Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st December 2023) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

World’s Oldest Known Fort

An international team of archaeologists has uncovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest-known fort in a remote region of Siberia. The groundbreaking discovery challenges conventional beliefs about early human societies, suggesting that complex defense structures existed among hunter-gatherers much earlier than previously thought.

Key Points

• Location and Characteristics: The fortified settlement, named Amnya, is located along the Amnya River in western Siberia. It features around 20 scattered pit-house depressions divided into two sections, Amnya I and Amnya II.
• Age of the Fort: Radiocarbon dating of samples collected at the site places the fort’s construction around 8,000 years ago, making it the oldest-known fort in the world. This predates the prevailing notion that fortresses emerged with the advent of agriculture.
• Challenges to Stereotypes: The study challenges stereotypes depicting early societies as basic and nomadic, revealing the capacity of these hunter-gatherers to construct intricate structures. The fort’s construction suggests advanced architectural and defensive capabilities.
• Lifestyle and Resources: Archaeological examinations and analysis of samples indicate that the inhabitants of Western Siberia led a sophisticated lifestyle based on abundant resources from the taiga environment. The site’s location provided access to fish, elk, and reindeer.
• Strategic Location: The researchers propose that the strategic location overlooking the river made Amnya an ideal lookout point for potential threats. It would also allow the inhabitants to monitor fishing and hunting grounds.
• Unknown Motivation: While the researchers are uncertain about the motivation behind fortifying the structures, they speculate that it could have been to protect people and valuables. The study does not determine whether the construction was ordered by an authority or a collaborative effort of the community.
• Revised Understanding of Early Societies: The discovery challenges the traditional view that permanent settlements with defensive structures only emerged with farming societies. It suggests that agriculture and animal husbandry were not prerequisites for societal complexity.

EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum

After years of discussion, the European Union (EU) has reached an agreement on reforms aimed at sharing the cost of hosting migrants and refugees and limiting the number of people entering the bloc. The deal, part of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, includes provisions for speedier vetting, the creation of border detention centers, accelerated deportations, and a solidarity mechanism to ease pressure on southern countries facing significant migrant inflows. However, dozens of refugee rights groups criticize the deal, claiming it will create a “cruel system” and lead to prison-like conditions at the EU’s borders.

Key Elements of the Reform Agreement

• Core Political Elements: The EU’s Spanish presidency announced that envoys from member countries, the EU parliament, and the European Commission reached a deal on the core political elements of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
• Faster Vetting and Accelerated Deportations: The reform includes provisions for quicker vetting of irregular arrivals and accelerated deportation for rejected asylum applicants.
• Solidarity Mechanism: A solidarity mechanism aims to alleviate pressure on southern EU countries experiencing significant migrant inflows.
• Creation of Border Detention Centers: The agreement proposes the establishment of border detention centers to manage irregular arrivals.

Criticisms and Concerns

• Charities’ Open Letter: Amnesty International, Oxfam, Caritas, Save the Children, and other charities have criticized the pact in an open letter. They argue that the reforms will “mirror the failed approaches of the past” and worsen consequences, normalizing the arbitrary use of immigration detention, increasing racial profiling, and enabling pushbacks.
• Concerns About Arbitrary Detention: The NGOs express concerns about the arbitrary use of immigration detention, including for children and families, as well as the return of individuals to “safe third countries” where they may face risks of violence, torture, and arbitrary imprisonment.
• Externalization of Border Control: Critics argue that the agreement reinforces the EU’s dependence on states outside its borders to manage migration, furthering the externalization of border control and evading the EU’s refugee protection responsibilities.

Approval Process

The accord still needs formal approval from the European Council (representing the 27 member nations) and the European Parliament before becoming part of the bloc’s lawbooks, likely in 2024. The agreement is seen as a response to the common challenge of managing migration in the EU.

Endangered Bat Species Discovered in Corsica

Researchers have identified a new and highly rare species of bat on the French island of Corsica, located in the Mediterranean. The discovery, published in the journal Revue suisse de Zoologie in October, highlights the uniqueness and vulnerability of this newfound creature.

Previously Unknown Species

• After conducting DNA analysis on tissue samples, scientists determined that the bat discovered in Corsica belongs to a previously unknown species within the genus Myptis, which boasts more than 120 species across six continents. 
• The newfound species has been named ‘nustrale’ in the Corsican dialect, meaning “ours.” The researchers noted that this bat may have been genetically isolated for a significant period.

Characteristics

• Described as medium-sized, measuring approximately an inch and a half in length, the ‘nustrale’ bat is characterized by its grey color, long ears, and a hairy face. Notably, it features a distinctive dark spot on its lower lip, setting it apart from other members of the Myptis genus.

Habitat and Behavior

• These bats are found in Corsica’s mountainous terrain, hunting in dense evergreen forests and roosting in cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Researchers also discovered a colony of around 60 individuals in an artificial tunnel. 
• The species appears to be localized to mountain forests, making it unique to Corsica.

Vulnerability

• Given its limited distribution, small population size, and restricted connectivity, the ‘nustrale’ bat is deemed highly vulnerable to climate change. The researchers emphasize that the species should be classified as endangered due to these factors. 
• The findings underscore the importance of conservation efforts to protect this newly identified and vulnerable species in Corsica.

Parliament Advances Key Tax-Related Bills

The Lok Sabha recently approved two vital indirect tax-related bills, addressing various aspects of the tax framework. The Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023, each serve distinct purposes in enhancing the tax administration system.

Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023

The CGST Amendment Bill focuses on aligning the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, with the Tribunal Reforms Act of 2021. The objective is to facilitate the operationalization of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunals (GSTAT) promptly. Key provisions include:

• Appointment Criteria: An advocate with a minimum of 10 years of substantial experience in litigating matters related to indirect taxes in the Appellate Tribunal is eligible for the position of a judicial member in GSTAT.
• Term Limits: The President, judicial members, and technical members of GSTAT shall hold office for four years or until reaching the age of 70 years (President) and 67 years (judicial and technical members), whichever is earlier.
• Age Limit Amendments: The amendment increases the age limit for the president and members of GSTAT, providing more flexibility for their tenure.
• Litigation Facilitation: Taxpayers currently litigating against GST demands in High Courts or the Supreme Court can withdraw cases and approach GSTAT once its benches start functioning.

Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023

The Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023, primarily focuses on obtaining parliamentary authority to provisionally levy and collect newly imposed customs and excise duties for a 75-day period. Key features include:

• Replacing the 1931 Act: The bill proposes replacing the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act of 1931 with a minor technical change.
• Immediate Effect Clause: The Bill provides immediate effect for a limited period, ensuring the prompt application of provisions related to the imposition or increase of customs/excise duties.
• Preventing Speculative Activities: By invoking this Act, the government aims to prevent speculative activities until the Finance Bill is passed, ensuring temporary stability in the tax structure.
• Effective Implementation: Considering that customs and excise duty changes often take effect at midnight, the Bill facilitates the immediate implementation of these changes.

Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023

Despite a 5% decrease in road traffic deaths from 2010 to 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that road safety remains a major global health concern. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and users of micro-mobility devices, continue to face an immediate and growing danger, according to the WHO report.

Alarming Statistics for Pedestrians and Cyclists

• Pedestrian deaths increased by 3% to 274,000, constituting 23% of all global fatalities. Cyclist deaths rose by over 20% to 71,000, making up nearly 6% of all deaths worldwide. 
• Shockingly, every third person who dies on the road is either a pedestrian or a cyclist, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.

Unmet Targets and Global Challenges

• Efforts to improve road safety have shown progress, but they fall short of meeting the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 target to halve deaths by 2030. 
• The report reveals that over half of road traffic fatalities involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians (23%), riders of two- and three-wheelers (21%), cyclists (6%), and users of micro-mobility devices (3%).

Global Fatality Rates for Vulnerable Road Users

• Globally, more than eight cyclist deaths occur per hour, amounting to over 194 per day. Similarly, at least 31 pedestrians are killed every hour or 750 per day. 
• These alarming statistics underscore the need for intensified efforts to address the safety concerns of vulnerable road users.

Lack of Progress

• The report indicates a lack of seriousness globally in ensuring road safety, with insufficient progress in advancing laws and safety standards. Only 0.2% of global roadways have cycle lanes, and 80% of them do not comply with pedestrian safety regulations, exposing users to significant risks. 
• The report calls attention to the inadequate presence of laws supporting public transportation, cycling, and walking, with only around 25% of countries having such legislation.

Telecommunications Bill, 2023

The Telecommunications Bill, 2023 is a significant legislative development aimed at amending and consolidating laws related to the development, expansion, and operation of telecommunication services and networks in India. This new Bill seeks to replace key legislations including the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950.

Objectives and Rationale

• The primary objectives of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, as outlined in its statement of reasons, are to address the evolving nature of the telecommunication sector, adapt to technological advancements, and create a legal and regulatory framework that ensures the safety and security of telecommunication networks. 
• Recognizing the sector’s role as a key driver of economic and social development, the Bill emphasizes the need for a framework that promotes digitally inclusive growth.

National Security Provisions

• A notable provision in the Bill pertains to national security. In situations of public emergencies, including disaster management, or concerns related to public safety, the Central Government, State Government, or authorized officers can, through notification, take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or network from an authorized entity. 
• Additionally, the Bill allows for the interception of messages during emergencies to ensure a swift and effective response.

Government Authority in Emergencies

• The Bill explicitly grants the government the authority, in the interest of public safety or during public emergencies, to direct the temporary possession of telecommunication services or networks. 
• It also provides for the establishment of mechanisms to prioritize messages of specific users or groups for response and recovery efforts during emergencies.

Safeguards and Restrictions

• While empowering the government in matters of national security, the Bill also includes safeguards. It specifies that the interception or detention of press messages from accredited correspondents shall not occur unless their transmission has been prohibited under relevant rules. 
• The government is further authorized to direct telecommunication services to transmit specific messages in the public interest.

India’s Akash Missile System Achieves Historic Milestone

In a groundbreaking development, India has become the first country globally to showcase the capability of engaging four targets simultaneously with its indigenous Akash surface-to-air (SAM) weapon system. The successful demonstration occurred during Exercise Astrashakti 2023 at Suryalanka Air Force Station on December 12, according to defense officials.

Multitasking Power of Akash

• During the exercise, the Indian Air Force (IAF) effectively engaged four unmanned aerial targets simultaneously using a single Akash firing unit. 
• The targets, approaching in close formation from the same direction, were strategically split to attack defense assets from multiple directions simultaneously.

System Deployment

• The Akash firing unit deployed for this historic demonstration included the Firing Level Radar (FLR), Firing Control Centre (FCC), and two Akash Air Force Launcher (AAFL) launchers, each armed with five missiles.

Operational Execution

• The targets were assigned to the Akash Firing Unit for neutralization, with firing commands issued to engage the four targets. 
• Two Akash missiles were launched sequentially from two launchers, with the same launcher assigned for the next two targets. All four missiles were successfully launched and engaged at their maximum range, approximately 30 km, within a short span.

Significance of the Achievement

• This accomplishment holds substantial importance for India’s defense capabilities and global standing.
• The ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously enhances India’s strategic prowess and positions the Akash missile system as a formidable defense asset.

Implications for Weapon Export Initiatives

• India, historically a major arms importer, has been actively pursuing efforts to transition into a notable arms exporter. The successful demonstration of the Akash missile system aligns with these initiatives, showcasing the technological prowess of India-made weapons. 
• The Akash Weapon System, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has been in service with the Indian Air Force and Army for the past decade.

Future Prospects

• The Akash missile system’s successful demonstration not only bolsters India’s defense capabilities but also opens avenues for potential international exports. 
• India’s endeavor to export defense technology, exemplified by deals like the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile export to the Philippines, is gaining momentum on the global stage.

Surat Diamond Bourse Inaugurated by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), touted as the world’s largest office space in a single project, on Sunday (December 17). Located in Gujarat, the complex surpasses the US Pentagon in capacity, boasting 4,200 diamond trading offices. SDB aims to shift and expand the diamond trading business from Mumbai to Surat, known for diamond cutting and polishing. The bourse, built at DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) city, covers an area of 66 lakh square feet, costing Rs 3,200 crore.

Shifting Diamond Trading Hub

Background

• Surat’s existing diamond trading market is currently situated in Mahidharpra Hira bazaar and Varachha Hira Bazaar, lacking security measures. A significant portion of diamond trading occurs in Mumbai, where office space is limited and expensive. 
• The SDB is envisioned to centralize diamond businesses in Surat, providing state-of-the-art facilities for international buyers.

Project Timeline and Cost

• Construction began in December 2017 and was completed in five years, overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic. The total project cost is Rs 3,200 crore.

Size and Design

• Designed by Morphogenesis, the SDB is deemed larger than The Pentagon and features nine towers, each with ground plus 15 floors. It offers around 4,200 offices ranging from 300 to 7,500 square feet.
• All diamond-related activities, from the sale of rough diamonds to manufacturing machinery and diamond certificates, will be accommodated. The bourse also includes 27 retail outlets for diamond jewelry.

High-Security Measures

• Over 4,000 CCTV cameras have been installed inside and outside the SDB for enhanced security. Bio-metric details of employees will be collected, allowing access to the complex through a biometric scan.
• The thematic landscaping follows the ‘panch tatva’ theme, representing the five elements of nature: air, water, fire, earth, and sky.

Economic Impact

• The SDB is expected to provide direct employment to over 1 lakh people. All 4,200 offices have been sold, with the committee purchasing land from the state government at Rs 627 crore.

Supreme Court Refuses Stay on Shahi Idgah Mosque Survey

On December 15, the Supreme Court declined to stay an order by the Allahabad High Court permitting a survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura. The mosque is located at the site believed to be Krishna Janmasthan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The order stemmed from an application filed by Hindu petitioners, highlighting historical facts and Aurangzeb’s role in demolishing Hindu temples.

Historical Background

• The Krishna Janmasthan site in Mathura holds historical significance dating back 2,000 years. Initially, it housed a Vaishnava temple built in the 1st century CE. 
• Over the centuries, the region saw the rise and fall of Buddhist and Jain sites, surviving Mahmud of Ghazni’s raids in the 11th century.

Delhi Sultanate

• The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) marked a period of destruction for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain structures in Mathura. 
• The decline contributed to the emergence of a new form of Vaishnavism, inspiring saints like Nimbarka, Vallabha, and Chaitanya.

Mughal Era

• Under Akbar’s liberal rule (1556-1605), Mathura saw a resurgence in religious activity. Temples were restored, and land grants were made to various Vaishnavite sects. 
• However, the temple at Katra site, built by Raja Veer Singh Deo, was ultimately destroyed by Aurangzeb.

Aurangzeb’s Actions

• Aurangzeb’s reign saw a series of temple destructions, including the grand Katra Keshavdev temple.
• In 1670, he issued a royal farmaan for the destruction of Mathura’s Keshavdev temple, leading to the construction of the Shahi Idgah mosque in its place.

Post-Independence Developments

• Mathura’s major temples were finally built after Independence. In 1815, the British East India Company auctioned land at the Katra Keshavdev site. Ongoing litigation revolves around the claim that this land included the Shahi Idgah mosque. 
• The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, formed in 1951, facilitated the construction of the present-day temple, completed in 1983.

Barracuda: India’s Fastest Solar-Electric Boat

In a significant stride towards eco-friendly maritime transportation, the Barracuda, India’s fastest solar-electric boat, was ceremoniously launched at the Navgathi Panavally Yard in Alappuzha.

Collaborative Innovation

• Jointly developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Navalt, the cutting-edge Barracuda stands as a testament to collaborative innovation in the maritime sector.

Key Features of the Barracuda

• The Barracuda, aptly named after the swift long fish, is designed by Navalt for workboat purposes. Boasting a top speed of 12 knots and a remarkable range of 7 hours on a single charge, the 14-meter long and 4.4-meter wide vessel is equipped with twin 50 kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6 kW solar power.

Navigating Challenging Marine Environments

• Engineered to navigate through waves towering up to 4 meters, the Barracuda excels in challenging marine environments. 
• Certified under IRS, it can accommodate 12 passengers, promising a noise-free, vibration-free, and pollution-free journey.

Plans for Eco-Friendly Adoption

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders plans to introduce the Barracuda, now officially named Saur Sakthi, at its Mumbai dock. 
• This entirely eco-friendly vessel is designed to cater to various needs while contributing to a cleaner and quieter ocean.

GPAI Adopts New Delhi Declaration

The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), consisting of 29 member nations, has unanimously embraced the New Delhi declaration. This declaration emphasizes the necessity of addressing risks associated with the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems while promoting fair access to crucial resources for AI innovation.

Contrast with UK AI Safety Summit Agreement

• In contrast to the agreement signed at the United Kingdom AI Safety Summit, where countries committed to addressing risks from AI systems, the New Delhi declaration aims to strike a balance between innovation and associated risks. 
• While acknowledging the economic benefits of AI, the declaration highlights concerns related to fairness, privacy, and intellectual property rights.

Key Points of the GPAI New Delhi Declaration

• The GPAI New Delhi declaration underscores the rapid advancements in AI systems and their potential for economic growth, innovation, and job creation. 
• It advocates for a global framework rooted in democratic values and human rights, ensuring personal data protection, intellectual property rights, privacy, and security. The declaration also supports equitable access to critical resources for AI innovation.

Focus on Agriculture and Diverse Membership

• GPAI members commit to supporting AI innovation in the agriculture sector, marking it as a new thematic priority. 
• The declaration emphasizes the importance of a diverse membership, particularly focusing on low- and middle-income countries to ensure a broad range of expertise and perspectives.

Contrasting Approaches: AI as Catalyst for Growth

• While the New Delhi declaration acknowledges the need to address AI-related risks, it largely supports AI innovation across various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare. 
• The essence of the declaration suggests that AI is inherently beneficial, acting as a catalyst for economic growth, but mitigating harms is essential.

India’s Evolving Stance on AI Regulation

• India’s perspective on AI regulation has evolved, transitioning from a stance of not considering legal intervention a few months ago to actively formulating regulations based on a “risk-based, user-harm” approach. 
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the GPAI Summit, highlighted the dual potential of AI and called for a global framework to ensure responsible use.

Shift in Regulatory Outlook

• Initially dismissing the need for AI regulation, India is now considering concrete legislative steps to tackle AI-based misinformation, particularly after the mainstream traction of deepfakes. 
• The Ministry of Electronics and IT and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are exploring the possibility of a new law or amendments to existing rules to regulate AI and ensure responsible use on a global scale.