UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 21 August 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Task force for safety of medicos

Source: The Indian Express

Why in news?

The Supreme Court has established a national task force (NTF) made up of senior medical professionals to develop comprehensive safety protocols for healthcare workers throughout India. This initiative follows the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which has ignited widespread protests from the medical community advocating for improved safety measures. The Supreme Court bench took suo motu cognizance of the incident, highlighting the urgent need for a national consensus on standard safety protocols for medical professionals.

Current situation w.r.t safety protocols for healthcare workers across India

• Legal provisions: Health and law enforcement are primarily the responsibilities of State governments or Union Territory administrations, which must take necessary actions to prevent violence against medical professionals.
• There is currently no centralized data on the fatalities of medical professionals due to violent attacks by patients' families.

Need for a safe work environment

• Experts have noted that many medical colleges have poorly lit corridors and wards, as well as long distances between departments, which can compromise safety.
• Improving conditions through better lighting, security personnel, surveillance cameras, and manned walk-throughs is crucial for enhancing safety.

Examples from developed countries

• In the U.K., the NHS maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards violence, supported by dedicated security teams and a robust reporting system.
• In some U.S. states, assaults on healthcare workers are categorized as felonies, serving as a strong deterrent against such behavior.
• Australian hospitals have implemented safety measures including security staff, panic buttons, and mandatory training on de-escalation techniques.
• India urgently needs to enact a Central Protection Act and adopt similar strategies to ensure a safer working environment for healthcare workers.

Members

The newly formed NTF consists of a distinguished group of medical experts, including:

• Surgeon Vice-Admiral Aarti Sarin
• Dr D Nageshwar Reddy
• Dr M Shreenivas
• Dr Pratima Murty
• Dr Goverdhan Dutt Puri
• Dr Saumitra Rawat
• Anita Saxena
• Pallavi Sapre, Dean
• Dr Padma Srivastava

Additionally, the NTF will include ex officio members such as:

• The Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India
• The Home Secretary
• The Secretary of the Union Health Ministry
• The Chairperson of the National Medical Commission
• The President of the National Board of Examiners

Responsibilities

The NTF has been assigned the critical task of creating an action plan to safeguard medical professionals. It will focus particularly on:

• Preventing gender-based violence and fostering dignified working conditions for interns, resident doctors, and non-resident doctors.

Areas to be addressed

• Improving security in emergency rooms and critical areas.
• Implementing baggage screening to prevent weapons from entering medical facilities.
• Limiting non-patient visitors to ensure a safer environment.
• Effectively managing crowd control to reduce risks.
• Providing restrooms and gender-neutral spaces for healthcare staff.
• Introducing biometric and facial recognition systems for enhanced security.
• Enhancing lighting and installing CCTV cameras throughout hospital premises.
• Arranging transportation for medical workers during late hours (10 PM to 6 AM).
• Conducting workshops on managing grief and crisis situations.
• Performing quarterly audits of safety measures in institutions.
• Establishing a police presence in hospitals proportional to their foot traffic.
• Applying the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act within medical establishments, ensuring the formation of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
• Setting up an emergency helpline specifically for medical professionals.

GS2/Polity

Telecommunications Act Pits Telecoms & OTTs Against Each Other

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Telecom operators and social media companies are currently in disagreement regarding the interpretation of the newly enacted Telecommunication Act. Telecom operators contend that over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms, such as WhatsApp and Google Meet, should be recognized as telecom services under this Act.

About Telecommunications Act, 2023:

• The Indian Telecommunications sector was previously regulated by three distinct Acts of Parliament, which were:
  • Indian Telegraph Act 1885
  • Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933
  • Telegraph Wires, (Unlawful Protection) Act 1950
• The Telecommunications Act, 2023 consolidates these three Acts into a single legislative framework.
• Aim:
  • To modify existing laws that govern the provision, development, expansion, and operation of telecommunication services and networks, including the allocation of spectrum.

Key Features of Telecommunications Act, 2023:

1. Authorisation for telecom-related activities:

• Prior authorization from the central government is mandatory for:
  • Providing telecommunication services.
  • Establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecommunications networks.
  • Possessing radio equipment.

2. Assignment of spectrum:

• Spectrum will be assigned via auction, except for specific uses where allocation will be administered directly.
  • Specific uses include national security, disaster management, weather forecasting, transport, and satellite services.

3. Powers of interception and search:

• Messages may be intercepted or blocked under certain conditions, such as public safety or emergencies.
• Authorized officers can search premises for unauthorized telecom equipment.

4. Protection of users:

• The government will implement measures to safeguard users, including:
  • Prior consent to receive advertising messages.
  • Creation of "Do Not Disturb" registers.
  • A mechanism for users to report malware or unwanted messages.
• Telecom service providers must create online platforms for user registration and grievance redressal.

5. Right of way:

• Entities laying telecommunication infrastructure can seek access to public or private property on a non-discriminatory basis.

6. Appointments to TRAI:

• The Act modifies the TRAI Act to allow individuals with extensive professional experience to be appointed as Chairperson and members.

7. Digital Bharat Nidhi:

• The Universal Service Obligation Fund is renamed and allows for research and development in telecommunications.

8. Offences and penalties:

• Providing services without authorization can lead to imprisonment of up to three years and fines up to two crore rupees.
• Unauthorized network access can incur penalties up to ten lakh rupees.

9. Adjudication process:

• The government will appoint an adjudicating officer to handle civil offence inquiries under the Act.

Key Issues with the Act:

• Interception of communication: The Act allows messages to be intercepted for reasons such as national security and public order.
• Mass surveillance: The provision for monitoring messages raises concerns about privacy and proportionality.
• Insufficient safeguards for search and seizure: The lack of specified procedures could lead to misuse of power by authorized officers.
• Need for biometric verification: The requirement for biometric identification may infringe on privacy rights.

GS2/Polity

Senior advocate designation

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

Recently, the Supreme Court designated 39 lawyers, including 10 women, as senior advocates. Notable figures among them include Indra Sawhney, linked to the significant 1992 ruling that capped reservations at 50%, Shadan Farasat, the Additional Advocate General of Punjab, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, and Anindita Pujari, the Vice-President of the Bar Association of India. These designations were made under new guidelines issued by a three-judge bench in May 2023, which revised the 2018 guidelines for granting the 'senior advocate' designation.

About

• Under Section 16 of the Advocates Act 1961, advocates are classified into two categories: Senior Advocates and Junior Advocates (those who are not designated as seniors).
• Senior advocates serve as legal experts in India, possessing significant knowledge in the field of law.
• They are involved in many high-profile cases and contribute substantially to upholding the principle of Rule of Law.

Legal provisions related to the Designation of Senior Counsel

• Section 16(2) of the Advocates Act, 1961
• Rule 2(a) of Order IV of the Supreme Court Rules, 1966

These provisions outline specific guidelines for designating a senior counsel, which include:

• The Chief Justice and other judges must believe that the advocate is fit for the senior advocate position.
• The advocate should possess exceptional legal expertise and knowledge of the law.
• Prior consent of the advocate is required.
• The selection should solely be based on the advocate's knowledge and expertise in their legal area.

Restrictions imposed on a Senior Advocate

• A senior advocate cannot appear without an Advocate-on-record or any junior advocate.
• They cannot draft pleadings or affidavits for any court or authority as mentioned under Section 30 of the act.
• They cannot accept briefs or instructions directly from a client to appear in court.
• A senior advocate is prohibited from filing pleadings or representing clients independently, including drafting applications by hand.
• They must adhere to a distinct code of conduct compared to other advocates.

Indira Jaising, India’s first woman Senior Advocate, filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the existing designation process, labeling it as opaque, arbitrary, and prone to nepotism while advocating for enhanced transparency.

Verdict in Indira Jaising Case

The judgment established the following structure:

• A permanent committee.
• A permanent secretariat.

The secretariat is responsible for collecting and compiling all applications for designation along with relevant data and the number of reported and unreported judgments. The ruling also laid down procedures and assessment criteria for the designation process.

New guidelines for designation of senior advocates in the SC

Background

• In February 2023, the Central government aimed to amend the guidelines for designating senior lawyers.
• Changes were prompted by the Supreme Court's ruling in the 2017 case of "Indira Jaising vs. Union of India".
• The new guidelines employ a point-based system, assigning 40% weightage to publications, personality, and suitability as assessed through interviews.
• The Centre criticized this approach as subjective and ineffective, arguing it undermines the dignity of the title.
• The Centre highlighted issues with the widespread circulation of dubious journals where individuals can publish without proper academic evaluation.
• Additionally, they proposed reinstating a secret ballot voting system for judges to express their opinions on candidates without discomfort.
• In light of these concerns, the Supreme Court introduced revised guidelines in May 2023.

Key highlights of the new guidelines

• The minimum age to apply for the senior advocate designation is set at 45 years, though this can be relaxed by the Committee, Chief Justice of India, or a Supreme Court judge upon recommendation.
• Previously, the guidelines allowed the CJI and any judge to recommend an advocate's name; the 2023 guidelines stipulate that the CJI along with any Supreme Court judge may do so in writing.
• Marks allocated for publications have decreased from 15 to 5 for academic articles, teaching experience in law, and guest lectures in law-related institutions.
• The weightage for reported and unreported judgments (excluding those that do not establish a legal principle) has increased from 40 to 50 points.

GS3/Environment

India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme - Status and Challenges

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

India is on its path to achieve its ambitious goal of blending 20% ethanol with petrol by the year 2025-26. However, there are significant concerns regarding fuel efficiency in current vehicles and the ongoing debate over food versus fuel in relation to the ethanol economy.

About Ethanol (C2H5OH) and Ethanol Blending:

• Ethanol is an alcohol that is primarily derived from agricultural by-products, especially through the processing of sugar from sugarcane.
• It can also be sourced from materials like rice husk and maize.
• As a product of plant fermentation, ethanol is considered a renewable fuel because it comes from crops that utilize sunlight for growth.
• In India, the predominant method for producing ethanol is through the fermentation of sugarcane molasses.
• Ethanol is almost pure alcohol (99.9%) and can be blended with petrol to create a more sustainable fuel option.
• To enhance the supply of ethanol, the Indian government has allowed the procurement of ethanol from various sources apart from molasses, known as first generation ethanol (1G).
• Additionally, ethanol can also be produced from non-food sources such as rice straw, wheat straw, corn stover, bagasse, bamboo, and other forms of woody biomass, classified as second generation ethanol (2G).

India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme:

• The EBP Programme was initiated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2003 to encourage the adoption of alternative and eco-friendly fuels.
• Since April 1, 2019, this programme has been implemented across all of India, excluding the Union Territories of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep, allowing Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to sell petrol blended with up to 10% ethanol.
• The average nationwide blending of ethanol with petrol has increased from 1.6% during the 2013-14 period to 11.8% in 2022-23.
• India aims to elevate this blending ratio to 20% by 2030, but the NITI Aayog's 2021 roadmap has accelerated this target to 2025-26, necessitating the production of around 1,000 crore litres of ethanol for blending.

Benefits of EBP Programme:

• It will help decrease India's fuel import expenses.
• The programme aims to reduce environmental pollution.
• It is expected to boost farmers' income.
• Biofuels require minimal additional investment from manufacturers.

Challenges When It Comes to 20% Ethanol Blended Fuel:

• Existing engines may require modifications to efficiently run on petrol blended with 20% ethanol.
• While ethanol combusts completely and emits no CO2, it does not mitigate emissions of nitrous oxide, a significant pollutant.
• There are concerns regarding the inefficient use of land in ethanol production and the substantial water resources needed for cultivating ethanol crops.
• Food security issues arise from uncertainties about future crop yields for food and fuel.

Status of Ethanol Production Capacity in India:

• The NITI Aayog roadmap indicates that the capacity of sugarcane-based distilleries must rise from 426 crore litres in 2021 to 760 crore litres by 2026.
• Similarly, the capacity for grain-based distilleries needs to increase from 258 crore litres to 740 crore litres.
• Two interest subvention programs have been established to support the development of new distilleries and increase ethanol production capacity.

Challenges Hanging Over India's Ethanol Economy:

• Fuel vs. Food Debate: India's focus has been heavily on first generation (1G) ethanol derived from food sources like sugarcane and grains. This creates competition for resources needed for food production.
• Concerns about Agricultural Sustainability: Expanding sugarcane farming can divert vital irrigation from food crops, raising sustainability issues.
• Rising Import Bill: Although India is a leading producer of maize, domestic consumption often surpasses production, leading to an increase in maize imports, which is expected to cost $103 million from April to June 2024.
• More Cultivation Area Needed: To meet the 20% blending target, approximately 4.8 million hectares of maize cultivation area will need to be added, which is nearly half of the current area.
• Fuel Efficiency Concerns: The NITI Aayog report suggests that ethanol can reduce fuel efficiency by an average of 6% in vehicles not designed for it.
• Performance Across States: While ethanol pricing is uniform across India, states have discretion over the pricing of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) used in the liquor industry. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, the government supports the central mission on ethanol, reserving about 25% of ethanol for ENA, whereas in Tamil Nadu, the market for fuel ethanol is less developed.

Way Ahead:

• The government should consider diversifying to second generation (2G) and third generation (3G) ethanol sources that have lesser impacts on food security.
• Existing vehicles may need engine adjustments and transitions to materials compatible with E20 fuel.
• Given that liquor sales contribute significantly to state revenues, many stakeholders advocate for increasing ethanol prices to reflect market demands.

GS1/Geography

Discovery of Liquid Water on Mars

Source: Business Today

Why in News?

A recent study has uncovered the presence of vast amounts of liquid water hidden deep within Mars' rocky outer crust, marking a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the Red Planet.

About the discovery of Liquid Water on Mars

• First discovery: This finding is the initial instance where scientists have detected liquid water on the surface of Mars, surpassing the known existence of water ice at the planet's poles.
• Study details: The investigation, named "Liquid water in the Martian mid-crust," was printed in the respected Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
• The analysis was carried out by a group of researchers from the University of California.

Significance:

• Mars' water cycle: The finding might increase our knowledge of how water moves around Mars, giving us clues about the planet's weather history, surface activities, and what's inside it.
• Looking for Life: When there's liquid water, it raises the chances of discovering places where life could exist, making the hunt for life on Mars more interesting.

Methodology:

• Data source: The scientists used information from NASA's InSight Lander, which worked on Mars from 2018 to 2022.
• Seismic analysis: The lander had a tool to track more than 1,300 Marsquakes and rocks hitting Mars during four years.
• Geophysical modeling: By studying how fast the seismic waves moved, the researchers could guess what kind of stuff the waves moved through and use a model to see if there was liquid water.

Key findings:

• Depth and Location: The study found a layer with water at depths of 10 to 20 kilometers under the surface of Mars.
• Water Source: Scientists believe the water came from the surface billions of years ago during a time when Mars was warmer and had a more porous upper crust, similar to how groundwater moves on Earth.
• Volume Estimate: If the results apply to all of Mars, the water trapped in these rock cracks could fill an ocean 1-2 kilometers deep across the planet.

Implications:

Potential for Life:

• The discovery of liquid water suggests the chance of finding living things because water is essential for life as we know it.
• The circumstances might resemble the deep-sea environments on Earth, where life exists even in very harsh conditions.

Colonization Challenges:

• Getting water from depths of 10 to 20 kilometers presents major obstacles, making plans for people to live on Mars more complicated.

GS1/Geography

Shiveluch Volcano

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

Shiveluch volcano in Russia erupted after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of the country recently.

About Shiveluch Volcano:

• It is approximately 280 miles away from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a coastal city in Russia's eastern Kamchatka region.
• Shiveluch is a steep-sloped volcano made up of layers of ash, hardened lava, and volcanic rocks.
• It stands at an impressive height of 3,283 meters (10,771 feet), making it one of the largest volcanoes in Kamchatka.
• The volcano's outer flanks are marked by numerous lava domes.
• Shiveluch is among the most active volcanoes on the peninsula, having experienced around 60 significant eruptions in the last 10,000 years.
• Since August 1999, the volcano has been erupting continuously, with occasional powerful explosive events like the one in 2007.

Key facts about Kamchatka Peninsula:

• Located in far eastern Russia, situated between the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea to the east.
• Known for having a high concentration of geothermal activity, with around 30 active volcanoes.
• Extending approximately 1,200 km from north to south and about 480 km wide at its broadest point.
• Covers an area of roughly 370,000 square km, making it comparable in size to New Zealand.
• Characterized by harsh weather conditions, featuring long, cold, snowy winters and wet, cool summers.
• Regional Headquarters: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
• The Kuril Island chain stretches from the peninsula's southern end towards a short distance from Japan's northern Hokkaido Island.

GS3/Science and Technology

Shaheen-II Missile

Source: Daily Times

Why in News?

The Pakistani military recently conducted the successful training launch of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II.

About Shaheen-II Missile:

• Shaheen 2: Pakistani mid-range missile, likely based on China's M-18.
• Specifications:
  • Two-stage, solid-fueled missile with a range of 1,500-2,000 km.
  • Dimensions: 17.2 m length, 1.4 m diameter, 23,600 kg weight at launch.
  • Capable of carrying nuclear or standard warheads.
  • Its warhead has four small engines for better accuracy, with an estimated 350 m CEP.
  • Launched using a 6-axle TEL.

What are Ballistic Missiles?

• A ballistic missile is a rocket-powered, self-guided weapon system used for strategic purposes. It moves along a ballistic path to transport a payload from its starting point to a specific destination.
• Initially, ballistic missiles are propelled by rockets, progressing through stages. They then travel on a non-powered path that arcs upwards before descending towards the target.
• These missiles can carry various types of payloads, including traditional high explosives and chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.
• They can be launched from different platforms like aircraft, ships, submarines, land-based silos, and mobile units.
• There are four main categories of ballistic missiles based on their range:
  • Short-range: Less than 1,000 kilometers (around 620 miles), also known as "tactical" ballistic missiles.
  • Medium-range: Ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers (approximately 620-1,860 miles), also called "theater" ballistic missiles.
  • Intermediate-range: Falling between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers (about 1,860-3,410 miles).
  • Long-range: Exceeding 5,500 kilometers (approximately 3,410 miles), also termed as intercontinental or strategic ballistic missiles.
• Short- and medium-range ballistic missiles are commonly known as theater ballistic missiles. Long-range ballistic missiles are referred to as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) or strategic ballistic missiles.

GS3/Environment 

Slow Loris

Source: BBC

Why in News?

Villagers in Shimla Bagan, located in the Shantipur area on the Indo-Bhutan border in Chirang District, Assam, have reported the sighting of a rare species of the endangered primate Slow Lorris.

About Slow Loris:

• Found only in South and Southeast Asia, slow lorises are the sole venomous primates in the world.
• They live in trees, which is called being arboreal, and can be seen sleeping curled up on branches or using vines and leaves to move around.
• Usually, they only come down from the trees to the ground when they need to go to the bathroom.
• There exist nine types of slow loris, all part of the same group. Each type shares many similar traits and behaviors.
• The nine species are the Philippine slow loris, Bengal slow loris, greater slow loris, Kayan slow loris, Bangka slow loris, Bornean slow loris, Sumatran slow loris, Javan slow loris, and pygmy slow loris.
• The Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) is labeled as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. It is also legally safeguarded under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
• The Bengal slow loris is found from Vietnam to China, but in India, it is restricted to the northeast region.

Features of Slow Lorises:

• These tiny, night-loving animals are known for their big, round eyes, perfect for seeing in the dark.
• They have small bodies, short noses, thick fur, and special markings on their faces.
• On average, they are about 20 to 37 centimeters (or 10 to 15 inches) long.
• Each slow loris has a small patch under its arm that makes oil. If they feel scared, they lick this oil, mixing it with their spit to create a very strong poison that can kill small bugs and mammals.
• Slow lorises are good at hunting; they catch things like bugs and small animals by moving slowly and carefully.
• They have a special tool called a tooth comb made by their front bottom teeth, which they use to clean themselves and get tree sap.
• Slow lorises usually live alone and defend their space. They can stay completely still for a long time.
• They eat both plants and animals.

GS1/Geography

Key Facts about Poland

Source: First Post

Why in News?

Members of the Indian community in Warsaw have expressed excitement over the Indian Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Poland, which will be the first visit by an Indian PM to Poland in 45 years.

About Poland:

• It's a nation in central Europe.
• Borders:
  • Poland's borders have changed multiple times over the years. The current borders were established after World War II ended in 1945.
  • Poland shares its borders with seven countries: Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.
  • It features diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea in the north to the rolling central lowlands and the snow-capped peaks of the Carpathian and Sudeten Mountains in the south.
• History:
  • In 1795, Poland was conquered and divided among Russia, Prussia (now Germany), and Austria.
  • For 123 years, Poland ceased to exist as a nation.
  • After World War I in 1918, Poland was re-established, but soon faced attacks by Germany and the Soviet Union, leading to World War II.
  • Following the defeat of Nazi Germany, Poland became a communist satellite state of the Soviet Union, enduring almost 50 years of totalitarian rule.
  • In the late 1970s, workers in Gdańsk initiated a movement known as Solidarity (Solidarność), ultimately leading to the fall of the Polish government and the transition to democracy in 1989.
• Capital: Warsaw
• Official Language: Polish
• Money: Zloty
• Area: 312,685 sq. km.
• Major Mountain Ranges: Carpathians, Sudetens
• Major Rivers: Vistula, Oder
• Poland boasts over 1,300 lakes across the country.
• Form of Government:
  • Poland operates as a parliamentary republic with a Prime Minister as the head of government and a president as the head of state. The governmental structure focuses on the Council of Ministers.
  • It is a member of both NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the European Union (EU).