UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 20th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

LAKSHMANA TIRTHA RIVER

Subject: Geography

Source: Times of India

Why in news?

The Lakshmana Tirtha River has dried up completely due to severe drought conditions and intense heat.

Background:

• By early April this year, the river has completely dried up, with no water remaining.
• The drying of the Lakshmana Tirtha River can be attributed to extreme weather conditions worsened by last year's low rainfall in Kodagu, which was only 40% of its average.

About the Lakshmana Tirtha River:

• The Lakshmana Tirtha River is a significant river located in Karnataka.
• Originating in the Brahmagiri hills of Kodagu (Coorg) District, Karnataka, it flows eastward through a flat area south of Coorg.
• It eventually merges with the Cauvery River at the Krishna Raja Sagara Lake.
• The total length of the Lakshmana Tirtha River is around 180 kilometers.
• The river features the Lakshmanatirtha Falls, also known as the Irupu Falls, situated on its course. These falls lie on the border of Kerala and are en route to Nagarhole National Park.
• It serves as a significant tributary of the Cauvery River.
• Noteworthy tributaries of the Cauvery River encompass the Harangi, Hemavati, Shimsha, and Arkavati on the left bank, and the Lakshmantirtha, Kabbani, Suvarnavati, Bhavani, Noyil, and Amaravati on the right bank.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Subject: Social Issues

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

For the first time, members of the Shompen tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the country took part in the election process by casting their votes in the Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituency.

About PVTGs

• PVTGs are tribal groups more susceptible to vulnerability compared to others.
• They receive less developmental funding due to the dominance of other tribal groups.
• In 1975, the Indian Government identified 52 tribes as PVTGs based on the Dhebar commission's recommendations.
• Currently, there are 75 PVTGs out of the total 705 Scheduled Tribes.
• PVTGs are located across 18 states and one Union Territory as per the 2011 census.
• Odisha has the largest PVTG population, exceeding 2.5 lakhs.

Characteristics of PVTGs:

• Population: stagnant or declining
• Technology: at a pre-agricultural level
• Literacy Level: extremely low
• Economy: operates at a subsistence level

Government Schemes for PVTGs:

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs administers the 'Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)' scheme.
• This Centrally Sponsored Scheme provides 100% central assistance to 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• The scheme aims at comprehensive socio-economic development of PVTGs while preserving their culture and heritage.
• State Governments implement projects focusing on education, health, and livelihood schemes for PVTGs.

About Shompen Tribe

• The Shompen tribe is among the less researched PVTGs in India.
• They inhabit the dense tropical Rainforest of Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.
• Their habitat is a significant biological hotspot, hosting two National Parks and a Biosphere Reserve.
• While the 2011 Census estimates their population at 229, the exact number remains unknown.

Shompen Tribe's Lifestyle:

• The Shompen are semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on hunting, gathering, fishing, and basic horticultural activities for sustenance.
• Their traditional diet includes wild pig, python, monitor lizard, crocodile, sea turtle, among others.

GS-II

Israel ‘Targets’ Iran and Syria

Subject: International Relations

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Conflicts in the Middle East have intensified as Israel initiated attacks on targets in Syria and Iran.

Why Israel Carried Out Strikes Now?

• Israel's recent strike was in response to Iran's drone and missile attack, blaming Tel Aviv for an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1.
• Israel accuses Iran of supporting the Palestinian Hamas group, which led to heightened tensions and Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Ground Reports from Iran and US Statements

• An Iranian official mentioned the downing of three drones over Isfahan, with no reports of a missile attack yet.
• Flights, including those of Emirates and FlyDubai, were redirected away from western Iran.
• A US official confirmed the strike, assuring the limited scope of retaliation, excluding nuclear and civilian sites.
• Reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicated no damage to Iran's nuclear facilities in the alleged Israeli attack.

Israeli Strikes in Syria

• Israel conducted a missile strike in Syria, causing material damage to an air defense unit in the south, as reported by the state-run SANA news agency.
• The targeted area in Syria lies between Isfahan (Iran) and Israel, emphasizing the regional impact of the conflict.

Advisories from Various Countries

• The US Embassy in Jerusalem restricted travel for government employees outside specific regions.
• Australia advised its citizens to evacuate from Israel due to high risks of military reprisals and terrorist attacks.
• The Indian Ministry of External Affairs recommended against travel to Iran or Israel, urging residents to register with Indian Embassies in these countries.

Deescalation Strategies in the Middle East

• International cooperation is crucial in preventing further escalation, with major powers like the US, Russia, China, and the EU needing to prioritize diplomacy.
• Establishing a lasting peace framework requires addressing fundamental issues driving hostility in the region.
• Global stability is interconnected, emphasizing the need for cooperation among powerful nations.
• The United Nations plays a vital role in facilitating dialogue and negotiations, contingent on the unity of its member states, especially the Security Council's permanent members.

How Much Does It Cost to Conduct the Poll?

Subject: Polity and Governance

Source: First Post

Why in News?

Conducting a Lok Sabha election in India involves a significant financial investment due to the large scale of the process. For the upcoming election, approximately 96.8 crore voters are expected to participate.

What was the Cost of Conducting Previous General Elections in India?

• In the inaugural Lok Sabha election held in 1951-52 spanning 68 phases, the total expenditure incurred by the country amounted to Rs 10.5 crore. Over the years, the cost of conducting elections has witnessed a notable escalation, with exceptions such as the 1957 election which experienced a decrease in costs.
• For instance, the election in 2014 accounted for Rs 3,870 crore, while the 2019 election incurred a cost of approximately Rs 50,000 crore or $7 billion. This signifies a substantial increase in expenses, surpassing the $6.5 billion spent during the 2016 US presidential election.
• The Election Commission of India's expenditure per elector rose from 6 paise in 1951 to Rs 46 in 2014, reflecting a significant financial burden over the years.

What Exactly Does the ECI Spend on During Polls?

• The Election Commission of India allocates funds for various expenses during elections, including the deployment of officials and armed personnel, establishment of polling booths, procurement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), purchasing of edible ink, and implementation of awareness programs.
• A substantial portion of the expenses, estimated at around Rs 2500 crore for the 2024 elections, is attributed to the procurement of EVMs.

Who Shoulders this Total Expense?

• As per the directives outlined by the Ministry of Law and Order in 1979, the central government bears the entire cost of conducting Lok Sabha elections. Similarly, the state governments fully finance the expenses incurred during state Assembly elections.
• In cases where both state and Lok Sabha elections are held concurrently, the costs are divided equally between the state and central governments.

What is the Expected Cost of the 2024 Elections?

• The forthcoming 2024 elections, encompassing the Lok Sabha polls along with elections in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha, are anticipated to incur a substantially higher cost compared to the previous election.
• If historical trends are considered, the expenses for the 2024 elections are projected to double, reaching an estimated amount of Rs 10,00,00 crore.

Breach of IFS Service Rules

Subject: Polity and Governance

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Opposition has demanded removal of Indian Ambassador to Ireland, for "breach of service rules".

What's the Case?

• Indian Ambassador responded to an editorial in The Irish Times criticizing India's democratic credentials under PM Narendra Modi.
• Letter titled "Modi Enjoys Unprecedented Popularity" highlighted PM's non-elite background and anti-corruption stance.
• Congress seeks Ambassador's removal for his statements.

IFS Service Rules

• Guidelines include maintaining political neutrality, upholding democratic values, defending sovereignty, and more.
• Rules ensure accountability, awareness of laws, and operating in India's best interests.

Were Rules Violated?

• Senior officials believe comments were improper but not a breach of service rules.
• Actions deemed unbecoming but not actionable.

Evolution of Service Rules

• 1930s: Initial "Conduct Rules" evolved into All India Services Rules (1955) and further modified in 1964.
• 2007: Draft "Public Service Bill" aimed to establish statutory standards for civil servants.
• Committees like Hota Committee (2004) and Second Administrative Reforms Committee gave recommendations.

GS-III

Cervical Cancer

Subject: Science and Technology

Source: WHO

Why in News?

The first-ever Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum took place in Colombia last month.

Background

The Forum aimed to catalyse governments, donors, civil society, and others to commit to cervical cancer elimination and galvanize the global community.

Cervical Cancer

• Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. When it starts in the cervix, it's termed cervical cancer.
• It typically affects women over 30 and ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.
• It stands as the second most prevalent cancer among females in India.

Main Cause of Cervical Cancer

• The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Initiatives for Prevention

• The Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, led by the World Health Organization, has set '90-70-90' targets for each country by 2030:
  • 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15.
  • 70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45.
  • 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.
• The Indian Government proposed a program in the Interim Budget 2024-25 targeting girls aged 9 to 14 years to prevent cervical cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection affecting the skin, genital area, and throat.
• Most cases resolve as the immune system clears the virus, but persistent high-risk HPV infections can lead to cancer.
• No direct treatment exists for HPV infection, but there are vaccines available to prevent it.

Preventive Measures for HPV

• Six HPV vaccines are globally available, all guarding against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, major culprits of cervical cancers.
• HPV vaccines (1 or 2 doses) are recommended for all girls aged 9-14 years.
• Regular screening every 5-10 years starting at age 30 (25 for women with HIV) aids in detecting cervical issues early, preventing cancer.
• Early detection followed by timely treatment can manage health problems associated with HPV, such as cervical cancer.

ARTEMIS ACCORDS

Subject: Economics

Source: Money Control

Why in News?

Sweden has officially become a part of the Artemis Accords.

Background:

Sweden has recently become the 38th nation to join the Artemis Accords.

About ARTEMIS ACCORDS:

• The Artemis Accords represent a collection of guiding principles designed to promote cooperation in space exploration among countries involved in NASA's Artemis program.
• These accords were established in 2020 by the U.S. State Department and NASA along with seven other founding nations: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the UAE, and the UK.
• The primary objective is to establish shared principles governing the civil exploration and utilization of outer space, the moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids for peaceful purposes.
• They are built upon the foundation of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which stresses the idea of space as a communal resource for humanity, prohibits national appropriation, and promotes the peaceful use of space.

Key Commitments:

• Conduct space activities for peaceful purposes and in accordance with international law.
• Recognize the importance of common exploration infrastructure to enhance scientific discovery and commercial utilization.
• Ensure registration and data sharing of relevant space objects and openly share scientific data in a timely manner.
• Preserve heritage, including historic landing sites and artifacts on celestial bodies.
• Support sustainable and safe utilization of space resources without interfering with other signatories' activities.
• Plan for the safe disposal of spacecraft and limit the generation of harmful debris.

Significance for India:

• In 2023, India became the 27th country to endorse the Artemis Accords, marking a significant development in space cooperation.
• This agreement involves collaboration between NASA and ISRO with plans to send Indian astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.
• By joining the Artemis Accords, India commits to adhering to the best practices in space exploration and strongly supports a US-led coalition on space matters, which currently excludes major spacefaring nations like Russia and China.

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)

Subject: Economy

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The failure of private investment, as indicated by private Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of GDP at current prices, has been a significant concern for the Indian economy.

About Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF):

• Gross Fixed Capital Formation represents the increase in the size of fixed capital within an economy. Fixed capital comprises tangible or intangible assets generated as outputs from production processes, utilized repeatedly for over a year.
• It encompasses investments by resident producers in fixed assets during a specific period, considering disposals. Additionally, it covers certain increments to the value of non-produced assets recognized by producers or institutional units.
• Private GFCF can act as a rough gauge of the private sector's willingness to invest. The overall GFCF also incorporates capital formation from government investments.
• Fixed capital is crucial as it assists workers in producing a higher quantity of goods and services annually, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing living standards.
• Developed nations like the U.S. possess a higher fixed capital per capita compared to developing economies such as India.

Statistics:

• GFCF in the Indian economy witnessed a substantial rise from INR 32.78 lakh crore in 2014-15 to INR 54.35 lakh crore in 2022-2023.
• This upsurge in capital formation mirrors significant investments in infrastructure, industry, and public goods.