Weekly Current Affairs (23rd October to 31st October 2023) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

APAAR ID: Streamlining Education with One Nation, One Student ID

The Union Education Ministry's 'One Nation, One Student ID' initiative, known as the APAAR ID, is in harmony with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to assign unique ID numbers to school students nationwide.

1. APAAR, which stands for 'Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry,' introduces a 12-digit digital identification system for students from pre-primary to higher education, providing each student with a distinct identification number.
2. This digital system will securely store academic qualifications, credit scores, certificates, and other academic data, making it a comprehensive repository of a student's educational journey.
3. Enrollment in the APAAR ID system will be facilitated by schools with parental consent, allowing parents to withdraw their consent at any time.
4. The collected data will only be shared with relevant government agencies when necessary and will be centrally stored in a District Information for Education portal.
5. The APAAR ID serves as a lifelong identifier, helping students track their educational progress and achievements, including exam results, acquired knowledge, and additional accomplishments like Olympiad rankings or specialized skill training. Moreover, it simplifies the school-switching process by consolidating all admission-related documents in one place.

Canada Accuses India of Violating Vienna Convention in Diplomatic Dispute

Canada has lodged an accusation against India, claiming a breach of the Vienna Convention, following India's request to reduce the number of Canadian diplomats stationed in India.

1. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, established in 1961, is an international treaty that serves as a framework for diplomatic interactions among sovereign nations, with the overarching goal of fostering friendly relations among nations.
2. Currently, this convention boasts a total of 193 signatory countries, each committed to its principles and regulations.
3. A cornerstone of the Vienna Convention is the codification of diplomatic immunity, which confers privileges on diplomatic missions, ensuring that diplomats can carry out their duties without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country.
4. India has justified its actions by citing Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), which specifically pertains to the size of international missions within other countries.
5. Article 11.1 grants the receiving state the authority to impose restrictions on the size of a diplomatic mission, setting a limit that is considered reasonable and normal based on the circumstances and conditions within the host country, as well as the specific needs of the mission.

ISRO Launches Gaganyaan's First Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated Gaganyaan's inaugural Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), marking a significant milestone in India's human spaceflight program.

• TV-D1 is the first of two crucial abort missions designed to assess the effectiveness of crew safety mechanisms for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
• The primary objective of this mission is to rigorously evaluate the Crew Escape System (CES) and its ability to safely transport the Crew Module (CM) in the event of an emergency during the Gaganyaan mission.
• The test vehicle utilized in this mission is a single-stage liquid rocket, responsible for carrying the Crew Module (CM), Crew Escape Systems (CES), and various components, including the CM fairing (CMF) and Interface Adapters.
• Notably, the CM, where astronauts will reside during the Gaganyaan mission, is employed in an unpressurized configuration for this TV-D1 test.
• The flight test will accurately replicate an abort scenario, involving the separation of the CES with the CM at an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers. Subsequently, the abort sequence will proceed with parachute deployment, ultimately leading to the safe landing of the CM in the sea.
• The success of this pivotal test flight paves the way for subsequent qualification tests and unmanned missions, bringing India closer to its historic Gaganyaan mission, which will see Indian astronauts venturing into space.

Cyclone Tej Intensifies into 'Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm' in Arabian Sea, Heads Towards Maharashtra Coast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings as Cyclone Tej, originally a depression in the Arabian Sea, has gained strength and escalated into an 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' near the coasts of Oman and Yemen.

• Cyclone Tej originated from a low-pressure system in the southeast Arabian Sea and subsequently intensified into a depression, making its way west-northwest toward the coast of Maharashtra.
• Anticipated impacts of Cyclone Tej include heavy rainfall, powerful winds, storm surges, and the potential for coastal flooding in the affected regions.

About the India Meteorological Department (IMD):

Established in 1875, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the foremost government agency responsible for all matters related to meteorology and related fields.

IMD operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), serving as a vital entity for monitoring and forecasting weather conditions in India.

EU Tax Observatory's 'Global Tax Evasion Report 2024' Advocates for 2% Global Wealth Tax on Billionaires

The European Union Tax Observatory has released its 'Global Tax Evasion Report 2024,' which calls for the implementation of a 2% global wealth tax on billionaires.

• The report highlights the troubling fact that global billionaires are subject to remarkably low personal effective tax rates, ranging from 0% to a mere 0.5% of their total wealth.
• It reveals that an astonishing amount of nearly $1 trillion in profits was shifted to tax havens in 2022, equivalent to 35% of all profits generated by multinational corporations outside their home countries.
• Despite this massive profit shifting, the report indicates that the global loss of tax revenue due to such practices remains at around 10% of the total corporate tax revenue collected.
• The global minimum tax, which aimed to boost global tax revenues by 10%, has been significantly weakened. The report raises concerns about the 'greenwashing' of this tax, as multinational corporations can exploit 'green' tax credits related to low carbon transition to reduce their tax rates well below the minimum 15%.
• The report also notes the emergence of new and aggressive tax competition practices, with detrimental effects on government revenue and income inequality.
• An ongoing race to provide subsidies to green-energy producers may potentially offset the revenue gains resulting from the global minimum corporate tax.
• To address these issues, the report provides several recommendations, all centered around reducing the tax deficit of multinational companies and wealthy individuals. These proposals include:
  • Reforming the international agreement on minimum corporate taxation to establish a 25% rate and eliminating any loopholes that foster tax competition. 
  • Introducing a new global minimum tax of 2% of wealth for the world's billionaires. c. Establishing mechanisms to tax wealthy individuals who have been long-term residents in one country but opt to move to a low-tax jurisdiction.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Highlights Transparency Concerns with Electoral Bonds in India

Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, SY Quraishi, has emphasized the pressing need for transparency in political funding, with a particular focus on the controversial Electoral Bonds.

• The Electoral Bond scheme, instituted by the Government of India in 2018, operates as a financial instrument that resembles a promissory note, available for purchase by any Indian citizen or domestically incorporated company at select State Bank of India branches.
• Purchasers of electoral bonds have the liberty to donate them to a political party of their choice that qualifies under the scheme.
• These bonds come in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 100,000, and Rs 1 crore, and recipients can encash the bonds through their verified party accounts, with a validity period of only fifteen days.
• Electoral bonds are made available for purchase during the first ten days of each quarter, and during the year of Lok Sabha elections, an extended period of 30 days is specified by the government.
• Eligibility to receive electoral bonds is granted to any political party registered under section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951, which has secured at least one percent of the votes polled in the most recent General or Assembly elections.
• An intriguing facet of electoral bonds is their anonymity, as they do not bear the name of the donor, rendering the political party unaware of the contributor's identity.
• Donors can avail of deductions, while recipient political parties are entitled to tax exemption, contingent upon the filing of returns.

Government Adjusts Interest Rates on Small Savings Instruments (SSIs) with Focus on Recurring Deposits

In a recent move, the government has increased the interest rate on the five-year recurring deposit scheme for the December quarter, while keeping rates unchanged for all other small savings instruments.

1. Small Savings Instruments (SSIs) are a suite of financial tools overseen by the central government, designed to foster regular saving habits among individuals, regardless of their age.
2. Notable components of SSIs include the National Saving Certificate (NSC), Public Provident Fund (PPF), Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP), and the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme.
3. Funds accrued through these schemes are funneled to the Central government and are deposited into the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF).
4. The government revises the interest rates at the onset of each quarter.
5. Since 2016, the resetting of interest rates has been aligned with the yields of government securities of corresponding maturity, with certain adjustments for senior citizens, as advised by the Shyamala Gopinath Committee.
6. A noteworthy change is the recent amendment of the National Savings (Monthly Income Account) Scheme, 2019, through the National Savings (Monthly Income Account) (Amendment) Scheme, 2023, which raises the maximum investment limit from Rs. 4.5 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh for single accounts and from Rs. 9 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh for joint accounts, effective from April 1, 2023.
7. Similarly, the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, 2019, has been amended through the Senior Citizens Savings (Amendment) Scheme, 2023, increasing the maximum investment limit from Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh.

CBI Launches Operation Chakra-II to Combat Transnational Cyber-Enabled Financial Crimes

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated "Operation Chakra-II," a significant effort aimed at combating transnationally organized cyber-enabled financial crimes within India.

• To fortify this operation, the CBI has forged partnerships with technology giants Microsoft and Amazon, along with national and international agencies, with the primary objective of dismantling illegal call center infrastructures.
• Many of the illegal call centers targeted by the CBI operate under the guise of providing customer support services for companies like Microsoft and Amazon, posing a severe threat to vulnerable individuals and resulting in substantial annual fraud cases.
• Microsoft and Amazon have collaborated with the CBI to facilitate the sharing of vital information and provide critical support to Indian law enforcement agencies in their ongoing investigations. This partnership is expected to strengthen the fight against cyber-enabled financial crimes.

Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)

The "Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)" is a transformative initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, designed to uplift Scheduled Castes (SC) communities through a comprehensive, area-based approach.

1. This scheme represents a merger of three centrally sponsored schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and the Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).
2. The primary objectives of PM-AJAY include the reduction of poverty within SC communities by creating additional job opportunities through skill development and income-generating initiatives.
3. Another key focus is enhancing socio-economic development indicators by providing essential infrastructure and services in SC-dominated villages.
4. PM-AJAY encompasses three vital components:
   • Development of SC-majority villages into "Adarsh Grams": This aims to ensure the integrated development of villages with a significant SC population, guaranteeing they have access to adequate infrastructure.
   • Grants-in-aid for District/State-level Projects: Financial support is provided for district or state-level projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of SC communities. These projects may include infrastructure development in SC-dominated villages, including those selected under the Adarsh Gram component, as well as the establishment of hostels and residential schools.
   • Construction of Hostels in higher educational institutions: These hostels are built in top-ranked higher educational institutions as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of the Government of India. Funding is provided by the Centre/State/UT Governments, either fully or partially. Additionally, hostels may be constructed in schools recommended by the Ministry of Education and partially funded by the respective governments.

International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2023: Shaping the Global Energy Landscape

1. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has unveiled the "World Energy Outlook 2023," offering comprehensive insights and strategic analysis across all facets of the global energy system.
2. A pivotal projection within the report suggests a significant reduction in the share of fossil fuels in the global energy supply, dropping from approximately 80% to 73% by 2030.
3. Notably, investments in clean energy have surged by 40% since 2020, indicating a promising trend towards more sustainable energy sources.
4. India is poised to witness the most substantial growth in energy demand over the coming three decades, positioning it as a key player in the evolving global energy landscape.
5. Strikingly, India's industrial sector is expected to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, while emissions from passenger cars will decrease by 25% per kilometer driven. These outcomes result from the implementation of government policies aimed at addressing climate commitments through enhanced efficiency and innovative technologies.
6. India has taken a proactive stance to mitigate carbon emissions through several initiatives, including:
   • The International Solar Alliance (ISA): Established in 2015, it unites "sunshine countries" with the goal of maximizing the efficient utilization of solar energy.
   • The "One sun, one world, one grid" project, in partnership with the United Kingdom, is centered around creating and expanding inter-regional energy grids to facilitate the global sharing of solar energy.
   • The promotion of e-mobility transition through the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles Scheme.
   • The global mass movement known as Mission LiFE, led by India, seeks to inspire individual and collective action to safeguard and preserve the environment.
   • The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), a business-driven initiative, encourages companies to adopt low-carbon business practices and technologies, further contributing to a sustainable future.

Universal Basic Income (UBI): Local Experiments Reinforce Calls for Inclusive Social Policy

Recent localized experiments with Universal Basic Income (UBI) have yielded predominantly positive results across various states, further reinforcing the need for comprehensive social policies.

• UBI stands as a social welfare policy where all beneficiaries receive regular, unconditional transfer payments to guarantee a minimum level of income. The primary objective is to ensure that every citizen can meet essential needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare, with the overarching aim of reducing poverty and economic inequality.
• A notable feature of UBI is its capacity to streamline complex social welfare systems by potentially replacing or consolidating various targeted social programs, simplifying administration and reducing bureaucracy.
• The UBI support program adheres to five fundamental principles: unconditional support, periodic payments (as opposed to lump-sum transfers), direct cash transfer (instead of coupons or cash equivalents), and individual beneficiaries (as opposed to households). These principles underpin the core tenets of a Universal Basic Income system.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Labels Dark Pattern Practices in Airlines and Travel Portals as Potential Cybercrimes

The Consumer Affairs Secretary has made a significant statement, suggesting that the manipulative practices carried out by airlines and travel portals, known as "dark patterns," could potentially be categorized as "cybercrimes."

1. Dark patterns encompass design and user interface techniques intentionally crafted to deceive or manipulate users into making choices or taking actions that may not be in their best interests.
2. These deceptive practices serve the purpose of influencing user behavior in a manner that primarily benefits the company implementing them.
3. Airlines employ dark patterns such as creating false urgency, giving the impression that customers must pay an extra fee for a seat due to the apparent unavailability of free seats.
4. Even when several free seats are available, they are strategically positioned at the bottom of the page to make them less visible.
5. Passengers are prompted to click "skip" at the end of the seat selection process, but they are not clearly informed that they will be automatically assigned a free seat if they opt not to pay the additional fee.
6. Furthermore, travel portals employ tactics to encourage passengers to purchase travel insurance by using fear-inducing phrases like "I will risk my trip" if they decide against buying insurance, creating a sense of apprehension regarding the potential risks or harm to their journey without insurance.

Parliamentary Committee recommendations:

• Airlines must display seat-wise airfares to ensure transparency.
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) should ensure proper implementation of the Aircraft Rules, 1934 to ensure that airlines earn only a reasonable profit while pricing their tickets.
• Effective mechanism should be there to address consumer grievances in a time-bound manner.

Upcoming Summit of Three Basins in Brazzaville: Focus on the Brazzaville Declaration for Ecosystem Protection

A significant summit of three major basins is set to take place in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, bringing attention to the Brazzaville Declaration signed in 2018 by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Congo, and Indonesia.

1. The Brazzaville Declaration's primary objective is to safeguard the Cuvette Centrale region within the Congo Basin, the world's largest tropical peatlands, from unregulated land use and the threat of drainage and degradation.
2. The summit will involve discussions and actions pertaining to three vital basins:
   • The Congo Basin, the world's second-largest tropical forest in terms of area, spans six countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
   • The Amazon Basin, the planet's largest tropical forest, extends across nine South American countries: Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, French Guiana, Suriname, and the Republic of Guyana.
   • The Borneo-Mekong-Southeast Asia Basin, recognized as the world's third-largest carbon sink, comprises two sub-regions: the island of Borneo, divided between Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and the Mekong River, one of the world's largest rivers, traversing six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

The summit in Brazzaville is expected to address critical environmental and conservation issues within these significant basins.

India's Potential to Lead 6G Standardization: Leveraging Indigenous 5G Technology

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) Secretary has emphasized India's capacity to assume a leadership role in 6G standardization, capitalizing on its homegrown 5G technology.
• The evolution from 5G to 6G signifies a substantial leap in technology:
• a. 5G offers speeds of several gigabits per second (Gbps), while 6G is anticipated to provide speeds in the terabits per second (Tbps) range.
• b. 5G relies on technologies like massive MIMO, beamforming, and network slicing. In contrast, 6G is expected to integrate advanced technologies, including AI-driven networks, sophisticated beamforming, and quantum cryptography.
• c. 5G enables advancements in various fields, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and smart cities. In comparison, 6G is projected to support even more advanced applications, such as holographic communications, real-time artificial intelligence, and more sophisticated IoT.
• Currently, 5G is being deployed globally with ongoing expansion. In contrast, 6G is anticipated to commence commercial deployment in the late 2020s to 2030 and beyond.

India's strategic use of its indigenous 5G technology positions it to be at the forefront of 6G standardization, ushering in a new era of connectivity and technological innovation.