Daily Current Affairs UPSC 04 September 2024

SCOMET List (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies)

• The Department of Defence Production (MoD) has been authorized by DGFT to be the licensing authority for the export of Category 6 items under SCOMET for military end use.
• SCOMET is the National Export Control List that includes dual use items, munitions, and nuclear related items, as well as software and technology.
• SCOMET is aligned with various multilateral export control regimes such as the Missile Technology Control Regime, Wassenaar Arrangement, and Australia Group.
• SCOMET has 9 categories (0 to 8) and is notified by DGFT under Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items.
• SCOMET is regulated under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992.
• The policy and procedures for SCOMET are outlined in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.

IndOBIS

• The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) has created the Ocean Eyes mobile app for community engagement in marine biodiversity monitoring.
• The app supports the goals of IndOBIS, the Indian regional node of the global Ocean Biodiversity Information System.
• IndOBIS is managed by CMLRE in Kochi and is part of the International Oceanographic Data and Information (IODE) programme under IOC-UNESCO.
• OBIS, which originated from the Census of Marine Life, offers free access to biodiversity and biogeographic data on marine life.

Exercise Varuna

• The Indian Navy's P8I Poseidon Aircraft is currently on its first deployment in Europe to take part in the 2024 edition of 'Exercise Varuna'.
• The P8I Poseidon is a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft made by Boeing Defense in the US.
• The P8I is a version of the P-8 Poseidon that is customized for use by the Indian Navy.
• Exercise Varuna is a naval exercise that involves both India and France.
• The 2024 edition of Exercise Varuna will be held in the Mediterranean Sea.

National Test House (NTH)

• NTH and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency have signed a MoU to promote energy efficiency in India.
• NTH is a leading institution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Originally established as the Government Test House in 1912, NTH is now India's largest multi-location multidisciplinary testing laboratory under the Central Government.
• NTH specializes in testing, calibration, and quality evaluation according to international and national standards for various industries, commerce, and trade sectors.
• NTH also provides support to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
• NTH is the first Government Body in India to certify drones.

Gross Fixed Capital Formation

• The World Bank has predicted a decrease in Gross Fixed Capital Formation in the Indian economy for the fiscal year 2025.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation, also known as investment, refers to the acquisition of produced assets, including assets produced by producers for their own use, minus disposals.
• "Produced assets" are assets that come into existence as a result of a production process and do not include the purchase of land and natural resources.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation includes assets intended for use in the production of other goods and services for a period of more than a year, such as land improvements, plant and machinery purchases, and construction of infrastructure like roads and railways.

Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas

• Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas is a mock drill focused on Pandemic Preparedness conducted as part of the National One Health Mission (NOHM).
• NOHM promotes the "One Health" approach to achieve integrated disease control and pandemic preparedness.
• The purpose of Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas, also known as Virus War Exercise, is to evaluate the readiness and response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) which includes experts from human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors.
• A simulated zoonotic disease outbreak scenario was created during the drill to mimic a real-world outbreak.
• Stakeholders involved in the drill included various national and state agencies such as ICMR, AIIMS Jodhpur BSL-3 Lab, and state administrations.

Oceanic Nino Index (ONI)

• Researchers are currently examining how El Nino and La Nina affect the Indian monsoon.
• The Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) is a key tool for studying the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
• The ONI, used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, measures the temperature difference in the east-central tropical Pacific over a 3-month period.
• An ONI value of +0.5 or higher signifies El Nino, while a value of -0.5 or lower indicates La Nina.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

• Ministry of Labour and Employment is working to extend PMAY benefits to marginalized workers.
• State Governments are being encouraged to include migrant workers, building workers, beedi workers, non-coal mine workers, contract labourers, and other unorganised workers in the PMAY scheme.
• The Management Information System (MIS) Portal for Building, Construction and Migrant workers is now fully operational.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims to provide Pucca houses to all eligible beneficiaries.
• PMAY has been extended for an additional five years, from the financial year 2024-25 to 2028-29, with the goal of providing two crore additional houses to eligible beneficiaries.

Kenya (Capital: Nairobi)

The third edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting between India and Kenya took place in New Delhi recently.

Political Features

• Situated in Eastern Africa.
• Shares borders with Somalia to the Northeast, Ethiopia to the North, South Sudan to the Northwest, Uganda to the East, and Tanzania to the South.
• Has a maritime border with the Indian Ocean to the East.
• Nairobi is home to the headquarters of UNEP and UN-HABITAT.

Geographical Features

• Kenya is almost bisected horizontally by the Equator.
• It has major lakes such as Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria.
• Major rivers in Kenya include Athi/Galana, Tana, and Mara.
• The country has mountain ranges like Aberdare Range and Mau Escarpment.
• Mount Kenya is the highest point in Kenya and the second highest in Africa.

"President Greenlights 23rd Law Commission Constitution"

Establishment and Duration of the 23rd Law Commission. The 23rd Law Commission will be in operation from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027.

23rd Law Commission

• Purpose of the Mandate: The purpose of this mandate is to evaluate the current state of the Indian legal system and propose changes that will improve its effectiveness and efficiency.
• Composition of the Committee: The committee will be made up of a full-time chairperson, four members, and additional ex-officio and part-time members. This diverse group of individuals will bring a range of perspectives and expertise to the table, ensuring a comprehensive review and recommendation process.

Terms of Reference

• Review and Repeal of Obsolete Laws:
  
  • Create a Standard Operating Procedure for reviewing existing laws periodically to simplify them.
  • Suggest repealing and amendments to laws based on relevance and current economic needs.
• Law and Poverty:
  
  • Analyze laws affecting the poor and conduct post-enactment audits of socio-economic legislation.
• Review of Judicial Administration:
  
  • Ensure timely disposal of cases and clearance of arrears to eliminate delays.
  • Simplify processes and harmonize rules of various high courts.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs):
  
  • Examine current laws and propose reforms to effectively implement DPSPs and achieve the objectives in the Preamble.
• Gender Equality:
  
  • Strengthen laws through examination and suggest amendments to promote gender equality.
• Revision of Central Acts:
  
  • Remove anomalies and inequities in central acts through revision.
• Impact of Globalization on Food Security and Unemployment:
  
  • Examine the effects of globalization on food security and unemployment.
  • Recommend measures to protect marginalized groups.

About  Law Commission of India

• The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body established by the Ministry of Law and Justice to reform laws for justice and good governance.
• It conducts research and provides recommendations based on defined Terms of Reference.
• The first Law Commission was established in 1834 under the Chairmanship of Lord Macaulay by the Governor-General empowered by the Charter Act, 1833.

"India's First Combat UAV Takes Flight"

• Bengaluru-based firm Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) recently announced the successful launch of India's first Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), FWD 200B.
• This development showcases India's increasing self-reliance in defence technology and indigenization efforts.

Key Features of FWD 200B

• It is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UCAV with a maximum take-off weight of 102 kg and a payload capacity of 30 kg.
• The drone is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes and bombing.
• Operating at a cruise altitude of 12,000 feet, it can reach up to 15,000 feet with a cruise speed of 152 kmph and a maximum speed of 250 kmph.
• With an endurance of 7 hours and a range of 800 km, it is designed for extended mission capabilities.
• The drone is ideal for short airstrips, requiring a runway of just 300 meters.

Initiatives for Defence Indigenization

• Policy and Schemes: Defence Production and Export Promotion
  
  • The government has implemented policies such as 'Make in India' and notification of 'Positive Indigenization List' to promote domestic defence production. Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) have also been introduced to encourage innovation in the sector.
• Partnership and Global Cooperation: Strategic Partnership
  
  • The Strategic Partnership Model aims to foster collaboration between India's private sector and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the defence industry. The government has also increased the FDI limits to 74% through the Automatic Route and 100% through the Government Route to attract foreign investment.
• Others: Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board, Defence Industrial Corridors, SRIJAN Portal
  
  • The corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board aims to improve efficiency and productivity in defence production. The establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors and the SRIJAN Portal are additional initiatives to promote growth and innovation in the defence sector.

Related News

• DAC recently accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals.
• DAC is chaired by the Union Defence Minister and is the highest decision-making body on policy and capital procurement issues.
• 99% of procurement is from indigenous sources under Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian- Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories.
• AoNs have been accorded for procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), Air Defence Fire Control Radars, Dornier-228 aircraft, among others.
• FRCV will be a futuristic Main Battle Tank with superior mobility, all-terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision & lethal fires, and real-time situational awareness.

Corruption Concerns in Railway, Delhi Local Bodies, and PSBs: CVC Report

In its Annual Report 2023, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) highlighted the number of corruption complaints received and resolved against public officials in various ministries, departments, and sectors.

Key Highlights of the Report

• In 2023, CVC received a total of 74203 corruption complaints.
• Out of these complaints, 66373 cases have been resolved while 7830 are still pending.
• The Commission also released guidelines on different aspects of vigilance administration, including Punitive, Preventive, and Participative Vigilance.

Punitive, Preventive, and Participative Vigilance

• Punitive Measures: Implementing timely and effective punitive actions against individuals found guilty of misconduct in order to deter others from engaging in corrupt practices.
• Preventive Measures: Proactively working towards achieving a corruption-free governance system by proposing structural remedies to reduce the likelihood of corrupt activities.
  • This can involve simplifying or updating rules, implementing rotational transfers of officers, and re-engineering processes.
• Participative Approach: Encouraging active involvement of all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and educational institutions, to educate about the negative impacts of corruption. 
  
  • This can include initiatives like Vigilance Awareness Week to build the capacity of individuals and organizations in combating corruption.

About Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

• The CVC is a statutory body established in 1964 through a Resolution of the Government of India.
• It was conferred statutory status in 1998 through an ordinance.
• The CVC consists of a 3-member body, including the Central Vigilance Commissioner and 2 Vigilance Commissioners.
• Members are appointed by the President on the recommendations of a High-Powered Committee.

Functions:

• Manages oversight of vigilance administrations in Central Ministries, Departments, and Organizations.
• Conducts initial investigations into complaints forwarded by Lokpal involving officials of different ranks.
• Monitors the operations of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) in probing corruption-related crimes.

"New Initiatives Launched by Union Agriculture Minister to Support Farmers"

• The AgriSURE fund is designed to support new businesses and rural enterprises in the agricultural sector.
• The Krishi Nivesh Portal serves as a centralized platform for agricultural investors to access benefits from different government schemes.

About AgriSURE Fund

• The AgriSURE Fund was announced in the 2022-23 Budget.
• It will be set up as a Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) that will provide both equity and debt support.
• AIFs are privately pooled investment vehicles that collect funds from sophisticated investors to invest according to a defined investment policy.
• Contributions to the fund include ₹250 Crores each from NABARD and the Ministry of Agriculture, and ₹250 Crores from other institutions, including private investors.
• NABVENTURES Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD, will serve as the Investment Manager for the Fund.
• The Fund consists of two schemes: AgriSURE – FoF Scheme and AgriSURE – Direct Scheme.
  
  • The AgriSURE – FoF Scheme will provide funding support to Category I and Category II Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that make onward investments in Start-ups.
  • The AgriSURE – Direct Scheme will involve direct equity investment in early-stage Start-ups.
• Significance - The AgriSURE Fund aims to foster innovation in agriculture, enhance the value chain of farm produce, create and improve rural infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, and support the development of IT-based solutions.

Challenges of Rural startups

• Financial institutions are hesitant to lend money, leading to a lack of financial accessibility for rural entrepreneurs.
• Limited availability of banking services in rural areas further exacerbates the difficulty in obtaining necessary funds.
• Connectivity and logistical constraints make it challenging for entrepreneurs to purchase raw materials and resources.
• Rural startups struggle to grow due to a lack of technological awareness, training programs, and comprehensive services.

"President Urges Supreme Court to Address 'Black Coat Syndrome'"

• The President used the term "Justice Anxiety" to describe the anxiety felt by ordinary citizens in court settings.
• Similar to "White Coat Hypertension" where blood pressure increases in hospitals.

Reasons for Perception

• High pendency of cases, with 82,887 pending in the Supreme Court as of August 31.
• Delays in deciding serious crimes like rape contribute to the perception of insensitivity.
• Frequent adjournments cause mental and financial pressure, especially for those traveling from villages.
• Issues with district judiciary, with only 6.7% of court infrastructure being female friendly.

Steps to Address Issues

• Speed up modernization efforts through initiatives like e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project and Tele-Law programme.
• Utilize alternate modes of resolution such as pre-litigation dispute resolution like Lok Adalat.
• Address infrastructure gaps through schemes like Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Judicial Infrastructure.
• Reform laws to reduce pendency, such as applying Section 479 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita retrospectively to first-time offenders.
• Institutionalize a pro bono culture through initiatives like the Nyaya Bandhu programme.