Weekly Current Affairs (8th July to 14th July 2023) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Farmers Distress Index: A Tool to Minimize Agrarian Distress and Prevent Farmer Suicides

The Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), an institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has developed an innovative early warning system known as the "Farmers Distress Index." This index aims to address the prevalent issue of agrarian distress, including crop loss, income shocks, and farmer suicides.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: The Farmers Distress Index intends to minimize agrarian distress by identifying and addressing various factors such as crop failure, debt repayment issues, suicide cases, pest attacks, drought, floods, and migration. By tackling these challenges, the index aims to reduce farmer suicides significantly.
• Methodology: The index methodology involves a comprehensive approach. It includes monitoring local newspapers, news platforms, and social media for any reports related to farmers' distress. This information is crucial for understanding localized cases and issues impacting farmers. Additionally, telephonic interviews are conducted using a standardized set of 21 questions. These interviews gather insights from farmers in specific areas, helping to gauge early signs of distress.
• Anticipating and Preventing Agrarian Distress: The Farmers Distress Index serves as an effective tool for anticipating and preventing agrarian distress. By pre-warning stakeholders at various levels, such as central, state, and local government agencies, as well as non-government organizations, the index enables timely preventive measures to be taken. This proactive approach helps prevent the spread of distress from a few farmers to entire villages or blocks.
• Collaboration and Intervention: The Farmers Distress Index facilitates collaboration among different stakeholders, ensuring that relevant agencies are well-informed about the occurrence of farmers' distress in specific blocks or districts. With this knowledge, stakeholders can coordinate their efforts and implement necessary interventions promptly.

In summary, the Farmers Distress Index is a crucial tool in the fight against agrarian distress and farmer suicides. By monitoring and analyzing data from various sources and conducting telephonic interviews, the index provides valuable insights to prevent and mitigate distress. Its proactive approach empowers stakeholders to take timely action, thereby protecting farmers and fostering a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Performance Grading Index 2.0: Assessing School Education System Performance

The Union Ministry of Education has recently published the Performance Grading Index 2.0 report for States/UTs for the year 2021-22. This index evaluates the performance of the school education system at the state and union territory level.

Key Highlights:

• Background: The Performance Grading Index (PGI) was initially introduced for the year 2017-18 and has been regularly released since then, covering data up to the year 2020-21.
• Assessment Framework: The PGI 2.0 employs an index-based approach to assess the performance of the school education system. It consists of a total weightage of 1000 points distributed across 73 indicators. These indicators are categorized under two main categories: Outcomes and Governance and Management.
• Domains: The categories are further divided into six domains, namely Learning Outcomes (LO), Access (A), Infrastructure & Facilities (IF), Equity (E), Governance Processes (GP), and Teacher Education & Training (TET). These domains collectively provide a comprehensive evaluation of the education system.
• Grading System: States/UTs are assigned grades based on their scores. The grading scale includes ten grades, with the highest achievable grade being Daksh for scores exceeding 940 points out of 1000. The lowest grade is Akanshi-3, awarded to scores up to 460.
• State/UT Performance: None of the States/UTs have attained the highest grade, Daksh. Only Punjab and Chandigarh have achieved Grade Prachesta-2 with scores ranging from 641 to 700. The three poorest performing States/UTs with Akanshi-3 grade are Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
• Score Range: The maximum and minimum scores obtained by the States/UTs in 2021-22 are 659.01 and 420.64, respectively. The deviation between the maximum and minimum scores represents 23.8% of the maximum points. This indicates that states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram need to exert more effort to improve their rankings. It is noteworthy that this disparity was 51% in 2017-18, indicating some progress in reducing the gap.

In summary, the Performance Grading Index 2.0 serves as a valuable tool to assess the performance of the school education system at the state and union territory level. By providing insights into various domains and indicators, the index enables policymakers and education authorities to identify areas that require attention and improvement. The continuous evaluation and grading system encourage states to strive for better educational outcomes, ensuring the overall development and quality of education in the country.

Global Peace Index (GPI): Assessing Peacefulness Worldwide

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has recently released the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI), providing valuable insights into the state of peace in countries across the world.

Key Highlights:

• Peaceful Country: Iceland has been ranked as the most peaceful country globally, highlighting its commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
• Global Peacefulness: The average level of global peacefulness has witnessed a decline of 0.42%. This indicates the need for continued efforts to promote peace and address underlying factors affecting stability.
• Least Peaceful Country: Afghanistan has retained its position as the least peaceful country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, underscoring the ongoing challenges and conflicts faced by the nation.
• India's Ranking: India has improved its ranking by two spots, now occupying the 126th position in the GPI. This improvement is attributed to various factors, including a 3.5% increase in overall peacefulness over the past year. Notable improvements have been observed in violent crime rates, relations with neighboring countries, and political stability.
• Factors Influencing India's Peacefulness: The reduction in geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, has contributed to improvements in political instability within India. Additionally, a decrease in border incidents and reduced social unrest have positively impacted the overall peacefulness of the country.
• Comprehensive Analysis: The Global Peace Index, developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), offers a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of peace trends, the economic value of peace, and strategies for fostering peaceful societies.

Coverage: The index covers 163 countries, representing 99.7% of the world's population, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of global peace.

In summary, the Global Peace Index serves as a valuable tool for understanding and assessing the state of peace worldwide. The latest index reveals both improvements and challenges in various countries, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to promote peace, resolve conflicts, and create stable and harmonious societies. The insights provided by the GPI contribute to global discussions on peacebuilding and serve as a guide for policymakers, researchers, and organizations dedicated to creating a more peaceful world.

Nari Adalats: Empowering Women through Local Courts

The Central Government has introduced a unique initiative known as Nari Adalats, which involves the establishment of women-only courts.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose: Nari Adalats serve as alternate dispute resolution forums at the village level, specifically designed to address issues related to domestic violence, property rights, and challenges arising from patriarchal systems.
• Awareness and Feedback: These courts aim to raise awareness about various social schemes implemented by the government while also collecting valuable feedback to improve the effectiveness of these initiatives.
• Pilot Launch: The initiative will be initially launched on a pilot basis in 50 villages each in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Over the next six months, the plan is to expand the initiative to the rest of the country.
• Implementation: The Ministry of Women and Child Development is responsible for implementing the Nari Adalats under the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti. Collaboration will also take place with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Rural Development, and the Common Service Centers operated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

In summary, Nari Adalats serve as specialized courts to address women's issues at the village level. By providing an accessible and supportive platform for dispute resolution, these courts aim to empower women and create a more equitable society. The pilot launch in Assam and J&K will allow for fine-tuning and learning from the initial implementation, with the goal of expanding this initiative nationwide. Through effective collaboration between various ministries, the Nari Adalats initiative aims to bring about positive social change and ensure the well-being and rights of women across the country.

GSTN Introduces Geocoding in All States and UTs: Ensuring Accurate Address Details

The GST Network (GSTN) has recently launched geocoding functionality across all states and union territories (UTs) of India.

Key Highlights:

• Geocoding Functionality: Geocoding involves converting an address or location description into geographic coordinates. The implementation of geocoding in GSTN aims to enhance the accuracy of address details in the GSTN records and streamline the address location and verification process.
• Importance of Accuracy: Accurate address details play a crucial role in determining applicable GST rates, place of supply rules, and other compliance requirements. Therefore, ensuring the accuracy of address information is vital for maintaining a seamless and efficient GST system.
• Geocoded Places of Business: GSTN has already geocoded 1.8 crore principal places of businesses, providing precise geographic coordinates for these locations.
• Functionality Availability: The geocoding functionality is currently available for various types of taxpayers, including normal taxpayers, composition taxpayers, SEZ units, SEZ developers, Input Service Distributors (ISDs), and casual taxpayers, regardless of their active, cancelled, or suspended status.

About GST Network (GSTN):

• GSTN Overview: The GST Network (GSTN) is a non-profit organization responsible for managing the entire IT system of the GST portal. This portal facilitates various services, from taxpayer registration to tax filing and maintenance of tax details.
• Shareholding Structure: Initially, the GSTN was jointly held by the Central Government (24.5% shares) and state governments (24.5% shares), with the remaining 51% shares owned by non-government financial institutions. However, it has since transitioned into a wholly owned government company, with equal shares held by the central and state governments.

In conclusion, the introduction of geocoding functionality by GSTN aims to ensure accurate address details in the GSTN records, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the GST system. By accurately determining the location of businesses, the GSTN can apply the appropriate GST rates and comply with place of supply rules. This development underscores the commitment to streamlining GST processes and enhancing compliance for taxpayers across all states and UTs of India.

Lambani Embroidery: A Colorful and Intricate Textile Art

During the third G20 culture working group (CWG) meeting in Hampi, a Guinness World Record was set for the "largest display of Lambani items." This achievement showcased the talent and creativity of over 450 Lambani women artisans and cultural practitioners associated with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra Kendra (SKKK).

Key Highlights:

• Lambani Embroidery: Lambani embroidery is a vibrant and intricate form of textile embellishment characterized by its use of colorful threads, mirror work, and a rich array of stitch patterns. This art form reflects the cultural heritage and artistic skills of the Lambani community.
• Practiced in Karnataka: Lambani embroidery is predominantly practiced in various villages of Karnataka, including Sandur, Keri Tanda, Mariyammanahalli, Kadirampur, Sitaram Tanda, Bijapur, and Kamalapur. These communities have preserved and nurtured this traditional craft for generations.
• Source of Livelihood: For the skilled women of the Lambani community, embroidery serves as a vital source of livelihood and sustenance. By honing their embroidery skills, they can create unique and intricate pieces that are highly valued in the market.
• Recycling and Creativity: Lambani embroidery involves stitching together small pieces of discarded fabric to create beautiful textiles. This approach not only showcases the creativity of the artisans but also promotes sustainable practices by repurposing materials.
• Shared Cultural Heritage: The embroidery traditions of the Lambani community share similarities in technique and aesthetics with textile traditions across Eastern Europe, West Asia, and Central Asia. This signifies the historical movement of nomadic communities across regions, resulting in the exchange and fusion of artistic cultures.

In summary, Lambani embroidery is a celebrated art form that showcases the talent and creativity of Lambani women artisans in Karnataka. Through their skilled craftsmanship, they create vibrant and intricate textile pieces using colorful threads, mirror work, and various stitch patterns. This embroidery tradition not only provides livelihood opportunities but also reflects the shared cultural heritage of nomadic communities across different regions. The Guinness World Record achievement further highlights the significance of Lambani embroidery in preserving cultural traditions and promoting artistic excellence.

Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX): Strengthening Maritime Cooperation

The 7th edition of the Japan India Maritime Exercise 2023 (JIMEX 23) has recently concluded in the Bay of Bengal, marking another successful joint exercise between India and Japan's maritime forces.

Key Highlights:

• Annual Maritime Exercise: JIMEX is an annual maritime exercise conducted between India and Japan. It serves as a platform to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two countries' naval forces.
• Interoperability and Complex Exercises: The primary objective of JIMEX is to consolidate the high degree of interoperability between the maritime forces of India and Japan. The exercise focuses on conducting complex exercises in the surface, sub-surface, and air domains to improve coordination and operational capabilities.
• Multi-Domain Exercises: JIMEX 2023 witnessed joint exercises conducted by the navies of both countries across all three domains of maritime warfare: surface, sub-surface, and air. These exercises involved advanced-level maneuvers and tactics to simulate real-world scenarios.
• Participating Assets: The exercise saw the participation of various naval assets from both sides. India's contingent included INS Delhi, the country's first indigenously built Guided Missile Destroyer, and INS Kamorta, an indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette. In addition, maritime patrol aircraft P8I, ship-borne helicopters, and fighter aircraft were also deployed.
• Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation: JIMEX serves as a platform for fostering closer ties and cooperation between the Indian and Japanese navies. The exercise facilitates the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and operational experiences, ultimately enhancing the maritime security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

In summary, the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) is an annual bilateral exercise aimed at strengthening cooperation and interoperability between the maritime forces of India and Japan. JIMEX 2023 witnessed joint exercises across the surface, sub-surface, and air domains, showcasing the advanced capabilities and coordination of both navies. Through such exercises, India and Japan continue to enhance their maritime cooperation, contributing to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill: Strengthening Research and Collaboration

The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill in Parliament. This step is in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to enhance research capabilities and collaboration in India.

Key Highlights:

• Coordinating Agency: The NRF will serve as a coordinating agency, fostering collaboration between researchers, various government bodies, and industry. By bringing industry into the mainstream of research, the NRF aims to promote applied research and innovation that addresses real-world challenges.
• Research Grants: The NRF will provide research grants to individuals, enabling them to pursue cutting-edge research across different disciplines. These grants will support the advancement of knowledge, innovation, and scientific breakthroughs.
• Focus on Universities: The NRF will play a crucial role in facilitating research in Indian universities, particularly State universities. It will support research infrastructure development and provide funding for researchers, helping to strengthen the research ecosystem in higher education institutions.
• Integration of SERB: The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established by an act of Parliament in 2008, will be repealed and subsumed into the NRF. This integration aims to streamline research funding mechanisms and enhance coordination among different research funding agencies.
• Promoting Quality Research: The NRF will emphasize the importance of quality research and innovation. It will support initiatives that promote excellence in research, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and nurture emerging areas of research and technology.
• Holistic Approach: The NRF will adopt a holistic approach to research, encompassing both fundamental and applied research across various domains. It will foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, contributing to the overall scientific and technological advancement of the nation.

The introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill reflects the government's commitment to promoting research and innovation in India. By providing research grants, facilitating collaboration, and supporting universities, the NRF aims to create an enabling environment for cutting-edge research and development. Through these efforts, the NRF seeks to position India as a global hub for research, innovation, and scientific excellence.

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: Empowering Senior Citizens

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, a scheme aimed at empowering senior citizens in India.

Key Highlights:

• Nodal Ministry: The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana is implemented under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is designed to address the specific needs and concerns of senior citizens in the country.
• Revamped National Action Plan: The scheme is a revamped version of the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrc), which has been renamed and subsumed into the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). It is a Central-Sector Scheme, ensuring comprehensive support and services for senior citizens.
• Objectives: The primary aim of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana is to improve the quality of life for senior citizens. It seeks to provide them with basic amenities such as shelter, food, medical care, and entertainment opportunities. Additionally, the scheme promotes productive and active aging by providing support and encouraging seniors to engage in meaningful activities.

The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana recognizes the valuable contributions and unique challenges faced by senior citizens in India. By providing them with essential support and opportunities, the scheme aims to enhance their well-being and enable them to lead fulfilling lives during their golden years.

PM Modi in France: Guest of Honour at French National Day Celebrations

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will be attending the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.

Key Highlights:

• French National Day: The French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, is celebrated on July 14th each year. It commemorates the start of the French Revolution, which took place over 200 years ago. The day is marked by various festivities, including a grand military parade, dancing, and other joyful events.
• Guest of Honour: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as the Guest of Honour for the French National Day celebrations. This gesture highlights the strong bilateral ties and friendship between India and France.
• Significance: Bastille Day holds historical significance as it represents the beginning of a revolutionary movement that shaped the course of French history. It symbolizes the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are foundational values for both France and India.

The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Guest of Honour at the French National Day celebrations demonstrates the close relationship and mutual respect between India and France. This occasion provides an opportunity to further strengthen the diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Chandrayaan-3: India's Third Lunar Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched Chandrayaan-3, the highly anticipated third lunar mission, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Highlights:

• Follow-on Mission: Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2, which aimed to land a rover on the lunar surface. The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to demonstrate the end-to-end capability of safe landing and roving on the moon.
• Objectives: The mission aims to achieve safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, demonstrate the mobility of a rover on the moon, and conduct in-situ scientific experiments. It will contribute to the understanding of the moon's geology, presence of water, and other scientific aspects.
• Spacecraft Configuration: Chandrayaan-3 consists of two main modules - the propulsion module and the lander-rover module. The propulsion module is responsible for carrying the lander-rover payloads to the moon, while the lander-rover module will separate from the propulsion module and descend gently onto the lunar surface.
• Rover Exploration: The rover is a small, wheeled device equipped with instruments for conducting scientific experiments. It will analyze the moon's soil, study heat conductivity of the lunar surface, and investigate seismic activities on the moon.
• Milestone Achievement: A successful soft landing by Chandrayaan-3 will make India the fourth country, after the United States, Russia, and China, to achieve this feat. It signifies India's progress in space exploration and contributes to the global understanding of the moon.

Chandrayaan-3 represents India's continued efforts to explore and study the moon. The mission's objectives of safe landing, rover mobility, and scientific experiments contribute to expanding our knowledge of the lunar environment. This mission showcases India's advancements in space technology and highlights its commitment to scientific exploration and discovery.