UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024

 

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 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 – 26 September 2024)

1. LAC issue

2. Custodial Death Judgement

 

GS Paper 3:

3. Project cheetah

 

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

4. Francesca Gino

5. Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College Hospital Probe

 

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

1. Lokayukta

2. SCO

3. DF-41

4. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord

5. Minerals Security Finance Network

 

Mapping

6. Lebanon

 

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024

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GS Paper 2:

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LAC issue

Reference:  Indian Express

Syllabus: International Relations

 

Context: India and China are learnt to have made “significant progress” in narrowing their gap on pending issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

 

Progress on LAC issue:

1. Recent Diplomatic and Military Talks: The 31st WMCC talks and upcoming Corps Commanders’ meeting are key to finalizing troop redeployment and disengagement along the LAC. Both sides are discussing implementation details.
2. Confidence-Building Measures and Troop Movements: Local commanders are holding regular meetings to prevent clashes, with both sides on alert but avoiding confrontation. Redeployment of troops will be gradual, continuing winter stocking efforts.
3. Infrastructure and Military Enhancements: India is planning to raise the 72 Division by mid-2024 for deployment in Ladakh, enhancing its military capabilities. Border infrastructure development continues to strengthen preparedness.
4. Diplomatic Statements and Progress: Statements from both sides indicate that 75% of disengagement issues have been resolved, with disengagement completed at four points. Further talks aim to achieve complete disengagement.
5. Legacy Issues: Long-standing disputes at Depsang Plains and Demchok persist, with Chinese troops blocking access to patrol points. Ongoing discussions are focused on resolving these legacy issues.

 

Background on LAC:

1. LAC Definition: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
2. Sectors: It is divided into three sectors—eastern (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim), middle (Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh), and western (Ladakh).
3. Length Discrepancy: India claims the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while China claims it is around 2,000 km long.

 

Timeline of LAC Developments:

Differences Between India and China on LAC:

1. China’s Stance: China views the LAC in the eastern sector to align with the McMahon Line, claiming Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet.
2. India’s Stance: India rejects China’s 1959 definition of the LAC and asserts that Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh are part of its territory.
3. Border Discrepancy: China’s claim lines in Ladakh are vague, allowing for creeping military incursions.

 

Way Forward to Resolve the Issue:

1. Clarification of the LAC: Both sides need to agree on an LAC map that is demarcated on the ground to prevent further conflicts.
2. Ongoing Dialogue: Diplomatic and military-level talks should continue to resolve legacy issues like Depsang Plains and Demchok.
3. Confidence-Building Measures: Local commanders from both sides should maintain regular meetings to avoid skirmishes.
4. Buffer Zones: The creation of additional buffer zones can temporarily ease tensions, though permanent solutions are required.

 

Conclusion:

While India and China have made significant progress on disengagement along the LAC, key areas of tension remain unresolved. Continuous dialogue, better border infrastructure, and transparency in troop movements are essential for stabilizing relations and achieving a long-term resolution to border disputes.

 

Insta Links:

• What is the Line of Actual Control (LAC)?

 

Mains Link:

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is transforming itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present times. Discuss (UPSC 2020)

 

Prelims Link:

 

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Custodial Death Judgement

Reference:          Live Law

Syllabus: Governance: Criminal Justice System

 

Context: The Supreme Court has delivered a split verdict in an appeal by police officers convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other offences in a decades-old custodial death case for the alleged torture and death of a man in police custody in December 1995.

 

Judgement Summary:

1. The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict in a custodial death case, focusing on the conviction under Section 304 (culpable homicide) of IPC.
2. The key issue revolved around identifying the body, with differing views on whether the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the deceased was the victim.
3. One opinion upheld convictions for custodial torture but acquitted the accused of culpable homicide due to lack of conclusive identification.
4. The ruling highlighted concerns about police misconduct and the need for accountability in cases involving custodial abuse.

 

About Custodial Death Overview & Data: 

Negatives of Custodial Deaths:

1. Human Rights Violations: Custodial deaths represent gross violations of Article 21 of the Constitution (Right to Life), as seen in cases like the Mathura custodial rape case (1972).
2. Erosion of Trust in Law Enforcement: Incidents like Jayaraj and Bennix’s custodial deaths (2020) undermine public confidence in the justice system.
3. Excessive Force: The use of third-degree methods during interrogation leads to physical and mental trauma, often going unpunished due to lack of accountability.
4. Global Reputation: India’s extradition efforts are hampered as countries cite concerns over custodial torture (e.g., Vijay Mallya’s case).

 

Measures to Combat Custodial Deaths:

1. Strengthening Legal Systems: Enact comprehensive laws criminalizing custodial torture, as per Supreme Court directives (e.g., Prakash Singh case, 2006).
2. Police Reforms: Separate law and order from investigation functions, and ensure human rights training for police officers.
3. Technology Implementation: Use body cameras and install mandatory CCTV cameras in all police stations for enhanced oversight.
4. Oversight Mechanisms: Expand the jurisdiction of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate custodial deaths, including those under armed forces’ jurisdiction.
5. Sensitization Programs: Regular workshops on ethical treatment and custodial rights for law enforcement officers.

 

Conclusion:

Custodial deaths erode human dignity and legal trust. Reforms in policing, stronger oversight, and adherence to human rights principles are vital to upholding justice and ensuring the protection of individuals in custody.

 

Insta Links:

• India’s Criminal Justice System

 

Mains Link: 

We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (UPSC 2014) 

Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (UPSC 2015)

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024 GS Paper 3:

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Project cheetah

Reference: Indian Express

 

Context: Project Cheetah, which saw the introduction of the African sub-species of the wild cat in India, completed two years on September 17.

 

Background of Project Cheetah:

1. Cheetah Extinction in India: Cheetahs were officially declared extinct in India in 1952 due to overhunting and habitat loss.
2. Goal of Reintroduction: The project aims to establish a viable cheetah population in central India, restoring ecosystems such as grasslands and savannahs.
3. Translocation from Africa: In 2022, the first batch of 8 cheetahs arrived from Namibia, followed by 12 from South Africa in early 2023.
4. Cheetah Breeding and Expansion: The project also seeks to promote breeding and establish a metapopulation across various wildlife reserves in India.
5. Ecosystem Restoration: Cheetahs are used as an umbrella species to restore open ecosystems, contributing to the conservation of other species dependent on these habitats.

 

Analysis of Two Years of Performance:

Positives:

1. Successful Translocation: 24 cheetahs, including cubs, have survived the initial translocation and acclimatization to India’s environment.
2. Breeding Success: 17 cubs have been born within two years, showing potential for population expansion.
3. Adaptive Movements: Some cheetahs, like Veera, have demonstrated wide-ranging movements, indicating the possibility of cheetahs adapting to free-range life.
4. Multi-location Translocation: Plans to expand the project to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary are underway to spread out the population.

 

Challenges:

1. High Mortality Rate: 8 cheetahs (40% of translocated adults) and 5 cubs (29%) have died due to issues such as infection, mating injuries, and environmental stress.
2. Limited Wild Release: Most cheetahs are still in enclosures, raising concerns about their ability to thrive independently in the wild.
3. Prey Deficit: The declining prey population, especially chital, poses a major challenge in supporting both cheetahs and leopards in Kuno National Park.
4. Interstate Coordination: The cheetahs’ movements across states highlight the need for landscape-level conservation strategies and cooperation across regions.

 

Way Ahead:

1. Prey Base Augmentation: Immediate efforts are required to increase prey density in Kuno and Gandhi Sagar to support the cheetah population.
2. Habitat Restoration: Conservation efforts should focus on restoring and protecting grasslands and savannahs, spanning multiple districts and states.
3. Gradual Wild Release: Post-monsoon release plans must be carefully managed to ensure cheetahs adapt successfully to free-range habitats.
   1. Transparent Project Management: Improved communication with experts and the public is essential for long-term success, especially regarding challenges and strategies.

 

Conclusion:

While Project Cheetah has shown promise through breeding success and acclimatization, the high mortality rate and delayed wild release raise concerns about its sustainability. A focus on habitat restoration, prey management, and effective coordination will be crucial to ensuring the project’s long-term success.

 

Inta Links:

Cheetah reintroduction project

 

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2020)

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Francesca Gino

• A renowned behavioural scientist, faces allegations of data manipulation in multiple studies, leading to her unpaid leave from Harvard and a defamation lawsuit against Harvard and the whistleblowers.
• She maintains her innocence, attributing errors to research assistants or unknown parties.

 

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Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College Hospital Probe

 

SNG Envirosolutions, a company without any waste treatment plants, managed to secure up to 70% of government hospital waste contracts, violating ethical standards and contract terms.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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Lokayukta:

Reference: Hindustan Times

Context:  Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is facing a Lokayukta investigation ordered by a special court over claims of misusing his position to acquire 14 plots for his wife in Mysuru.

 

Background of Lokayukta

• Concept Origin: Derived from the Scandinavian Ombudsman system, the Lokayukta was first recommended by the Administrative Reforms Commission (1966-70).
• First Implementation: Maharashtra pioneered the institution of Lokayukta in 1971.
• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013): Mandated all Indian states to establish a Lokayukta to investigate grievances and corruption allegations.
  • The Lokayukta typically consists of a Lokayukta and one or more Upa-Lokayuktas.
  • The number varies from state to state, and appointments are made by the Governor, usually in consultation with the state’s Chief Justice and Leader of the Opposition.

 

Powers of Lokayukta

• Investigation of Public Servants: Probes allegations of corruption and misconduct against state officials, including ministers and public servants.
• Suo Motu Powers: Can act on its own without a formal complaint, based on media reports or personal information.
• Recommendations: Though its decisions are not binding, it can recommend corrective measures and prosecutions.
• Autonomy: Independent of government interference, yet often faces challenges due to state dependence on resources.

 

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SCO

Reference:  The Hindu

Context: India’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is significant, with discussions on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar possibly attending the 2024 meeting in Pakistan, despite strained bilateral ties.

 

About SCO:

• Origin: Started as the “Shanghai Five” in 1996 to address security issues.
• Establishment: Formed in 2001, adding Uzbekistan and evolving into the SCO.
• Members: 10 members including India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and the recent addition of Belarus.
• 2024 Summit host:Astana, Kazakhstan
• 2025 SCO Summit;
  • People’s Republic of China will assume the SCO chairmanship for the next term, and Qingdao, China will be appointed the SCO’s tourism and cultural capital for 2024-2025.

 

2024 SCO Summit Summit:

• New Membership: Belarus joining as the 10th member.
• Astana Declaration: Adoption of 25 key agreements on issues like energy and security.
• India-China Dialogue: Focus on resolving border disputes and disengagement along the LAC.

 

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DF-41

Reference:  Times of India

 

Context: China says it successfully fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, a rare public test that analysts said was meant to send a message to the United States and its allies amid heightened regional tensions.

 

About DF-41:

• Origin: In 1980, China test-fired its first ICBM, the DF-5.
• Estimated range: 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers
• Stock: China held more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and is likely to have more than 1,000 by 2030.

 

About Intercontinental Ballistic Missile:

• Range: ICBMs have a range greater than 5,500 km and are primarily designed to deliver nuclear warheads.
• Countries: 8 nations have operational ICBMs—US, Russia, China, France, UK, India, Israel, and North Korea.
• India’s ICBM: Agni series
• Despite being nuclear-armed, Pakistan does not possess ICBMs

 

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Clause 6 of the Assam Accord

Reference: Indian Express

Context: After a meeting with representatives of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on Wednesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma set the ball rolling for the implementation of 52 recommendations of the Justice Biplab Sarma Committee regarding Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

 

Key Features of Clause 6:

1. Protection for Assamese Identity: It calls for measures to safeguard the unique identity and culture of the Assamese people.
2. Legislative Safeguards: Provisions for legislative steps to ensure the protection of Assamese cultural and social interests.
3. Cultural and Linguistic Preservation: It emphasizes promoting the Assamese language and cultural heritage, particularly against the backdrop of the state’s demographic changes due to immigration.
4. Political Representation: Suggested measures include reservations for Assamese people in the state legislature, Parliament, and local bodies.

 

Justice Biplab Sarma Committee

1. Established: In 2019, a 14-member high-level committee was formed by the Union Home Ministry, chaired by retired Justice Biplab Sarma.
2. Objective: To recommend specific measures for implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

 

Key Recommendations of the Committee:

1. Definition of “Assamese People”: The committee recommended defining “Assamese people” as indigenous tribals, citizens residing in Assam on or before January 1, 1951, and their descendants.
2. Land and Language Safeguards: Limiting land ownership to Assamese people in certain areas and making Assamese the compulsory official language.
3. Reservation: Recommendations for 80-100% reservations in government jobs, educational institutions, and political seats for Assamese people.
4. Cultural Heritage: Establishment of cultural complexes and authorities to promote Assam’s diverse cultural practices.

 

Implementation Status:

While the Assam government has accepted 52 recommendations, key political recommendations like Inner Line Permit and reservations require Constitutional amendments and have been left out for now.

 

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Minerals Security Finance Network

Reference:Indian Express

Context:   India is now formally a part of the Minerals Security Finance Network, a US-led initiative aiming to strengthen cooperation among members to secure supply chains for critical minerals. 

 

About Mineral Security Finance Network:

• MSFN: A US-led initiative, part of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), to secure global supply chains for critical minerals.
• Global Focus: Aims to reduce dependency on China for minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths, crucial for clean energy and electronics.
• Key Objectives:
  • Uniting Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) to fund critical mineral projects.
  • Promoting public-private cooperation to meet global mineral demand.
• India’s Role: India’s inclusion aligns with its EV, electronics, and semiconductor push, ensuring a steady mineral supply.
• China’s Dominance: China controls 70% of rare earth production, with a robust processing infrastructure for minerals like cobalt from Africa.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024 Mapping

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Lebanon:

Reference: Times of India

Context: Israel says it targeted Hezbollah weapons and rocket launchers in attacks that have killed more than 600 people, at least a quarter of them women and children, according to Lebanese health officials.

 

 Key Geological Features:

• Mountains: Lebanon is dominated by two main mountain ranges:

• • • Mount Lebanon Range: Runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast.
    • Anti-Lebanon Range: Forms the eastern boundary, shared with Syria.

• River: The Litani River is Lebanon’s longest, flowing entirely within the country.

Important Cities:

• Beirut: Capital and largest city, located on the Mediterranean coast.
• Tripoli: Major northern city, significant for trade and industry.
• Sidon: A historical city in the south, known for its port.
• Tyre: An ancient city, also on the southern coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Zahle: An important city in the Beqaa Valley, a key agricultural region.

 

Neighbouring Nations:

• Syria: Lies to the north and east of Lebanon.
• Israel: Borders Lebanon to the south.
• Mediterranean Sea: Forms the western boundary.

 

 

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 September 2024

 

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