UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 23 August 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Governance

What is the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM)?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

For the first time in the last 10 years, the Prime Minister will meet the staff representatives in the national-level Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) of the Union government employees and the Personnel Ministry.

About Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM):

• It serves as a platform for constructive dialogue between the staff representatives and officials to peacefully resolve disputes between the Government and its employees.
• The JCM was established in 1966 with the aim of fostering harmonious relations and cooperation between the Central Government as the employer and its employees.
• This scheme is non-statutory and is based on mutual agreement between the staff representatives and the official side.
• The JCM encompasses all regular civil employees of the Central Government, with specific exceptions including:
  • Class-I services
  • Class-II services excluding the Central Secretariat Services and other comparable services at headquarters.
  • Employees in industrial establishments primarily working in managerial or administrative roles, and those in supervisory positions earning over Rs. 4200 in grade pay per month.
  • Union Territories employees
  • Police personnel

Joint Councils:

• The JCM structure includes the establishment of joint councils at various levels: National, Departmental, and Regional/Office levels.
• The National Council, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, acts as the apex body.
• The scope of the Joint Councils includes all matters concerning service conditions, employee welfare, and efficiency improvements. However:
  • Consultation regarding recruitment, promotion, and discipline is restricted to general principles, excluding individual cases.
  • The councils focus on issues affecting Central Government employees as a whole, including pay scales and allowances.
• Departmental Council: This council addresses matters specific to individual Ministries/Departments.
• Office/Regional Councils: These councils focus on local or regional issues.

GS2/Governance

World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES)

Why in news?

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting has initiated 25 challenges as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1’ for the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES).

About WAVES

• WAVES is an international summit organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.
• The inaugural edition is scheduled for November 20-24, 2024, in Goa.
• The event will be hosted in collaboration with the State Government of Goa.
• The Entertainment Society of Goa will serve as the Nodal Agency, following a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
• Industry partners like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are supporting the summit.

Purpose

• WAVES aims to create a significant platform for dialogue, trade collaboration, and innovation in the evolving media and entertainment sector.
• The summit seeks to highlight India as a center for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment industry.
• It aims to attract investments and position India as a global leader in the entertainment business.

Location & Collaboration

• WAVES is designed to promote sustainable development in the media and entertainment industry.
• The event will help attract global investments and trade to India, establishing the country as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.
• It will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore new opportunities, address challenges, and shape the future of the sector.

GS3/Environment

What is Gongronema sasidharanii?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Gongronema sasidharanii is a newly identified plant species discovered in Pampadum Shola National Park, located in Kerala.

About Gongronema sasidharanii:

• This species was recently found in Pampadum Shola National Park, Idukki District.
• It features smooth stems and small urn-shaped flowers that range in color from creamy white to purplish-green.
• Notably, this is the first instance of the Gongronema genus being recorded in southern India.
• Previously, the Gongronema genus was represented in India by only three species found in northeastern states, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and West Bengal.

Key Facts about Pampadum Shola National Park:

• Located in the eastern region of the Southern Western Ghats in Idukki District.
• Covers an area of approximately 12 square kilometers, with its name translating to "the forest where the snake dances."
• The terrain consists of undulating hills of varying elevations, with altitudes between 1600 to 2400 meters.
• This park experiences a consistently misty and cloudy climate and receives substantial rainfall during the North-East monsoon season.
• Vegetation:
  • The park is characterized by diverse ecosystems, including evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, shola grasslands, and semi-evergreen forests.
  • Flora within the park includes 22 species of trees, 74 species of herbs and shrubs, and 16 species of climbers.
• Fauna:
  • The park is home to various wildlife such as tigers, leopards, giant gizzard squirrels, and the elusive flying squirrels.
  • Other notable species include Nilgiri Tahr and spotted deer.
  • The Nilgiri marten, which is the only marten species found in South India, can also be observed here.
  • Approximately 100 species of butterflies have been documented in the park.

GS3/Environment

Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan Diplomacy’?

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Malaysia has made adjustments to its approach to what it terms “Orangutan Diplomacy,” a concept inspired by China's successful “panda diplomacy.” Initially, Malaysia aimed to leverage orangutan conservation as a form of soft power but has since reversed its strategy.

What is Orangutan Diplomacy?

• It is a Malaysian initiative that utilizes the conservation of orangutans as a means of soft power.
• The concept was inspired by China's effective use of pandas to foster international relations.
• Malaysia's original plan involved gifting orangutans, which are critically endangered according to IUCN, to countries that import palm oil.
• The strategy focuses on engaging other nations in conservation rather than physically sending orangutans abroad.

Reasons Behind the Change

• Palm Oil Industry Criticism
  • Malaysia is criticized for deforestation linked to palm oil plantations, which endangers orangutan habitats.
• Enhancing National Image
  • The initiative aims to mitigate negative perceptions about Malaysia's environmental practices.
  • It seeks to position Malaysia as a leader in wildlife conservation and sustainability.
• Global Cooperation
  • Malaysia intends to strengthen relationships with significant palm oil importing nations, including China, India, and the EU.
  • The focus is on establishing conservation partnerships that demonstrate commitment to environmental issues.
• Criticisms of Orangutan Diplomacy
  • Concerns About Habitat Protection
    • Critics argue that true conservation efforts must prioritize habitat protection rather than merely symbolic actions.
  • Comparisons to Panda Diplomacy
    • Malaysia's approach is seen as lacking the infrastructure and dedication that characterize China's panda conservation efforts.

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Quantum Nonlocality?

Source: Frontiers

Why in News?

Scientists have demonstrated that a universal standard for measuring and quantifying non-local quantum correlations is not possible.

About Quantum Nonlocality:

• Classical physics operates on the assumption of locality, meaning that objects can only interact with their immediate surroundings.
• Nonlocality is a fundamental concept in various interpretations of quantum mechanics.
• This principle suggests that particles can instantaneously influence one another's state, regardless of the distance separating them, which may extend to billions of light years.
• The universe appears to arrange its particles in a way that anticipates future events, leading to an interconnectedness that defies classical expectations.
• Despite Einstein's assertion that nothing can exceed the speed of light, quantum interactions may occur in a manner that seems to violate this principle.
• This phenomenon contradicts the principle of locality, which states that distant objects cannot directly affect one another. Instead, it proposes that separated parts of the universe may be intimately connected.
• The concept of entanglement is key to understanding nonlocality; when particles interact, they become correlated to such a degree that they lose their individuality and behave as a single entity.
• Nonlocality implies a deeper connection among the components of the universe, suggesting that they are not truly separate but potentially linked in profound ways.

GS2/Governance

Govt bans 156 fixed dose combination drugs

Source: The Financial Express

Why in news?

The Union Health Ministry has taken action to prohibit 156 fixed dose combination (FDC) medicines, citing a lack of therapeutic justification and potential risks to patient safety.

• FDCs consist of multiple active ingredients that may be beneficial for certain medical conditions, such as tuberculosis and diabetes, but they also carry the risk of including unnecessary or harmful substances.

Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs – About, Utility, Benefits, Challenges, etc.

• Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs are products that contain two or more active pharmaceuticals in a single dosage form.
• These are often referred to as cocktail drugs.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA classifies a combination product as any combination of a drug with a device, a biological product, or both.
• It is generally accepted that medications should ideally be formulated as single active compounds.

Acceptability

• FDCs are deemed acceptable only when:
• The dosage of each active ingredient meets the requirements of a specific patient population.
• The combination demonstrates a proven advantage over administering single drugs separately in terms of therapeutic effectiveness, safety, or patient compliance.

Advantages of FDC Drugs

• Complementary mechanisms of action that enhance therapeutic effects.
• Synergistic effects that improve overall treatment outcomes.
• Better tolerability for patients, leading to increased adherence to treatment.
• Extended product life-cycle management, which can lead to cost savings.
• Reducing the pill burden on patients, making treatment regimens simpler.

Challenges/Demerits of FDC Drugs

• FDCs may increase the likelihood of adverse drug reactions and interactions compared to administering each drug individually.
• Many FDCs introduced in India lack rational justification.
• Irrational FDCs can expose patients to unnecessary risks of adverse reactions.
• They can also create an undue financial burden on consumers.
• Medical professionals who support these combinations may face legal scrutiny, as these products often do not appear in established medical texts or journals.
• Pharmaceutical companies continue to profit significantly from these combinations, which encourages their aggressive marketing.

GS3/Environment

What are Glacial Lakes?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 189 glacial lakes that are classified as “high-risk” for potential mitigation measures to prevent disasters related to them.

Definition of Glacial Lakes

• A glacial lake is a body of water formed from the melting of glaciers.
• These lakes typically form at the base of glaciers, although they can also develop on, beneath, or within glaciers.

Classification of Glacial Lakes

• ISRO has categorized glacial lakes into four main types based on their formation processes:
• Moraine-dammed
• Ice-dammed
• Erosion-based
• Others

Formation Process of Glacial Lakes

• As glaciers advance, they erode the underlying landscape, creating depressions and grooves.
• The debris left behind by glaciers forms ridges known as moraines.
• Most glacial lakes emerge when a glacier retreats, allowing meltwater to fill the resulting depression.
• Natural formations such as ice and terminal moraines can also create glacial lakes.
• An ice dam occurs when a rapidly moving glacier blocks meltwater from draining, trapping it in a valley or fjord.
• Moraine dams can be both robust and stable, forming large lakes for extended periods, or they may be porous, allowing for slow drainage into adjacent rivers.

Significance and Risks of Glacial Lakes

• Glacial lakes serve as vital freshwater sources for many river systems.
• However, they also present considerable risks, particularly through Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
• GLOFs can occur when natural dams fail, releasing significant volumes of meltwater and causing sudden flooding downstream.

GS2/International Relations

Dealing with Death at Work

Source: Financial Express

Why in News?

On August 21, 2024, a catastrophic explosion at the Escientia plant located in Atchutapuram SEZ resulted in the deaths of 17 workers and injuries to over 50 individuals. This incident was caused by a leak of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), highlighting a concerning trend in workplace safety. The explosion has led to a government investigation and a push for tighter safety regulations, particularly because SEZ units are currently exempt from regular inspections.

Previous Incidents:

• This explosion is not an isolated event; it follows a significant explosion in the same SEZ last year.
• It also brings to mind a styrene vapor leak incident from 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals.

Government Response:

• The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a high-level inquiry into the recent explosion.
• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has conveyed his condolences and promised assistance to the families of the victims.

Preventing Future Accidents:

• Regular safety audits are essential for identifying potential hazards and ensuring adherence to safety regulations, thereby minimizing the risk of future catastrophes.
• Such audits enhance accountability among management to comply with safety standards, fostering a safety-oriented culture in workplaces.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Conducting safety audits helps organizations align with local, state, and national safety regulations.
• Enhancing safety measures and transparency can rebuild public confidence in industrial operations, especially in areas vulnerable to industrial accidents.

Safety Law and Guidelines:

• Factories Act, 1948: This act oversees worker safety in factories, requiring safety audits and the appointment of safety officers. It mandates the formation of safety committees composed of management and employee representatives to tackle hazards.
• IS 14489:1998: This standard provides guidelines for occupational safety and health audits, focusing on compliance, identifying deviations, and evaluating the effectiveness of safety management across various sectors.
• Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: This code consolidates labor laws, mandates routine safety audits for hazardous processes, and empowers inspectors to enforce compliance.
• CIMAH Rules: These rules necessitate that industries engaged in hazardous processes prepare safety reports and conduct regular audits to avert major accidents, overseen by state safety authorities.
• Integrated Guidance Framework for Chemicals Safety: This framework provides guidance for conducting safety audits when handling hazardous chemicals, emphasizing adherence to MSIHC Rules and implementing robust auditing practices.
• Note: There exists an Indian Standard titled “Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audit,” which offers comprehensive guidelines for executing occupational safety and health audits across various workplaces.

Way Forward:

• Implement Regular Safety Audits: It is vital to enforce regular safety audits for all industrial units, including SEZs, to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards, thereby preventing future incidents and fostering a safety culture.
• Strengthen Regulatory Oversight: Address regulatory gaps by uniformly applying safety standards across all sectors, including exempted units, while enhancing transparency and accountability in safety practices to regain public trust.

GS2/Governance

Internship Initiatives to Match Skill Sets with Opportunity in India

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Under a special package outlined in the Union Budget 2024-25, a new portal is being developed to allow youth to apply directly for internships with the nation's top 500 enterprises. The portal will be made available to potential applicants once the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) releases the guidelines for the internship scheme announced in the Budget.

About the Internship Scheme Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25

Background:

• The Union Budget 2024-25 included the PM’s Package for Employment and Skilling, with a total allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore.
• This internship scheme was introduced in response to rising concerns about unemployment that arose during the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Description of the scheme:

• Objective:
  • The government aims to bridge the skills gap and assist young individuals in securing their first jobs by offering one crore internships in 500 leading companies over five years.
  • Special focus is placed on marginalized groups, particularly those with lower skill levels and employability, to maximize their benefits from this initiative.
• Allowance:
  • Interns will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 along with a one-time support of Rs 6,000.
• Funding:
  • Companies will need to utilize their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to cover training expenses and 10% of the internship costs.
  • The total projected cost of the scheme exceeds Rs 66,000 crore, with each participating company expected to contribute over Rs 13 crore.
• Concerns:
  • While the industry has largely welcomed the initiative, there are concerns regarding the eligibility criteria for both companies and interns.
  • Questions have been raised about whether participation will be mandatory for companies and what qualifications individuals must have to qualify as beneficiaries.
• Solution:
  • The government intends to engage with the top 500 companies to establish a voluntary quota system for accepting interns, based on the CSR spending of these firms.

Highlights of the Portal that will Enable Youth to Apply Directly for Internship

• How will it work?
  • The portal is designed not to upload an existing database of youth, as some individuals may choose not to participate in the internship scheme.
  • Employers will post their available internship opportunities, which will then be matched with the applicants' submitted data, facilitating a seamless exchange of information.
  • This system will enable the matching of applicants' skill sets with the available internship opportunities provided by companies.

GS2/Polity

Building on favourable change in the 2024 Waqf Bill

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Waqf Bill 2024, also known as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, has been delayed in its passage due to hesitations from allies of the Narendra Modi government and criticisms from opposition parties.

Concerns Acknowledged by the JPC

• Inclusion of Non-Muslims: The proposal to include non-Muslim members in state waqf boards has faced notable backlash. Critics assert that this undermines the religious independence of Muslim institutions, especially since similar provisions do not exist for Hindu temples or other religious entities.
• Increased Authority of District Collectors: The Bill confers additional powers to district collectors, empowering them to resolve disputes over waqf properties. This has raised alarms about possible government overreach and the capacity of local waqf boards to effectively manage these properties.
• Impact on Inheritance Rights: Proposed amendments could alter the inheritance rights of heirs, especially women, by allowing the formation of family waqfs that may not align with Islamic inheritance laws, raising concerns about fairness in the distribution of waqf assets.
• The Rationale of the Family Waqf:
  • Family waqf is based on the Islamic principle that charity begins at home. The Quran encourages financial support for parents and relatives, emphasizing that spending on family is a highly valued charitable act.
• Potential for Misuse: There are worries that the amendments might facilitate the misuse of waqf properties, worsening existing issues like encroachment and mismanagement instead of effectively resolving them.
• Newly Proposed Section 3A(2)
  • Key Features: This section allows a Muslim to establish a family waqf concerning only one-third of their property if heirs are excluded and prohibits the complete exclusion of female heirs. However, it permits the potential for token benefits to be given to female heirs, which might still lead to unequal distributions.
  • Concerns: Critics believe this provision may not adequately safeguard women’s rights under Islamic inheritance laws, as it could allow arrangements that do not ensure fair benefits for female heirs compared to male heirs.
• Implementation of Waqf Boards Worldwide
  • India: India has 30 waqf boards that manage waqf properties across states, overseeing around 900,000 properties to ensure they are utilized for charitable purposes.
  • Middle Eastern Countries: In many Middle Eastern nations, waqf properties are often administered by government-appointed bodies, with legal frameworks more closely aligned with Islamic law. For example, in Egypt and Turkey, waqf management is significantly regulated by the state.
  • Colonial Impact: The evolution of waqf laws has been shaped by colonial histories. Some countries, like Egypt and Tunisia, have abolished family waqfs, while others, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, have retained them under varying regulation levels.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen Waqf Governance: Enhance oversight and accountability of waqf boards by balancing state involvement with respect for religious autonomy. This includes protecting the inheritance rights of heirs, especially women, while preventing government overreach and ensuring effective management of waqf properties.
• Promote Inclusivity and Equity: Amend the Waqf Bill to address concerns regarding the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards and ensure fair distribution of waqf assets in accordance with Islamic inheritance laws.

GS3/Science and Technology

A look at Ongoing Indian Space Missions

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, India's space program has continued to make significant strides, even though activities at the Sriharikota spaceport have been relatively quiet.

Key Achievements Post-Chandrayaan-3

• Aditya L1 Mission: Launched on September 2, 2023, this mission focuses on solar science and successfully reached its designated orbit around the Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1) by January 2024, which is crucial for solar observation.
• Gaganyaan TV-D1: This was the inaugural abort mission for India's human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, successfully testing the Crew Escape System on October 21, 2023, demonstrating readiness for future manned missions.
• XPoSat: Launched on January 1, 2024, this satellite serves as India's second space-based observatory aimed at studying polarized radiation from space, thereby enhancing our knowledge of cosmic phenomena.
• INSAT-3DS: Launched on February 17, 2024, this meteorological satellite is essential for validating the dependability of ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), particularly ahead of the upcoming NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission.
• Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD): ISRO has successfully conducted landing experiments for its scaled-down Reusable Launch Vehicle, paving the way for future orbital return flight tests.
• Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): Following a successful third development flight on August 16, 2024, ISRO has finalized the development phase of SSLV, enabling its transition to broader industry use.

Road Maps & Future Plans

• Gaganyaan Program: India is heavily investing in its human spaceflight program, with astronaut candidates currently undergoing advanced training. The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission is anticipated by late 2024, followed by a crewed mission.
• Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): ISRO is in the process of developing a new heavy-lift launch vehicle to meet its ambitious objectives, including plans for an Indian space station and extensive lunar exploration.
• Lunar Exploration: ISRO has established a 25-year roadmap for lunar exploration, which includes aspirations for an Indian presence on the moon by 2040 and conducting long-duration lunar missions.
• Involvement of NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL): NSIL has been tasked with undertaking space missions and managing commercial activities, which includes partnerships with private firms like SpaceX for satellite launches and collaboration in developing the LVM-3 rocket.

Private Sector Participation:

• Agnikul Cosmos: Successfully launched its SoRTeD-01 vehicle, marking a significant milestone as the first use of a semi-cryogenic engine in India.
• Skyroot Aerospace and Others: Several private companies are advancing in the development of launch vehicles and space technologies, with upcoming missions such as Vikram 1.

Regulatory Updates:

• IN-SPACe: India's new space regulatory authority has been proactive, issuing key guidelines and licenses, including the allowance of 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in specific segments of the space sector.