UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 August 2024)
• Draft Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
Draft Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
• Organ Donation in India
Organ Donation in India
GS Paper 3:
• RBI keeps REPO RATE unchanged
RBI keeps REPO RATE unchanged
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project
Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project
• e-Sankhyiki Portal
e-Sankhyiki Portal
• Debt for Development Swaps (Debt Swap)
Debt for Development Swaps (Debt Swap)
• Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology
Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology
• Hypervirulent superbug
Hypervirulent superbug
• Bio-bitumen
Bio-bitumen
Mapping:
• Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 August 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
Draft Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
- •Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions*
Source: IE, IE
Context: The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act 1995 aim to increase government control over Waqf properties, traditionally considered private assets of Muslims.
What is Waqf?
Waqf is the permanent dedication of property by a Muslim for religious or charitable purposes. Once designated as Waqf, the property is managed for the benefit of the community and cannot be sold or transferred.
It is managed under the Waqf Act, 1995. It funds institutions like schools, mosques, and shelters. Managed by a mutawali and overseen by Waqf Boards, Waqfs are perpetual and non-transferable. The Central Waqf Council supervises state boards. There are 8,72,292 Waqf properties in India, generating Rs 200 crore in revenue.
Composition of Waqf Board:
A Waqf Board, under the state government, manages Waqf properties, including prominent mosques. Many states have separate boards for Shia and Sunni communities.
A Waqf Board is headed by a chairperson and has one or two nominees from the state government, Muslim legislators and parliamentarians, Muslim members of the State Bar Council, recognised scholars of Islamic theology, and mutawallis of Waqfs with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh and above.
What is the Waqf Board Act?
The Waqf Board Act, initially enacted in 1954 and replaced by the 1995 Waqf Act, regulates Waqf properties. In 2013, the Act was further amended to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as ‘Waqf Property.‘
The amendment establishes a framework for managing these properties and overseeing them through a Central Waqf Council. The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 aims to address transparency issues and revise the composition of Waqf Boards to enhance their effectiveness.
Key Amendments in Waqf Act (Amendment Bill), 2024:
Amendments | Details
Name Change | Replacing the Waqf Act, 1995 with the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995
Transparency | Approximately 40 amendments, including mandatory verification for all property claims by Waqf Boards.
Central Government Powers: Authority to audit Waqf properties
Gender Diversity | Sections 9 and 14 will be amended to include women representatives in the Waqf Board’s composition.
Revised Verification Procedures | Introduction of new verification procedures to address disputes and prevent misuse, with district magistrates potentially overseeing properties.
New Provisions | Section 3A: Requires lawful ownership for creating Waqf.
Section 3C(1): Government property will not be deemed Waqf
Section 3C(2): Government to decide if a property is Waqf or government land.
Limited Power | Response to concerns about unchecked powers of Waqf Boards, addressing issues of extensive land claims and disputes. Example: Tamil Nadu Waqf Board’s claim over Thiruchendurai village in September 2022.
Removal of “Waqf by Use” | Properties will need valid Waqfnama to be considered Waqf.
Board Composition | Allows non-Muslim CEOs and members on state Waqf Boards.
Criticism of the Amendment:
• Reduced Powers: Limits Waqf Boards’ authority.
• Minority Rights Concerns: May harm Muslim communities.
• Increased Government Control: Excessive bureaucratic interference.
• Hampers Freedom of Religion: Encroaches on religious autonomy.
• Potential Disputes: New verification processes may cause complications.
Conclusion:
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 improves management and transparency of waqf properties, enhancing governance and accountability to benefit communities and promote social welfare. However, the fear around the amendment regarding the dilution of the power of the Waqf Board must be addressed.
Mains Link:
How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the Western model of secularism? Discuss. (UPSC 2018)
Organ Donation in India
Syllabus:
Source: Th
Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have recently released data on Organ donation in India.
Major Findings:
• Women Lead in Living Donations: 9,784 women donated organs, surpassing 5,651 male donors.
• Record High Transplants: Total transplants in 2023 reached 18,378, the highest ever.
• Deceased Donations: More deceased donors were men (844) than women (255).
• Kidney Transplants Dominant: Most transplants were kidneys, followed by liver and heart transplants.
• State Rankings: Telangana led in cadaver donations, followed by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Low Donation Rate: The organ donation rate remains under one per million population.
• Need for Awareness: Continued promotion of deceased organ donation is necessary.
What is Organ Donation?
Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or tissue to someone in need of a transplant. It can involve living donors, who can donate one kidney or part of their liver, or deceased donors, who can donate multiple organs like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and tissues after death. This act helps save or improve the lives of patients suffering from end-stage organ failure.
Laws regarding Organ donation in India:
The primary law governing organ transplants in India is the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA), 1994. India ranks third globally in the number of transplants conducted. Overall, organ transplants, including both deceased and living donors, increased from 4,990 in 2013 to 15,561 in 2022.
The Delhi High Court in January 2024, recommended a 6-8 week timeframe for completing organ transplant processes involving living donors. It also directed the government to set specific timelines for all stages of organ donation applications, in line with the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (THOT) Act, 1994, and THOT Rules, 2014.
Eligibility:
• Organ donation eligibility is primarily based on the donor’s physical condition (and not age), with both living (above 18 years) and deceased individuals being eligible.
• Consent from the family is required for deceased organ donation.
• According to the latest guidelines, individuals above 65 years can receive organs for transplantation from deceased donors, and the requirement of state domicile for patient registration was removed.
Reforms Needed:
• Compliance with THOTA: Authorities should ensure compliance with the Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, investigating any breaches and taking appropriate action.
• Unique ID: Health authorities must ensure the generation of a unique NOTTO-ID for both organ donors and recipients in all transplant cases to enhance transparency and traceability.
• Data Sharing: Ensure regular collection and sharing of transplant data, including cases involving foreigners, with NOTTO to enhance transparency and accountability.
NOTTO (National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization) is a national-level organization under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It coordinates and networks for organ and tissue procurement and distribution nationwide. Additionally, it maintains a registry of organ and tissue donation and transplantation activities.
Ethical aspects of organ donation:
Ethical Aspect | Description
Autonomy | Respecting the donor’s right to make informed decisions about organ donation, whether living or deceased.
Informed Consent | Ensuring donors or their families are fully informed and voluntarily consent to donation.
Beneficence | The principle of doing good by helping recipients improve their quality of life or save their lives.
Non-Maleficence | Ensuring that the donation process does not cause unnecessary harm to the donor.
Justice | Fair and equitable allocation of organs to recipients, regardless of their background or social status.
Confidentiality | Protecting the privacy and identity of both donors and recipients.
Altruism | Emphasizing the selfless nature of organ donation as an act of charity and goodwill.
Transparency | Maintaining clear, honest communication about the donation process and criteria for organ allocation.
Cultural Sensitivity | Respecting cultural, religious, and personal beliefs in the context of organ donation decisions.
Exploitation Prevention | Safeguarding against the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially in living donations.
Posthumous Rights | Considering the wishes and dignity of the deceased in the case of organ donation after death.
Insta Links:
Organ Donation to Foreigners in India
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 August 2024 GS Paper 3:
RBI keeps REPO RATE unchanged
Syllabus: Indian Economy
Source: TH
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has refrained from cutting the repo rate despite stable inflation rates. The repo rate, which influences loan EMIs, has remained unchanged since February 2023.
RBI Monetary Policy Meeting Summary:
• Repo Rate: Held steady at 6.5% for the ninth consecutive time.
• Inflation Drivers: Core inflation is moderate, but food prices have pushed headline inflation to 5.1%.
• Policy Stance: MPC continues with a disinflationary approach while supporting growth.
• Rates: Standing Deposit Facility at 6.25%, Marginal Standing Facility and Bank Rate at 6.75%.
• Growth Projections: Real GDP growth for 2024-25 is projected at 7.2%, with CPI inflation forecasted at 4.5%.
What is the Repo Rate and who maintains it?
The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks. It impacts economic activity: a lower rate stimulates borrowing and spending, while a higher rate discourages it. The RBI’s monetary policy aims to maintain price stability, target a 4% inflation rate, and promote economic growth by adjusting the repo rate accordingly. Lowering the rate stimulates borrowing post-pandemic, while raising it curbs excessive spending during inflationary periods like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Other Tools for Controlling Interest rates
• Open Market Operations (OMO): The RBI buys or sells government securities to adjust money supply and interest rates.
• Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): The percentage of deposits banks must hold with the RBI, influencing their lending capacity.
• Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): The percentage of deposits banks must invest in government securities, also affecting liquidity and interest rates.
Reasons for Not Cutting Interest Rates:
Reasons | Description
- 1.Sticky Inflation: | Despite a gradual decline, inflation hasn’t reached the 4% target since January 2021, hovering around 5%
- 2.Commitment to Durable Inflation Targeting: | The RBI aims for sustained inflation around 4%, not just occasional dips below this level.
- 3.Strong Economic Growth: | India’s GDP growth rate has been robust, with forecasts revised upwards to 7.2% for the current financial year, suggesting no urgent need for rate cuts to stimulate activity.
- 4.Fiscal Deficit Concerns: | The RBI’s decision may be influenced by the forthcoming Union Budget and government borrowing plans, which could impact inflation or interest rates.
Understanding the Impact of High Interest Rates:
Positives:
• Taming Inflation: High rates discourage borrowing and spending, reducing the money supply and easing inflationary pressures.
• Financial Stability: Attract foreign investments, strengthening the rupee and foreign exchange reserves, boosting financial stability. E.g. India’s foreign exchange reserves surged past $600 billion in 2023 amidst high interest rates, providing a cushion against global uncertainties.
• E.g. India’s foreign exchange reserves surged past $600 billion in 2023 amidst high interest rates, providing a cushion against global uncertainties.
• Promoting Savings: Higher interest rates on deposits incentivize saving, increasing domestic capital availability for investment and growth. E.g. Fixed deposit rates above 7% in India have encouraged individuals to save more, leading to higher bank deposits.
• E.g. Fixed deposit rates above 7% in India have encouraged individuals to save more, leading to higher bank deposits.
• Curbing Asset Bubbles: Discourage excessive speculation in assets like real estate and stocks, promoting financial market stability. Example: High interest rates during 2010-11 helped cool down the overheating real estate market in India, preventing a potential bubble.
• Example: High interest rates during 2010-11 helped cool down the overheating real estate market in India, preventing a potential bubble.
• Encouraging Financial Discipline: High rates promote prudent borrowing and lending practices among businesses and individuals, reducing risk-taking and defaults.
Negatives:
• Slower Economic Growth: Expensive borrowing can dampen investment and consumer spending, potentially slowing economic growth. E.g. High interest rates during 2019-20 contributed to a slowdown in India’s GDP growth rate.
• E.g. High interest rates during 2019-20 contributed to a slowdown in India’s GDP growth rate.
• Increased Debt Burden: Existing borrowers face higher interest payments, straining finances and potentially leading to defaults.
• Impact on Investment: High rates can discourage investments in key sectors like infrastructure and manufacturing, hindering long-term growth.
• Pressure on Businesses: High borrowing costs can squeeze profit margins and hamper business expansion plans, potentially impacting job creation. E.g. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges in accessing credit at high interest rates.
• E.g. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges in accessing credit at high interest rates.
• Impact on Consumer Spending: High interest rates on credit cards and personal loans can reduce discretionary spending, impacting retail sales and overall consumption. E.g. High interest rates on auto loans have led to a slowdown in car sales in India.
• E.g. High interest rates on auto loans have led to a slowdown in car sales in India.
• Currency Appreciation: High interest rates can attract foreign capital, leading to currency appreciation, which can hurt export competitiveness. E.g. The Indian rupee’s appreciation in 2023 due to high interest rates posed challenges for export-oriented sectors like textiles and IT.
• E.g. The Indian rupee’s appreciation in 2023 due to high interest rates posed challenges for export-oriented sectors like textiles and IT.
Conclusion
The RBI’s decision to maintain high interest rates reflects its efforts to balance inflation control with growth considerations. It will continue to monitor economic data and adjust rates as needed to achieve a harmonious outcome for the Indian economy.
Other steps announced by RBI in this MPC Meeting:
• Rationalization of Export and Import regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (1999) to boost ease of doing business.
• Establishment of a Digital Payments Intelligence Platform (DPIP) using advanced technology to combat payment fraud.
• Formation of a committee chaired by A.P. Hota to explore setting up a digital public infrastructure for DPIP.
• Integration of UPI Lite into the e-mandate framework with an auto-replenishment feature for the UPI Lite wallet.
• Revision of bulk deposit definition to include Single Rupee term deposits of ₹3 crore and above for Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks(RRBs)) and Small Finance Banks. For Local Area Banks, the threshold is ₹1 crore and above as applicable for RRBs.
About MPC:
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), established under the amended RBI Act of 1934, comprises six members: three from the RBI and three appointed by the government. It decides the policy repo rate aimed at meeting the inflation target. Each member holds one vote, with the Governor having a casting vote in case of a tie.
Insta Links:
• Variable Rate Repo (VRR)
• What is the RBI’s MPC?
Mains Link:
Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC 2019)
Prelims Link:
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? (UPSC 2017)
• It decides the RBI’s benchmark interest rates.
• It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.
• It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only
Ans: (a)
If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do? (UPSC 2020)
• Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio
• Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate
• Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project
- •Source: India Today*
Context: The Maharashtra government has approved an irrigation project to address drought relief in the Marathwada region.
• The Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project aims to irrigate around four lakh hectares of land, providing significant relief to drought-affected farmers.
• The project will transfer water from the Godavari River to the Wainganga Project in Buldhana district.
• The water will be used for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes across 15 talukas in the Vidarbha district.
e-Sankhyiki Portal
- •Source: PIB*
Context: The e-Sankhyiki Portal, launched by India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on National Statistics Day 2024, is a comprehensive data platform designed to provide easy access to reliable statistical data.
• The portal offers two main modules: the Data Catalogue Module, which catalogues over 2,300 datasets including key indicators like the Consumer Price Index and National Accounts Statistics, and the Macro Indicators Module, which provides time series data on major macroeconomic indicators.
• Users can filter, visualize, and download customized datasets, making the data highly reusable.
• The government has implemented robust data security measures, including cloud storage, security audits, and SSL technology, to ensure safe data dissemination.
• The portal supports data-driven decision-making, fostering effective policies and socio-economic development in India.
Debt for Development Swaps (Debt Swap)
Source: IMF
Context: IMF recently released, the “Debt for Development Swaps” framework that aims to guide stakeholders on effectively using debt swaps to achieve development goals.
What are Debt Swaps?
Debt swaps are financial agreements where a country exchanges its existing debt for new obligations, typically linked to funding specific development projects or goals.
Types of Swaps:
• Bilateral Swaps: Involves the writing off of official bilateral debt.
• Commercial Debt Swaps: Targets debt held by private creditors.
Examples:
• Debt-for-Nature Swap: For example, in 1987, the U.S. and Bolivia reached a deal where Bolivia’s debt was reduced in exchange for funding environmental conservation projects.
• Debt-for-Education Swap: For instance, in 2002, Germany and Indonesia entered into an agreement where Indonesia’s debt was reduced to fund educational programs.
• Debt-for-Health Swap: Debt relief is provided in exchange for investments in public health initiatives, such as building hospitals or funding disease prevention programs.
These swaps help reduce the debt burden while also promoting social or environmental development.
Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology
- •Source: First post*
Context: IIT Indore has developed advanced footwear for the armed forces, integrating Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology that generates electricity from human motion.
• This innovation powers small electronic devices and features GPS and RFID technology for real-time tracking of soldiers, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
• Beyond military use, these shoes have potential applications in civilian, industrial, and athletic sectors, offering benefits like location tracking and performance analysis.
About Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs):
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are devices capable of converting mechanical movement into electrical energy. These devices are composed of active materials that generate electric charges and conductive electrodes responsible for collecting and transferring the charges.
Hypervirulent superbug
- •Source: Live Science*
Context: A dangerous strain of the superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp), which is highly virulent and drug-resistant, has been detected in 16 countries, including the United States, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report.
• This superbug can cause severe and rapidly progressing infections even in healthy individuals, leading to high rates of complications and death.
• Initially discovered in Asia in the 1980s, hvKp was once vulnerable to antibiotics, but it has now developed resistance to many, including carbapenems, a last-resort class of antibiotics.
• It causes pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and the nervous-system infection meningitis.
Bio-bitumen
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Indian government, plans to allow up to 35% bio-bitumen mixing with petroleum-based bitumen to reduce foreign exchange outflows.
• Bio-bitumen, derived from paddy straw (parali), can also produce bio-gas and biochar.
• This initiative aims to decrease bitumen imports, reduce air pollution from stubble burning, and create economic opportunities for farmers and MSMEs.
• Bio-bitumen, costing less than petroleum-based bitumen, offers eco-friendly benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions and supports projects across India for its implementation in road construction.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 August 2024 Mapping:
Lake Turkana
- •Source: UNESCO*
Context: A comprehensive survey of Lake Turkana, Africa’s fourth-largest lake, has been conducted for the first time in 50 years, revealing high fish potential.
• Led by UNESCO and the World Food Programme, and funded by the Dutch Government, the 10-year project aims to enhance the economic well-being and food security of the region’s population.
Lake Turkana is the largest desert lake in the world and is known for its unique greenish-blue colour.
It is part of the Omo-Turkana basin, which stretches into four countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 August 2024 [PDF]
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