UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 August 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 – 31 August 2024)
- Revamping State Election Commissions for Effective Grassroots Democracy
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
-
Australia Grants Workers ‘Right to Disconnect’
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
-
Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme
-
WGC Raises India’s Gold Consumption Forecast to 850 Tonnes
-
Payment Passkey Service
-
Dhaincha and Green Manuring
-
India Commissions INS Arighaat
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 August 2024
GS Paper 2:
Revamping State Election Commissions for Effective Grassroots Democracy
Syllabus: Polity: Election
Source: TH
Context: The article highlights that State Election Commissions (SECs) need urgent reform
What are State Election Commissions (SECs)?
| Aspect | Details |
| About SEC | Independent constitutional authority administering elections to local bodies (municipalities, panchayats, etc.) within states. |
| Before 1992 | Elections to local bodies were conducted by respective State Governments. |
| Establishment | Amended Constitution in 1992 via the 73rd and 74th Amendments to provide legal sanctity to Local Self-Governments (LSGs). |
| Articles | Article 243K & Article 243ZA established SECs in every state as constitutional bodies. |
| Appointment | State Election Commissioner appointed by the Governor. |
| Tenure & Condition | Conditions and tenure determined by the Governor; cannot be varied to the disadvantage of the Commissioner after appointment. |
| Removal | Can only be removed in the manner and on grounds prescribed for the removal of a High Court judge. |
| Significance | Ensures fair play for political parties by enforcing the Model Code of Conduct. |
| Powers & Functions | Superintendence, direction, and control of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to Panchayats and Municipalities. |
| Voter List Preparation | Does not prepare a separate voter list; uses lists prepared by the Election Commission of India, modified for local body elections. |
| Delimitation Powers | Responsible for delimiting constituencies before each general election to local bodies (every 5 years). |
| Political Party Registration | Empowers to register and deregister political parties within the state. |
Key issues with the functioning of State Election Commissions (SECs):
- Disempowerment: State governments often delay delimitation and elections for panchayat raj institutions, weakening SECs’ authority and harming local governance.
- Urban Local Governments: CAG’s audit revealed that 70% of urban local governments in 18 states did not have elected councils.
- Survey Findings: Janaagraha’s 2023 survey found only 11 out of 34 states/UTs have empowered SECs to handle ward delimitation, covering only 35% of India’s population.
- Legislative Ambiguities: Legal ambiguities and overlapping powers create confusion and conflict, with state governments sometimes passing legislation that limits SECs’ powers.
- Lack of Judicial Support: Weak judicial intervention in disputes can undermine SEC autonomy, emboldening state governments to interfere.
- Implementation Issues: Delays in conducting local body elections and administrative excuses can prevent timely electoral processes.
- Interference by State Governments: Attempts to influence SECs, such as delaying appointments or undermining authority, compromise their independence.
Implications of these issues:
- Erosion of Local Democracy: Weakens grassroots democracy and accountability.
- Undermining Public Trust: Compromises public confidence in the electoral process.
- Reduction in Electoral Integrity: Risks unfair practices and electoral malpractices.
- Centralization of Power: Contributes to power centralization, reducing decentralized decision-making effectiveness.
Reforms needed in the State Election Commissions (SECs):
| Reform | Description |
| Supreme Court in the 2006 Kishan Singh Tomar case | SECs should have the same independence and authority as the Election Commission of India (ECI). |
| 2nd ARC | The 2nd ARC suggests that the State Election Commissioner should be appointed by the Governor based on the recommendation of a collegium comprising the Chief Minister, the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly. |
| Law Commission 255th Report on Electoral Reforms | The report recommends adding a new sub-clause to Article 324 of the Constitution to establish a separate, independent, and permanent Secretariat for the Election Commission of India, similar to the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha Secretariats under Article 98. Similar provisions can be made for the State Election Commissions to ensure autonomy and fair local body elections. |
| Fixed Intervals for Delimitation | Delimitation of ward boundaries and seat reservations should be mandated every 10 years to prevent arbitrary delays and ensure timely elections. |
| Preventing Malpractices | SECs should oversee elections for critical local roles, such as mayors and presidents, to prevent malpractice. |
| Adequate Resources and Funding | SECs should receive direct funding from the state budget, with adequate infrastructure, technology, and staffing to manage elections effectively. |
| Stronger Judicial Oversight | Establish fast-track courts for timely resolution of disputes involving SECs and strengthen legal protections to prevent undue interference from state governments. |
Conclusion:
These reforms aim to enhance the effectiveness, independence, and accountability of SECs in managing local elections.
Insta Links:
Mains Link:
Are the State Election Commissions in India as independent as the Election Commission of India? Discuss. (250 Words)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 August 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Australia Grants Workers ‘Right to Disconnect’
Source: Th
Context: Recently, Australia has granted millions of workers the legal right to disconnect from their jobs outside work hours, unless deemed unreasonable. This law, similar to those in Europe and Latin America, allows workers to ignore after-hours contact from employers, promoting work-life balance.
Advantages of the ‘Right to Disconnect’:
- Promotes work-life balance.
- Reduces employee burnout and stress.
- Enhances mental well-being.
- Increases productivity during work hours.
- Fosters fairness and respect for personal time.
Issues concerning the ‘Right to Disconnect’:
- Confusion over what constitutes “reasonable” contact.
- Challenges for industries needing urgent out-of-hours communication.
- Uncertainty in employer-employee interactions outside work hours.
- Difficulties in enforcing and regulating the policy across varied job roles.
- Free Market Concerns: Belief that work demands should be self-regulated by market forces without government intervention.
- Challenges for Startups: Startups often require flexible, long working hours, and such laws could limit growth by restricting this flexibility.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Minister launched the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme on National Sports Day (29th August). The initiative aims to empower retired athletes by providing them with career development skills and making them more employable.
The RESET Programme will bridge generational gaps by leveraging the experience of retired sportspersons to nurture future talent. Eligible athletes, aged 20-50, who have achieved significant national or international success, can apply through a dedicated portal. The programme, led by Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), will offer courses in hybrid mode and include internships and placement assistance.
About National Sports Day:
It is celebrated on August 29, and honours hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary. Established in 2012, the day promotes physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle while fostering a strong sports culture in India.
Major Dhyan Chand, known as the ‘magician of hockey,’ was a standout field hockey player from 1926 to 1949, earning three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936). He and his brother Roop Singh, known as the ‘hockey twins,’ greatly contributed to India’s hockey success. Dhyan Chand retired as a Major in 1956 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan.
Prelims Link:
Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards: (UPSC 2023)
| 1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award | For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over period of last four years |
| 2. Arjuna Award | For the lifetime achievement by sportsperson |
| 3. Dronacharya Award | To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams |
| 4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar | To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (b)
WGC Raises India’s Gold Consumption Forecast to 850 Tonnes
Source: ET
Context: The World Gold Council (WGC) has increased India’s gold consumption projection for 2024 to 850 tonnes from 750 tonnes. This revision is due to favourable monsoon conditions and a reduction in gold import duty. The rise in demand, mainly driven by jewellery purchases, is expected to continue through Diwali-Dhanteras. Additionally, interest in gold ETFs is growing
About Gold:
It is a significant global commodity. In 2022, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading exporters of gold. Major importers included Switzerland, China, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and India. The top producers of gold are China, Australia, and Russia. In India, the largest resources of gold ore (primary) are located in Bihar (44%), followed by Rajasthan (25%) and Karnataka (21%). India is the world’s second-largest consumer of gold, after China, reflecting its substantial demand for this precious metal.
About WGC:
The World Gold Council (HQ: London; est. 1987) is an international trade association for the gold industry. It has offices in India, China, Singapore, the UAE and the United States. The organization’s members are gold mining companies.
Prelims Link:
Consider the following statements regarding Gold Ore Reserves
1. The largest reserves of gold ores in India is located in Bihar
2. Globally the largest reserves of gold ores are located in South Africa
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] Both 1 and 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A (1 only)
Payment Passkey Service
Source: TH Business Line
Context: Mastercard has debuted its Payment Passkey Service in India, offering a secure, non-OTP-based solution for online transactions.
What is Payment Passkey Service?
The Payment Passkey Service is a secure, non-OTP-based method for managing online transactions. Here’s how it works:
- Authentication Method: Instead of using traditional passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs), this service relies on biometric authentication (fingerprints, facial scans) or PINs available on the user’s device.
- Tokenization: The service uses tokenization to replace sensitive financial information with secure, encrypted tokens. This means your actual financial data is not shared during transactions, enhancing security.
- Transaction Process:
-
- When making a purchase, the consumer selects their Mastercard at checkout.
- For payment confirmation, the service utilizes the biometric authentication features on the user’s device.
- Upon successful authentication, the transaction is completed instantly.
Benefits:
- Simplified Transactions: Users avoid the hassle of remembering or sharing passwords and OTPs.
- Enhanced Security: By not exposing financial data and using secure tokens, the service reduces the risk of fraud.
- Faster Checkout: Streamlines the payment process, making online shopping quicker and more efficient.
Dhaincha and Green Manuring
Context: The Tamil Nadu government has recently distributed Dhaincha (green manure) under the Chief Minister’s Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom (MKMK) Scheme. Farmers receive 20 kg of green manure per acre at a 50% subsidy to improve soil health.
About Dhaincha and Green Manuring
- Dhaincha: A tall herb grown in wet areas, used for livestock feed and soil improvement.
- Green Manuring: Involves growing and incorporating leguminous plants into the soil. Benefits include improved soil structure, increased water retention, reduced erosion, weed control, and enhanced soil microorganism activity.
India Commissions INS Arighaat
Source: LM
Context: India has commissioned its second nuclear-powered missile submarine, INS Arighaat at Visakhapatnam
With the addition of INS Arighaat, India’s navy now has two SSBNs (INS Arihant and INS Arighaat). Both submarines are part of the indigenously developed Arihant-class under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project. INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, has successfully launched a Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) that can carry either four K-4 SLBMs or twelve K-15 SLBMs. India also leased a Russian Akula-class submarine in 2019. These submarines bolster India’s nuclear deterrence and strategic stability in South Asia, but face challenges from China’s advanced submarine capabilities and other technological and investment issues.
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