UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 18th May 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I/Geography

RUSSIA

Source: Britannica

Why in News?

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping recently met at the Great Hall of the People in China.

• The meeting involved a welcome ceremony for Putin, including a guard of honour by China's People's Liberation Army.

Background:

• Putin's visit to China coincided with Russia's significant involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
• Xi Jinping had just concluded a tour of Europe, meeting with various European leaders.

About Russia:

• Russia, also known as the Russian Federation, is a vast country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia.
• It holds the distinction of being the largest country globally by land area.
• Russia shares land borders with a total of fourteen countries and extends across eleven time zones.
• Its geographic features include boundaries with the Arctic and Pacific oceans, as well as frontages on the Baltic Sea and other countries.
• Russia's borders touch several nations, including China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, and others.
• The country is highly urbanized, with major population centers and cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
• Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Russia became an independent country in 1991 after the USSR's dissolution.
• Russia has been involved in various military conflicts, including wars with Georgia and the annexation of Crimea.
• It possesses a significant arsenal of nuclear weapons and ranks high in military spending globally.
• Russia holds membership in several international organizations and is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
• The country boasts diverse geographical features, such as the Volga River, Lake Ladoga, Lake Baikal, and extreme climatic conditions.
• Its landscape encompasses various regions, including Arctic deserts, tundra, forests, lowlands, plateaus, and mountainous terrains.

GS-I/Art and Culture

CHAR DHAM YATRA

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Twice the usual number of pilgrims on Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand since May 10.

• State government reported 11 pilgrim deaths in the first five days.

Background:

• Pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath Dham began on May 10.
• Doors to Badrinath Dham opened on May 12.
• Over 1.55 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath, 70,000 to Yamunotri, and 63,000 to Gangotri.
• In three days, Badrinath Dham welcomed over 45,000 pilgrims.

About CHAR DHAM YATRA

• Significant pilgrimage in India, primarily in Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods.
• 'Char Dham' translates to 'four religious destinations' in Hindi.
• Tour of four holy sites in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Pilgrimage Sites:

• Yamunotri: Temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna in Uttarkashi district.
• Gangotri: Temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga in Uttarkashi district.
• Kedarnath: Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Rudraprayag district.
• Badrinath: Home to Badrinarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Chamoli.

Yatra Details:

• Completed in a clockwise direction: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath.
• Shrines open in summers and close in winters, shut for around six months annually.
• Some pilgrims undertake a Do Dham Yatra - pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Additional Information:

• Char Dham Yatra includes Chota Char Dham and Bada Char Dham.
• Chota Char Dham: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath.
• Bada Char Dham: Badrinath, Rameswaram, Puri, Dwarka.

GS-II/Polity and Governance

Registered Unrecognised Political Party

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Recently, a significant trend has emerged where less than one-third of Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) are participating in elections in India.

About Registered Unrecognised Political Party (RUPP):

• These parties include newly registered entities or those that have not achieved the required percentage of votes in elections to attain state party status, or those that have never contested elections since their registration.
• RUPPs are allocated common symbols based on an agreement to field a minimum of 5% of candidates in a Legislative Assembly election.
• The Election Commission of India mandates RUPPs to provide audited accounts of the last three financial years and expenditure statements from the last two elections.
• Applications from RUPPs for symbol allotment are received by the EC in a specified format under the provisions of Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968.

What are registered parties?

• Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) outlines the criteria for political party registration with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• To register, a party must submit its memorandum/constitution, affirming allegiance to the Constitution of India, as well as to socialism, secularism, and democracy while upholding India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity.

Benefits of Registration:

• Tax exemption is granted for donations received under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Parties receive a common symbol for contesting general elections to the Lok Sabha/State Assemblies and can designate twenty 'star campaigners' during election campaigns.

GS-II/International Relations

MATES Migration Scheme

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

A recent announcement in the Australian Federal Budget Document revealed the initiation date of the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian Nationals.

About MATES Migration Scheme:

• On May 23, 2023, an agreement known as the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) was established between Australia and India.
• The MMPA facilitates two-way migration and mobility between the two countries, aiming to regulate issues related to illegal migration.
• Within the MMPA, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) was introduced to enable temporary mobility for Indian university graduates and early career professionals.
• MATES is designed to foster skills and knowledge exchange between Australia and India.

Eligibility Criteria for MATES:

• Indian Nationals under 30 years of age at the time of application are eligible for MATES.
• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
• Graduates from eligible educational institutions within the past two years are qualified to apply.
• Individuals with a Bachelor's degree or higher in specific fields of study are eligible.
• No sponsorship by an Australian employer is necessary for visa application under MATES.

Permitted Activities:

• Participants of MATES can reside and work in Australia for a maximum of 2 years.
• While not mandatory to work in their designated field of study, the program encourages young professionals to enhance their skills and networks, especially within targeted sectors.
• As an initial step, MATES will provide 3,000 spots for primary applicants annually.
• Dependents like spouses and children can be included in the application, with work rights in Australia and not counted towards the yearly quota.

GS-II/Polity and Governance

National Savings Certificate (NSC)

Source: Outlook India

Why in News?

The recent declaration of Rs 9.12 lakh investment in the National Savings Certificate (NSC) scheme by the Prime Minister in his nomination filing.

About National Savings Certificate (NSC):

• It represents a fixed-income investment scheme introduced by the Indian government.
• The primary goal is to incentivize low- to mid-income investors to invest and save on taxes.
• Investment in NSC can be made in your name, jointly with another adult, or for a minor at the nearest post office.

Features:

• Interest Rates: NSC certificates earn a fixed annual interest that the government revises quarterly, ensuring a steady income for the investor.
• Maturity Period: Five years. No upper limit on the quantity of NSCs that can be purchased.
• Tax Benefits: The principal invested in NSC is eligible for tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs annually.
• Accessibility: Easily obtainable from any post office by submitting the necessary KYC documents. Transferable between post offices and individuals without affecting interest or maturity.
• Loan Collaterals: Accepted as collateral for secured loans in Banks and NBFCs.
• Nomination: Investors can nominate a family member, including a minor, for inheritance in case of the investor's demise.
• Premature Withdrawal: Early exit is generally not allowed except in case of the investor's death, a court order, or forfeiture by a Gazetted Government Officer.

Eligibility Criteria for NSC:

• Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), Trusts, and Private and public limited companies are ineligible to invest in NSC.
• Investors must be resident Indian citizens, with non-resident Indians (NRIs) excluded from NSC investments.
• No age restrictions for individuals purchasing an NSC.

GS-III/Agriculture

Balanced Fertilization

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Shift towards discouraging excessive application of urea, DAP, or MOP due to high concentrations of primary nutrients.

• Post Lok Sabha elections, government likely to prioritize balanced fertilization.

Essential Concepts of Balanced Fertilization

• Focuses on providing plants with optimal nutrient levels for healthy growth.
• Emphasizes correct nutrient ratios based on soil types and crop requirements.

Benefits and Significance

• Promotes higher yields and stronger, disease-resistant plants.
• Maintains soil health and sustainability by preventing nutrient runoff.
• Optimizes resource use and reduces overall fertilizer costs.

Challenges and Solutions

• Subsidization of urea leading to overuse and neglect of other vital nutrients.
• Price imbalances affecting the use of essential fertilizers like MOP.
• Lack of soil testing facilities hindering balanced fertilization practices.
• Need for education on modern techniques and adoption of balanced fertilization.

Future Strategies

• Integration of chemical fertilizers and organic matter through INM.
• Utilization of customized fertilizers and micronutrients based on specific crop needs.
• Employing soil testing and crop response systems for tailored recommendations.
• Emphasizing farmer training, affordable nutrient supplies, and sustainable practices.

GS-III/Science and Technology

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C)

Why in News?
Partnership with Microsoft to block cybercriminal activities on Skype.Increased reports on online frauds by cybercriminals posing as authorities.

Overview of I4C

• Government initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs to combat cyber crimes.
• Focus on enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.

Objectives and Achievements

• Act as a central point to combat cybercrime and enhance cyber security.
• Priority on addressing cybercrimes against women and children.
• Facilitation of easy reporting and analysis of cybercrime trends.
• Creation of awareness and capacity building among law enforcement and the public.

GS-III/Defence and Security

Exercise Shakti

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The 7th edition of India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI began at Umroi, Meghalaya.

Background

• The exercise is scheduled to take place from 13th to 26th May 2024.

About Exercise Shakti

• Exercise Shakti is a bilateral joint military exercise between India and France, conducted biennially in both countries.
• It was initiated in 2011 to enhance defense cooperation and interoperability.
• The 7th edition started on May 13, 2024, focusing on joint military capabilities in various scenarios.

Participants

• The Indian contingent consists of the Rajput Regiment, along with observers from the Indian Navy and Air Force.
• The French contingent includes personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).

Focus of the Exercise

• The exercise emphasizes operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains.

Objectives

• Enhancing joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations.
• Improving physical fitness, tactical drills, and sharing best practices.

Tactical Drills

• Practiced drills cover various scenarios like response to terrorist actions, establishing command posts, and more.

Benefits of Exercise Shakti

• Facilitates sharing of best practices in joint operations.
• Promotes interoperability, camaraderie, and defense cooperation between India and France.