations.
– Special Courts: Creates Special Courts in every district for expedited rape case trials and appoints Special Public Prosecutors.
Comparison of State Rape Laws: West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra
• West Bengal – Aparajita Bill:
• Introduces mandatory death penalty for rape resulting in death or permanent vegetative state. Amends existing laws for stricter punishments and establishes Special Task Forces and Courts for expedited trials.
• Introduces mandatory death penalty for rape resulting in death or permanent vegetative state.
• Amends existing laws for stricter punishments and establishes Special Task Forces and Courts for expedited trials.
• Andhra Pradesh – Disha Bills:
• Mandates the death penalty for rape, including gang rape and repeat offenders. Creates Special Police Teams and Exclusive Special Courts with shortened investigation and trial timelines.
• Mandates the death penalty for rape, including gang rape and repeat offenders.
• Creates Special Police Teams and Exclusive Special Courts with shortened investigation and trial timelines.
• Maharashtra – Shakti Bill:
• Implements the death penalty for severe cases, including heinous acid attacks. Sets up stringent data-sharing requirements for web platforms in criminal investigations.
• Implements the death penalty for severe cases, including heinous acid attacks.
• Sets up stringent data-sharing requirements for web platforms in criminal investigations.
Difficulties in Introducing State Laws to Curb Sexual Assaults on Women:
The Aparajita Bill, after being passed by the West Bengal Assembly, awaits the Governor’s approval and the President’s assent to become law.
Why is Presidential Assent Crucial?
• The Supreme Court in *Mithu vs. State of Punjab* (1983) ruled that a mandatory death sentence violates fundamental rights under Article 14 (equality before the law) and Article 21 (right to life), and constitutes an “unfair, unjust, and unreasonable procedure” that can deprive individuals of their life unjustly.
Why is Rape Pervasive in India?
Reason | Description
Gender Inequality | Deep-rooted gender inequality and patriarchal attitudes objectify and subjugate women, fostering an environment where sexual violence can thrive.
Societal Norms and Attitudes | Regressive norms and attitudes, such as victim-blaming and the concept of “women’s honour,” perpetuate a culture of silence and stigmatization, deterring victims from reporting and seeking justice.
Lack of Awareness | Limited awareness about gender equality, consent, and sexual rights, especially in rural areas, impedes efforts to prevent and address sexual violence. Comprehensive sex education and awareness campaigns are needed.
Inadequate Law Enforcement | Corruption, negligence, and insensitivity in law enforcement and the criminal justice system obstruct effective investigation, prosecution, and conviction of rape cases.
Slow Judicial Processes | Lengthy and complex legal procedures, coupled with a backlog of cases, result in delayed justice and discourage victims from pursuing legal action. Fast-track courts can help address this issue.
Social Stigma and Victim Blaming | Survivors face societal stigma, blame, and discrimination, which can further traumatize them and dissuade reporting. Addressing these attitudes and providing support services are crucial.
Conclusion
The Aparajita Women and Child Bill marks a significant shift in West Bengal’s approach to crimes against women and children, introducing stringent penalties. While supporters view it as a crucial step for justice and safety, critics question its necessity given existing laws. The bill has also sparked wider debates on crime reporting, law enforcement, and political accountability.
Insta Links:
• Criminalisation of Marital Rape
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 September 2024 GS Paper 3:
Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack
Source: PIB
Context: The Government of India has launched the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack, offering Blockchain-as-a-Service (Baas) with geographically distributed infrastructure to support permissioned blockchain applications.
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a digital ledger technology where data (like transactions) is stored in “blocks” that are linked together in a chronological “chain.” Each block is securely encrypted, making the data tamper-proof. Example: Bitcoin, where blockchain tracks all transactions in a secure, decentralized way.
What is Blockchain Technology Stack?
It refers to the layers of technologies needed to build and operate a blockchain. It includes the infrastructure (servers, networks), core blockchain functionality (protocols, consensus mechanisms), smart contracts (automated, self-executing contracts), and APIs (tools to interact with the blockchain). Example: Ethereum’s technology stack enables decentralized apps and smart contracts.
What is Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)?
It is a cloud-based service where third parties provide infrastructure and tools to build and use blockchain applications without needing to develop or maintain the blockchain themselves. Example: Microsoft Azure’s BaaS allows businesses to deploy blockchain applications quickly.
About Vishvasya (BaaS)
Vishvasya offers Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) using a distributed infrastructure to support permissioned blockchain applications. BaaS provides cloud-based tools for companies to build and manage blockchain apps. It is part of the National Blockchain Framework (NBF), which aims to utilize blockchain in areas like health, agriculture, and finance while addressing adoption challenges.
Features of Vishvasya BaaS:
• Rapid blockchain application development
• Security-audited containers for production
• Blockchain security audit guidelines
• Geographically distributed infrastructure (Hyderabad, Pune, Bhubaneswar)
• Easy onboarding documentation
• NBFLite: Lightweight platform for research and learning
Additional Launches:
• NBFLite: A sandbox for startups and academia to prototype blockchain apps.
• Praamaanik: A blockchain tool for verifying mobile app origins.
• National Blockchain Portal
Blockchain Application:
Sector | Blockchain Application
Cryptocurrency | Enables decentralized, peer-to-peer digital currency transactions. Examples: Bitcoin, Ethereum.
Energy | Used for peer-to-peer energy trading platforms and streamlining renewable energy access.
Finance | Supports online payments, accounts, and market trading. Example: Singapore Exchange Limited uses blockchain for a more efficient interbank payment system.
Healthcare | Facilitates secure transfer of medical records, manages the drug supply chain, and aids genetic research.
Smart Contracts | Automates contract execution when predefined conditions are met, without human intervention.
Media and Entertainment | Handles copyright data and digital rights management. Example: Sony Music Entertainment uses blockchain for efficient digital rights management.
Retail | Monitors the flow of goods between suppliers and customers. Example: Amazon Retail’s blockchain-based system for verifying the authenticity of items sold on the platform.
Blockchain-as-a-Service | Provides cloud-based blockchain infrastructure and tools for creating applications and digital services.
Supply Chain Management | Improves transparency and traceability in supply chains, ensuring authenticity and reducing fraud.
Government Services | Applied in voting systems, personal identification security, and secure data management
India & Blockchain Technology Initiatives
• RBI Regulatory Sandbox: Supervises blockchain startups in cryptocurrencies and exchanges.
• National Strategy on Blockchain: Promotes state-specific blockchain apps for e-governance services, excluding digital currencies like Bitcoin.
• State-specific Initiatives: States like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra focus on blockchain centres and incubators (e.g., Telangana Blockchain District, Tamil Nadu Blockchain Policy 2020).
• Digital India Initiatives: Blockchain identified as a key emerging technology.
• Centre of Excellence for Blockchain Technology: Established by NIC for a nationwide interoperable blockchain ecosystem.
Mains Link:
What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (USPC 2021)
Prelims
• With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements: (USPC 2020)
• It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
• The structure and design of the blockchain are such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
• Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only
Ans: (d)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 September 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
California’s New Law on Deceased Personalities’ Likeness
Source: IE
Context: California’s AB 1836, passed on August 31, 2024, regulates the commercial use of deceased personalities’ likenesses, including their voice and image. The law aims to protect against unauthorized AI-generated replicas by requiring consent from the deceased’s heirs for such uses.
Key Points:
• Consent Required: Using a deceased personality’s likeness without consent from their heirs is prohibited.
• Penalties: Fines range from $750 to $10,000, plus potential damages.
• Scope: Covers digital replicas and excludes uses in artistic, political, or newsworthy works.
• Rights Transfer: Likeness rights can be transferred through contracts and passed to the deceased’s family or are terminated if no heirs are present.
Ethical Values from California’s AB 1836
• Respect for Autonomy: The law respects the autonomy of deceased individuals by requiring consent from their heirs before using their likenesses.
• Protection of Privacy: It protects the privacy of deceased personalities, ensuring their likenesses are not exploited without authorization.
• Fair Compensation: The law mandates compensation for unauthorized use, reflecting the value of intellectual and personal property.
• Justice: It seeks to prevent potential exploitation and misuse of deceased personalities’ likenesses, upholding fairness for the families.
• Transparency: By defining clear rules and penalties, the law ensures transparency in the use of digital replicas and likenesses.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Poshan Tracker Initiative
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development won the National e-Governance 2024 Gold Award for its Poshan Tracker initiative under Mission Poshan 2.0.
What is the Poshan Tracker?
It is an ICT-based system, that monitors the growth and nutrition of children aged 0-6 years in real time, using WHO growth charts and Growth Measuring Devices at Anganwadi Centers. The initiative covers 8.9 crore children and helps identify health issues for timely intervention.
Key Points about the Poshan Tracker App:
• Provides a 360-degree view of Anganwadi activities, services, and beneficiary management for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under six.
• Digitizes physical registers, improving workers’ efficiency.
• Anganwadi workers receive smartphones for enhanced service delivery through Government e-Market (GeM).
• Technical support is available for resolving app-related issues.
• Migrant workers can access services at any Anganwadi, regardless of location.
• Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
Financialisation
- •Source: TH*
Context: Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran has cautioned against the financialisation of capital markets, where financial market dominance could distort macroeconomic outcomes.
What is Financialisation?
It occurs when financial markets, financial motives, and financial institutions start to dominate economic activities, overshadowing real economic activities like production and investment.
Risks:
• Increased Debt: High levels of borrowing by both public and private sectors can lead to excessive debt. For example, during the 2008 global financial crisis, many countries faced severe economic downturns due to high levels of debt-fueled by financial speculation.
• Asset Price Inflation: Reliance on financial markets can lead to artificially inflated asset prices. For instance, the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s saw technology stocks trading at unsustainable valuations, leading to a market crash when the bubble burst.
• Economic Inequality: Financialisation can exacerbate income inequality, as gains from financial investments may disproportionately benefit the wealthy. For example, rising stock market values often benefit those who already hold significant financial assets, widening the wealth gap between the rich and the poor.
Example: The 2008 financial crisis exemplifies financialisation risks, where excessive speculation and financial practices led to a global economic meltdown, highlighting the dangers of letting financial markets overshadow real economic fundamentals.
India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC) Launched
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) launched the India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC) under the Graphene Aurora Program (GAP), which was initiated in 2023 to foster the graphene technology ecosystem.
Located in Trivandrum, Kerala, IGEIC is a non-profit that aims to bridge the gap between R&D and commercialization, providing support to startups and industry. This follows the earlier launch of India’s first graphene centre, the India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) in Kerala.
Scientists Advance Unification of Classical & Quantum Gravity
Source: PIB
Context: Researchers have made progress in unifying classical gravity with quantum mechanics by deriving an uncertainty relation from gravitons, the hypothetical quantum particles mediating gravity.
Their work reveals how quantum effects cause noise in gravitational wave detectors like LIGO, and they have derived an uncertainty relation between position and momentum induced by graviton noise. This finding suggests a true quantum gravitational effect and supports the theory that gravity can be quantized.
How are scientists trying to unify the two theories?
Scientists are researching how atoms falling into a black hole emit radiation and its quantum behaviour, resembling Hawking radiation. Their calculations on this radiation, known as “horizon brightened acceleration radiation entropy,” reveal insights into the Einstein principle of equivalence.
This work aims to unify quantum theory and general relativity into a single theory called “quantum gravity,” enhancing our understanding of the universe from tiny particles to immense galaxies.
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