AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (6^th July 2024)

Keir Starmer becomes U.K. Prime Minister after Labour’s landslide election victory

GS 2: International Relations- U.K

Why is it in the news?

• Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, won the July 4 general election with a landslide victory, securing 412 seats, while the Conservative Party fell to 121 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons.
• Despite Labour winning 35% of the vote share compared to the Conservatives’ 24%, the significant seat gain marks a major shift in U.K. politics.

More about the news

• Starmer emphasized “service and respect” in his new government, prioritizing “country first, party second.” He highlighted Labour’s shift towards the centre and vowed to strengthen workers’ rights, renew the health care system, promote clean energy, and enhance border security and public safety. Starmer praised outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his historic role as the first British Asian Prime Minister.
• Later, Starmer appointed Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister and Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary. Rachel Reeves was named Chancellor of the Exchequer, David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, and John Healey as Defence Secretary.
• The new Prime Minister faces significant foreign policy engagements with upcoming NATO and European Political Community summits.

Rishi Sunak Concedes Defeat

• Sunak conceded defeat, congratulating Starmer and announcing his resignation as party leader. Despite retaining his Richmond seat, Sunak acknowledged the Conservatives’ significant losses and urged public support for Starmer’s transition.
• While Labour secured a dominant victory, smaller parties increased their vote share. The Green Party and Reform UK each won four seats, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage securing his first seat. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn won as an independent, signalling ongoing political divisions. In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein gained a majority, and the Scottish National Party faced significant losses, particularly in major cities.

Additional Information:

Nature of the UK Parliament:

• The UK Parliament is a bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses:

• House of Commons:
• The lower house, composed of 650 MPs elected by the public through the first-past-the-post system.
• Seats distribution: 533 for England, 59 for Scotland, 40 for Wales, and 18 for Northern Ireland.
• Primary legislative body responsible for making and passing laws.
• The majority party (or coalition) forms the government, with its leader becoming the Prime Minister.
• The opposition consists of MPs from parties not in government.

• House of Lords:
• The upper house, which is unelected, includes life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers.
• Reviews and suggests amendments to legislation proposed by the House of Commons.
• Can delay legislation but cannot ultimately prevent bills passed by the Commons from becoming law.

Nature of the Governance System:

The United Kingdom operates under a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. Key features include:

• Monarch
• The head of state is the monarch, currently King Charles III.
• The role is largely ceremonial, with real political power vested in elected bodies.

• Prime Minister
• The head of government, who is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons.
• Appointed by the monarch.
• Responsible for running the government, making policy decisions, and representing the UK domestically and internationally.

• Cabinet
• Comprises senior government ministers chosen by the Prime Minister.
• Ministers are typically heads of government departments and are responsible for implementing government policy.

Scrapping NEET-UG not a good idea, Centre tells Supreme Court

GS 2: Polity and Governance: NEET-UG

Why is it in the news?

• The Union government argued in the Supreme Court against cancelling the NEET-UG 2024 exam, stating that it would be irrational and unfair to honest students.
• The government emphasized that without proof of a large-scale breach of confidentiality, a re-examination would jeopardize the future of many students who took the exam honestly.

About NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)-UG

• NEET is an entrance examination for students aiming to pursue undergraduate medical courses (MBBS/BDS) and postgraduate courses (MD/MS) in government or private medical colleges in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
• Objective:
• Standardize the admission process for medical and dental courses across India.
• Ensure a uniform evaluation of candidates’ eligibility.
• This year, the exam was held on May 5 across 4,750 centres, with around 24 lakh registered candidates.

About National Testing Agency (NTA):

• Established in 2017, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is a Society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act of 1860.
• It is an autonomous and self-sustained organization designed to conduct entrance examinations for admissions to higher educational institutions.
• Functions:
• NTA conducts three major undergraduate entrance exams: JEE-Main for engineering, NEET-UG for medicine, and CUET-UG for various other undergraduate courses.
• Additionally, NTA administers CUET-PG for postgraduate admissions, as well as UGC-NET and CSIR UGC-NET for research and teaching eligibility.

More about the news

• The National Testing Agency (NTA) noted that alleged irregularities were localized in Patna and Godhra, and opposed cancelling the exam nationwide.

• The government stressed that honest candidates should not suffer due to the misconduct of others. It advocated for segregating wrongdoers from innocent candidates, rather than cancelling the entire exam, which would be contrary to Article 14 (right to equality). The Centre assured that criminal elements involved in the irregularities would face stern legal action.
• Further, the CBI is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities, including conspiracy, cheating, and impersonation. A high-level committee led by former ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan has been formed to suggest reforms in the examination process and data security. The government also highlighted the implementation of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the integrity of exams.
• A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is set to hear over 25 petitions related to the NEET-UG 2024 irregularities on July 8. The government aims to ensure that the selection process proceeds fairly, safeguarding the interests of the majority of honest students.

Additional Information:

Various Constitutional Provisions Regarding Education and Examination in India:

• Right to Education (Article 21A): Mandates free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14 years (Introduced by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002).
• Right to Equality (Article 14): Ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within India and underlies the need for fair and non-discriminatory educational opportunities.
• Prohibition of Discrimination (Article 15): Prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth and allows special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• Promotion of Educational and Economic Interests (Article 46): The State must promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, especially Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• Early Childhood Care and Education (Article 45): The State shall endeavour to provide early childhood care and education for all children until the age of six years.
• Duty to Provide Opportunities for Education (Article 51A): It is the duty of every citizen to provide educational opportunities to their children or wards between the ages of 6 and 14 years.

The Public Examinations Act, 2024: Addressing Cheating in India

Arguments in Favour:

• Computer-Based Test (CBT): The rules outline the complete parameters of CBTs, covering candidate registration, center allocation, admit card issuance, question paper handling, answer evaluation, and final recommendations.
• National Recruitment Agency’s Role: The central government’s National Recruitment Agency sets norms, standards, and guidelines for CBTs, including physical and digital infrastructure, SOPs, candidate check-in, biometric registration, security, invigilation, and post-exam activities. These norms are finalized in consultation with stakeholders and notified by the Centre.
• Centre Coordinator: A Centre Coordinator is appointed from government entities or organizations to coordinate activities between service providers and the examination authority and ensure compliance with all norms, standards, and guidelines for the exam.
• Defining Public Examination Authorities: Section 2(k) defines “public examination” as exams conducted by listed public examination authorities, including UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA, and other Central Government ministries/departments.
• Use of Unfair Means: Section 3 lists 15 actions considered unfair means in public examinations for monetary or wrongful gain, including question paper leakage, tampering with answer sheets, and providing unauthorized solutions.
• Non-Bailable Provision in Anti-Cheating Law: The Section 9 of the act provides for punishment ranging from three to five years of imprisonment for cheating, with organized cheating crimes facing five to ten years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

Arguments Against:

• Existing Anti-Cheating Laws: Critics argue severe punishment alone is ineffective as similar offences are already punishable under existing laws, yet cheating persists. States like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand have their own anti-cheating laws.
• Prevalence of Organized Cheating: Organized criminals with political ties complicate enforcement, and innovative cheating methods and high-profile arrests continue. Examples include a Russian hacker breaching IIT entrance exams and candidates using Bluetooth devices.
• Focus on Punitive Measures: Critics suggest the focus on punishment overshadows the need for systemic reforms, including educational reforms, updated curricula, evaluation methods, and support systems for students.
• Declining Public Confidence: Public confidence in exam fairness and reliability is declining, resulting in protests, litigation, and demands for reforms. Examples include disputes over railway recruitment test results.
• Discretion of State Governments: The act serves as a model for states to adopt, leading to variations in implementation. The discretion given to state governments may weaken the law’s effectiveness in preventing cheating.
• Lack of Rescheduling Time Frame: The Act does not specify when to reschedule canceled exams.
• Invigilators and Officials Unaware of Examination Procedures:
• Lack of Training: Invigilators and officials often lack proper training, leading to inefficiencies and unfair practices.
• Investigation Referred to a DSP-Level Officer The Act designates DSP or Assistant Commissioner of Police rank officers for investigations. Recommend a specialized authority for systematic handling of these offences.
• Underutilization of Modern Technology and AI: Authorities have not effectively used technology to counter cheating. Use electronic methods for question paper setting, verification, and distribution. Centralized question banks and AI can improve management and evaluation.

Maharashtra tables bill to prevent unfair means in competitive exams

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Anti-cheating Bill

Why is it in the news?

• On July 5, 2024, the Maharashtra government introduced the ‘Maharashtra Competitive Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024’ in the Legislative Assembly.

More about the news:

• The bill aims to curb malpractice in competitive exams by classifying related offences as cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
• Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines up to ₹10 lakh, with additional imprisonment for non-payment of fines as per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
• The bill follows the Union government’s enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which imposes harsher penalties, including a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines up to ₹1 crore.
• Key provisions of the Maharashtra bill include measures to prevent exam disruptions, define responsibilities for paper setters, and grant investigative authority to officers of deputy superintendent or assistant commissioner rank.
• Service providers facilitating exams could be fined up to ₹1 crore, held accountable for associated costs, and banned from conducting exams for four years.
• This legislative effort follows reports of irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) conducted in May.

African Swine Fever Outbreak in Thrissur, Kerala

GS 2: Health- Disease

Why is it in the news?

• An outbreak of African Swine Fever in Thrissur district has led to the culling of 310 pigs at a farm in Madakkathara panchayat.

More about the news

• The affected farm’s surroundings within a 1-km radius have been declared a disease-affected area, with a 10-km radius designated as a disease surveillance area.
• As a precautionary measure, transportation of pork from the affected areas, operation of such farms, and movement of pigs, pork, and feed have been banned until further notice.
• The Animal Husbandry department is also investigating potential spread to other farms and implementing strict checks at entry points in Thrissur district to prevent further transmission.

Additional Information:

African Swine Fever (ASF):

• Nature of Disease: ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, causing acute hemorrhagic fever. It poses no threat to human health but can devastate pig populations.
• Historical Spread:
• First detected in Africa in the 1920s, ASF historically had outbreaks in Africa, parts of Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.
• Since 2007, the disease has been reported in multiple countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe, affecting both domestic and wild pigs.
• Symptoms: Symptoms include high fever, decreased appetite, weakness, red blotchy skin or lesions, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, and sudden death.
• Transmission: ASF spreads through direct contact with infected pigs or contaminated materials.
• Prevention: Strict biosecurity measures and isolation from wild pigs are crucial to prevent the spread of ASF.

Kerala village compiles in-depth biodiversity register

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity- Conservation

Why is it in the news?

• Thazhakara panchayat in Alappuzha, Kerala, has achieved a significant milestone by publishing the second volume of its People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR).
• This comprehensive 261-page document meticulously details the region’s biodiversity across all 21 wards. It includes crucial information on various species, traditional knowledge, and the impact of climate change.

More about the news

• The PBR initiative, involving trained volunteers, marks a collaborative effort to document and conserve local biodiversity. It covers diverse aspects such as medicinal plants, agricultural practices, and ecological changes previously unknown in the area.
• Notably, Thazhakara has identified dwindling populations of species like the Indian black turtle and Indian garden lizards, while noting increases in others like rock pigeons and rufous treepies.
• The PBR’s significance extends beyond documentation; it serves as a foundation for conservation efforts and sustainable resource management. The local body is using this data to develop projects in agriculture, water management, and waste disposal, prioritizing biodiversity conservation and equitable community benefits.
• This initiative aligns with Kerala’s broader effort, led by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), to update PBRs across local bodies statewide.

Additional Information:

People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)

• Overview: The People’s Biodiversity Register serves as a comprehensive record documenting various aspects of biodiversity. This includes conservation of habitats, preservation of land races, folk varieties, cultivars, domesticated animals, breeds, and micro-organisms.
• Creation and Purpose: Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), formed under the Biological Diversity Act 2002, oversee the creation of PBRs. These committees, constituted by local bodies in states and union territories, collaborate with local communities to compile these registers.
• Importance:
• Conservation and Benefits:
• Facilitates biodiversity conservation essential for ecological balance.
• Enables local communities to benefit from genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity.
• Legal Compliance: Supports implementation of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 by regulating access to biological resources and ensuring fair benefit sharing.
• Cultural and Natural Overlap: Provides insights into the intersection of cultural and natural biodiversity through a bottom-up, inclusive approach.
• Mission LiFE Alignment:
• Aligns with the “Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)” concept, promoted globally for mindful resource utilization and environmental preservation.
• Aims to establish PBRs in every village across India as part of Mission LiFE’s efforts to conserve natural resources and promote community-level actions.
• Current Status: Currently, 2,67,608 PBRs have been prepared by BMCs across different states. Future plans include expanding PBR coverage to every village in India under Mission LiFE, enhancing biodiversity conservation and community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Indo-Russian venture delivered 35,000 AK-203 assault rifles to MoD

GS 2: International Relations: India-Russia

About the news

• Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between India and Russia, has delivered 35,000 AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Ministry of Defence ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia.
• This marks India as the first foreign customer to produce the ‘two hundredth’ series of Kalashnikov assault rifles.
• The rifles are being manufactured at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, with technology transfer from Russia under a contract worth over ₹5000 crore signed in July 2021.
• The agreement aims to produce over 6.1 lakh rifles in India, with phased localization reaching up to 100%.

Additional Information:

About AK-203 Rifle: 

• The AK-203 assault rifle is an upgraded version of the AK-47, known for its reliability and effectiveness.

• It belongs to the AK-100 rifle family and uses the 7.62×39mm cartridge.
• Designed to replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45 mm rifles currently used by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security forces.
• The INSAS rifles have issues such as being unsuitable for high-altitude use, frequent gun jamming, and oil leakage problems.

Indo-Russia Defence and Security Relations:

• Evolution of Cooperation: India-Russia military-technical cooperation has progressed from a buyer-seller relationship to joint research, development, and production of advanced defence technologies.
• Joint Exercises: Regular joint exercises like the Tri-Services exercise ‘INDRA’ strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
• Joint Programmes: Collaborative programmes include the BrahMos cruise missile, 5th generation fighter jet, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Ilyushin/HAL Tactical Transport Aircraft, and KA-226T twin-engine utility helicopters.
• Military Hardware: India has acquired or leased several key military systems from Russia, such as the S-400 Triumf air defence system, Kamov Ka-226 helicopters under Make in India, T-90S Bhishma tanks, and the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.
• Role in Naval Programmes: Russia has been pivotal in India’s submarine programmes, including supplying the first ‘Foxtrot Class’ submarine and assisting with India’s nuclear submarine projects. INS Vikramaditya, India’s sole aircraft carrier, also originates from Russia.

India’s Balance of Payments

GS 3: Economy- BoP

Why is it in the news?

• India’s current account registered a surplus in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023-24, marking the first surplus in 11 quarters.
• This data, released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is closely monitored as it impacts the rupee’s exchange rate, India’s sovereign ratings, and overall economic health.

Understanding Balance of Payments (BoP)

About:

• The Balance of Payments (BoP) is a comprehensive ledger of a country’s transactions with the rest of the world, showing money inflows and outflows.
• In the BoP table, positive values indicate money coming into the country, while negative values indicate money going out.
• The BoP reflects the demand for the rupee relative to foreign currencies.

Constituents of the BoP:

Current Account

• Merchandise Trade: This involves the export and import of physical goods. A trade deficit occurs if imports exceed exports, indicated by a negative balance.
• Invisibles Trade: This includes services (e.g., IT, tourism), transfers (e.g., remittances), and incomes (e.g., investment earnings).
• The net of merchandise and invisibles trade forms the current account balance. In Q4, India had a surplus due to a positive balance in invisibles, despite a trade deficit.

Capital Account

• This includes investments such as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investments (FII). In Q4, India had a net surplus of $25 billion in the capital account.
• The BoP always balances through changes in foreign exchange reserves. A BoP surplus means the RBI absorbs incoming dollars, adding to its reserves to prevent rupee appreciation, which could harm export competitiveness.

Surplus or Deficit

• Terms like ‘deficit’ and ‘surplus’ are not inherently good or bad. For instance, a current account deficit in a developing country like India often indicates high imports of capital goods necessary for future production capacity and export growth. Conversely, a surplus might not always be beneficial, as seen during the Covid-19 lockdowns in FY2020-21, where economic activity was severely restricted.
• According to experts, a current account deficit of 1.5%-2% of GDP is consistent with a healthy GDP growth rate of 7%-8%.

Additional Information:

About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) serves as India’s central bank and regulatory authority, overseeing the country’s banking system.
• History:
• Established in 1935 under the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, based on recommendations from the 1926 Hilton Young Commission on Indian Currency and Finance.
• Initially privately owned, RBI was nationalized in 1949 and has since been wholly owned by the Government of India’s Ministry of Finance.
• Composition:
• Official Directors (Central Board of Directors): The central board includes full-time officials – the Governor and up to four Deputy Governors. (Shri Shaktikanta Das currently serves as the Governor; The first Indian Governor was Sir C D Deshmukh, succeeding the first RBI Governor Australian Sir Osborne Arkell Smith).
• Non-Official Directors: Appointed by the Government, there are ten Directors from diverse fields, along with two government officials.
• Regional Representation: Additionally, four Directors represent each of the local boards, ensuring regional perspectives are included in RBI’s governance.
• Primary Functions of the RBI:
• Monetary Authority: Formulates, implements, and monitors monetary policy to maintain price stability and support economic growth.
• Regulator and Supervisor of the Financial System: Sets broad parameters for banking operations to ensure public confidence, protect depositors’ interests, and provide cost-effective banking services.
• Manager of Foreign Exchange: Administers the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 to facilitate external trade, payments, and the orderly development of the foreign exchange market.
• Issuer of Currency: Issues, exchanges, and destroys currency notes, and circulates coins minted by the Government of India, ensuring adequate and high-quality currency supplies.
• Developmental Role: Engages in promotional activities to support national objectives.
• Regulator and Supervisor of Payment and Settlement Systems: Introduces and upgrades safe and efficient payment systems to maintain public confidence.                          
• Related Functions:
• Banker to the Government: Performs merchant banking functions for central and state governments; acts as their banker.
• Banker to Banks: Maintains banking accounts of all scheduled banks.

China’s Plans for a Railway Network from Kunming to Singapore

GS 2: International Relations- China’s BRI

Why is it in the news?

• During his recent visit to Malaysia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed China’s willingness to explore a plan connecting its railway projects across Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand to enhance regional connectivity.

More about the news

• This initiative includes Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a significant infrastructure endeavour stretching 665 kilometres from Kota Bharu on Malaysia’s east coast to Port Klang on the west coast. Initiated in 2017, the project faced delays due to funding issues and political shifts in Malaysia but resumed in 2020 under a renegotiated agreement with reduced costs, aiming for completion by 2027.
• The ECRL forms part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to bolster global infrastructure through investments in Asia, Africa, and South America.
• In Southeast Asia, the BRI envisions a pan-Asian railway network linking Kunming in southern China with Singapore via multiple routes across Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Despite logistical and financial challenges, the Laos-China section of this network became operational in 2021, while other segments face delays and logistical complexities such as varying railway track gauges.
• China’s interest in these projects extends beyond economic benefits to include geopolitical influence and strategic positioning. By fostering connectivity and economic ties, Beijing aims to enhance regional cooperation and mitigate concerns over its assertive actions in the South China Sea.
• Critics have raised concerns about the financial sustainability and potential strategic implications of China’s infrastructure loans under the BRI, although China denies engaging in “debt trap diplomacy.”
• Overall, these railway projects reflect China’s ambitious efforts to expand its economic and strategic footprint in Southeast Asia, despite challenges and regional apprehensions.

Additional Information:

China’s Belt and Road Initiative:

• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity and cooperation.
• Launched in 2013, it seeks to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa, and Europe through a network of land and sea routes.
• Initially called ‘One Belt, One Road’, it was renamed BRI to emphasize its openness and inclusivity rather than being seen as China-dominated.
• It s a key part of China’s foreign policy and has been compared to the American Marshall Plan.
• Principal Components: The initiative comprises two main components: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road.
• Objective of BRI: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to position China as a global power and reshape the global economic order. It seeks to enhance global connectivity through infrastructure development and economic cooperation.
• The BRI includes projects like ports, railways, roads, and power stations.
• It is scheduled for completion by 2049, coinciding with the centennial of the People’s Republic of China.