Current Affairs – December 04, 2024

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Climatology} Cyclone Fengal

• Context (IE): Cyclone Fengal made landfall over Puducherry. Cyclone Fengal has formed due to a weather disturbance that has intensified into a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal.

• The name “Fengal” was proposed by Saudi Arabia and is of Arabic origin.

Cyclone Naming Process

• WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) divided the world’s Oceans into Basins and assigned the responsibility of naming the Cyclones to the respective regional bodies.
• Worldwide, six regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and five regional tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) are mandated to issue advisories and name tropical cyclones.
• The India Meteorological Department (RSMC New Delhi) names tropical cyclones formed over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

Also refer > Tropical Cyclone.

{GS2 – IR – Issues} South Asian Neighbourhood on the Edge

• Context (IE): India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are experiencing heightened political and societal tension, largely driven by religious nationalism and ideological intertwining.

Issues

Rise of Religious Nationalism

• India: It is perceived that majoritarianism is being normalised through policies, hate speech and marginalisation of minorities.
• Pakistan: Religious identity as a state ideology risks turning against internal groups like Shias and Ahmadiyyas after exhausting external targets.
• Bangladesh: Visible rise of Islamists with risks to minorities, coupled with authoritarian tendencies and communal denial.

Democratic Backslide

• India: Governance mechanisms indirectly foster religious conflict, not democratic inclusiveness.
• Pakistan: The widening gap between public sentiment & military legitimacy, sustaining a perpetual crisis.
• Bangladesh: Cyclic recriminations between political parties undermining democratic stability.

Targeted Conflicts

• All three countries seem to be reopening the unresolved conflicts of 1947, fueling targeted identity-based hostilities rather than fostering inclusive development.

Challenges

• Fragmented Identities
  • India: Religious nationalism challenging the pluralistic ethos.
  • Pakistan: Constant need for identity benchmarking deepening internal conflicts.
  • Bangladesh: Communal insecurities ignored under a performative secularism.
• External vs. Internal Blame: Governments use tensions in neighbouring states to fuel domestic political narratives (e.g., India citing Bangladesh’s minority issues for political gains).
• Collapse of Pluralism: Growing intolerance towards dissent & diversity across all three nations.

Implications

• Mutual Instability: Fuels interlinked insecurities, heightening risks of regional conflicts.
• Democratic Decay: Authoritarian tendencies are eroding public trust and international credibility.
• Human Rights Risks: Increased vulnerability of minorities and targeted communities across the region.

Measures for Stability

• Strengthen Democracy: Promote institutional reforms for pluralism and inclusivity; foster dialogue to prevent political recrimination.
• Regional Collaboration: Avoid exploiting neighbouring instability politically; establish forums for collective socio-political solutions.
• Address Root Causes: Invest in education and grassroots programs to counter radical ideologies; reassess state ideologies for secular governance.

Conclusion

• State-sponsored religious nationalism endangers democracy and societal humanity; reclaiming pluralism and dialogue is vital for stability and progress.

{GS2 – MoA – Initiatives} Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY)

• Context (PIB): Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) was recently in the news.

• The scheme aims to regulate Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy (ASU&H) medicines in India, utilising the framework provided by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules.
• Implemented By: Ministry of Ayush.

Objectives of AOGUSY

• Boost Manufacturing and Exports: Enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports of traditional medicines and health promotion products, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Upgrade Infrastructure: Facilitate infrastructural and technological advancements aimed at standardisation, quality manufacturing, and analytical testing of Ayush drugs and materials.
• Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Reinforce regulatory structures, including the safety of ASU&H drugs, at both central and state levels to ensure effective quality control and safety monitoring and address misleading advertisements of Ayush drugs.
• Promote Synergies and Collaborations: Encourage building up synergies, collaborations, and convergent approaches to enhance the standards and quality of Ayush drugs and materials.
• Standards and Certification: Support the development of standards and accreditation/ certification of Ayush products and materials in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Quality Council of India (QCI), and other relevant scientific institutions and industrial R&D centres.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – PwDs} Level Playing Field for PwDs

• Context (TH): Education and health see progress, but the entertainment industry still lacks accessible leisure options for persons with disabilities (PwDs).

• PwD Market Potential: Represents $13 trillion in spending power, making accessibility both ethical and a strategic business opportunity.

Challenges in Accessibility

• Many PwDs face exclusion due to inadequate infrastructure like functional ramps, tactile paving, and assistive facilities in theatres, stadiums, and recreational spaces, as well as societal barriers.
• Entertainment providers have not fully integrated accessibility into their services.
• Limited representation of disabilities in popular culture reinforces stereotypes & restricts inclusion.

Also, refer to Issues related to Persons with Disability

Positive Developments

• Initiatives like the Accessible India Campaign and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aim to bridge accessibility gaps.
• SC’s directive against stereotyping disabilities in media promotes accurate representation.
• Cricket Accessibility Initiatives: The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup introduced sign language interpretation for live cricket matches, empowering millions of hearing-impaired citizens.
• Technology Integration: Subtitles and audio descriptions on OTT platforms enhance accessibility, and the rising adoption of AI offers potential for advanced solutions in entertainment.

Recommendations for an Inclusive Future

• Infrastructure Development: Build and retrofit public spaces, stadiums and theatres with universal design principles.
• Inclusive Technology: Widen access to audio-visual assistive features across media platforms.
• Representation: Showcase disability-inclusive stories in films & media to challenge societal stereotypes.
• Policy Strengthening: Enforce stricter regulations for compliance with accessibility norms in all sectors.
• Engage Private Players: Encourage businesses to prioritise accessible leisure options and recognise PwDs as valued consumers.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – PwDs} Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan

• Context (PIB): The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) completed nine years.

• It was launched by the PM on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2015.
• It aims to create a barrier-free and conducive environment for Divyangjans (PwDs) nationwide.
• Implementing Agency: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Background

• Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995 mandates non-discrimination in transport & built environments.
• This act was replaced by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory.

Components of the Accessible India Campaign

• Improving built environment accessibility in public spaces.
• Creating an accessible Information and Communication ecosystem (Eg. Sugamya Bharat app)
• Enhancing transportation accessibility for independent mobility.
• Expanding sign language access through interpreter training and better media support.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Safety for Women Gig Workers

• Context (IE): Women gig workers recently held digital strikes on Diwali to protest exploitative work conditions and demand better safety measures against gender-based harassment.

Challenges in Platform-Based Gig Work

• Gig workers are not recognised as employees and are excluded from the POSH Act.
• Limited access to Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) & district-level Local Complaints Committees.

Also, refer to Core Issues faced by Gig Workers.

Legal Developments

• Ms (X) vs ICC Case (2024): Held Ola accountable for driver misconduct, classifying driver as an employee under POSH Act, setting a precedent for platform accountability & improving safety for female users.

Proposed Measures for Safety

• Recognise platform-based gig workers as employees to apply the POSH Act and establish ICCs.
• Implement clear compensatory policies for gender-based harassment and include customer misconduct in safety protocols.
• Introduce real-time emergency response systems and train customers on acceptable behaviour.

Way Forward

• Legislative Clarification: Broaden definitions under POSH Act and labour laws to include gig workers.
• Accountability: Platforms should ensure a safe working environment and uphold dignity for all workers.
• Collaborative Efforts: Involve all stakeholders in policy formulation to protect women gig workers.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Ratapani Tiger Reserve

• Context (IE): The Madhya Pradesh government has officially notified the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s 8th Tiger Reserve.

• Location: Situated in the Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges.
• Origin: Originally declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1976, extended in 1983, and received National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approval as a tiger reserve in 2008.
• Biodiversity: In addition to tigers, the sanctuary supports a variety of wildlife, including Leopards, Hyenas, Jackals, and various herbivores such as Chital, Sambar, Nilgai and the Paradise flycatcher, the state bird of Madhya Pradesh (2022 census).
• Historical Significance: It includes the Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of international importance that adds cultural and historical value to the reserve.

Read more > Madhya Pradesh Tiger Reserve

{GS3 – IE – Banking} Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 **

• Context (TH): LS passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Objectives of the Bill

• Strengthen governance in banks.
• Enhance customer convenience and flexibility.
• Protect depositors and improve stability.

Provisions of the Bill

• Increased Nominees for Accounts: Allows up to four nominees for bank accounts; only successive nomination for lockers.
• Redefining ‘Substantial Interest’: Raises eligibility limit for directors to ₹2 crore from ₹5 lakh.
• Cooperative Bank Directors: Extends director tenure from 8 years to 10 years; permits Central Cooperative Bank directors to serve on State Cooperative Bank boards.
• Statutory Auditor Remuneration: Grants banks autonomy to decide statutory auditor remuneration.
• Reporting Dates for Compliance: Shifts reporting dates to the 15th & last day of every month.

Implications of the Act

• For Customers: Flexibility with multiple nominees & improves clarity on reporting & compliance.
• For Banks: Strengthens governance, operational freedom and director eligibility alignment.
• For Sector Stability: Reinforces depositor trust, banking system resilience and alignment with governance frameworks.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Subabul Plant (Leucaena leucocephala)

• Context (PIB): Researchers found potential in the Tropical plant Subabul in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes.

Source: Wikipedia

• Habitat: A fast-growing leguminous species found in tropical and subtropical regions. In India, it is found in Assam, Bihar, Maharastra, MP, and Rajasthan. It is also efficient for nitrogen fixation.
• Economic Impact: Subabul is grown as an industrial crop in India’s southern and central states. It is the most important pulpwood species for the pulp and paper industry.
• Traditional Uses: The leaves and immature seeds of Subabul are consumed in soups or salads, providing a rich source of protein and fibre.

{Prelims – In News} Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference

• Context (PIB): The 14th AOMSUC is held in India and hosted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences. The first AOMSUC was held in China.

• It is held annually across various locations in the Asia-Oceania region. It is a conference focused on using meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management.
• The conference aims to:
  • Promote the importance of satellite observations.
  • Advanced satellite remote sensing science.
  • Provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration between satellite operators and users.
  • Inform the community about the current status and plans of international space programs.
  • Encourage the development of new technologies for weather satellite sensing.
  • Engage young scientists in the field.

{Prelims – PIN} Nandalal Bose *

• Context (IE): December 3rd marks the birth anniversary of Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern Indian art and a prominent figure in the neo-Bengal school.

• Notably, the illustrations in the Constitution of India were conceived and created by Nandalal Bose and his team in Santiniketan.
• He was mentored by Abanindranath Tagore and became renowned for his distinctive “Indian style” of painting. In 1922, he became the principal of Kala Bhavan in Santiniketan.
• He drew inspiration from diverse art traditions, including Japanese Nihonga, Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and Ajanta Cave murals.
• His paintings frequently depicted scenes from Indian mythology, village life, and women in various roles.

Notable Works

• Bose created a linocut print of Mahatma Gandhi walking with staff in 1930, an iconic image symbolising the non-violence movement.
• He also painted the original Indian flag, which was slightly different from its present form.
• Bose also designed emblems for India’s highest honours, including the Bharat Ratna and Padma Shri.

Honours and Legacy

• In 1954, he became first artist to be elected Fellow of Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art. He received the Padma Vibhushan in 1954 for his contributions to art.
• Vishvabharati University honoured him by conferring on him the title of ‘Deshikottama’.
• In 1976, the Archaeological Survey of India recognised his works as “art treasures” under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, for their artistic and aesthetic value.