UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

 

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2024)

1. Post Office Act 2023 comes into Effect

GS Paper 3:

1. A blueprint for boosting India’s exports

2. Learning from the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan

3. India’s First Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operation

Facts for Prelims (FFP) 

1. Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024

2. Speaker Pro tem of Lok Sabha

3. Angel Tax

4. Functional Ultrasound Imaging (fUSI)

5. Gandhinagar Sanctuary

   UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2024

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   GS Paper 2:

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   Post Office Act 2023 comes into Effect

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions

Source: PIB

Context: The Post Office Act 2023, effective today, replaces the Indian Post Office Act, 1898. It simplifies the legislative framework for citizen-centric services, banking, and government scheme benefits.

Major provisions of the Act:

Issues with the New Act

High Government Control

The provision allowing the interception and opening of parcels by the government may enhance control but also raise potential issues of privacy and misuse.

Loss of Exclusive Privileges

The elimination of exclusive privileges for the central government in conveying letters and issuing postage stamps may impact traditional postal services.

Liability Concerns

Shifting liability from the central government to the Post Office for its services may raise questions about accountability and responsibility.

Data Privacy and Security

The expanded interception powers necessitate the establishment of robust data privacy and security measures to safeguard the personal information of postal service users.

Differing Legislation for Couriers

The absence of similar legislation for courier firms raises concerns about regulatory disparities.

Conclusion:

The introduction of the new Post Office Act (2023) marks a significant step in clarifying vague definitions, particularly regarding what constitutes a ‘letter.’ The bill’s emphasis on digital addressing not only streamlines sorting processes but also opens avenues for efficient mail and parcel delivery, including the possibility of drone deliveries. Overall, the changes reflect an adaptation to evolving needs, prioritizing legality, and enhancing security in the postal service landscape.

  

 

Some of the Schemes by the Postal Department:

 

Insta Links:

• New Post Office Bill, 2023

 

Prelims Link:

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2024 GS Paper 2:

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A blueprint for boosting India’s exports

Syllabus: Economy: Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation reforms

Source: BS

 Context: India’s foreign trade, valued at $1.63 trillion in FY 2023-24, constituted 41% of its GDP, highlighting its importance in the economy and job creation. Facing significant internal and external challenges, the article gives suggestions for the new government to boost trade and spur economic growth.

 

Reasons behind India’s modest share in global merchandise trade:

1. 1. Historical Legacy: India’s historical focus on self-reliance and import substitution during the post-independence era led to a closed economy with limited exposure to international trade.

      • Protectionist policies and trade barriers hindered the development of a robust export-oriented manufacturing sector.

   2. Slow Liberalization Process: India initiated economic liberalization reforms in 1991, opening up its economy to global trade and investment. However, the process was gradual, and certain sectors remained shielded from international competition.

      • Delayed liberalization affected the competitiveness of Indian industries

   3. Ease of doing business: Cumbersome bureaucratic procedures, complex regulations, and red tape have been persistent challenges for businesses in India. Such complexities increase the cost of doing business and hinder export competitiveness.

   4. Low manufacturing exports: India’s exports remain dominated by primary products and resource-intensive sectors like gems & jewellery.

      • The manufacturing sector lacks scale, tech advancement, and infrastructure competitiveness to effectively integrate with global value chains and ramp up the exports of value-added products.

   5. Infrastructure bottlenecks: Poor transport connectivity, and inadequate port and shipping infrastructure drive supply chain costs and hurdles Indian exports price competitiveness.

      • Suboptimal logistics account for ~14% of product value for India, almost double that of developed economies.

   6. Small producer firm size: The overwhelming share of micro, small and medium firms in the Indian economy, at over 90%, prevents them from tapping the resources to boost technology usage and productively integrate into cross-border supply chains.

Foreign Trade Policy, 2023:

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, emphasizing its dynamic nature and responsiveness to emerging needs. In the following way, the policy intends to address the above issue:

 

1. 1. Incentive to Remission:

      1. The policy continues to support time-tested schemes while emphasizing process re-engineering and automation for ease of doing business.
      2. Duty exemption schemes for export production will transition to a rule-based IT system, eliminating manual interfaces and reducing fee structures.

   2. Export Promotion through Collaboration:

      1. Recognition of new towns through the “Towns of Export Excellence Scheme” and exporters through the “Status Holder Scheme” encourages regional development and recognizes export performance.
      2. The policy promotes partnerships with states and districts, designating specific areas as Export Hubs and facilitating grassroots trade development.

   3. Ease of Doing Business and E-Initiatives:

      1. Process re-engineering and automation leverage automated IT systems for approvals, moving towards a technology-based facilitation regime.
      2. A one-time Amnesty Scheme allows exporters to close old pending authorizations, providing a fresh start for compliance.

   4. Emerging Areas: E-Commerce and SCOMET Policy:

      1. Special focus on facilitating e-commerce exports with raised caps and integration of courier and postal exports with ICEGATE.
      2. Streamlining the SCOMET policy ensures a robust export control system, aligning with international treaties.

   5. Promotion of Capital Goods:

      1. Rationalization and additions to the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme, including incentives for the dairy sector, green technology products, and the Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks (PM MITRA) scheme.

   6. Advance Authorization Scheme:

      1. Introduction of a Special Advance Authorization Scheme for the Apparel and Clothing sector to facilitate prompt execution of export orders.
      2. Extension of benefits under the Self-Ratification Scheme for fixation of Input-Output Norms to 2-star and above status holders.

   7. Merchanting Trade:

      1. Introduction of provisions for Merchanting trade, allowing the shipment of goods between foreign countries without touching Indian ports, fostering the development of Merchanting hubs.

 

Way forward:

1. Policy Steps for Domestic Manufacturing:
   • Recent policy measures like corporate tax rate reduction, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, rationalization of labour laws, and redefinition of MSMEs aim to boost domestic manufacturing.
   • These steps encourage size and scale for the domestic industry.
2. Global Economic Scenario:
   • Global demand is rising with substantial stimulus packages, offering opportunities for India’s exports.
   • Stimulus measures in the US and favourable growth forecasts globally create a conducive environment for export growth.
3. A coordinated focus on exports:
   • Is crucial for India’s economic recovery, especially considering constrained fiscal space and limited private consumption and investment.
4. Integration into global value chains (GVCs):
   • presents an opportunity that should not be missed, necessitating strong policy actions across all levels of government.
5. Exports must be the driving force for growth,
   • leveraging the global economic recovery and positioning India as a key player in international trade.

 

Conclusion

The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 reflects a forward-looking approach, blending continuity with dynamism to meet the evolving needs of the global trade landscape. With a focus on collaboration, ease of doing business, and emerging sectors like e-commerce, the policy aims to propel India’s exports to new heights.

 

Insta Links:

• Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 announced

 

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Learning from the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan

Syllabus: Disaster Management, Geography 

Source: IE

 

Context: The article highlights recent severe heatwaves in India, with temperatures nearing 50°C in some cities, and lessons that the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan can give to other cities.

 

What is a Heat Action Plan?

A Heat Action Plan is a strategy to reduce health risks during extreme heat, protecting vulnerable populations and coordinating responses.

 

Why are Heat Action Plans (HAPs) necessary?

Heatwaves significantly impact health, especially for vulnerable groups. Heat Action Plans minimize these risks by offering safety guidance, cooling centres, and early warnings. The National Disaster Management Authority and IMD are working with 23 states to develop HAPs, detailing roles for disaster management, labour, and police departments.

 

 

Analysis of Effectiveness of Heat Action Plans in India

1. 1. Early Warning Systems and Public Awareness:

      1. HAPs have implemented early warning systems, providing timely alerts about impending heatwaves.
      2. Example: In 2023, cities like Ahmedabad issued early warnings, which helped in reducing heatwave-related health emergencies.
      3. Challenge: Reaching remote and rural populations remains a challenge.

   2. Community Outreach and Education:

      1. Educational campaigns on heatwave risks and precautions have increased public awareness.
      2. Example: Awareness drives in Telangana in 2022 effectively educated communities on heat stress prevention.
      3. Challenge: The consistency and reach of these campaigns across all states are uneven.

   3. Access to Water and Cooling Facilities:

      1. Providing accessible drinking water and cooling centres has been a critical component of HAPs.
      2. Example: In Odisha, public cooling places were set up during the 2022 summer, significantly aiding the local population.
      3. Challenge: Ensuring these facilities in all heat-prone areas, especially in slums and rural areas, is still a work in progress.

   4. Health System Preparedness:

      1. Upgrading healthcare facilities to manage heatstroke and dehydration cases has been a focus.
      2. Example: Rajasthan’s enhanced healthcare response during the 2022 heat wave mitigated many heat-related health issues.
      3. Challenge: Healthcare infrastructure in several regions remains under-equipped to handle the surge during heatwaves.

   5. Protecting Outdoor Workers:

      1. Guidelines for rescheduling work to cooler hours have been beneficial for outdoor workers.
      2. Example: In Punjab, labour departments advised adjusted work hours during the peak of summer 2022.
      3. Challenge: Implementation and monitoring of these guidelines are inconsistent.

   6. Vulnerable Groups Focus:

      1. Special attention to the elderly, children, and those with chronic diseases has been prioritized.
      2. Example: Mobile healthcare units in Kerala during the 2022 heatwave provided relief to vulnerable groups.
      3. Challenge: Identifying and reaching all vulnerable individuals, especially in densely populated urban areas, remains a hurdle.

   7. Urban Planning and Green Cover:

      1. Efforts to increase urban green cover and reflective surfaces have reduced urban heat islands.
      2. Example: Delhi’s initiative to expand green spaces has moderately alleviated heat stress in some areas.
      3. Challenge: Rapid urbanization and lack of space limit the extent of these interventions.

   8. Collaboration with NGOs and Civil Society:

      1. Partnerships with NGOs for ground-level implementation and aid distribution have been effective.
      2. Example: NGOs in Maharashtra played a crucial role in distributing water and oral rehydration solutions in 2022.
      3. Challenge: Coordination and resource allocation among various stakeholders can be challenging.

 

Issues with the HAPs (as per Centre for Policy Research (CPR) Study of HAPs):

1. 1. Not Fit for Local Contexts:
      • Most HAPs focus on extreme dry heat, neglecting humid heat and warm nights. They adopt national thresholds unsuitable for local risks. Only 10 of 37 HAPs have locally specified temperature thresholds.
   2. Underfunded:
      • Only 3 of 37 HAPs identified funding sources. Eight HAPs require departments to self-allocate resources, indicating funding issues.
   3. Weak Legal Foundations:
      • HAPs lack legal authority, reducing compliance incentives.
   4. Insufficient Transparency:
      • No national repository of HAPs; few are listed online. Unclear if HAPs are regularly updated based on evaluation data.

 

Recommendations:

1. 1. Reduce global emissions in the next two decades to prevent temperatures from reaching 1.5°C.

   2. HAPs should identify financing sources and integrate them with existing policies.

   3. Implement rigorous independent evaluations for constant improvement.

   4. Effective HAPs are crucial to protect India’s poorest from extreme heat impacts on health and income.

Conclusion

While Heat Action Plans in India have made significant strides in protecting vulnerable populations from heat waves, there are areas that require further improvement. By addressing the current gaps and focusing on a more integrated and adaptive approach, HAPs can significantly bolster India’s resilience to heat waves, ultimately protecting and saving lives, particularly of the most vulnerable populations.

 

Insta Links:

• Heat stroke

 

Mains Links:

Q: Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (10M)

 

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India’s First Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operation

Syllabus: Internal Security:

Source: TH

 

Context: India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has released the country’s first joint doctrine for cyberspace operations.

 

What is Cyberspace? 

In military terms, cyberspace refers to the domain where operations involving computers, networks, and electronic systems occur. It encompasses activities such as cyber warfare, cyber defence, and information operations conducted by military forces in both offensive and defensive capacities.

What is Doctrine for Cyberspace Operation?

A doctrine for cyberspace operations is a set of principles, guidelines, and strategies developed by military organizations to govern their activities in the cyberspace domain. It outlines how military forces should plan, execute, and manage operations involving computers, networks, and electronic systems.

 

Significance:

It promotes jointness and integration among the three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and aligns with national security strategies. This integration facilitates the development of goals, methods, and resources to influence events across all operational domains and forms of power.

 

Comparison with China: 

China has developed significant capabilities in cyberwarfare, including cyberweapons designed to disrupt or incapacitate an adversary’s military assets and strategic networks. In contrast, India has been slow to develop similar capabilities, approving only the creation of a limited tri-service Defence Cyber Agency in 2019, instead of the fully-fledged Cyber Command requested by the armed forces.

 

What are the current threats to cyber security?

1. 1. Outdated protocols: Current protocols to warn against cyber threats are outdated in India. This means that quantum cyberattacks can potentially breach any hardened target.
   2. Threat to digital infrastructure: China’s quantum advances expand the spectre of quantum cyberattacks against India’s digital infrastructure, which already faces a barrage of attacks from Chinese state-sponsored hackers.
   3. India’s dependence on foreign, particularly Chinese hardware, is an additional vulnerability.

 

Countermeasures taken by India against cyber threats.

• 1. For Critical information infrastructure (CII)- Creation of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre, the national nodal agency in respect of CII protection. It was envisaged to act as a 24×7 centre to battle cyber security threats in strategic areas such as air control, nuclear and space.
  2. Establishment of Defence Information Assurance and Research Agencyfor cyber security issues of the tri-services and Defence Ministry.
  3. The Army has collaborated with industry and academia to build secure communications and cryptography applications.
  4. In February 2022, a joint team of the DRDO and IIT-Delhi successfully demonstrated a QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) link between two cities in UP — Prayagraj and Vindhyachal.
  5. For the Financial sector – CERT-Fin will work closely with all financial-sector regulators and stakeholders on issues of cyber security.
  6. Establishment of cyber security infrastructure
  7. CERT-in – The main function of CERT-In is to provide early security warning and effective incident response. It is also a national agency to collects, analyzes and disseminates information on cyber incidents and takes emergency measures for handling cyber-attacks.
  8. IT Act 2000– This act provides a legal framework against cybercrimes related to “electronic commerce”.
  9. National Cyber Security Policy 2013has been framed to create a secure cyber ecosystem, ensure compliance with global security systems and strengthen the regulatory framework.

 

Others

• • I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center): was set up in 2016 to look into every kind of cybercrime.
  • The Indian Common Criteria Certification Scheme (IC3S): to evaluate and certify IT Security Products and Protection Profiles.
  • Cyber Swachhta Kendra; was introduced for internet users to clean their computers and devices by wiping out viruses and malware.
  • Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: was launched to spread awareness about cybercrime and build capacity for safety measures for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT staff across all government departments.

 

 

Way forward:

Cyber Wargames for Risk Assessments:

1. 1. Test response to cyber warfare scenarios.
   2. Expose defence gaps.
   3. Improve cooperation.

 

Layered Defense Approach:

1. 1. Secure cyber ecosystem.
   2. Raise cybersecurity awareness.
   3. Promote open standards.
   4. Implement a national cybersecurity framework.
   5. Collaborate with the private sector.

Securing Private Sector:

1. 1. Establish network obstacles.
   2. Utilize web application firewalls (WAF).
   3. Respond quickly to breaches.
   4. Foster public-private cooperation.
   5. Engage local hackers for defence.

Insta Links:

• • Cybersecurity Challenges in India

 

Mains Link: 

Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber-attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (UPSC 2021)

 

Prelims Link:

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024

Context:  The Centre has introduced rules for offshore minerals in anticipation of upcoming auctions.

 

What is Offshore mining? 

It involves extracting mineral deposits from deep seabeds beyond 200 meters. India’s offshore reserves include vital minerals like gold, diamond, copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth elements crucial for development, found in its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning over two million square kilometres. Offshore mining promises to enhance mineral availability and decrease import reliance. However, challenges such as limited private involvement, demand for skilled labour, and high capital requirements persist.

 

About the Rules: 

Introduced by the central government under the authority of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, this legislation governs the development and regulation of mineral resources in India’s maritime zones. The rules apply to all minerals except mineral oils and hydrocarbons, as well as those specified in Part B of the First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The rules outline stages of exploration, feasibility studies, economic assessments, and classification of mineral resources and reserves.

 

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Speaker Pro tem of Lok Sabha

 Source: IE

Context: Senior Congress leader K Suresh, as the seniormost member of the Lok Sabha, is expected to be appointed as the pro-tem Speaker for the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha.

 

What is Speaker Pro-tem?

The Speaker pro-tem is a temporary presiding officer in the Lok Sabha, appointed by the President before the first session of a new Lok Sabha. This role is typically given to the senior member. The Speaker pro-tem’s main duty is to administer oaths to the new MPs until a permanent Speaker is elected.

 

Role of Pro-tem Speaker:

1. Administers oaths to new MPs.
2. Presides over the House’s initial proceedings.
3. Ensures the smooth transition of parliamentary duties.

 

Selection Process:

1. Chosen by the President from the seniormost members of the Lok Sabha.
2. Assisted by three other senior members for oath administration.
3. The President administers the oath to the pro-tem Speaker, who then swears in other MPs.

 

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Angel Tax

Source: IE

Context: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recommended removing the ‘Angel Tax’ to boost capital formation, citing its negative impact on start-up funding.

  

What is Angel Tax? 

Angel Tax, introduced in 2012 under the Income-tax Act, 1961, is levied on the capital raised by unlisted companies through the issue of shares if the share price exceeds the fair market value. This tax aims to curb money laundering and ensure compliance with tax norms.

 

 

 

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Functional Ultrasound Imaging (fUSI)

 Source: TOI

 

Context: Scientists have pioneered a groundbreaking ultrasound technology to map brain activity with unprecedented clarity, using Functional Ultrasound Imaging (fUSI)

 

What is Functional Ultrasound Imaging (fUSI)? 

fUSI stands for Functional Ultrasound Imaging. It is a cutting-edge technology that combines ultrasound imaging with functional imaging techniques to observe and map brain activity in real time.

 

Unlike traditional ultrasound, which is primarily used for visualizing structures like organs and tissues, functional ultrasound imaging specifically targets changes in blood flow within the brain. This allows researchers to indirectly monitor neuronal activity by measuring the metabolic demands of active brain regions, providing high-resolution insights into how the brain functions during various tasks and activities.

 

About Ultrasound technology: 

It utilizes high-frequency sound waves (above 20 kHz) to visualize the body’s internal organs without using radiation, ensuring it is a safe and effective diagnostic tool. This technology operates on the principle of the piezoelectric effect, where certain materials generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress.

Beyond medical diagnostics, ultrasound finds applications in underwater acoustics (sonar), non-destructive testing of materials, and processes like welding and cleaning. Its versatility underscores its role in various scientific and industrial fields, making it indispensable for both research and practical applications.

 

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Gandhisagar Sanctuary

 Source: IE

Context: Madhya Pradesh is developing the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary as India’s second home for cheetahs, following Kuno National Park.

 

Why develop a second home?

The move comes after experts suggested that Kuno National Park, the current home for cheetahs, does not have enough space for all of them. Recently, two cheetahs (translocated under The Cheetah Project) died.

 

About Gandhisagar Sanctuary:

 

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Previous News about Cheetah:

 

 

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2024 [PDF]

 

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