UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 27th June 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

What are flash floods, which have also led to landslides in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana?

Why in news?

The Chandigarh-Manali highway was blocked on June 26 following flash floods and landslides.

• Flash floods were witnessed in Khotinallah near Aut (in HP) on the Pandoh–Kullu stretch due to a heavy downpour.

Flash floods

• About
  • Flash floods are sudden and rapid floods that occur within a short period, typically within hours of heavy rainfall or other intense water accumulation events.
    • According to the US’s meteorological agency, the National Weather Service, flash floods are caused when rainfall creates flooding in less than 6 hours.
  • They are characterized by a swift rise in water levels in rivers, streams, or urban areas, often with little to no warning.
• Factors responsible
  • Apart from heavy rain, flash floods can also be caused by dam or levee failures, ice or debris jams, or sudden release of water from natural reservoirs such as glacial lakes.
  • In India, flash floods are often associated with cloudbursts – sudden, intense rainfall in a short period of time.
  • Factors such as the intensity and duration of rainfall, the steepness of terrain, the nature of the soil, and the presence of man-made structures that impede water flow are also responsible for flash floods.
• Features
  • Flash floods are known for their extreme force and velocity, carrying a tremendous amount of water, debris, and sediment.
  • They can overwhelm drainage systems, cause rivers to overflow their banks, and inundate low-lying areas.
  • Flash flooding commonly happens more where rivers are narrow and steep, so they flow more quickly.
  • They can occur in urban areas located near small rivers, since hard surfaces such as roads and concrete do not allow the water to absorb into the ground.

How flash floods are different from floods in general?

• Speed of Onset:
  • Flash floods have a rapid onset, occurring within a short span of time, often within a few hours or even minutes.
  • On the other hand, floods typically develop gradually over a more extended period, often days or weeks, as a result of sustained rainfall or melting snow.
• Duration:
  • Flash floods are short-lived events that subside quickly once the intense rainfall or water accumulation event ends.
  • Floods, in general, can last for days, weeks, or even months, as they are the result of prolonged precipitation or continuous water inflow.
• Intensity:
  • Flash floods are characterized by their high intensity. They involve a sudden surge of water, often leading to significant destruction.
  • Floods, although they can also be powerful and destructive, tend to have a lower peak intensity compared to flash floods due to their longer duration and slower rise in water levels.
• Warning Time:
  • Flash floods provide little to no warning time since they occur rapidly.
  • In contrast, floods typically offer more advance warning as they develop gradually, allowing for evacuation plans to be implemented and emergency measures to be taken.
• Geographic Scope:
  • Flash floods are usually localized events, occurring in specific areas where intense rainfall or other factors lead to rapid water accumulation.
  • General floods, on the other hand, can cover larger areas, including river basins, coastal regions, or expansive low-lying areas.

How common are flash floods and floods?

• Floods
  • According to government data from a project by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, India is the worst flood-affected country in the world, after Bangladesh.
  • It accounts for one-fifth of the global death count due to floods.
  • Nearly 75 per cent of the total Indian rainfall is concentrated over a short monsoon season of four months (June to September).
    • As a result, the rivers witness a heavy discharge during these months.
  • About 40 million hectares of land in the country are liable to floods according to the National Flood Commission, and an average of 18.6 million hectares of land are affected annually.
• Flash floods
  • Flash floods have been commonly witnessed in cities like Chennai and Mumbai.
  • Depression and cyclonic storms in the coastal areas of Orissa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and others also cause flash floods.
  • As per the experts, flash floods may in the future, begin to take place after wildfires that have been taking place more frequently.
  • This is because wildfires destroy forests and other vegetation, which in turn weakens the soil and makes it less permeable for water to seep through.

Ways to deal with flash floods

• Early warning systems, including weather monitoring, river gauges, and emergency alerts, play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of flash floods.
• It is essential for individuals and communities in flood-prone areas to be aware of the risks, have emergency plans in place, and follow the guidance provided by local authorities during such events.

Steps taken in India

• IMD has been using Doppler radars, a flash floods forecasting and warning systems to predict the occurrence of flash floods.
• The NDMA also advices the inhabitation of low-lying areas along the rivers, nullah and drains to be regulated by the state governments/State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)/ District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) as a preventive measure.
• Central Water Commission (CWC)/ National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA)/ state governments/ SDMAs also check for landslides and blockages in rivers with the help of satellite imageries.

Source: Indian Express

Mahadayi River

Why in News?

Recently, tenders floated for the Kalasa Banduri project on the Mahadayi River have not shown success.

Background:-

• Tenders for implementation of the controversial Kalasa Banduri scheme were floated by the previous BJP government minutes before the Karnataka Assembly elections were announced.
• They were put out without obtaining forest and environment clearance.
• The tenders are open for bidding till 21^st August 2023 but are unlikely to find takers.

About Mahadayi River:-

• The Mahadayi River is also known as the Mandovi River.
• Origin: It originates in the Western Ghats from the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Belgaum district of Karnataka.
• End point: It flows for about 81 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
• The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers: the Daddi and the Markandeya.
• Left Bank Tributaries: Daddi River, Malaprabha River, and Markandeya River.
• Right Bank Tributaries: Tambaraparani River, Bainganga River, Wardha River.
• Dams on the Mahadayi River:-
  • The Hidkal Dam: Located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka.
  • The Hidkal Dam: Located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka.
  • The Selaulim Dam: Located in South Goa.
• The Virdi Dam: Located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka
• The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated on the island of Chorao, which is located in the Mandovi River.
• Significance: The Mahadayi River is of great importance to the states of Goa and Karnataka, serving as a source of water for drinking, irrigation, and tourism.

Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project

• It is a project of the Government of Karnataka.
• Planned: in
• Objective: to divert water from Mahadayi to satisfy the drinking water needs of the Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot and Gadag districts of Karnataka.
• It involves building dam across Kalasa and Banduri, two tributaries of the Mahadayi River to divert water to the Malaprabha River.

Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project Dispute Background

• 1989: The project was planned by the Government of Karnataka.
• 2002: two-and-a-half decades since the proposal, the Karnataka government decided to implement the project, after the Centre cleared it.
• Goa’s stand: it approached the Centre, urging it to assess the available resources in the river and allocate water to the three basin states: Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• Due to the protests in Goa, the project was put on hold by the then central government.
• 2006: The dispute gained steam in 2006 when the coalition government in Karnataka decided to start work on the project.
• Goa then approached the Supreme Court, seeking the creation of a Tribunal to settle the water-sharing dispute.
• The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal was set up in
• Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra are parties to the tribunal.
• 2018: The Tribunal 13.42 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water from the Mahadayi river basin to Karnataka, 1.33 TMC to Maharashtra and 24 TMC to
• 2019: After the Tribunal award, Goa filed a Special Leave Petition(SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging the quantum of allocation.
• 2020: Goa filed a contempt petition before the SC, accusing Karnataka of illegally diverting water from the Mahadayi basin. 
• 2023: Goa and Maharashtra governments issued a joint statement saying that they will put up a united fight against Karnataka in connection with the water diversion project.

Source: Indian Express

GS-II

What is a Constitution Bench?

Why in News?

A new Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is scheduled to start hearing a list of some cases from July 12.

What is a Constitution Bench?

• The constitution bench is the name given to the benches of the Supreme Court of India.
• The Chief Justice of India has the power to constitute a Constitution Bench and refer cases to it.

Constitution benches are set up when the following circumstances exist:

1. Interpretation of the Constitution: Article 145(3) provides for the constitution of at least five judges of the court which sit to decide any case “involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation” of the Constitution of India.
2. President of India seeking SC’s opinion: When the President has sought the Supreme Court’s opinion on a question of fact or law under Article 143 of the Constitution. Article 143 of the Constitution provides for Advisory jurisdiction to the SC. As per the provision, the President has the power to address questions to the apex Court, which he deems important for public welfare.
3. Conflicting Judgments: When two or more three-judge benches of the Supreme Court have delivered conflicting judgments on the same point of law, necessitating a definite understanding and interpretation of the law by a larger bench.

• The Constitution benches are set up on ad hoc basis as and when the above-mentioned conditions exist.
• Constitution benches have decided many of India’s best-known and most important Supreme Court cases, such as:

1. K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (Preventive detention)
2. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (Basic structure doctrine) and
3. Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India (OBC reservations) etc.

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

For the first time, the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), self-regulatory body for online curated content (OTT), has recommended punitive action on a platform invoking the Information Technology Rules (2021).

News Summary:

• In an order issued last week, the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC) has gravely objected to the content being streamed on an OTT platform called ULLU, and ordered take-down of such content in 15 days.
  • DPCGC is self-regulatory body for OTT platforms.
• The order was pertaining to a complaint on the obscene nature of the content being streamed on ULLU.
• The complainant had stated that some of the web series only had obscenity and nudity, which is contrary to the law of the land as well as the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
• In its response, the ULLU denied all allegations and insisted that the viewership is based on discretion, and also cited “freedom of speech and expression” as enshrined in the Constitution.
• The DPCGC while reprimanding the platform, gave a strong advisory to take off these web series altogether or make suitable edits to the offending scenes to ensure they are in compliance with the IT Rules.

IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021:

• The rules were notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in February, 2021.
• The Rules provide the due diligence to be followed by an intermediary (including social media intermediary) while discharging its duties, Grievance Redressal Mechanism  and Digital Media Code of Ethics.
• Due Diligence to be followed by Intermediary:
  • Prominently publish on its website (or mobile based application or both), the rules and regulations, privacy policy and user agreement for access or usage of its computer resource by any person;
  • The rules have modified the categories of content that users are not allowed to upload or share.
  • Periodically (at least once in a year) inform its users of its rules and regulations, privacy policy or user agreement or any change in the rules and regulations, privacy policy or user agreement.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism of Intermediary:
  • The intermediary must ensure to prominently publish on its website/mobile based application, the name of the Grievance Officer and his contact details.
  • It must provide a mechanism by which a user or a victim may make complaint against violation of the provisions of this rule or any other matters pertaining to the computer resources made available by it.
  • Grievance Officer shall acknowledge the complaint within twenty four hours and resolve it within fifteen days from its receipt.
• Additional Due Diligence for Significant Social Media Intermediary:
  • The 2021 Rules define social media intermediaries as intermediaries which primarily or solely enable online interaction between two or more users.
  • Intermediaries with registered users above a notified threshold will be classified as significant social media intermediaries (SSMIs).
  • SSMI shall appoint a Chief Compliance Officer who shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act.
  • SSMI shall appoint a nodal contact person for 24×7 coordination with law enforcement agencies and officers to ensure compliance to their orders or requisitions made in accordance with the provisions of law or rules made thereunder.
• Identifying the first Originator of Information:
  • An SSMI which primarily provides messaging services (for example WhatsApp), must enable the identification of the first originator of information within India on its platform.
• Ensuring Online Safety and Dignity of Users:
  • Intermediaries shall remove or disable access within 24 hours of receipt of complaints of contents that exposes the private areas of individuals, show such individuals in full or partial nudity or in sexual act or is in the nature of impersonation including morphed images etc.
  • Such a complaint can be filed either by the individual or by any other person on his/her behalf.
• Oversight Mechanism:
  • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shall formulate an oversight mechanism.
  • It shall publish a charter for self-regulating bodies, including Codes of Practices. It shall establish an Inter-Departmental Committee for hearing grievances.

About Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC):

• The DPCGC is an officially recognized, independent self-regulatory body for online curated content providers (OCCPs).
• It has been set up under the aegis of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), in June 2021.
• DPCGC aims to usher in a redressal mechanism which ensures a balance between addressing viewer complaints and showcasing content in free-speech environment without ad-hoc interventions.
• It adheres to IT Rules 2021 and such other existing or new statutes, and rules/regulations/guidelines framed thereunder from time to time, relating to publishing of online curated content.

Source: Indian Express

Smart City Mission

Why in News?

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs hailed the progress of the Smart City Mission.

Background:-

• The Smart City Mission has completed eight years recently.
• Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri appreciated the achievements of the Smart City Mission.

About Smart City Mission:-

• Launched in 2015.
• Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Smart Cities Mission is a joint effort of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), and all state and union territories (UT) governments.
• It is an innovative and new initiative by the Government of India to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people.

Objectives of Smart Cities Mission:-                                               

• To promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of Smart Solutions.
• To drive economic growth and improve quality of life through comprehensive work on social, economic, physical and institutional pillars of the city.
• The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development through the creation of replicable models, which act as inspirations to other aspiring cities.

The six fundamental principles on which the concept of Smart Cities is based are:-

Financing:-

• The Smart City Mission is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• The Central Government gives financial support to the Mission to the extent of Rs. 48,000 crores over five years i.e. on an average of 100 crore per city per year.
• An equal amount, on a matching basis, will have to be contributed by the State/ULB.

Implementation:-

• The implementation of the Mission at the City level will be done by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
• SPV: A special purpose vehicle, also called a special purpose entity (SPE), is a subsidiary created by a parent company to isolate financial risk.
  • The SPV is promoted by the state/Union Territory and the urban local body, with a 50% equity shareholding each.
  • The SPV formed as a limited company is governed by the Companies Act, 2013.
• Duration:-
  • The Mission was to cover 100 cities and its duration will be five years (FY2015-16 to FY2019-20).
  • It was aimed to be completed by 2019-20 but has since been extended.

Smart city is envisaged to have four pillars:-

• Social Infrastructure.
• Physical Infrastructure.
• Institutional Infrastructure (including Governance).
• Economic Infrastructure.

Source: Indian Express

GS-III

The budding IndiGo-Tata airlines duopoly and what it could mean for consumers

Why in News?

It appears that the domestic aviation market in India is now mainly controlled by two major players: IndiGo and the Tata group airlines (Air India, Vistara, and AIX Connect, which is Air Asia India).

• This situation is due to the fact that Go First is no longer operating and there is little chance of Jet Airways being revived.

• While it might be good news for IndiGo and the Tata airlines, a duopoly is certainly a cause of concern for consumers already contending with high airfares.

What is a duopoly and is it bad for consumers?

• About duopoly
  • A duopoly exists when two players dominate the market for a product or a service.
  • Generally, competition is seen as directly proportional to consumer interest, which means that higher the competition, the better it is for consumers.
  • Going by that logic, a duopoly is theoretically not a very desirable proposition for consumers.
• Impact on consumers
  • As per basic economic theory, higher competition usually results in lower prices, higher efficiencies, better products and services, and market expansion, among other things.
  • In a duopoly, there is a strong likelihood of relatively higher prices and fewer choices for consumers, and suboptimal innovation and market growth.
  • If allowed to consolidate and strengthen, duopolies can also act as huge impediments for new entrants, which again mean lower competition and choices for consumers on a sustained basis.

News Summary: The budding IndiGo-Tata airlines duopoly and what it could mean for consumers

Current Domestic market share

• SpiceJet is grappling with fleet-related and financial troubles of its own.
• Akasa Air do not appear to be in a position currently to mount a formidable challenge.
• IndiGo has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the suspension of Go First’s operations, with the former’s domestic market share with respect to passengers carried jumping to 61.4 per cent in May from 57.5 per cent in April.
• The three Tata group carriers saw a cumulative market share rise of 1.4 percentage points over April to 26.3 per cent in May.
• Currently, IndiGo and Tata group airlines control a staggering 87.7 per cent of India’s domestic civil aviation market – the third-largest globally and growing rapidly.
  • With an eye on future growth, both airline groups have lined up massive fleet expansion and modernisation plans.
    • Recently, IndiGo ordered 500 Airbus jets – the biggest-ever aircraft order in the history of commercial aviation.
    • The Air India group has also ordered 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

 As per recent reports, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha recorded a high prey density.

Background:-

• Following the pre-monsoon sign survey in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, an herbivore or prey density of 46 animals per sq. km was recorded in the sanctuary.
• Moreover, for the first time in the last many decades, a tiger has also been sighted in Debrigarh during Census.

About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:-

• Location: Bargarh district of Odisha, near Hirakud dam.
  • Hirakud dam: it is on the Mahanadi River..
• Declared as a wildlife sanctuary: 1985.

Biodiversity: –

• Flora: Dry deciduous forests
• Fauna:-
  • Leopards, deer, sambar, elephants, gaur, wild boar and a variety of birds and other creatures can be found in the Debrigarh sanctuary’s vast and dense woodlands.
  • It is also known for easy wildlife sightings, including Indian bison, sambhar, wild boars, peacocks etc.
  • The four-horned antelope or Chousingha is one of the endangered animals that also inhabits this sanctuary.
• It is an Eco-sensitive Zone.

Major Protected Areas in Odisha:

National Parks:-

• Bhitarkanika National Park
• Simlipal National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries:-

• Badrama WLS
• Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS
• Hadgarh WLS
• Baisipalli WLS
• Kotagarh WLS
• Nandankanan WLS
• Lakhari Valley WLS
• Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS

Source: Indian Express