Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Exam – June 27, 2024

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Parliament} Election of Speaker

• Context (PIB): Honourable Om Birla was elected as speaker of the 18^th Lok Sabha.

Election process of Lok Sabha Speaker

• Article 93 of IC requires the Speaker to be a member of the House. Except that there are no qualifications for the Speaker prescribed in the IC. The date of election of the Speaker is fixed by the President.
• The Speaker is elected from among the Lok Sabha members by a simple majority of members present and voting in the House. He is eligible for re-election.
• A member of the ruling party is elected as the speaker by the Lok Sabha convention.

Term of Office of the Speaker

• The Speaker holds office from the date of his/her election till immediately before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha.
• Speaker does not vacate his office upon the dissolution of Lok Sabha.
• However, he has to vacate his office earlier in any of the following three cases:
  1. If he ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha;
  2. If he resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker; and
  3. If he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all then members of the Lok Sabha. Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice.
• He cannot preside at the sitting of the House when a resolution for the removal of the Speaker is under consideration of the House.
• He can speak and take part in the proceedings of the House at such a time and vote in the first instance.

Also refer > Presiding Officer of Lok Sabha, Powers of the Speaker

{GS2 – Polity – Laws} The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996

• Context (TH): The PESA Act 1996 empowered the Scheduled Tribes as political stakeholders.

PESA Act 1996

• Historically, the tribal communities in India have been marginalised and excluded from the mainstream political and economic systems.
• They faced numerous challenges, such as displacement, loss of land and resources, and cultural erosion.
• The PESA Act 1996 was brought in as a response to the long-standing demands of the tribal communities in India for greater autonomy and control over their own affairs.
• It drew inspiration from the provisions of the 73^rd and 74^th amendments of the Indian constitution.
• It extends the provisions of Part IX of the Indian Constitution relating to the Panchayats to the Scheduled areas with certain modifications.

Significant provisions of the PESA Act 1996

• Gram Sabha: The PESA Act establishes the Gram Sabha, a forum for the community’s participation in the development process.
• The Gram Sabha is responsible for the identification of development projects, the preparation of development plans, and the implementation of these plans.
• Consultation: The Act requires that the Gram Sabha be consulted before any development projects or activities are undertaken in the Scheduled Areas.
• Funds: The Act allows for the transfer of funds to the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat to enable them to perform their functions.
• Land: The Act protects the land rights of tribal communities in the Scheduled Areas and requires their consent before any land is acquired or transferred.
• Cultural and social practices: The Act protects the cultural and social practices of the tribal communities in the Scheduled Areas and prohibits any interference in these practices.

Applicability of PESA Act, 1996

• As of now, applicable in 10 states of Fifth Schedule Areas: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Rajasthan.

Role of PESA in forest conservation

• Empowerment of tribal communities: The Act has contributed to the empowerment of tribal communities by giving them a greater say in the development process.
• Control Over Natural Resources: It grants tribal communities control over the management and utilisation of natural resources within their regions, such as land, water, and forests.
• Protection of land rights: The consent of the Gram Sabha must be obtained before any land is acquired or transferred.
• Sustainable Development: Local communities and tribals who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries can manage resources in an environmentally sustainable manner.
• Ensuring Benefits for Tribals: The PESA Act mandates that Gram Sabhas play a crucial role in identifying beneficiaries for various government schemes.
• Preservation of cultural and social practices: The PESA Act has helped to protect the traditions and way of life of tribal communities.
• Promotion of decentralisation: The Act has promoted decentralisation by giving more powers and functions to the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat.
• Improved access to basic services: The PESA Act has contributed to the improvement of access to basic services, such as education, healthcare, and drinking water, in the Scheduled Areas.

Limitations of the PESA Act 1996

• Limited coverage.
• Lack of awareness.
• Limited resources.
• Lack of trained personnel.
• Political interference.
• Conflicts with other laws.

Suggested Measures for Effective Implementation of the PESA Act

• Convergence of laws: Forest Rights Act (2006), the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (2013), etc. can be converged with the PESA Act.
• Objective role allocation: The roles of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs should be defined clearly regarding the implementation of the PESA Act.

{GS2 – IR – Africa} India-Kenya Bilateral Relations

• Context (DTE): Kenya and India to forge Bilateral Collaboration in space. The focus will be on expanding Africa’s space capabilities in climate change and food security challenges.

India-Kenya relations

A brief history of India-Kenya relations

• There was an established trade network that connected India and the Swahili Coast (includes modern-day Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of Mozambique) before the arrival of Europeans.
• This network facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between the two regions, including spreading Islam and Indian culture to the Swahili Coast.
• It was largely maintained by Arab and Persian traders who transported goods such as gold, ivory, and slaves in exchange for textiles, spices, and other luxury items in India.
• During the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, both countries were under the British Empire’s control.
• They have a shared history of fighting against the oppressive and exploitative rule of colonial powers.
• In 1948, before Kenya’s independence, India established the office of Commissioner for British East Africa residents in Nairobi.
• After the independence of Kenya in 1963, India elevated the position of the Commissioner to that of a High Commission, officially upgrading diplomatic relations between the two countries.
• India later also set up an Assistant High Commission in Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya.
• The India-Kenya Trade Agreement was signed in 1981, under which both countries accorded each other Most Favored Nation status.
• The India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was set up at the Ministerial level in 1983.

Development Cooperation and Capacity Building

• India offers development assistance to Kenya in the form of loans and credit.
• Joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to consolidate economic collaboration during the post-COVID-19 period.
• According to the Kenya Investment Authority (Ken Invest), India is the second largest investor in Kenya.
• Over 400 Kenyan nationals enrol in training and scholarship programmes every year in various fields under the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.

{GS3 – S&T – AI} Global Principles for Information Integrity **

• Context (DTE): UN announces a global framework to fight online misinformation and hate speech.

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres says erosion of information integrity compromises the UN’s missions and priorities, including peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.

Global Principles for Information Integrity (GPII)

• It is a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the escalating threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in the digital realm.
• It emphasises the necessity of safeguarding human rights and the urgent need for a coordinated international response to make online spaces safer and more humane.
• The seeds for the GPII were sown in the 2021 UN report Our Common Agenda, which envisioned future global cooperation and multilateral action.

Comprehensive recommendations under UN GPII

• Combating disinformation and hate speech: Governments, tech companies, advertisers, and media should avoid supporting or spreading disinformation and hate speech.
• Promoting media freedom: Governments should ensure access to information, maintain free and independent media, and protect journalists, researchers, and civil society.
• Enhancing tech company responsibilities: Tech companies should design products with safety and privacy in mind, apply policies consistently, and focus on protecting vulnerable groups.
• Ethical AI development: AI developers must ensure ethical & safe AI upholding human rights.
• Reforming business models: Tech companies should adopt models that prioritise human rights, privacy, and safety and give users control over their data.
• Transparency in advertising: Advertisers should demand transparency to ensure their budgets don’t fund disinformation or hate.
• Data transparency and accountability: Tech companies and AI developers should be transparent, allow academic access to data, conduct independent audits, and develop accountability frameworks.
• Protecting children: Governments should take special measures to protect and empower children and support parents, guardians, and educators.

Impact of harmful information on global stability

• The unchecked proliferation of false narratives is not only fueling conflict but also undermining democracy, human rights, public health and climate action.
• With the advent of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, these threats are becoming more severe, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children.
• A recent UN staff survey revealed that 80% of respondents believe harmful information endangers them and the communities they serve.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Rainforest Conservation

• Context (DTE): Indonesia plans to protect 15 million hectares of its rainforests.

• The country is home to 10-15% of all known plants, mammals, and birds on Earth.

About Rainforest

• Tropical rainforests are mainly located between 23.5°N (Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5°S (Tropic of Capricorn).
• Distribution: Central and South America, central and western Africa, western India, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and Australia.
• The tropics receive direct sunlight, which creates intense solar energy and keeps temperatures high, usually between 21° to 30°C (70° to 85°F).
• The warm, humid atmosphere in the tropics, with humidity levels between 77% and 88%, results in frequent and intense rainfall, ranging from 200 to 1000 centimetres (80 to 400 inches) annually.
• Tropical rainforests are so warm and humid that they generate up to 75% of their rainfall through processes like evaporation and transpiration.
• Rainforest climate, also known as tropical rainforest climate, is characterised by consistently high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year.

Indonesia’s Recent Forest Protection Initiative

• Indonesia unveiled plans to safeguard up to 15 million hectares of rainforest at the Oslo Tropical Forest Forum, hosted by Norway.
• It will lead to a significant increase in the protected forest area, with backing from the Bezos Earth Fund.
• The initiative aims to fulfil Indonesia’s obligations under the 2015 Paris Agreement and the new Global Biodiversity Framework.

India’s Initiatives

• India has several initiatives aimed at protecting its rainforests, including:
  • Project Tiger: Focused on tiger conservation. Indirectly protects rainforest habitats in tiger reserves.
  • Project Elephant: Aims to protect elephants and their habitats, which include some rainforest areas.
  • National Afforestation Programme (NAP): This programme promotes afforestation and reforestation efforts across the country, including in rainforest regions.
  • Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA): Manages funds collected for compensatory afforestation to mitigate the impact of forest land diversion.
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihood Improvement Project (BCRLIP): This project focuses on biodiversity conservation, including protecting rainforest biodiversity.

Also refer > Wild Life Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, Forest Rights Act.

{GS3 – Agri – Crops} Traditional Farming and Indigenous rice varieties

• Context (DTE): Cauvery Delta farmers revert to traditional farming of Indigenous rice varieties amidst rising challenges of growing conventional crops.

Traditional farming

• Centuries-old agricultural methods, usually practised with minimal use of modern technology or inputs. Relies on the use of local seeds and breeds, manual labour, Indigenous knowledge, etc.
• Also focuses on natural resource utilisation and maintaining ecological balance.

Traditional Farming v/s Conventional Farming

Traditional farming	Conventional Farming
Uses natural inputs like organic fertilisers, crop rotation, and local varieties.	Relies on external inputs such as chemical fertilisers, pesticides & high-yielding crop varieties.
Typically more sustainable and ecologically balanced.	Often leads to environmental degradation due to excessive use of chemicals.
Small-scale, often practised by family farmers.	Often in large-scale industrial agriculture.
Have deep cultural and social significance.	Focuses on economic efficiency and production.
More resilient to economic shocks & can provide long-term benefits to farmers and communities.	More profitable in the short term.
It can help maintain soil fertility, conserve water, and preserve biodiversity.	It can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Less productive than conventional methods.	Increased productivity and efficiency.
Vulnerable to environmental challenges.	Technologically advanced and have better crop and pest-resistant capabilities.

Indigenous rice varieties

• Traditional rice varieties that have evolved in a particular geographic region over centuries, adapting to local climate, soil, and farming practices.
• It can be distinguished by its physical characteristics, such as grain shape, colour, and flavour, as well as its ecological adaptability and resistance to pests and diseases.
• Examples of Indigenous rice varieties: Mappillai Samba, Karrupu Kavuni, Thooya Malli, Thanga Samba, Kichadi Samba, Kala Jeevan, Kullakaar, Thooyamalli, Karunkuruvai.

Advantages

• Lesser water and fertilisers are needed, unlike modern varieties, which are very water intensive.
• Ecological adaptation to the climatic and natural challenges of the region.
• Preserve genetic diversity, which is important for the long-term resilience of agriculture.
• Ensures a robust gene pool for future plant breeding.
• Often have higher nutrient levels, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Challenges

• Low yield initially compared to other varieties.
• Susceptible to diseases.
• Lack from the government and other organisations.
• Market challenges arise as crops may not be in high demand.
• Vulnerable to climate changes.
• Continued cultivation leads to reduced genetic diversity.

{Prelims – In News} Kenya Mapping

• Context (NDTV): Violent protests are happening in Kenya against government’s proposed tax hikes.

About Kenya

• Location: Eastern Africa along the equator.
• It shares borders with Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean.
• Capital: Nairobi, Currency: Shilling, Chief port: Mombasa.
• Languages: Swahili is a national and official language, with English being another official language.
• Kenya’s diverse geographical landscape includes rugged mountain peaks and pristine coastlines, including the Aberdare Range highlands, the Great Rift Valley, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs.
• Lake Turkana (Rudolf) is the world’s largest permanent desert lake. Many anthropologists consider this area the cradle of humankind due to the abundance of hominid fossils.

{Prelims – In News} eSakhsya App

• Context (TH): This mobile-based application helps police record the scene of crime, search for and seizure in a criminal case, and upload the file on the cloud-based platform.

About eSakhsya (e evidence) App

• It is developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
• It is a mobile-based application to help the police to:
  • Record the scene of the crime;
  • Search and seizure in a criminal case and
  • Upload the file to the cloud-based platform.
• The police official will need to upload a selfie after completing the procedure.

• Recorded files are to be uploaded with each First Information Report (FIR).
• The app will be available to all police stations that register and download it.
• The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) requires audio-video recording of all search and seizure operations in criminal cases.

About New Criminal Laws The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. To know more about the new criminal laws, refer > The Three Criminal Law Bills.

{Prelims – In News} International Sugar Organisation *

• Context (PIB): India Hosts the 64^th Council Meeting of the International Sugar Organisation.

International Sugar Organization

• An intergovernmental body based in London, it was established under the International Sugar Agreement of 1968 and dedicated to enhancing the global sugar market.
• Membership of around 88 nations including India.
• The ISO is the only worldwide forum for the exchange of views by major producing, consuming and trading countries at an intergovernmental level.
• The ISO administers the International Sugar Agreement (ISA), 1992, which is related to international cooperation in sugar-related matters.
• Encourages expanded sugar use, especially in non-traditional applications.
• However, it lacks the authority to regulate the global sugar trade through price-setting or export quotas.
• Earlier, India hosted the 41^st session of the ISO Council Meeting in 2012.

Status of the Sugar Industry in India

• India is the largest consumer and second-largest producer of sugar globally.
• 15% share in global sugar consumption and a robust 20% production rate.
• Nearly 5 crore farmers are engaged in the cultivation of sugarcane.
• Two primary production regions:
  • Northern belt encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab and Bihar.
  • Southern belt comprising Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
• The southern region benefits from a tropical climate, which is conducive to higher sucrose content in crops, resulting in increased yields per unit area compared to northern India.

Government initiatives

• The Government has encouraged sugar mills to divert sugar to ethanol and export surplus sugar so that mills may have better financial conditions to continue their operations.
• The National Policy on Biofuels 2018 provides an indicative target of 20% ethanol blending under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme by 2025.
• Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): The government has set the FRP for the 2023-2024 sugar season at Rs. 315 per quintal.
• The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) was recently launched by world leaders under India’s G20 presidency to expedite the global uptake of biofuels.
• The workshop on ‘Sugar and Bio-Energy: Emerging Vistas’ being organised during ISO includes various insightful sessions such as:
  • Sustainability through Diversification.
  • Mechanization & Modernization of the Sugar Sector.
  • Digitization of the Sugar Sector.
  • Global Demand and Supply of Sugar.
  • Green Hydrogen.

Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) The alliance brings together major biofuel producers and consumers, such as the US, Brazil, and India. The GBA aims to strengthen the global biofuels trade for a greener, sustainable future. Nineteen countries and 12 international organisations have already agreed to join or support the GBA.