Weekly Current Affairs (2nd October to 8th October 2023) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Law Commission Recommends Maintaining Current Age of Consent in POCSO Act to Safeguard Child Protection

• In a recent development, the Law Commission has put forth a crucial recommendation to the government regarding the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The Commission advises retaining the existing age of consent, which stands at 18 years in India. This recommendation emphasizes the potential negative consequences of reducing the age of consent, particularly concerning child marriage and child trafficking.
• Furthermore, the Law Commission has proposed amendments to the POCSO Act of 2012. These amendments would address cases in which children between the ages of 16 and 18 may provide tacit approval rather than legal consent. This distinction aims to protect the rights of adolescents while ensuring they are shielded from sexual offenses.
• Additionally, the Commission has advised the courts to exercise caution in cases related to adolescent love, particularly when criminal intent is absent. This prudent approach will help strike a balance, safeguarding the best interests of the child and ensuring that the law remains equitable in addressing these sensitive matters.

About Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act: 

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) enacted in 2012. The Act was formulated to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and pornography. 

In 2019, The Act has been amended. The amendment contains provisions for enhancement of punishments for various offences, provides security and dignified childhood for a child.

India Launches 'Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath' Initiative to Foster Public Participation in Cleanliness

• In a significant move, the Government of India has introduced the 'Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath' Initiative, a program designed to focus on robust cleanliness efforts, particularly through shramdaan (voluntary labor), to advance cleanliness and sanitation nationwide.
• The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage citizens to unite for one hour at 10 am on the 1st of October, engaging in concerted efforts to clean various public spaces. This collective endeavor is a tribute to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, whose birth anniversary is celebrated on the 2nd of October. It serves as a means to honor his vision of a pristine and hygienic India.
• By instigating this initiative, the government aims to bring about tangible improvements in cleanliness levels while fostering a cleaner and more hygienic environment throughout the country. This effort underscores the importance of public participation in the pursuit of a cleaner and healthier India.

Union Minister Launches Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) 2.0 for Efficient Public Grievance Resolution

• In a significant development, the Union Minister of State for Personnel has unveiled the Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) 2.0 public grievance portal. IGMS represents an innovative, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Grievance Monitoring System that is set to revolutionize the public grievance redressal process, making it more efficient and responsive.
• IGMS 2.0 has been collaboratively developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and IIT Kanpur. The system incorporates cutting-edge AI technology to provide real-time analysis of grievances received and resolved, along with the ability to offer state-wise and district-wise data. Furthermore, it excels in identifying the root causes of grievances, enabling targeted interventions to address these issues effectively.
• Given that the CPGRAMS portal receives approximately 20 lakh grievances from the general public annually, manually categorizing and monitoring these complaints has been a formidable and time-consuming task. With the introduction of the IGMS 2.0 Dashboard, the grievance redressal process is poised to become significantly faster and more efficient, empowering concerned ministries and departments to respond to citizens' concerns with greater effectiveness and agility.

Geospatial Intelligence: Empowering Disaster Preparedness, Security, and Modern Infrastructure

Geospatial intelligence has emerged as a vital tool, offering invaluable insights to governments and organizations in safeguarding communities from natural disasters and addressing various other critical needs. Here are some key highlights:

1. Comprehensive Data Integration: Geospatial intelligence entails the collection and integration of data from a range of technologies, including satellites, mobile sensors, ground-control stations, and aerial imagery.
2. Real-Time Mapping and Simulations: This data is harnessed to generate real-time maps and simulations, enabling the identification of threats' timing, location, and potential impact.
3. Informed Decision-Making: Government officials and individuals alike can leverage geospatial intelligence to make informed decisions based on up-to-the-minute data.
4. Booming Industry: The geospatial intelligence industry is on a trajectory of robust growth, with projections indicating an increase from a $61 billion enterprise in 2020 to over $209 billion by 2030.
5. Disaster Monitoring and Response: Geospatial intelligence plays a pivotal role in monitoring and responding to disasters, such as tropical cyclones, offering critical information on their location and strength. It aids in search-and-rescue operations, damage assessment, and resource allocation during emergencies.
6. Environmental Monitoring: By keeping an eye on environmental factors like temperature, precipitation, and polar ice, geospatial intelligence helps in anticipating disturbances, such as heatwaves, that can impact human safety and security.
7. Security and Transparency: Geospatial intelligence contributes to security by tracking events like conflicts, as exemplified by its role in monitoring the Russian-Ukraine war through satellite imagery. Commercial satellite companies also play a part in enhancing transparency.
8. Enhancing Transportation and Supply Chains: Geospatial intelligence improves transportation, logistics, and global supply chains through the use of GPS data, offering real-time information on the locations of ships and cargo to enhance efficiency and reliability.
9. Urban Planning and Autonomous Vehicles: High-resolution imagery assists in the development of autonomous vehicles and smarter urban planning by identifying features on the ground, such as bicycle lanes and traffic directions, contributing to safer and more efficient communities.
10. Digital Twins for Enhanced Decision-Making: The concept of digital twins, virtual representations of real systems, is being employed in both civilian and military settings. They aid in modeling changes and predicting outcomes, particularly in conflict settings, by simulating weather and terrain to develop and enact strategies effectively.

Geospatial intelligence continues to prove its versatility and significance across various domains, contributing to a safer, more informed, and technologically advanced world.

Project Udbhav: Indian Army's Journey to Rediscover Ancient Indic Wisdom for Modern Strategy

The Indian Army, in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), recently wrapped up a hybrid-panel discussion as part of Project Udbhav. Here are the key highlights of this initiative:

1. Inception in 2021: Project Udbhav was launched in 2021 as a joint effort between the Indian Army and the USI, a prominent defense think-tank.
2. Rediscovering Indic Heritage: The primary objective of this project is to delve into the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic wisdom contained within ancient Indian texts related to statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy, and grand strategy.
3. Diverse Focus Areas: Project Udbhav encompasses a wide spectrum of focus areas, including Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts and Kingdoms, Thematic Studies, and in-depth Kautilya Studies.
4. Bridging Historical and Contemporary: This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between historical knowledge and contemporary military and strategic thinking. Its ultimate aim is to comprehend the depths of indigenous military systems, the evolution of strategies passed down through the ages, and to seamlessly integrate this age-old wisdom into modern military pedagogy.
5. Modern Relevance: By reintroducing classical teachings into contemporary military and strategic contexts, the Indian Army aims to empower its officers to apply ancient wisdom in modern scenarios. Additionally, this initiative facilitates a deeper understanding of international relations and foreign cultures.
6. Honoring Age-Old Wisdom: Project Udbhav reflects the Indian Army's acknowledgment of India's rich heritage in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy, and warfare. It stands as a testament to the army's commitment to preserving and leveraging this profound wisdom for the benefit of modern military and strategic endeavors.

In summary, Project Udbhav serves as a bridge between the timeless wisdom of ancient Indian texts and the modern challenges of statecraft and defense, aligning the Indian Army with the invaluable insights offered by its own heritage.

Yashaswini: A Cross-Country Bike Expedition Celebrating Women's Empowerment

In a remarkable initiative, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has joined hands with the Ministry of Women and Child Development for a cross-country bike expedition aptly named "Yashaswini." Here are the key highlights of this inspirational endeavor:

1. Empowering Women: "Yashaswini" is a cross-country bike expedition organized by the CRPF in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It is designed to celebrate the power and resilience of women, often referred to as 'Nari Shakti.'
2. Participation of Women CRPF Officers: The expedition will feature the participation of 150 women CRPF officers who will embark on a thrilling journey, underscoring the significance of women's empowerment in the country.
3. Extensive Route: The rally is set to cover an impressive distance of approximately 10,000 kilometers, traversing through 15 states and 2 Union Territories, thereby symbolizing the strength and determination of women across diverse regions.
4. Engagement and Interaction: Along their routes, various engaging events are planned. These include interactions with groups associated with "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" (BBBP), such as school children, college girls, and women self-help groups, among others. These interactions aim to inspire and empower young girls and women.
5. Support for BBBP: The women bikers will proudly display the BBBP logo on their uniforms and banners, endorsing and promoting the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" initiative throughout the country. This signifies their commitment to the cause of nurturing and educating girls, highlighting the importance of gender equality.

The "Yashaswini" expedition stands as a testament to the CRPF's and the Ministry of Women and Child Development's dedication to celebrating the strength and potential of women, encouraging their active participation and leadership in various fields, and championing the cause of gender equality across the nation.

WHO Recommends R21/Matrix-M Vaccine as a Promising Tool in the Fight Against Malaria

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently endorsed a novel vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, designed for the prevention of malaria in children. Here are the key highlights of this significant development:

1. Collaborative Development: R21/Matrix-M is a result of collaborative efforts between the Jenner Institute at Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India. Support from institutions like the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) has been pivotal in its creation.
2. Key Components: This malaria vaccine comprises the R21 antigen, a specific element developed by the University of Oxford to target the malaria parasite. Additionally, it incorporates Matrix-M, an adjuvant from Novavax that enhances the immune response, making it more robust and long-lasting.
3. High Efficacy: Notably, the vaccine has demonstrated high efficacy when administered just prior to the peak malaria transmission season. In areas characterized by highly seasonal malaria transmission, with transmission occurring over a limited period each year, the R21 vaccine displayed an impressive 75% reduction in symptomatic malaria cases following a 3-dose series.
4. Cost-Effective: One of its key strengths is its favorable cost-effectiveness, with an estimated price range of $2 to $4 per dose. This affordability places it on par with other recommended malaria interventions, ensuring accessibility in regions most affected by the disease.
5. Safety Assurance: Clinical trials have confirmed the safety of the R21 vaccine, further underlining its potential as a critical tool in malaria prevention.
6. Second WHO-Recommended Malaria Vaccine: The R21/Matrix-M vaccine is the second malaria vaccine to receive WHO's recommendation, following the approval of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in 2021.

This recommendation by WHO signifies a significant stride in the ongoing battle against malaria, offering new hope for the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children, in regions where the disease poses a substantial threat. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine holds the promise of reducing the burden of malaria and moving us closer to the goal of malaria eradication.

Project Mariana: Revolutionizing Cross-Border Central Bank Digital Currency Trading

In a groundbreaking development, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), in collaboration with the central banks of France, Singapore, and Switzerland, has announced the successful culmination of Project Mariana. Here are the key highlights of this transformative initiative:

• Multi-Center Collaboration: Project Mariana was a collaborative endeavor involving three BIS Innovation Hub centers—specifically, the Swiss, Singapore, and Euro-system Hub Centers. It also enlisted the active participation of key institutions, including the Bank of France, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the Swiss National Bank.
• Widescale Testing of wCBDCs: The project's primary objective was to rigorously test the cross-border trading and settlement of wholesale central bank digital currencies (wCBDCs) among financial institutions. This groundbreaking endeavor explored the integration of new decentralized finance (DeFi) technology concepts on a public blockchain.
• Critical Components: Project Mariana was based on three crucial elements:
  • Common Token Standard: A common technical token standard was established by a public blockchain to facilitate seamless exchange and interoperability between various central bank digital currencies.
  • Network Bridges: Specialized bridges were implemented to enable the frictionless transfer of wCBDCs between different blockchain networks, enhancing their interoperability.
  • Automated Market Maker (AMM): An Automated Market Maker, a specific type of decentralized exchange, was leveraged to enable the automatic trading and settlement of spot foreign exchange (FX) transactions. This component contributed to the efficiency and fluidity of the trading process.

Project Mariana represents a significant step forward in the world of central bank digital currencies, promising to revolutionize cross-border trading and settlement processes. By integrating innovative DeFi concepts and public blockchain technology, this initiative is poised to enhance the efficiency and transparency of international financial transactions.

Unlocking the Secrets of Olive Ridley Turtles: Insights from Offshore Migration Study

A recent collaborative study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun and Maharashtra's forest department has shed light on the offshore movements and migration patterns of Olive Ridley Turtles. Here are the key highlights of this fascinating exploration:

1. Unique Characteristics: Olive Ridley turtles, characterized by their olive-colored, heart-shaped carapace, are the world's smallest and most abundant sea turtles. These carnivores primarily feast on a diet of jellyfish, shrimp, snails, crabs, mollusks, and various fish and their eggs.
2. Global Distribution: Olive Ridley turtles are found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making their homes in diverse marine ecosystems.
3. Incredible Migrations: These remarkable creatures undertake extensive journeys, migrating thousands of kilometers between their feeding and mating grounds over the course of a year.
4. Arribada Phenomenon: Olive Ridley turtles are renowned for their unique mass nesting event known as "Arribada," during which thousands of females congregate on the same beach to lay their eggs, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
5. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary: Odisha's Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is recognized as the world's largest known rookery or breeding colony of Olive Ridley sea turtles, underscoring its significance in their conservation.
6. Conservation Efforts: India's commitment to the protection of these endangered turtles is evident through initiatives like "Operation Olivia," a dedicated program by the Indian Coast Guard to safeguard Olive Ridley Turtles.
7. Mandatory Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): To minimize accidental fatalities in Indian waters, the Odisha government has made it compulsory for trawlers to equip Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). These specialized nets feature exit covers that allow turtles to escape while retaining the catch, significantly reducing the risk to these marine species.

The study's findings offer valuable insights into the lives and movements of Olive Ridley Turtles, contributing to their conservation and the preservation of their critical nesting sites.

Nobel Prize in Physics 2023 Honors Breakthroughs in Observing Electron Dynamics

The Nobel Prize in Physics for 2023 has been awarded to three pioneering scientists: Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier. They have been recognized for their groundbreaking work in developing experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light. This revolutionary achievement has opened new horizons for the study of electron dynamics in matter. Here are the key highlights of their exceptional contributions:

• Invisible Electron Dynamics: Electrons, fundamental components of atoms, move at such extraordinary speeds that direct observation has been impossible. Prior to these breakthroughs, scientists had to rely on averaged data to understand their behavior.
• Incredible Electron Speed: Electrons move at an astonishing 43 miles per second, making them challenging to study. To capture their rapid movements, scientists required extremely short pulses of light, such as attoseconds.
• Defining Attoseconds: An attosecond is an incredibly brief unit of time, equivalent to one quintillionth of a second, or 10 to the power of 18 seconds. To provide some perspective, if a second were stretched to encompass the entire age of the universe (approximately 13.8 billion years), an attosecond would represent a minuscule fraction of that time.
• Experimental Pioneers: The Nobel laureates demonstrated a groundbreaking method to generate attosecond pulses of light. These pulses are invaluable tools for measuring rapid processes involving electron movement and energy changes.
• Unleashing the Potential: Attosecond physics offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mechanisms governed by electrons, unlocking new possibilities for understanding their behavior.
• Applications Beyond Physics: The implications of these discoveries extend far beyond fundamental physics. One possible application lies in studying molecular-level changes in biological samples, potentially aiding in disease identification, such as in blood analysis.
• Advanced Electronics: Enhanced insights into electron behavior and energy transmission could lead to the development of more efficient electronic devices, revolutionizing the technology sector.

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2023 recognizes these trailblazing scientists for their role in transforming our capacity to study the rapid and intricate dance of electrons, thereby opening up numerous opportunities for advancing our understanding of the natural world and driving innovation in various fields

PM SVANidhi Scheme Surpasses Milestone: Empowering Over 50 Lakh Street Vendors

The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme has achieved a remarkable milestone by extending its support to more than 50 lakh street vendors nationwide. Here are the key highlights of this significant initiative:

• Micro Credit Scheme: PM SVANidhi is a micro-credit scheme designed to benefit urban street vendors by providing them with collateral-free working capital loans, with loan amounts extending up to ₹50,000.
• Progressive Loan Structure: The scheme offers collateral-free working capital loans of up to ₹10,000 with a one-year tenure. Street vendors demonstrating timely repayment can access enhanced loan amounts of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 in the second and third tranches, respectively.
• Encouraging Repayment: The scheme provides an incentive for regular repayments through an interest subsidy at a rate of 7% per annum.
• Promoting Digital Transactions: To encourage digital financial transactions, the scheme incorporates a cashback incentive of up to ₹1,200 per year. It employs Aadhaar-based e-KYC, utilizes an end-to-end IT platform, and keeps applicants informed about their application status via SMS-based notifications.

Inclusive List of Lending Institutions: A wide range of lending institutions are eligible to provide loans under the PM SVANidhi scheme, including Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Small Finance Banks, Cooperative Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies, Micro-Finance Institutions, and Self-Help Group Banks.

This significant achievement underscores the PM SVANidhi scheme's impact in uplifting street vendors across the country, offering them financial support and incentives for digital transactions. By empowering street vendors, the scheme contributes to economic resilience and self-reliance, aligning with the broader vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 Celebrates the Pioneers of Quantum Dots

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the year 2023 has been awarded to three exceptional scientists: Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov. They have been honored for their groundbreaking contributions to the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. Here are the key highlights of their remarkable achievement:

1. Quantum Dots Unveiled: Quantum dots, minuscule particles measuring only a few nanometers in width, were brought to the forefront due to the pioneering work of these laureates. Their incredibly small size results in unique optical properties that set them apart.
2. Size Matters: Despite sharing the same atomic composition and structure as bulk materials, quantum dots exhibit properties that are intrinsically dependent on their size. By altering the size of these dots, their properties can be manipulated and tuned.
3. Enhancing Displays: Quantum dots play a pivotal role in enhancing the vibrancy and brightness of computer monitors and TV screens. They are activated by blue LEDs positioned behind the screen, stimulating them to emit light in various colors. The combination of these colors results in a broader spectrum of colors and increased brightness.
4. Biomedical Applications: Biochemists utilize tiny quantum dots to map biological tissues at an exceptionally small scale. Their unique properties are harnessed for a better understanding of intricate biological structures.
5. Solar Panel Efficiency: Quantum dots contribute to the improved efficiency of solar panels by enhancing their ability to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, a crucial advancement in sustainable energy production.
6. Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery: Quantum dots are pivotal in targeted drug delivery, particularly in certain cancer treatments. They hold significant promise for applications in nanomedicine, addressing complex healthcare challenges.
7. Security Markers: Quantum dots serve as highly effective security markers for currency and documents, aiding in the prevention of counterfeiting.
8. Fluorescent Markers: These remarkable particles function as bright fluorescent markers, used to tag and track various objects, offering immense potential in diverse fields.

Quantum dots are at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, offering a multitude of applications across fields as varied as electronics, biology, and renewable energy. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2023 recognizes the profound impact of these laureates' work in advancing our understanding and practical use of these extraordinary nanoscale entities.