UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 26th June 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Why in News?

The Economist Intelligence Unit released its 2023 report on global liveability index, placing Austria’s capital Vienna as the top ranked city to live in 2023.

What are the Major Highlights of the Index?

• About:
  • It rates living conditions in 173 cities across five categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
• List of Top Ten Cities to Live in 2023:
  
• Observations Related to Developing Countries' Progress: Many developing nations have shown incremental improvements in their livability rankings.
  • Asia-Pacific cities have demonstrated significant progress, while Western European cities have slipped in the 2023 rankings.
  • The report highlights the growing emphasis on healthcare and education in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries, signalling a positive trend.
    • However, it also notes a decline in stability scores attributed to civil unrest in certain parts of the world.
• Indian Cities:
  • New Delhi and Mumbai are at 141^st position and Chennai at 144^th. Ahmedabad and Bengaluru are ranked 147 and 148, respectively.
• Challenges Faced by Specific Cities:
  • Kyiv, Ukraine: Despite ongoing efforts, Kyiv ranks at a lowly 165^th out of 173 cities, reflecting the challenges faced by the war-ravaged capital.
  • Damascus, Syria, and Tripoli, Libya: These cities continue to occupy the bottom positions on the livability index, similar to the 2022.
• Bottom 10 Positions:

Source: TH

Why in News?

• On the 70th death anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, it is essential to reflect on the circumstances that led to his resignation from Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.
• The Nehru-Liaquat Pact, signed in 1950 between India and Pakistan, played a pivotal role in compelling Mookerjee to take this significant step.

Who was Syama Prasad Mookerjee?

• Syama Prasad Mookerjee, an eminent Indian politician, barrister, and academician, played a significant role in shaping India’s political landscape during the mid-20th century.
• Born on July 6, 1901, in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Mookerjee emerged as a prominent leader and a staunch advocate of Indian nationalism and Hindu politics.

Early Life and Education

• Bengali Brahmin heritage: Mookerjee hailed from a respected Brahmin family with roots in Jirat, Hooghly District, and West Bengal.
• Academic brilliance: He exhibited exceptional academic prowess, pursuing his education at prestigious institutions such as Presidency College and the University of Calcutta.
• Legal career: Mookerjee became a barrister, being called to the English Bar after studying at Lincoln’s Inn in London.

Political Career

• Initial association with Congress: Mookerjee began his political journey as a member of the Indian National Congress, representing Calcutta University in the Bengal Legislative Council.
• Hindu Mahasabha affiliation: He later joined the Hindu Mahasabha, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, and became its president.
• Championing Bengal partition: Mookerjee actively advocated for the partition of Bengal to safeguard Hindu interests, leading to the establishment of a separate West Bengal within the Indian Union.
• Resignation from Bengal cabinet: As Finance Minister of Bengal Province, Mookerjee resigned in 1942, condemning the British government’s oppressive policies and their attempts to hold on to India.

Contributions to Independent India

• Minister for Industry and Supply: Mookerjee served as India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet after independence.
• Nehru-Liaquat Pact and resignation: He resigned from Nehru’s cabinet in 1950, protesting against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, which he believed compromised the interests of Hindus in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
• Founding Bharatiya Jana Sangh: Mookerjee, with the support of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), established the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, laying the foundation for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Mookerjee’s Opposition to Article 370

• Balkanization of India: Mookerjee strongly believed that Article 370 created a sense of separatism and division within the country, leading to the fragmentation of India’s unity.
• Rejection of dual governance: Mookerjee famously stated, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur Do Nishan nahi chalenge” (One country cannot have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags), emphasizing his opposition to the separate status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir.
• Reservations about special status: Mookerjee expressed concerns that the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 would impede the state’s full integration into the Indian Union.
• Inequality and separatism: He believed that granting special privileges to one state based on religion or regional factors would lead to a sense of inequality and separatism.

Ideological Stance and Legacy

• Influence on BJP’s policy agenda: His ideology and vision continue to shape the policies and agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
• Controversial demise: Mookerjee’s untimely death in 1953 while in custody remains a subject of controversy and speculation, with demands for an independent inquiry.

Source: The Indian Express

GS-II

Why in News?

Recently, the Egyptian President conferred the country’s highest state honour “Order of the Nile” award to the Prime Minister of India.

About the Order of the Nile Award

• It is Egypt’s highest state honour.
• Instituted in 1915, the ‘Order of the Nile’ is conferred upon Heads of state, Crown Princes, and Vice-Presidents who offer Egypt or humanity invaluable services.
• The ‘Order of the Nile’ is a pure gold collar consisting of three-square gold units comprising Pharaonic symbols.
• The first unit resembles the idea of protecting the state against evils, the second one resembles prosperity and happiness brought by the Nile, and the third one refers to wealth and endurance.
• The three units are connected by a circular gold flower decorated with turquoise and ruby.
• Hanging from the collar is a hexagonal pendant decorated with flowers of the Pharaonic style and turquoise and ruby gems.
• In the middle of the pendant, there is a protruding symbol representing the Nile that brings together the North (represented by the Papyrus) and the South (represented by the Lotus).
• Those who receive the 'Order of the Nile' shall be saluted upon their death.

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Twenty per cent tax on Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) of the Reserve Bank of India is set to kick off soon.

About Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS)

• LRS allows Indian residents to freely remit up to USD $250,000 per financial year for current or capital account transactions or a combination of both. Any remittance exceeding this limit requires prior permission from the RBI.
• The scheme was introduced by RBI on February 4, 2004.
• Who can remit funds under LRS?
  • Only individual Indian residents, including minors, are permitted to remit funds under LRS.
  • Corporates, partnership firms, HUF, trusts, etc., are excluded from its ambit.
• Frequency of Remittances:
  • There are no restrictions on the frequency of remittances under LRS. 
  • Once a remittance is made for an amount up to USD 2,50,000 during the financial year, a resident individual would not be eligible to make any further remittances under this scheme.
• Types of transactions permitted:
  • Opening of foreign currency accounts abroad with a bank;
  • Acquisition of immovable property abroad, overseas direct investment (ODI), and overseas portfolio investment (OPI);
  • Extending loans, including loans in Indian Rupees to non-resident Indians (NRIs) who are relatives as defined in the Companies Act, 2013;
  • Private visits abroad(excluding Nepal and Bhutan);
  • Maintenance of relatives abroad;
  • Medical treatment abroad;
  • Pursuing studies abroad;
• The Union Budget 2023 introduced a Tax Collection at Source (TCS) for outward foreign remittance under LRS (other than for Education and medical purpose) of 20% on the entire value.
• Tax liability on profit made: If any profit is made on foreign investments made under LRS, it is taxable in India based on how long the investment was held.

Source: The Economic Times

Medicines Patent Pool Agreement for Leukaemia

Why in News?

Recently, the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a United Nations-backed group signed sub-licence agreements with three India-based companies to make certain Cancer Drugs more accessible and cheaper for patients.

• These agreements allow the production of generic versions of Novartis' cancer treatment drug Nilotinib, primarily used for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), in several countries.
• The licence covers India, seven middle-income countries, and 44 territories, allowing the generic versions of Nilotinib to be supplied, subject to local regulatory authorization.

What is the Medicines Patent Pool?

• MPP is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to, and facilitate the development of, life-saving medicines for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC).
• It was founded in July 2010, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
• MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders, to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool Intellectual Property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations.
• As of now, MPP has signed agreements with twelve patent holders for thirteen Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a long-acting technology, two experimental oral antiviral treatments for Covid-19 and a Covid-19 serological antibody technology.

What is Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)?

• About:
  • It is one of the types of Leukemia, which is a blood-cell cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood. Other types are,
    • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
    • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
    • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
  • It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells called myeloid cells.
  • CML typically progresses slowly, and it is often diagnosed during the chronic phase.
• Diagnosis: CML is typically diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and bone marrow examination.

Source: TH

GS-III

Why in News?

• IndiGo, India’s largest airline, recently made history by placing an order for 500 planes, setting a new world record.
• This landmark deal comes on the heels of Air India’s order for 470 aircraft a few months ago.
• This article explores the transformative impact of IndiGo’s order and its implications for the future of Indian aviation.

IndiGo’s Order and its Implications

• Doubling the Current Fleet: IndiGo’s order brings their total aircraft count to 1,330, almost twice the size of the current Indian aviation market.
• Fueling Connectivity: Expanded capacity expected to enhance domestic and international connectivity.
• Global Impact: Improved direct connectivity across Europe and South Asia as a result of the record-breaking order.

Duopoly under discussion

• IndiGo’s Market Share: Holding a commanding 61.4% market share according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
• Air India Umbrella: Combined share of Air India, Vistara, AirAsia India, and Air India Express at 26.3%.
• Duopoly: IndiGo and Air India’s combined market share of 88% signals a duopoly in the industry.
• Challenges for Competitors: Limited means and strong promoter groups leave other airlines struggling to scale up.

Future Aircraft Orders

• Anticipated Orders: CAPA India predicts Indian airlines to order 1,500-1,700 planes in the next two years.
• Recent Orders: IndiGo and Air India have already placed orders for 970 aircraft.
• New Entrant: Expectations of additional orders from Akasa Air, a new airline in India.
• Conversion Options: Air India’s 370 optioned aircraft can be converted into firm orders later.
• Replacing Aging Fleet: Older aircraft retiring necessitate new orders for efficient and modern replacements.

India’s Appeal to Airlines

• Economic Growth and Rising Middle Class: India’s fast-growing major economy and expanding middle class create strong air travel demand.
• Untapped Market Potential: Under-penetrated aviation market offers significant growth opportunities for airlines.
• Airport Development: Construction of new airports across India fuels the demand for air travel.
• Resilient Recovery: Surpassing pre-COVID passenger numbers, indicating a resilient bounce-back in the sector.

Challenges Faced by Indian Aviation

• Debt Burden: Air India’s acquisition by the Tata Group poses the challenge of raising substantial funds, given the airline’s existing debt.
• Financial Implications: Securing a loan of the required magnitude may prove challenging, impacting the financial viability of the deal.
• Make-in-India Clause: The inclusion of a Make-in-India clause in the final agreement is crucial to ensuring direct economic benefits for the Indian economy.
• Potential Concerns: Without adequate provisions, India may become a mere customer of goods without reaping significant economic advantages.
• Costly Operational Environment: The Indian aviation industry grapples with high operating costs, including fuel expenses, airport fees, and taxes, which can impact profitability.
• Profitability Concerns: The industry needs to address these cost challenges to maximize the returns from the influx of new aircraft.
• Outdated Infrastructure: Obsolete air traffic control systems, inadequate ground support services, and limited airport capacity pose barriers to efficient operations.
• Regulatory Framework Limitations: The industry faces difficulties due to regulatory complexities and limitations that hinder growth and innovation.

Conclusion

• IndiGo’s record-breaking aircraft order, coupled with Air India’s recent purchase, is poised to revolutionize the Indian aviation industry.
• With increased capacity and enhanced connectivity, this landmark development is set to propel economic growth and benefit both domestic and international travellers.
• As India’s economy continues to thrive and air travel demand remains strong, airlines are optimistic about the future, heralding a dynamic era for the Indian aviation sector.

Source: India Today

Why in News?

Recently, North India’s first skin bank was inaugurated in Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital.

About Skin Bank

• A skin bank is a place where cadaveric skin is processed and preserved under optimal conditions from where it can be used for the benefit of Burn victims.
• Skin can be donated after Death within 6 hours from the time of Death.
• Anyone can Donate Skin irrespective of sex & blood group; the minimum age of the donor should be 18 years.
• There is no upper age limit; even a 100-year-old person can donate his skin, and it will be used for treatment.
• The skin of persons suffering from AIDS, Hepatitis B & C, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Skin Cancer, Active skin Disease and Septicemia are considered unfit for donation.
• At the time of skin harvesting, a blood sample from the body of the deceased is also taken, and a necessary test for HIV, Viral markers & Hepatitis is carried out at the Skin Bank.
• An old history of trauma or old history of burns does not make the donor unfit for skin donation.
• Skin is generally preserved in 85% glycerol solution. It is stored between 4-5 degree Celsius, and it can be stored for a period of up to 5 years.
• The country has 16 skin banks — a facility where the skin of deceased persons can be donated — with seven in Maharashtra, four in Chennai, three in Karnataka, and one each in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

Source: India Today