Current Affairs – July 15, 2024

{GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Chromium Contamination of Groundwater

Context (DTE): The National Green Tribunal has ordered the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to investigate Chromium groundwater contamination in Sukinda Valley in Odisha.

Sukinda Valley in Odisha contains 97% of India’s chromite ore deposits.

Chromium, an essential trace mineral, is a lustrous, brittle, hard metal. Its colour is silver-grey, and it can be highly polished. It is found naturally in rocks, plants, soil, volcanic dust, and animals.
It is not found in its free metal form. It is found in trace amounts throughout the environment and is mined as a mineral chromite.
The most common forms of chromium that occur in natural waters in the environment are:
- Trivalent chromium (Cr III): An essential human dietary element in many vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, and yeast.
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI): It is toxic, and WHO has classified it as carcinogenic. It can cause stomach ulcers and cancers and severe damage to the kidneys and liver.

Properties

It does not tarnish in the air; when heated, it begins and forms green chromic oxide.
Chromium is unstable in oxygen; it immediately produces a thin oxide layer impermeable to oxygen and protects the metal below.

Applications

Known for its silver, shiny appearance, chromium is used to coat cars, stoves and other appliances to protect them from corrosion and to improve their looks.
Its high melting point and stable structure also make it useful in the textile and refractory industries.
It is used in alloys such as stainless steel, in chrome plating and in metal ceramics.
It is used as a catalyst in dyeing and in the tanning of leather; to make molds for the firing of bricks. Chromium (IV) oxide (CrO2) is used to manufacture magnetic tape.

Chromium Pollution

Credits: Researchgate

Permissible limits of Chromium in water

As per Indian standards for drinking water, the maximum permissible concentration of Cr (VI) in drinking water is 50 micrograms per litre.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a lower permissible concentration of 10 micrograms per liter.

{GS2 – Governance – Initiatives} Digital Divide **

Context (TH): The 78^th round of the Multiple Indicator Survey by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) raised concerns about the digital divide.

Findings of survey

Computer literacy is defined as the ability to use computers by individuals aged 15 years and above.
Computer literacy was 18.4% in 2017-18, which increased to 24.7% in 2020-21.
Rural-Urban Divide: In rural areas, it rose from 11.1% to 18.1%, while in urban areas, it increased from 34.7% to 39.6%.
Unequal literacy across age groups:
- Cohort or generation effect: Younger age groups or birth cohorts have high computer literacy.
- It was highest (45.9%) among the 20-24 age group while lowest (4.4%) for the 65-69 age group.

Insights from 20-39 year old age group

Only 34.8% are computer literate in this age group. Kerala has the highest rate (72.7%), while Assam has the lowest (17.6%).
Economic disadvantage linked to lower literacy: States like Assam (17.6%), Bihar (20.4%), Madhya Pradesh (21%) and Jharkhand (21.2%) are at the bottom.

Reasons behind modest growth

Lack of infrastructure and qualified teachers
Gaps in access and instruction
Limited motivation among older demographics (Cohort effect)

Computer Literacy in India: a SWOT Analysis

Strengths	Weaknesses
Young Demography, Increasing internet penetration Growing IT Industry & digital skills demand Government Initiatives Integration into Education System (NEP 2020)	Rural-urban divide (Unequal Access) Generational Disparity (Cohort effect) Infrastructure Gaps (Hard and Soft Infra) Quality of Education Limited Outreach of Government Initiatives
Opportunities	Threats
E-Governance and Digital Economy Skill Development Improved employability Better service delivery	Digital Divide can further increase inequality Cybersecurity Challenges & technological Obsolescence Limited access: limited job prospects, social isolation and financial exclusion

Computer Literacy as means of transformation

Empowers Individuals by enabling access to information, enhancing employability, and facilitating efficient service delivery.
Bridges the digital divide, empowers marginalised communities, fosters innovation, economic growth.
Strengthens Democracy by increasing citizen engagement with transparency and accountability.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Judiciary} Supreme Court Decision on Bail Conditions

Context (IE): The SC ruled courts cannot require accused persons to share their location on Google Maps or compel foreign nationals to provide a certificate of assurance as bail conditions.

Bail is a process that allows an accused person to be released from custody, usually by paying money, to ensure they return for their court appearances.
A bail condition is a requirement that an accused person must comply with in order to get bail.

More info> Statutory Bail, Anticipatory Bail

Location on Google Maps as Bail Condition

Issues

Privacy Concerns: Sharing location on Google Maps as a bail condition violates the right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21.
Ineffectiveness: Google confirmed that sharing a pinned location does not enable real-time tracking of the user or their device, making it redundant for monitoring purposes.

SC Ruling

SC deemed such a condition inappropriate because it neither helps authorities track accused individuals effectively nor respects privacy concerns.
SC highlighted the need to balance law enforcement requirements with individual privacy rights.
SC opined that it sets a precedent for future cases regarding the use of technology in bail conditions.

Certificate of Assurance as Bail Condition

Issues

Obtaining a certificate of assurance from an embassy is beyond the control of the accused.

A certificate of assurance is a document issued by a foreign embassy or high commission, assuring the host country that a foreign national will comply with specific conditions.

SC Ruling

Right to Bail: SC stated that failure to obtain such a certificate should not result in the denial of bail if other conditions are met.
Legal Precedent: SC emphasised that bail conditions must be practical and within the accused’s capability to fulfil.

Earlier Ruling

In the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee Representing Undertrial Prisoners Vs Union of India & Ors (1994), foreign nationals were required to obtain a certificate of assurance ensuring that they would not leave the country as part of bail conditions.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – PwDs} SC framework on representation of PwDs

Context (TH): The SC laid down comprehensive guidelines to prevent stereotyping and discrimination of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in visual media, including films and documentaries.
The ruling came on a plea stating that the film Aankh Micholi misrepresented disabled persons and violated their rights and the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the RPwD Act.

Seven point framework on PwDs representation in visual media

SC emphasised the need for authentic and respectful representation of individuals with disabilities in films and media, recognising their profound impact on the dignity and identity of persons with disabilities.
It held that the creative freedom of a filmmaker under Article 19(1)(a) “cannot include the freedom to lampoon, stereotype, misrepresent or disparage those already marginalised.”
The SC gave 7 point framework and expects filmmakers to adhere to while representing people with disabilities in the visual media:
1. Avoid words that cultivate institutional discrimination, such as “cripple” and “spastic,” as they contribute to negative self-image and perpetuate discriminatory attitudes.
2. Language that individualizes the impairment and overlooks disabling social barriers, such as “afflicted,” “suffering,” and “victim,” should be avoided.
3. Creators must check for accurate representation of a medical condition as much as possible.
4. Stereotyping differently-abled persons in visual media and films must end, asking creators to provide an accurate representation of disabilities rather than mocking them.
5. Visual media should strive to depict the diverse realities of persons with disabilities, showcasing their challenges and successes, talents, and contributions to society.
6. Creators must practice the principle of “nothing about us, without us” and involve persons with disabilities in creating and assessing visual media content.
7. There must be training and sensitisation programmes for creators.

The ruling aligns with the broader goals of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, which seeks to protect and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.

Learn in detail about Persons with Disabilities.

{GS3 – Agri – Crops} Makhana *

Context (TH): The prices of Fox nuts have soared in domestic and international markets since 2019.

Makhana, also known as a gorgon nut or fox nut, is a type of seed derived from the Euryale ferox plant.
It is mainly found and grown in tropical and subtropical climates.
It is considered a native of Southeast Asia and China but distributed to almost every part of the world.
India contributes to 80% of the world’s demand for Foxnuts, with Bihar accounting for 90 percent.
Producing states: Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh.
Its seeds are called Black Diamond.
Makhana is approved under the Union government’s One District One Product scheme.

Climatic conditions

Temperature: 20-35 degrees Celsius
Relative humidity: 50%-90%
Annual rainfall: 100-250 cm
Soil type: Smooth loamy soil
It is grown in stagnant perennial water bodies like ponds, oxbow lakes, swamps and ditches.

Health benefits of Makhana

It has high fibre content, low glycemic index and phytochemical constituents. It contains an insignificant amount of fat and is rich in protein.
It prevents high blood pressure and sugar.
Makhana in the regular diet prevents early ageing and stops the greying of hair and wrinkles.
The high calcium content with nominal saturated fat of makhana strengthens bones and muscles.
Makhana contains a low amount of sodium and a high amount of potassium, which is good for cardiac health. It also has a healthy amount of minerals like magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus.

{GS3 – Agri – PDS} Impact of PDS on Household Expenditure

Context (TH): The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 reveals that the PDS significantly impacts household expenditure.

Food Security Coverage: PDS supports up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Resource Reallocation: Subsidised foodgrains from PDS allow households to spend more on nutrient-rich items like vegetables, milk, pulses, and proteins.
Consumption Metrics: Imputed Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) shows a rise, including free PDS items. In rural areas, imputed food value averages ₹82, and in urban areas, ₹59.
Impact on Poor Households: Imputed value increases MPCE for the bottom 5% of households, enhancing their economic status within the consumption distribution.
Overall Contribution: 94% of imputed value in rural and 95% in urban areas is from free food items, primarily from PDS.

Challenges in Assessing the Impact of PDS through HCES

Inclusion and Exclusion errors: For example, Chhattisgarh’s Nagrik Apurti Nigam (NAN) Scam.
HCES estimates often show lower program coverage compared to administrative data, leading to potential data misinterpretations. Administrative records suggest 80% coverage under NFSA, but surveys indicate only 60%, indicating a possible underestimation of program reach.
Imputation does not account for subsidised purchases from PDS; it only includes free items, potentially undervaluing benefits.
The survey does not estimate all social welfare programs, limiting comprehensive analysis. For example, insurance is considered an investment, tracked in the All India Debt & Investment Survey, not in the HCES as consumption.

Recommendation to Improve PDS Impact Assessment

Improve survey design for precise program coverage and benefits estimates by including detailed data on free and subsidised PDS items.
Minimize inclusion and exclusion errors in PDS benefits by digital verification systems.
Improve Representativeness by the use of stratified sampling techniques.
Conduct periodic reviews for data relevance and accuracy.
Modify eligibility criteria based on updated survey findings.

{GS3 – IE – RBI} Commemorative coins

Context (IE): Ceremonial Rs 100 coin issued on Karunanidhi’s birth centenary.

Purpose to issue Commemorative coins

These coins are issued to commemorate a certain event or person or further a certain message.
They are issued in small quantities with varied denominations and distinct designs, rarely for mass circulation. They generate publicity about a theme or issue the government wants to stress.
For example, in 1974, the Indira Gandhi govt introduced a coin with the theme ‘Family Planning’.
First commemorative coins: On Former PM Jawaharlal Nehru after he died in 1964.
They can be issued on institutions (like Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board) or occasions (like the 75^th anniversary of Indian Independence) rather than individuals.

Issuing authority

The sole authority to print/mint any Indian currency lies with the RBI (under the Union Finance Ministry).
However, state governments, government-run cultural institutions, or even private organisations can request the government to issue commemorative coins.

M.Karunanidhi

Muthuvel Karunanidhi (1924-2018) was a writer, politician, artist (Kalaignar) and the Tamil Nadu CM for over five terms from 1969 to 2011.
In 1969, following the death of Annadurai, M Karunanidhi took control of DMK.

{GS3 – Infra – Transportation} Road Safety Crisis in India

Context (IE): Road accidents have increased by 11.9%, and fatalities have risen by 9.4% compared to 2021 (MoRTH), with leading causes being speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and non-compliance with traffic rules.

Major Reason For Road Safety Crisis

Lack of Monitoring and Enforcement from the authorities. E.g., overloading on two-wheelers.
Underreporting of road accidents with an estimated 11.3 road accident deaths per 100,000 people (IIT Delhi report, 2023).
Lack of essential safety features like airbags in many budget-friendly cars in India.
Overcrowding of roads with vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.
Poor Infrastructure: E.g., potholes, poorly demarcated lanes, inadequate signage, substandard lighting, and insufficient pedestrian-friendly features.

{GS3 – IS – Issues} Critical internal security challenges **

Context (IE): Internal security is crucial for national cohesion, economic growth & international prestige.

Nine Critical Internal Security Challenges in India

Internal security doctrine: India lacks a formal internal security doctrine, which leads to ad hoc responses to threats, particularly during government changes.
- A national security doctrine (NSD) with an internal security component will develop standard operating procedures and help identify and prioritise critical areas.
Internal Security Ministry: The vast size and scope of the Home Affairs Ministry hinder a swift response to internal security threats.
- Creating a separate internal security ministry will ensure prompt attention to critical issues.
Jammu and Kashmir: Despite claims that terror events in J&K have decreased by 66% following the abrogation of Article 370.
- Need to reorganise the security grid, restore statehood, and hold assembly elections.
The Northeast: Ethnic conflicts, stalled peace agreements, rising extortion and coercive recruitment by separatists, illegal migration, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling are among the pressing concerns.
The Naxal problem: National policy and action plan led to a 73% decline in left-wing extremism (LWE) violence and deaths since 2010.
- The government should offer a ceasefire, encourage negotiations, address their grievances and integrate them into mainstream society.
IB & CBI: India’s intelligence agencies, the IB and CBI, need modernisation.
- The IB, established in 1887, operates in a legal grey area and should be given a statutory basis with safeguards to prevent misuse.
- The 24th Parliamentary Committee report suggested strengthening CBI in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure, and resources is essential.
State Police: One challenge is transforming the “Ruler’s Police” into the “People’s Police” by improving training, infrastructure, and community engagement.
Central Armed Police Forces: CAPFs face unplanned expansion, inconsistent deployment, inadequate training, declining discipline and friction between cadre and All India Service officers.
- A high-powered commission is needed for long-term solutions.
Technology offers immense potential to amplify police effectiveness. A technological mission to use cutting-edge technologies to address existing and new challenges is urgently required.

{GS3 – IS – Issues} US Secret Service

Context (IE): The role of the US Secret Service has come into question after an assassination attempt made against Former US President Donald Trump.

About United States Secret Service (USSS)

The USSS was founded in 1865 with an original mandate to combat the counterfeiting of US currency.
In 1902, the Secret Service assumed full-time responsibility for the safety of the President after the assassination of then-US President William McKinley in 1901.
It comes under the Department of Homeland Security.

Assassinated US presidents: Abraham Lincoln (1865), James Garfield (1881), William McKinley (1901), Kennedy (1963).

Protectees and powers

Mandatory (can’t decline) for the US President, Vice President, and their immediate families.
Former presidents, their spouses and their minor children under the age of 16
Foreign heads of state and their spouses visiting the US
Major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days of a general presidential election.
National Special Security Events designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary.

Its mandate was expanded to include “maintaining the integrity of the democratic process and continuity of Government” after Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy’s assassination (1968).

The Secret Service can arrest without warrants for any offence or felony under “reasonable grounds“.
The military, local police and other internal security agencies aid it.

Also refer to Special Protection Group (SPG).

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Health Risks of Prolonged Space Stay

Context (IE): The Starliner spacecraft experienced helium leaks that delayed the return of Sunita Williams’ and Barry Wilmore.Astronauts’ delayed return from space endangers their health.

The absence of gravity (microgravity) and exposure to ionising radiation in space pose health risks, such as fluid redistribution, bone density loss, vision impairment, and more.

Associated health risks with delayed return

Fluid Redistribution (Fluid Shift): Lack of gravity allows body fluids to accumulate in the upper body, causing puffy faces, affecting vision and cognitive function, anosmia (loss of smell) and diminished taste.
Fluid Imbalance: This leads to chronic dehydration or fluid overload.
Space Motion Sickness (SMS): This condition causes sensory and neurological challenges, including disruptions in spatial orientation, balance, and hand-eye coordination.
Gut Microbiome Alterations: Changes to the gut microbiome can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatic fibrosis.
Muscle and Bone Loss: Lack of constant gravitational pull weakens the skeletal system and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Kidney Stones: Microgravity causes increased calcium excretion from bones, elevating kidney stone risk.
Visual Impairment: A prolonged stay in space can cause visual impairment.
Cancer vulnerability: Radiation exposure causes cancer and radiation sickness risk.

{Prelims – A&C – Buddhism} Abhaya Mudra

Context (IE): Abhaya Mudra was invoked by the Opposition leader in his Lok Sabha speech.

Mudras in Buddhism

Mudras are commonly associated with visual depictions of the Buddha (Buddharupa).
Different gestures convey different moods and meanings, symbolising Buddha’s enlightened State.
The earliest Buddharupa depictions featured four mudras:
- Abhaya mudra: Gesture of fearlessness/protection/ granting refuge.
- Bhumisparsha mudra: Earth-touching gesture.
- Dharmachakra mudra: Gesture of the wheel of dharma.
- Dhyana mudra: Gesture of meditation.

Credits: Dailynews

Abhaya Mudra

Abhaya mudra is a gesture with the right palm facing outward at shoulder height, fingers pointing up.
In some cases, both hands may simultaneously be raised in this posture in a “double Abhaya mudra”.
It is associated with Buddha after Enlightenment, signifying a sense of security, serenity, and compassion derived from enlightenment. It also signifies the gesture of fearlessness.
Over time, the Abhaya mudra appeared in Hindu art, and the Buddha himself was absorbed as god Vishnu’s 9^th avatar (around 450-600 CE).

{Prelims – Awards} Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity

Context (TH): The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity for 2024 was presented.
For 2024, the award was presented to Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (India), Professor Rattan Lal (USA/India) and SEKEM (Egypt).

About Gulbenkian Prize

Gulbenkian Prize is instituted by Portugal-based Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (CGF).
It was First awarded in 2020, it rewards individuals and organizations contributing to global food security, climate resilience and ecosystem protection.
Prize: The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, granted yearly, is worth 1 million euros. If more than one laureate is distinguished, the award will be equally divided.
It is not intended as a ‘lifetime achievement’ award, nor is it intended to be seed funding.

Eligibility

It is open to nominations of any individuals, organisations, or groups of people and organisations from around the world.
Applications should be submitted by third parties; self-nominations are not permitted.
The prize cannot be granted posthumously or to an organisation after ceasing its activity, nor to former members of the Jury of the Prize.
The nominations and all accompanying documents must be submitted in English.
Greta Thunberg was the first recipient of the award in 2020.

{Prelims – In News} 46^th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Meeting

Context (TH): India, for the first time, will chair and host the World Heritage Committee.
- 45^th session was held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2023).

India currently has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Of these, 34 are cultural, 7 are natural, and 1 is mixed (cultural and natural).
The latest additions are:
- 42nd: Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somananthpura.
- 41st: Santiniketan (West Bengal) established by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

World Heritage Committee

The World Heritage Committee comprises representatives from 21 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention (1972) elected by the General Assembly of UNESCO.
The term of office is six years, but most members serve four years to allow rotation among countries.
India is a member of the World Heritage Committee from 2021-2025.
The Committee meets annually to discuss cultural and natural heritage site conservation.
Its strategic objectives include the “Five Cs”
- Credibility: Strengthen the Credibility of the World Heritage List.
- Conservation: Ensure the effective Conservation of World Heritage properties.
- Capacity-building: Promote the development of effective Capacity-building measures.
- Communication: Increase public awareness, involvement and support through communication.
- Communities: Enhance the role of communities in implementing the World Heritage Convention.

{Prelims – In News} Interaction Maritime 2024

Context (TH): Russian warships have arrived in the Chinese port of Zhanjiang to participate in the joint naval exercise “Interaction Maritime 2024“.

The exercise aims to demonstrate the navies’ capabilities in addressing security threats and preserving peace and stability globally and regionally.
Two Russian Steregushchiy-class corvettes, Gromky and Rezky (meaning loud and sudden, respectively), will participate in the exercise occurring in the Pacific.

{Prelims – In News} Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant

Context (PIB): 16^th edition of Nomadic Elephant is scheduled at Umroi, Meghalaya.

It is a bilateral military exercise (by the Army) held annually and alternately in India and Mongolia.
The First edition was conducted in 2006. 15^th edition of the exercise took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Earlier, its focus was on Counter-terrorism, but now the focus is on counter-insurgency & peacekeeping.

Some Recent Military Exercises

Exercise	Participants Countries	Held at	Edition
Desert Cyclone	India – UAE	Mahajan Field, Rajasthan	1^st
Cyclone – II	India – Egypt	Anshas, Egypt	2^nd
Khanjar	India – Kyrgyzstan	Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh	11^th
Sada Tanseeq	India – Saudi Arabia	Mahajan Field, Rajasthan	1^st
Dharma Guardian	India – Japan	Mahajan Field, Rajasthan	5^th
Samudra Laksmana	India – Malaysia	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh	3^rd
Tiger Triumph	India – USA	Bay of Bengal, India	3^rd
Lamitiye	India – Seychelles	Seychelles	10^th
Dustlik	India – Uzbekistan	Termez District, Uzbekistan	5^th
Shakti	India – France	Umroi, Meghalaya	7^th
Nomadic Elephant	India – Mongolia	Umroi, Meghalaya	16^th

{Prelims – In News} Project 2025

Context (IE): Donald Trump has recently tried to distance himself from Project 2025

Project 2025 is “a broad coalition of conservative organisations that have come together to ensure a successful administration begins in January 2025”. It was unveiled in April 2023.
The project is overseen by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank.
The Project 2025 document sets out four main policy aims: restore the family as the centrepiece of American life, dismantle the administrative state, defend the nation’s sovereignty and borders, and secure individual rights to live freely.
Project 2025’s policy suggestions range in topics from foreign affairs to education.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} HIV Infection

Context (TH): New PrEP drug Lenacapavir found 100% effective against HIV infection. Lenacapavir (Len LA) is a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug that is effective in preventing HIV infection.

How does it work?

Lenacapavir is a fusion capsid inhibitor. It targets the HIV capsid, a protein shell essential for the virus’s survival and replication.
The medication works in two ways:
- Blocking Viral Entry: In the early stage, it interferes with the capsid’s structure and stops replication.
- Disrupting Viral Production: In the late stages, it interferes with the production of viral progeny and defunct them.

Key Features of Lenacapavir

Increased acceptability: A long-acting (twice-yearly injection) leads to an easy dosage.
High efficacy: 100% effective in preventing HIV infection in young women.
Alternative to daily oral PrEP: An alternative to daily oral PrEP medications.
Potential for broader use: It can be used in resource-limited areas.

Pharmacokinetics is what the body does to a drug. It refers to the movement of drugs into, through and out of the body during absorption, bioavailability, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Pharmacodynamics is what a drug does to the body. It involves receptor binding, post-receptor effects, and chemical interactions.