Daily Current Affairs UPSC 25 June 2024

Renaming of States

• Kerala Assembly passed a resolution to change the state's name to 'Keralam'.
• The process for renaming states can be initiated by either the Parliament or State Legislature.
• Renaming is governed by Article 3 of the Constitution.
• The Article empowers Parliament to change the name of any state through a law.
• A bill can be introduced in Parliament on the recommendation of the President.
• The bill is then sent to the Legislature of the state for their input.
• The bill must be passed by a simple majority in each house.
• Once the President gives assent, the change in the state's name is recorded in the First and Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.

International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)

• IHO celebrates World Hydrography Day annually on June 21 to raise awareness about hydrography.
• Hydrography is the science that measures and describes physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes, and rivers.
• IHO is an intergovernmental organization that ensures all world's navigable waters are surveyed and charted.
• It coordinates activities of national hydrographic offices.
• IHO Secretariat has been hosted by Principality of Monaco since its establishment in 1921.
• IHO has 100 Member States including India.
• Indian Naval Hydrographic Department under Indian Navy is responsible for hydrographic surveys and nautical charting in India.

Scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenses for Holders of Exploration License

• Ministry of Mines has introduced a Scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenses for Exploration License holders.
• The objective of the scheme is to provide partial reimbursement of exploration expenses from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET).
• NMET was established in 2015 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to accelerate mineral exploration in the country.
• Eligibility for the scheme is limited to Exploration License holders granted under section 10BA of the MMDR Act.
• The provision of Exploration License was introduced through an amendment in the MMDR Act in 2023.

Front Running

• A Mutual Fund was recently accused of engaging in Front-Running.
• Front-Running involves using non-public information to trade securities before a large order is placed.
• This practice is illegal in India and undermines confidence in financial markets.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India amended regulations in 2022 to address front running by Mutual Funds.

Central Civil Services (Leave) (Amendment) Rules, 2024

• The Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions has notified the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2024.
• Key amendments include granting maternity leave of 180 days to surrogate or commissioning mothers with less than two surviving children who are Government servants.
• Commissioning mother refers to the intending mother of a child born through surrogacy.
• Central employee commissioning fathers with less than two living children will now be entitled to 15 days of paternity leave within six months of the child's birth.
• Previously, there were no rules in place to grant maternity or paternity leave for surrogacy.

World Craft City (WCC)

• Srinagar has been designated as a 'World Craft City' by the World Crafts Council.
• This recognition will support the handloom and handicraft industry, promote tourism, enhance infrastructure, and attract more investment and funding.
• The World Crafts Council was established in 1964 to empower artisans and preserve craft heritage worldwide.
• The World Crafts Council- International launched the World Craft Cities initiative in 2014.
• The initiative aims to create a network of craft cities globally, promoting the principles of the creative economy.
• It acknowledges the important role of local authorities, craftspeople, and communities in cultural, economic, and social development on a global scale.

Oath of Members of Parliament

• Newly elected Members of Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha have begun taking their oaths.
• Taking an oath is necessary for MPs to participate in debates and voting in Parliament.
• Constitutional provisions regarding oaths are outlined in Article 99 and Article 104.
• Oaths must be subscribed before the President or a person appointed by him, as per Article 99.
• The forms of oath are provided in the Third Schedule.
• Article 104 imposes a penalty on members who sit in the House without taking the oath.
• There is an exception to this rule where an individual can become a minister without being elected to Parliament and can participate in proceedings without voting.
• Oaths can be taken in English or any of the 22 Scheduled languages.

Javelin anti-tank Weapon System

• India and the US discussed the possibility of producing American javelin missiles in India.
• The Javelin anti-tank Weapon System is considered the world's top single man-portable medium-range anti-tank weapon system.
• The missile automatically guides itself to the target after launch, following a fire-and-forget principle.
• This feature allows the gunner to take cover and avoid counter fire.
• The Javelin missile can be safely fired from inside buildings or bunkers.

Philippines (Capital: Manila)

• Philippines Ambassador praises BrahMos missiles for providing credible defense.

Political features of the Philippines

• Island country in Southeast Asia located in the western Pacific Ocean
• Surrounded by water bodies such as the Philippine Sea, Celebes Sea, Sulu Sea, and South China Sea.

Geographical features of the Philippines

• Highest Point: Mount Apo.
• Major Rivers: Cagayan River, Mindanao River, Agusan River, etc.
• Climate: Tropical and monsoonal climate in the country.

"The Cost of Inaction: Global Impact of Children and Youth Not Learning"

• The report was a joint effort by UNESCO, OECD, and the Commonwealth Secretariat to analyze the economic and societal impact of educational deficiencies.

Key Findings

• The report found that out-of-school children and educational gaps cost the global economy $10,000 billion annually.
• Despite efforts over the years, around 250 million children and young people globally are still out of school.
• 57% of the world's children lack basic skill levels, highlighting a significant educational gap.
• Secondary education was found to reduce the risk of early marriage and childbirth for girls.
• Early school leavers, especially females, were linked to a 59% increase in early pregnancies.
• A 10% reduction in early school leavers or those without basic skills could boost annual GDP growth by 1 to 2% points.

Recommendations

• The report recommended improving school infrastructure, including single-sex water and sanitation facilities and reducing class sizes.
• It highlighted the success of initiatives like constructing toilets in India, which decreased dropout rates for both girls and boys.
• Promoting health and mental well-being through comprehensive sex education was also recommended.
• The report suggested promoting vocational education and training that addresses gender barriers and meets labor market needs.

Key Initiatives to Address Educational Deficiencies

Global:

• Education was declared a universal human right in 1948, and SDG 4 aims to ensure quality education for all.

India: 

• Initiatives like the Right to Education Act 2009, Samagra Shiksha Programme 2018, and the National Education Policy 2020 are key efforts to improve education.
• Other initiatives in India include PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) 2022 and the PMPOSHAN Scheme (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme).

"Deadly Tamil Nadu Illicit Liquor Tragedy"

• Deaths have been linked to methanol poisoning from illicitly produced Hooch/Spurious liquor. Hooch is a term used for low-quality alcohol that may contain methanol along with ethanol.

Methanol (CH3OH)

• Also known as wood alcohol or spirit, traditionally produced from wood.
• Modern method involves syngas derived from biomass or other sources.
• Characteristics include being colorless, volatile, and mixable with water.
• Used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and for making formaldehyde
• Ingestion can cause blindness and even death.

Regulatory Framework

• Food Safety and Standards Regulations set limits on methanol in liquors.
• Hazardous Chemical Rules regulate methanol and are included in Schedule 1.
• Some states have banned the sale of alcoholic drinks containing methanol.

Way forward

• Need for strong central legislation to regulate methanol supply chain
• Tightening laws such as the Poisons Act to prevent methanol poisoning

Ethanol (C2H5OH)

• Obtained commercially through fermentation of sugars.
• Used as a solvent and in the preparation of carbon compounds.
• Also used as a renewable fuel.
• Ingestion affects the central nervous system, judgment, and inhibitions

"India's First Underground Coal Gasification Pilot Project Launched in Jharkhand"

• This initiative aims to transform the coal industry by utilizing in-situ coal gasification.

About Coal Gasification

• Coal gasification is a process that converts underground coal into valuable gases like methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
• During the gasification process, coal is partially oxidized under controlled conditions to produce a liquid fuel called syngas.
• Syngas, a mixture of CO and hydrogen, can be used for power generation and producing gaseous fuels like methane.

Advantages of Coal Gasification

• Provides access to coal resources that are economically unviable through traditional mining methods.
• Enables sustainable and efficient use of India's vast coal reserves, which are the third largest in the world.
• Reduces India's dependence on imported fuel like crude oil and natural gas.

Associated Concerns

• Lack of technology for converting India's low-grade, high ash content coal into syngas.
• Generation of waste, black water, and the need for costly systems for CO2 removal.
• Production of more CO2 compared to conventional coal-powered thermal power plants.

Initiatives Taken

• The National Coal Gasification Mission aims for 100 million tons of coal gasification by 2030.
• 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) allowed in coal mining.
• Viability Gap Funding scheme to promote Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects.

"UN's Global Principles Combat Online Misinformation"

Impact of Digital Platforms on Misinformation and Disinformation Crisis

• Technologies like artificial intelligence contribute to the creation of misinformation at unprecedented levels.
• Misinformation and disinformation are identified as top risks in the Global Risk Report 2024.
• Opaque algorithms create information bubbles and reinforce prejudices, leading to issues like racism and misogyny.
• Health-related misinformation leads to misinterpretation of scientific knowledge, opinion polarization, and escalating fear and panic.

United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity

• Set of five principles aimed at addressing the harm caused by false information on digital platforms.
• Provides a framework for multi-stakeholder action to promote information integrity.

Recommendations for Stakeholders

• Technology Companies: Integrate safety and privacy into design and delivery, evaluate business models, and modernize content.
• AI Actors (Government and Private Sector): Conduct safe, secure, and trustworthy audits, respect intellectual property rights.
• News Media: Ensure information integrity, transparency, and responsible advertising.
• State and Political Actors: Promote transparency, political participation, capacity building, and access to information.

Five Principles

• Trust and integrity in society.
• Empowering the public.
• Providing healthy incentives.
• Supporting independent, free, and pluralistic media.
• Promoting transparency and research efforts.

"Pakistani Delegation to Inspect HEPs under IWT"

• Delegation arrived to inspect Kishenganga (330MW) and Ratle (850 MW) HEP under IWT.
• Kishanganga HEP diverts water from Kishenganga River to Jhelum River basin in J&K.
• Ratle HEP situated on Chenab River in Kishtwar district, J&K.

About Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

• Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with World Bank as signatory.
• Allocates Western Rivers to Pakistan and Eastern Rivers to India.
• India allowed to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of Jhelum and Chenab rivers with restrictions.
• Disagreement between countries related to design features of Kishenganga and Ratle HEPs.
• World Bank provides 3 Step Dispute Resolution Mechanism.

Issues with IWT

• Lack of collaboration and mutual trust between countries.
• No regular data sharing as planned in treaty.
• Limited to conflict-resolution mechanism instead of strengthening interaction, trust, and cooperation.

"Ministry of Mines Launches Fourth Tranche Auction"

• 21 critical mineral blocks will be auctioned, containing minerals such as Graphite, Glauconite, Phosphorite, Potash, Nickel, Phosphate, and Rare Earth Elements (REE).

About Critical Minerals

• Critical minerals are essential for modern technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions due to limited global production and geopolitical factors.
• In 2023, the Ministry of Mines identified 30 strategically important Critical Minerals, including Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Copper, and Gallium.

Significance of Critical Minerals

• Economic growth: Cobalt, nickel, and lithium are crucial for industries like telecommunications and electric vehicle manufacturing.
• Clean energy: REE are vital for green technologies such as semiconductors, solar panels, and wind turbines.
• National Security and Defense: Cobalt is used in military technologies like smart bombs, aircraft, and precision-guided missiles.

Concerns Associated with Critical Minerals

• Concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.
• For example, the Lithium triangle consists of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia.
• India relies on imports for its silver, cobalt needs, mainly sourced from China.

Initiatives for Critical Minerals

• India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership.
• India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership to catalyze public and private investment in critical mineral supply chains globally.
• Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) is mandated to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets of critical and strategic nature like lithium and cobalt.