UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 3rd September 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Pulikkali

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

Recently, human tigers and leopards pranced about the streets in a rollicking show of Pulikkali to lend a carnivalesque finish to Onam celebrations.

About Pulikkali:

• Pulikkali (Tiger Dance) is one of the folk art forms of Kerala.
• On the fourth day of the Onam festival, artists paint their bodies like tigers with stripes of yellow, red and black and dance to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku and chenda.
• The Swaraj Ground in Thrissur district plays host to this carnival that has people appearing in various unique hues and masks.
• The main theme of this folk art is tiger hunting, with participants playing the role of tiger and hunter.
• It was introduced by the erstwhile ruler of Cochin, Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran.

Key facts about Onam

• It is the biggest and the most important festival in the state of Kerala.
  It is a harvest festival celebrated at the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham).
• The Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. The first day, Atham and the tenth day, Thiruonam, are the most important of all.
• According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
• Another key feature is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa.
• Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam.

Source: The Hindu

Minor Irrigation Census (MIC): Three-fourths of India’s irrigation sources run on electricity

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

The latest/sixth edition of the Minor Irrigation Census (MIC) finds that electricity is the dominant source (3/4th) of power to extract water, over diesel, windmills, and solar pumps.

• The MIC is a compendium of borewells, tubewells, and other privately owned irrigation sources by farmers.

What are the Minor Irrigation Schemes?

• Non-irrigated (rain-fed) agriculture depends entirely on rainfall, stored in the soil profile.
• Irrigation provides a powerful management tool against the vagaries of rainfall (which is not uniform across the country) and makes it economically attractive -
  • To grow high yield seed varieties and
  • To apply adequate plant nutrition as well as pest control and other inputs, thus giving room for a boost in yields.
• Minor Irrigation schemes contribute a major share in the growing irrigation across the country.
  • Irrigation schemes using either groundwater or surface water and having a Culturable Command Area up to 2000 hectares individually are categorized as Minor Irrigation Schemes.
  • Minor Irrigation plays an important role in the development of agriculture and livelihoods particularly in drought prone areas and areas outside command of Major and Medium projects.
• The schemes have been categorised broadly into 6 major types:
  • Dugwell (can draw water from a maximum depth of 15 metres),
  • Shallow tubewell (capable of drawing water from up to 35 metres),
  • Medium Tubewell (up to 70 metres),
  • Deep tubewell (beyond 70 metres),
  • Surface flow schemes and
  • Surface lift schemes.

About the Minor Irrigation Census (MIC):

• The need for conducting the census of Minor Irrigation arose as it was felt that a database of these schemes will serve the planning, development and management needs of these schemes which contribute to agriculture in a big way.
• The First Census of Minor Irrigation schemes was conducted with reference year 1986-87.
• This is the Sixth MIC, which has been conducted with reference year 2017-18 in all States and UTs except Delhi, Daman & Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep.
  • This means the MIC reports aren’t a reflection of the present state of use.
  • Because data collection requires collecting granular data down to the block level, it takes a few years to compile and make the data public.
• The First census of water bodies has also been taken up in convergence with the sixth MIC.

 Findings of the Sixth MIC:

• The number of MI schemes:
  • Overall, 23.14 million MI schemes were reported in the country from 695 districts, which shows an increase of about 1.42 million between the fifth and sixth editions.
  • Most of the schemes (96.6%) were privately owned and small and marginal farmers, having less than two hectares of land, owned the majority of MI schemes.
  • Out of all MI schemes, 21.93 million (94.8%) were for groundwater (GW) and 1.21 million (5.2%) for surface-water (SW) extraction.
  • UP had the largest number of MI schemes in the country (17.2%) followed by Maharashtra (15.4%) and MP (9.9%).
  • Leading States in GW schemes are UP, Maharashtra, MP; whereas Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha and Jharkhand have the highest share in SW schemes.
• The use of electricity: While it showed a quantum jump from powering only 56% of sources in 2011 to 70% in 2017, the latest report shows electricity as powering 76% of sources - a slower growth rate.
  • This electrification of groundwater withdrawal corresponds to a rise in the use of tube wells and borewells that are capable of extracting water at greater depths.
• Dominant source of groundwater:
  • While ‘dug-wells’ or ponds remain the dominant source of groundwater, their number has declined from 87 lakh to 82 lakh between the 5th and 6th editions.
  • ‘Shallow’ tube wells have declined from 59 lakh to 55 lakh.
  • However, ‘medium-sized’ wells grew from 31 lakh to 43 lakh and ‘deep’ wells rose from 26 lakh to 37 lakh.
• Causes for the increase of more powerful and deep-reaching tubewells:
  • While excessive groundwater withdrawal has been a matter of long-standing concern, the report doesn’t discuss the causes for such increase.
  • State governments announce schemes where farmers are incentivised or get access to loans to buy such tubewells, could be an explanation.
  • However, the lower growth in electrification is also likely to be a result of greater emphasis on energy efficient water extraction.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

India’s growing mental health issues

Subject: Governance

Why in News?

The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recently tabled its report on ‘Mental Health Care and Its Management in Contemporary Times’ in the Parliament.

Highlights of the report:

• The report defines mental health as a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stress of life.
• It highlighted that the mental health-related issues are rising in India and the country lags with inadequate staff, medical infrastructure and budgetary allocation.
• The Committee stated that India currently has 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh people, which is significantly low.
• The Committee observed that if India targets having three psychiatrists per lakh people, it will need 27,000 more psychiatrists.
• Global Scenario:
  • In 2010, global economic losses of around $2.5 trillion annually were attributed to poor mental health, stemming from diminished well-being and productivity. This will surge to $6 trillion by 2030.
• Inadequate funding: The report highlights inadequate funding for care and research.
  • It requires not only increased financial support and expanded psychiatry residency programmes, but also establishment of positions for trained psychiatrists and ensuring an ample number of working psychologists.

Status of mental healthcare

India:

• It is estimated that 6-7 % of the population suffers from mental disorders in India.
• WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100 00 population.
• The age-adjusted suicide rate per 100 000 population is 21.1.
  • The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.

Global:

• As per World Bank, nearly 1 billion people live with a mental disorder and in low-income countries; more than 75% of people with the disorder do not receive treatment.
• Every 40 seconds, a person dies by suicide.
• About 50% of mental health disorders start by the age of 14.
• As per WHO Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
• People with mental illness may be subject to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Causes of mental illness:

• Exposure to unfavourable social, economic, geopolitical and environmental circumstances including poverty, violence, inequality and environmental deprivation also increases people’s risk of experiencing mental health conditions.
• Over the past two years, the pandemic-led lockdowns and the uncertainties associated with them have had a detrimental effect on mental well-being
• Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
• Use of alcohol or drugs, having feelings of loneliness or isolation, etc.

Impacts of poor mental health:

• Impact on relationships: Mental-health conditions during adolescence and young adulthood can have a significantly negative impact on the development of safe and healthy relationships with peers, parents, teachers, colleagues and partners.
• Impact on physical health: A study found that positive psychological well-being can reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke.
  • On the other hand, poor mental status can lead to poor physical health or harmful behaviour.
  • Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses.
  • These illnesses include diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
• Impact on productivity: It impacts a person’s ability to concentrate and engage in productive activities.

Government of India Initiatives:

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982: To ensure the availability and accessibility of minimum mental healthcare for all in the foreseeable future.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: It provides mental healthcare and services for persons with mental illness in India.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017: The Act acknowledges mental illness as a disability and seeks to enhance the Rights and Entitlements of the Disabled.
• National Suicide Prevention Strategy
• National Tele-Mental Health Programme: To improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
• Kiran Helpline: It provides for suicide prevention and can help with support and crisis management.
• World Mental Health Day: To raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Source: The Hindu

Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana

Subject: Government Initiatives

Why in News?

The Central Government's innovative employment incentive scheme, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY), has exceeded its initial employment generation goals, showcasing its success in fostering job creation and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana:

• It was launched in 2020.
• This was designed to stimulate the creation of new job opportunities by extending financial support to employers of establishments registered with the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).
• This scheme aimed to incentivise employment of unemployed individuals, including those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, by covering both the employee and employer contributions (24% of wages) for establishments with up to 1000 employees.
• For establishments with over 1000 employees, only the employee's EPF contributions (12% of wages) were covered in respect of new employees.
• As of July 31, 2023, the ABRY has already achieved an enrolment of over 7.58 million new employees, surpassing its initial employment generation target.
• Significance: It substantially contributed to the job market's revival, underscoring its role in boosting economic recovery during these challenging times.

Key Facts about Employees' Provident Fund Organization

• It is a statutory body that came into existence under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1952.
• The Act and Schemes framed there under are administered by a tripartite Board known as the Central Board of Trustees, Employees' Provident Fund, consisting of representatives of Government (Both Central and State), Employers, and Employees.
• The Board administers a contributory provident fund, a pension scheme, and an insurance scheme for the workforce engaged in the organised sector in India.
• The Board is assisted by the Employees’ PF Organization (EPFO), consisting of offices at 122 locations across the country.
• The EPFO is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS)

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

Recently, the Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed a petition that aimed to designate the Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) as a tiger reserve.

Background of the issue:-

• Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh had cleared the proposal for notifying the Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve in 2017 following a recommendation of India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as it was argued that it forms a critical part of the tiger habitat in the central Indian landscape.
• However, the idea was dropped in 2018.
• One of the reasons that was reportedly behind shelving the decision is that the local population living in and around the sanctuary area mainly has Baiga tribals who are not interested in relocating elsewhere.
• As a result, the government is also not keen on displacing them ultimately resulting in the government ignoring the NTCA’s request.
• Subsequently, in 2019, a wildlife activist filed public interest litigation in the Chhattisgarh High Court, which states that non-compliance with the NTCA’s recommendation is illegal as it is mandatory under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 for the state to comply with the tiger authority to declare any area as a tiger reserve.

About Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS):-

• Location: Kawardha district, Chhattisgarh.
• Naming: It is named after the famous 11th-century, Bhoramdeo Temple which is situated near the Sanctuary.
• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometres (125 square miles).
• Rivers: This wildlife sanctuary is the origin of the Fen and Sankari rivers.
• Important Landscape: It is characterized by its lush green forests, rolling hills, and the Maikal Range of the Satpura Hills.
• Vegetation: It offers a mix of dense forests and open grasslands.
• Flora: sal, saja, tinsa, kara and haldu etc.
• Fauna: tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, sambar deer, barking deer, chital (spotted deer), gaur (Indian bison), and various species of birds and reptiles. 
• Significance: It shares a border with Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh), making it an important tiger habitat in central India.

Source: Times of India

DSC A 20 (Yard 325)

Subject: Defence

Why in News?

Recently, the ‘DSC A 20’ (Yard 325) ship was launched.

About DSC A 20 (Yard 325):-

• Built by: M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata (formerly known as M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd (TWL)) for the Indian Navy.
• Launched: 31 Aug 2023.
• Launched atTitagarh, Kolkata (WB).
• The Launch Ceremony was presided over by VAdm Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS).
• In keeping with Naval tradition, Mrs. Aradhana Mahindru launched the ship with an invocation from Atharva Veda.
• Historical Background: The contract for building five (05) Diving Support Craft (DSC) was signed between MoD and M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd (TWL), Kolkata on 12 Feb 2021.
  • All five (05) DSC are anticipated to be delivered to the Indian Navy in FY 2024-25.
• DSC A 20’ (Yard 325) is the first ship of the Five (05) Diving Support Craft (DSC) project.
• These ships are designed to undertake operational/ training diving operations in harbours and coastal waters.
• They are 30 m long catamaran hull ships, with a displacement of approx 300 tons.
• DSC are being fitted with state-of-the-art diving equipment and tools for performing diving operations.
• These ships are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• The hydrodynamic analysis/ model testing of the ships during the design stage was undertaken at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
• Significance: These ships are proud flag bearers of Make in India and Make for the World initiatives of the Government of India (GoI)/ Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Source: PIB

Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC)

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

The Government recently exempted imports of LPG, liquified propane and liquified butane from 15 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC).

About Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC):

• It was introduced in the Union Budget 2021-22.
• It is a tax that the government imposes on the commercial production of agricultural produce. 
• The cess is imposed at a specific rate on the value of these goods.
• Purpose:
  • The primary objective of AIDC is to provide financial support for the development of agricultural infrastructure in India. 
  • The funds collected through this cess will be utilised for the creation and maintenance of agricultural infrastructure such as cold storage facilities, warehouses, and market yards. 
  • It aims to enhance the overall efficiency of the agricultural sector and improve farmers' income.
• Collection: The AIDC is collected by the government at the point of sale or import of the applicable goods. 

What is a Cess?

• Cess is a form of tax charged/levied over and above the base tax liability of a taxpayer.
• A cess is usually imposed additionally when the state or the central government looks to raise funds for specific purposes. 
• For example, the government levies an education cess to generate additional revenue for funding primary, secondary, and higher education.
• Cess is not a permanent source of revenue for the government, and it is discontinued when the purpose of levying it is fulfilled.
• It can be levied on both indirect and direct taxes.
• What is the difference between tax and cess?
  • Cess is different from taxes such as income tax, GST, excise duty, etc., as it is charged over and above the existing taxes.
  • While all taxes go to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI), cess may initially go to the CFI but has to be used for the purpose for which it was collected. 
  • If the cess collected in a particular year goes unspent, it cannot be allocated for other purposes. 
  • The amount gets carried over to the next year and can only be used for the cause it was meant for. 
  • The central government does not need to share the cess with the state government either partially or in full, unlike some other taxes.

Source: The Hindu