UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 13th August 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in G-20 Logo Sparks Protest

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

The inclusion of the Sanskrit term “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family) in the G-20 logo has sparked diplomatic discussions between India and China.

• Reports surfaced suggesting that China objected to the use of non-UN languages like Sanskrit in G-20 texts being negotiated.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

• The ancient Sanskrit phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” encapsulates the idea of the world as one interconnected family.
• Rooted in religious texts, this concept reverberates through history and has found resonance in modern times, impacting diplomatic exchanges and global events.

अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम्।

उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्॥

Meaning: Considerations like “he is mine or he is another’s” occur only to the narrow minded person. To the broad-minded person the whole world is a family.

Origin and Meaning:

• Sanskrit Phrase: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is composed of three words: Vasudha (Earth), Eva (Thus), and Kutumbakam (Family).
• Moral Value: It is considered a profound moral value, reflecting interconnectedness and universal harmony.

Historical Context:

• Maha Upanishad Verse: The original verse appears in Maha Upanishad stressing unity among all beings and the world.
• Engraved Symbolism: The verse is inscribed in the entrance hall of the Parliament of India, reflecting its importance in Indian society.
• Embrace of Unity: The verse advocates embracing the world as a family, urging magnanimity and detachment.

Interpretations and Influences

• Spiritual Progress: Subsequent shlokas expand on the idea, stating that detachment leads to attaining the Brahman (Universal Spirit).
• Influence in Hindu Literature: The Bhagavad Gita refers to “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” as the “Loftiest Vedantic Thought,” demonstrating its influence in Hindu philosophy.
• Gandhian Connection: Dr. N. Radhakrishnan relates the concept to Gandhi’s holistic development vision and nonviolent conflict resolution.

Modern Relevance

• PM’s Reference: Prime Minister Modi invoked the phrase, highlighting its values of unity and cultural richness.
• International Earth Science Olympiad: The phrase was used in the logo of the 7th International Earth Science Olympiad, emphasizing Earth’s interconnected systems.
• India’s G20 Presidency: The theme and logo of India’s G20 Presidency included “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” representing global unity.

Diplomatic Controversy

• China’s Opposition: China objected to the use of Sanskrit in G20 documents, asserting that it’s not an official UN language.
• Logo Exclusion: Despite its significance, the phrase did not appear in official G20 documents due to China’s objections.

Source: Financial Express

Wildfires of Hawaii

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

In one of the worst natural disasters to hit the US, multiple wildfires are raging through Hawaii, especially the island of Maui.

• So far,80 people have died and thousands have been displaced. More than 48 hours after it started, the fires are yet to be brought under complete control by crews.

Hawaii                                  

• Hawaii is a U.S. state located in the Pacific Ocean and is composed of a group of islands.The capital city of Hawaii is Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu.
• Islands
  • Hawaii is made up of eight main islands: Hawaii (also known as the Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.
  • These islands are part of an archipelago formed by volcanic activity.
• Geography
  • The Hawaiian Islands are known for their diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
  • The islands were formed by a hotspot in the Earth's mantle, which has created a chain of volcanoes.
• Volcanoes
  • Hawaii is home to some of the world's most active volcanoes, including Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
• Climate
  • Hawaii has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year.
  • The weather can vary from region to region and between the different islands.
  • The trade winds play a role in moderating the temperature and bringing rainfall.

What are Forest Fires/Wildfires?

• Meaning: It is an unplanned, uncontrolled and unpredictable fire in an area of combustible vegetation.
• Causes: These include natural (lightning, high atmospheric temperatures and low humidity (dryness) and man-made (agricultural practices like Jhum, a source of fire (cigarette, bidi, etc)].
•  Wildfires of Hawaii: The affected areas
  • Maui is one of the eight main islands that make up the archipelago of Hawaii.
  • Lahaina, a coastal town of art galleries, unique spots and history in Maui, has, reportedly, been reduced to ashes.
  • Among the other areas affected are the coastal cities of Kihei and Kula, a picturesque, rustic area on the mountain slopes at the centre of the island.
  • Parts of another island, called Hawai’i or the Big Island, have also been burnt by the fire.
• Reasons
  • Man-made and natural causes
    • The exact cause of the fire is still not certain.
    • Data from 2000-2017 from US Forest Service, among others, shows that 85 percent of wildfires in the US are caused by humans.
      • It involves campfires, garbage burning, malfunctioning equipment and burning cigarettes, among others.
    • Natural causes of fire include volcanic activity and lightning strikes.
      • Maui is home to one of the six active volcanoes of Hawaii.
    • Also, Maui was experiencing severe drought, so the dry land, with dry non-native grasses and vegetation, were ready fuel for fires.
      • These fed the fires and helped them spread.
  • The winds of Hurricane Dora
    • The fire in Hawaii started in the wild and was carried by the wind that was blowing at almost 100 kmph.
    • The winds have their origins in Hurricane Dora, an unusually strong storm in the Pacific Ocean.
    • Hundreds of miles away from Hawaii, Hurricane Dora did not hit Hawaii.
    • Instead, the islands were caught between high and low pressure zones due to the hurricane, which resulted in the winds fanning the flames and making these difficult to control.
  • Climate change
    • Climate change doesn’t usually start the fires; but it intensifies them, increasing the area they burn, making them much more dangerous.
    • One of the big reasons of climate change is the burning of fossil fuel which release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing global warming.
    • According to the United Nations, there will be an increase of extreme fires globally by up to 14 per cent by 2030, 30 per cent by the end of 2050 and 50 per cent by the end of the century.

Source: Indian Express

GS-II

Privileges Committee

Subject: Polity

Why in News?

Recently, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar referred complaints related to the privilege of the House against TMC’s Derek O’Brien and AAP’s Raghav Chadha to the privileges committee.

About Privileges Committee:-

• This committee consists of 15 members in Lok Sabha (LS) and 10 members in Rajya Sabha(RS).
• Nominated by: Speaker or Chairman of LS and RS respectively.
• Function: The committee examines every question involving a breach of privilege of the House or of the members or of any Committee referred to it by the Speaker/Chairman and makes suitable recommendations in its report.
• Once presented, a motion has to be passed for the consideration of the report and amendments can be suggested.
• The right to raise a question of privilege must satisfy the following two conditions:-
  • the question shall be restricted to a specific matter of recent occurrence and
  • the matter requires the intervention of the Council.
• The Speaker/RS Chairman is the first level of scrutiny of a privilege motion.
• The Speaker/Chairman can decide on the privilege motion himself or herself or refer it to the privileges committee of Parliament.

Source: Indian Express

Centre to overhaul British-era IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act

Subject: Polity

Why in News?

Union Home Minister’s introduction of three crucial bills in the Lok Sabha has set the stage for a transformative shift in India’s criminal justice system.

Overhauling Criminal Justice System

• The 3 bills introduced are-

1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023,
2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, and
3. Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023

• They are collectively aimed at replacing outdated laws, have sparked debates and anticipation of profound changes in legal proceedings.
• The bills seek to repeal the archaic Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, introducing a modern framework aligned with contemporary legal needs.

Key Reforms Proposed:

• Capital Punishment for Mob Lynching: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill introduces capital punishment for mob lynching, emphasizing the gravity of this crime.
• Stricter Laws for Sexual Violence: Deception leading to sexual relations is designated as a separate crime. False promise of marriage carries a ten-year imprisonment term.
• Sedition and Terrorism Definitions: The bills redefine sedition and introduce a comprehensive definition of terrorism, separatism, and armed rebellion, streamlining the legal treatment of these offenses.
• Video Recording of Survivor Statements: For sexual violence cases, the video-recording of survivor statements becomes mandatory, ensuring accurate and reliable evidence collection.
• Speedy Justice: The bills propose amendments aimed at expediting the criminal justice system, aiming to bring revolutionary changes.
• Transparency and Accountability: Police accountability is emphasized through measures such as providing complaint status within 90 days, consultation with victims before withdrawal of cases, and introduction of community service for specific crimes.

Impact on Criminal Justice

• Modernization: The bills signify a transition from colonial-era laws to contemporary legal frameworks that address evolving societal concerns.
• Faster Trials: Proposed reforms, including fixed timelines for chargesheets and prosecution sanctions, aim to accelerate trial proceedings and curb undue delays.
• Evidence Integrity: The mandatory videography of search and seizure enhances transparency and prevents tampering, ensuring the integrity of evidence.
• Victim Empowerment: Consultation with victims before case withdrawal empowers them in the legal process, fostering a victim-centric approach.
• Accountability and Streamlining: Designating a police officer for custody notifications, mandatory online disclosure, and limited remission of sentences promote transparency and accountability.

Political and Social Implications

• Political Accountability: The bills emphasize that individuals with political influence will not escape legal consequences, thereby promoting fairness and equality.
• Public Safety: Stricter laws on mob lynching and sexual violence underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and protecting vulnerable groups.
• Legal Efficacy: The bills aim to elevate India’s conviction rate by introducing forensic evidence collection standards and expediting trial proceedings.

Conclusion

• The introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, and its companion bills marks a significant step towards modernizing India’s criminal justice system.
• These reforms, driven by the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice, hold the potential to reshape legal proceedings, empower victims, and ensure a more equitable legal environment.
• As these bills undergo parliamentary scrutiny, the anticipation of their impact on India’s legal landscape is palpable, with expectations of a more efficient, effective, and just criminal justice system for the nation.

Source: Indian Express

GS-III

Exercise Malabar 2023

Subject: Defense

Why in News?

Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the first time in 2023.

Exercise Malabar 2023:-

• Location: Sydney, Australia.
• Date: August 11-21(2023).
• Participating countries: India, USA, Japan, and Australia.
• An Indian multi-role frigate, INS Sahyadri, and a guided missile destroyer, INS Kolkata, will represent the Indian Navy.
• US Navy (USN), the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
• Phases of the Exercise:-Malabar 2023 will be conducted in two phases.Phase I:It is the Harbour Phase and Phase II is the Sea Phase.

• About Exercise Malabar:-

  • Started in 1992.
  • Objective: to coordinate for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
  • It is conducted annually.

• Timeline of Exercise Malabar:-

  • First Malabar Exercise: Bay of Bengal, 2007.
  • It began as a bilateral naval exercise between India and US Navy.
  • 2015: It was expanded into a trilateral format with the inclusion of Japan.
  • 2020: Australian Navy joined the Malabar Exercise, making it a quadrilateral naval exercise.
  • Location: It takes place in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Oceans
  • This exercise includes a diverse range of activities such as fighter combat operations and maritime interdiction operations.

• Significance of Exercise Malabar:-

  • Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
  • Sustainable Indo-Pacific Coalition.
  • Ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Source: Indian Express

Earendel: Most distant Star discovered

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The remarkable discovery of the star Earendel by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2022 has been further illuminated by the James Webb Space Telescope.

About Earendel

• Earendel is the farthest star ever detected, observed within the first billion years after the big bang.
• It’s a massive B-type star, more than twice as hot as the Sun, and a million times more luminous.
• The star is part of the Sunrise Arc galaxy, detectable due to the gravitational lensing
• Gravitational lensing is a natural phenomenon where the mass of a massive object bends and magnifies light from a background object.
• The massive galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 acts as a “magnifying glass,” allowing telescopes to observe Earendel even though it’s distant.

How was it discovered?

• JSWT discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope employed its Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to build upon Hubble’s observations of Earendel.
• Star’s Characteristics: The revelations from NIRCam showcase Earendel as a massive B-type star, surpassing our Sun’s heat by over twofold and radiating luminosity a million times greater.
• 9 Billion Light-Years Away: Situated approximately 12.9 billion light-years from Earth, Earendel holds insights into the early universe’s cosmic evolution.
• Gravitational Lensing: Both Webb and Hubble harnessed gravitational lensing—a phenomenon where foreground galaxies magnify distant objects—to detect Earendel, with galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 acting as a cosmic magnifying lens.

Glimpse into it’s Past

• Single Point of Light: Due to its immense distance, Earendel appears as a solitary point of light even on Webb’s high-resolution infrared imagery.
• Snapshot from 1 Billion Years Post-Big Bang: Although Earendel remains a faint pinpoint, the telescope’s data indicates that we are witnessing the star as it appeared 1 billion years after the Big Bang.
• Historic Perspective: This revelation pushes the boundaries of our knowledge, as the previous farthest observed star had been documented around 4 billion years post-Big Bang.

Source: Indian Express

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

According to a recent study published, patients with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have reduced lung function and suffer from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

• COPD is a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems.
• There are two main forms of COPD. Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions.
  • Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus.
  • Emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs over time.
• Causes: It's typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
• Signs and symptoms:
  • The most common symptoms of COPD are difficulty breathing, chronic cough (sometimes with phlegm) and feeling tired.
  • COPD symptoms can get worse quickly. These are called flare-ups. These usually last for a few days and often require additional medicine.
  • People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions.
• Treatment:
  • COPD isn’t curable, but it can get better by not smoking, avoiding air pollution and getting vaccines.
  • It can be treated with medicines, oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Key Facts about Vitamin K:

• It is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in two forms.
  • The main type is called phylloquinone, found in green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and spinach. 
  • The other type, menaquinones, is found in some animal foods and fermented foods. Menaquinones can also be produced by bacteria in the human body. 
• Vitamin K helps to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones. Vitamin K is found throughout the body, including the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and bone.
• It is broken down very quickly and excreted in urine or stool. Because of this, it rarely reaches toxic levels in the body even with high intakes, as may sometimes occur with other fat-soluble vitamins.

Source: The Print