Weekly Current Affairs Prelims (24th to 30th December, 2019)

(Info-graphic Summary at the end)

Topic: US Space Force

Topic in Syllabus: International Affairs

US Space Force

Context:

Trump Officially Establishes US Space Force with 2020 Defense Bill Signing.

What is a Space Force?

The Space Force will be a new department of the US military which Trump has described as “separate but equal”. This will be the sixth service after the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force.
According to the plan, the Space Force will comprise three units. The Space Command will be led by a four-star general to oversee war fighting operations. The Space Development Agency will identify and develop new technologies. The third unit is the Space Operations Force, made up of leaders and fighters for their expertise.
At present, the US Air Force Space Command looks after space power and air force cyberwarfare. It has 38,000 personnel and operates 185 military satellite systems. This division will come under the ambit of the Space Force.
It will comprise of about 16,000 air force and civilian personnel.
Using satellites, the Space Force will aid other arms of the military by strengthening communications, navigation and providing intelligence to counter adversaries which could use missiles or cyber warfare to target its satellites.
It is not intended to put troops into orbit, but will protect US assets – such as the hundreds of satellites used for communication and surveillance.

Reasons for establishment of Space force

China and Russia, in particular, are developing a variety of means to exploit perceived US reliance on space-based systems and challenge the US position in space.
Both states are developing jamming and cyberspace capabilities, directed energy weapons, on-orbit capabilities, and ground-based antisatellite missiles that can achieve a range of reversible to nonreversible effects.
Iran and North Korea, too, are increasingly able to extend their military activities into space, jamming the communications of adversaries and developing ballistic missile technologies.

Sample Question

Which of the following nation is the only with an independent space power that conduct space warfare?

(a) USA

(b) North Korea

(d) Germany

Answer: A

Topic: E Toll Collection Programme

Topic in Syllabus: Indian Economy

E Toll Collection Programme

Context:

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced electronic toll collection through FASTag at 523 toll plazas across the country.

Payments and digital transactions:

Despite a significant rise in digital payments since demonetization many Indian consumers still rely on cash transactions.
As per estimates, Indian economy is operating at around $33 billion less cash than it would have without demonetization.
Digital India was conceived five years ago as a way to push the country’s digital transformation forward and empower citizens in the process.
Its emphasis is on developing infrastructure to enable affordable internet access for all and for every Indian to possess a digital identity.
The Digital Identity project got transformed into India Stack, a set of interoperable software layers supporting digital payments, verified paper-less records, business and service transactions and finally all seamlessly linked with Aadhaar.
Aadhaar, the unique identification number is used as a platform for financial inclusion, the direct transfer of government benefits and low-cost citizen engagement.
Combining digital identity with the paperless layer provided by India Stack enabled the opening of over 350 million verified Jan Dhan (“zero-balance”) accounts.
Now Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity of service has been fundamental in encouraging financial inclusion.
Data generated by the digital economy also has affected individual taxation. Income tax buoyancy is at a decade high of 2.20.This means that an increasing number of citizens are paying taxes.
With the implementation of a unified national Goods and Services Tax (GST)Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been the primary beneficiaries by formalizing their business.
India’s digitally-enabled policy initiatives have contributed to a significant shift in the country’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index (77).
The biggest improvements have been in the ease of getting construction permits and the ease of trading across borders,both of which have been transformed by digitization and associated structural reforms.
While India may be leapfrogging into the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”, its technological advance has continued to outpace policy evolution.

FASTag:

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has developed the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program to meet the electronic tolling requirements of the Indian market.
It offers an interoperable nationwide toll payment solution.
FASTag is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion.
FASTag (RFID Tag) is affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle.
It is linked to a prepaid account from which the applicable toll amount is deducted automatically, when the vehicle approaches the toll plaza.
FASTag has a validity of 5 years.
Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) (a company incorporated by NHAI) and National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) are implementing this program.
It offers the convenience of cashless payment along with benefits like savings on fuel and time as the customer does not have to stop at the toll plaza and no toll attendant involved.

Implementation of FASTag:

In an effort to plug leaking revenues and generate rupees one lakh crore annually from toll collection in the coming years, NHAI is implementing “One Nation One Tag – FASTag”.
By 15 January 2020, every vehicle that passes through a national toll plaza will have to pay tolls via FASTag.
Unless the car has a FASTag, motorists have to pay a penalty of double the amount in cash when using the FASTag lanes.
As a vehicle with FASTag sticker nears the toll plaza, the gantry captures the sticker details and sends a toll request to its linked bank account.
After the requisite amount of the toll is deducted, the vehicle will be automatically allowed to pass through boom gates at the toll plaza.
According to a study, this switch could save up to ₹ 12,000 crore nationally on fuel and person-hours.
Though December 15th was the last date for compulsory implementation of FASTags on National Highway Toll Plazas,the government has relaxed the rule to facilitate people and at least 75 percent lanes at toll plazas must use the electronic toll collection FASTag.
Up to 25 percent of FASTag lanes at the national highway toll plazas can be treated as hybrid lanes for a month,e. till January 15, 2020.
The NHAI has deployed marshals at each toll plaza for smooth traffic regulation.

Sample Question

AIS-155’ is associated with which of the following industries?

a) Organic Grains and Vegetables.

b) Packaged Food and Drinks.

c) Automotive Industry.

d) Cosmetic Industry

Solution (c)

AIS-155 is an Indian standard for Microdot identifiers which are affixed on the motor vehicles and their parts, components, assemblies, sub-assemblies through amendment in Rule 92 of the Central Motor vehicles.

Topic: Volume Based Waste Fee System in Seoul

Topic in Syllabus: Ecology & Environment

Volume Based Waste Fee System in Seoul

Context:

Seoul, the capital of South Korea has turned out to be the best in recycling among ten zero waste cities. Strong policy instruments and strict implementation have played a key role in achieving the best results.

An attempt to reduce the quantity of waste and increase the rate of recycling.

Objective:

To impose waste treatment costs on each polluter based on the amount of waste generated.
To provide free collection service for recyclable wastes, thereby inducing reduction in generation of wastes at source and encouraging the collection of recyclable wastes.

Five kinds of waste bags are used in this system:

Domestic waste
food waste
Business waste
Public purposes
Construction debris.

Residents pay different fees for the bags depending on the size and the regions in which they reside.
While enjoying a free service for collection of recyclables. The law requires that residents properly sort out their waste and imposes fines of up to approximately $1,000 for violations of the garbage disposal rules.

Bans on problematic plastic items:

Plastic pollution: the city plans to halve the amount of disposable plastic items used by 2022, while increasing the recycling rate to 70 per cent.
Seoul’s plastic-free policy initiatives: local environmental groups are leading several campaigns to phase out plastic products, including plastic cups and straws, plastic bags, food delivery containers, and plastic laundry covers.
The groups organise online and offline campaigns, and encourage business participation through concluding a voluntary agreement, reaching out to various entities such as coffee shops, restaurants, wholesale businesses, traditional markets, hotels, and movie theatres.
To reduce the number of plastic bags discarded after grocery shopping: Later in 2010, the government also allowed major grocery store chains to replace single-use grocery bags with multi-purpose plastic bags that can be later used as litter bags in the area.

Outcomes of Volume Based Waste Disposal System:

Successful in reducing MSW generation in South Korea:

The system led to a 17.8 per cent reduction in MSW generation.
21 per cent increase in recyclable wastes in the first year (1995) itself.
Between 1994-2001, MSW generation decreased by 16.6 per cent, and at the same time, the recycling rate increased from 15.7 per cent in 1994 to 43 per cent in 2001.

The RFID system has been expanding since 2012: 142 out of 145 local governments are participating in the Volume-based Wastes Disposal System.
Local governments and environmental groups, played an important role in successfully implementing the VBWF system across the nation, by conducting feasibility studies and coordinating public hearings.
It has changed the pattern of waste generation, awareness of the public toward waste disposal, as well as the behaviour of consumers and producers.
Extended Producer Responsibility on manufacturers:

In 2003, an EPR was imposed on manufacturers, which replaced the deposit refund scheme and held the manufacturer responsible for the costs of managing their products at end of life.
The EPRs’ coverage was also extended to include paper packs, plastic containers, scrap metals (including steel cans), glass bottles, large and small home appliances, discarded fluorescent lamps, and used batteries.
This dramatically improved supply and demand situation.

Sample Question

Which of the following is the apex body for approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle?

(a) GEAC

(b) FSSAI

(d) BRAI

Answer: A

Topic: Frontier Technology

Topic in Syllabus: Science & Technology

Frontier Technology

Introduction

Rapid technological transformation will be a key feature of the economy in the future. At the national, regional and global levels, frontier technologies are offering promising new opportunities but are also introducing new policy challenges.

What is Frontier Technology?

Frontier technology is the next phase in the evolution of modern technology. However, there is no universally agreed definition of frontier technology.
In fourth Industrial Revolution, frontier technologies comprised of AI, robotics, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things amongst others.

Digital Exclusion

The latest wave of technological change is fundamentally altering how goods, services and ideas are exchanged. And as rapidly declining costs make digital technologies even more affordable and accessible, they will continue to transform people’s lives and livelihoods.
There is a danger that these gains will not reach the world’s poorest people.
An estimated three billion people could still lack internet access by 2023, and many more will have little or no opportunity to reap the benefits of digital technologies.
That means there can be no delay in addressing the problem of digital exclusion.

Digital Technologies and Prosperity

The Pathways for Prosperity Commission on Technology and Inclusive Development has shown that developing countries can still harness the new wave of frontier technologies for the benefit of all.
Digital technologies have unlocked new routes to prosperity through agriculture, manufacturing, trade in services, the linking of informal and formal sectors, and domestic interconnectivity.
Low- and middle-income countries around the world now have an opportunity to build new industries, deliver better services, and improve peoples’ lives.

Advantages of Technology

The adoption of technologies and innovation in production processes has the potential to enhance productivity. For example, embracing the Internet of Things in China’s manufacturing chain could add up to $736 billion to GDP by 2030.
Technologies have the potential to lift the sustainable development curve. For example, Image recognition has allowed researchers to scan more than 50,000 images of plants to identify crop diseases using smartphones with a success rate of over 99 per cent.
Innovative policy action to utilize technologies in the delivery of public services is gaining ground. E-government services, including in health and education sectors, are a great example of how governments are embracing technology.
Frontier technologies can help anticipate and respond to the effects of climate hazards and air pollution through the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies to address environmental impacts.

Challenges of growing frontier technologies

Digital technologies can also entrench existing forms of exclusion, disrupt livelihoods, and provide new tools for the powerful to abuse and exploit the weak.
There are uncertainties about the future of work.In the coming decades, the jobs of 785 million workers, that’s equivalent to over 50 per cent of total employment in the Asia-Pacific region could be automated.
Developing countries, in particular, are starting from a difficult position, because they are already grappling with the challenges of low human capital, ineffective institutions, and a difficult business environment.
Despite the rapid penetration of the internet the world over, several billion have been left behind. As ICT infrastructure is the backbone of many frontier technologies, there is a risk of its triggering a new frontier technology divides, compounding an already existing digital divide.
All developing countries and emerging economies should be able to capture at least some of the new opportunities on offer.
Frontier technologies pose trust and ethical questions. There are risks of calibrating AI algorithms based on biased data that may yield biased AI learning outcomes. Government-owned satellites, telecommunications multinationals, social media start-ups, all have real-time information at their fingertips. Technology per se is not the problem, but there are ethical issues surrounding privacy, ownership and transparency.

Is technology enough to guarantee success?

Technology alone will not guarantee success.
Policymakers must also account for local contexts and conditions, so that they can create social, political and economic ecosystems in which technology creates jobs and drives inclusive growth.
To compete globally, all countries will need to prepare themselves for new and upcoming technologies, by maximizing inclusiveness and guiding markets toward the right types of innovation.
Governments should start by recognizing that the challenge is not just about “digital policy.” Rather, it calls for a “whole-of-economy”—indeed, a “most-of-society”—approach. And because inclusion is the key to success, support for marginalized groups will need to be built into the policy process from the outset.

Pillars of future economy

The national governments should start planning for digital readiness in four areas: infrastructure, human capital, policy and regulation, and finance. These are the technical pillars of the future economy.
At the same time, regional-level policymakers—particularly in the Asia-Pacific region— need to start building momentum on policy cooperation which will be necessary for harnessing frontier technologies for the greater good.
Likewise, at the global level, cross-border issues associated with frontier technologies will need to be addressed multilaterally.
That means multilateral organizations themselves should be developing an antenna for identifying new technological and development challenges. It is already clear that more must be done to mitigate technological disruptions to employment, boost investment in human capital, and ensure fair taxation in the new digital economy.
The power of multilateralism should not be underestimated. For decades, countries have been coming together in global fora to safeguard public goods and pursue collective prosperity. Nonetheless, the existing architecture for multilateralism will need to be adapted to reflect changing needs.
To capture the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution we also need to strengthen public-private partnerships and make our economies more efficient and flexible.
With the world’s population projected to reach ten billion by mid-century, global governance will become even more complex than it is today.

Conclusion

Frontier technologies offer a multitude of opportunities to re-imagine how our economies could serve better social and environmental needs. But for, especially, developing countries, the task is clear: we must ride the wave of technological change rather than wait for it to crash down on us.

Sample Question

Recently BRUIE has been in news for sometimes is primarily related to

(a) Man hole cleaning Robot

(b) Robot for under water exploration

(d) Industrial Robot

Answer: B

Topic: Inner Line Permit

Topic in Syllabus: Indian Polity

Inner Line Permit

Context:

The North Eastern States of India are protesting against the newly passed Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Apart from seeking withdrawal of the Act, they also demand ILP be implemented across the Northeast. Following the passage of the Citizenship Act, violent protests broke out in Assam, which led to the death of two of the protesters while clashing with the police. This violence quickly intensified and spread across to the neighbouring states of Tripura and Meghalaya. The entire seven sister states are demanding for the Inner Line Permit, a crucial demand in the debate surrounding the Act

The Inner Line Permit (ILP)

The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a travel document that allows the Indian citizens to visit or stay for a fixed time in the states that are secured under the ILP system.
Currently, the North-Eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram come under the ILP system.
ILP is issued by the concerned state governments and can be availed by applying online or in person.
These documents differ based on the purpose of the visit. It specifies the date of the visit and the particular areas in the state that the ILP holder can visit.

Existence:

The ILP came to existence during the British colonial era.
The British colonial government had passed the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873 to restrict and regulate the entry and stay of the outsiders in the designated areas.
The purpose of this law was to protect the British government’s commercial interests by preventing the British subjects (Indians) from trading within the specified regions.
In 1950, the Government of India had replaced the term British subjects with Citizen of India.
Currently, this law is used to protect the interests of the indigenous people by controlling the flow of the population into these regions.
The Northeast is the home to 238 indigenous tribes that contribute 26% of the region’s population.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019

Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 allows the non-Muslim refugees who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, from Pakistan and Afghanistan to obtain Indian citizenship.
While mainland India has taken to the street, calling this Act to be anti-Muslim, the North Eastern States are protesting for a different issue.
If this Act is implemented with the ILP, the beneficiaries will be banned from settling in the areas under the ILP regime.
Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, who are part of the ILP regimes are not affected by the migrants from Mizoram shares border with Bangladesh and being a part of the ILP system, it is not affected by this issue.
However, Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya are facing the highest migration from Bangladesh and they are not part of the ILP system.
Thus, Assam and Tripura are protesting against this Act since they share the longest borders with Bangladesh and have faced the highest influx of Bangladeshi immigrants.
Assam has faced numerous protests since the 1970s due to the increase in undocumented immigrants. This agitation had ended following the Assam Accord in 1985.
The Assam Accord is the agreement between the Centre and the protesters in response to the 1970s agitations. It was signed on the Independence Day in 1985 focusing on:
- Foreigners issue
- Economic development
- Restricting acquisition of immovable properties by the foreigners
- Prevention of encroachment of government lands
- Registration of births and deaths
The agreement was signed to ensure the protection of the social, economic and cultural identity of the locals.
As per clause 5 of the Accord, those illegal immigrants who entered Assam until December 31, 1965, will be granted citizenship with voting rights immediately.
It also states that illegal immigrants who came to Assam between 1966 and March 24, 1971, to be excluded. They are to register themselves as foreigners under the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939. The rest of the illegal immigrants had to be expelled.
The amended Citizenship Act has shifted the cut-off date for granting the citizenship from 24 March 1971 to 31 December 2014.
The protesters see this as a move by the Centre to go back on their promise made in the Assam Accord.
Furthermore, according to the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters, clause 6 of the Assam Accord has also been violated.
As per this clause, the Centre should take constitutional, legislative and administrative steps to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.
Thus, North eastern States, unlike the rest of India, fear that their identity is under threat, leading them to demand ILP one of the tools to protect their identity and other interests.

Conclusion:

There are many reasons for protests against the recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act. In a democracy, sound debate and all-inclusive ideas and laws are vital components. The politicians should not make use of the people’s fear of their political advantage. Instead of fear-mongering, suppression, and misinformation, the government and all parties involved can come together for a constructive debate, the one that brings forth unity rather than a divide.

Sample Question

Who is/are considered as illegal immigrants with reference to Citizenship Act,1955?

1. Citizens of other countries who entered India without valid travel documents
2. Immigrants, who remained in the country beyond the period permitted by their travel documents

Select the correct answer using the code below

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Topic: IPC law on suicide is ‘redundant’

Topic in Syllabus: Indian Governance

IPC law on suicide is ‘redundant’

Context:

A national strategy for suicide prevention is under discussion at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Strategy should remove confusion surrounding Article 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) according to which attempted suicide continues to be a criminal offence.

Reasons behind it:

The Mental Healthcare Act (MCHA), 2017 has made it “redundant” but it continues to remain in the law books.
Section 309 of the IPC says that a suicide attempt is punishable with simple imprisonment, which may extend up to one year, Section 115 of the MCHA, 2017 states: “…any person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to have severe stress and shall not be tried and punished under the said Code (Section 309 of IPC).
Criminalizing suicide waste golden hour of providing effective treatment.
In cases dealing with Section 309 of IPC, the conviction is as high as 30 % because of the “clinching evidence” available in these cases.
Whenever a patient who has attempted suicide is taken to a hospital, the first duty of the hospital is to provide him or her medical intervention and then inform the police.
Section 309 of IPC also puts a burden on the police for whom the only time this law comes to use is “when politicians go on a hunger strike”.

Statistics on suicide:

Country has the highest rate of suicide among young women between 19 to 29 years.
India continues to have the dubious distinction of recording the highest number of all suicides (34%) in the world.
Suicide attempt survivors are often viewed as attention seekers.
It is also a common myth that those who try to kill themselves are cowards.

Reasons behind Suicide:

Many youth takes to suicide due to value clashes within the family, where family has traditional values while youth possess the democratic and modern values.
High unemployment rate, poverty, drug addiction and mental health disorder forces people to go for suicide.
Peer pressure, not able to withstand the pressure of education is also the reasons behind it.

Solution to Prevent Suicide:

Family support and cohesion, including good communication.
Peer support and close social networks.
School and community connectedness.
Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote healthy living.
Adaptive coping and problem-solving skills including conflict-resolution
General life satisfaction, good self-esteem and sense of purpose
Easy access to effective medical and mental health resources.
The curriculum should be designed in ways that it stresses on importance of mental exercises and meditation.
Delhi government’s initiative on the ‘Happiness Curriculum’ may be a step in the right direction. Constituting Equal Opportunity Cells with an anti-discrimination officer in universities and colleges can make college inclusive.
Implementing Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) to provide guidance and counselling services to students.

Sample Question

Constitution of India incorporates provisions guaranteeing everyone’s right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. In which of the following article?

(a) Article 21

(b) Article 35

(d) Article 48

Answer: A

Topic: MGNREGA Trends: Fewer Jobs since July

Topic in Syllabus: Schemes & Programmes

MGNREGA Trends Fewer Jobs since July

Context:

The gap between the number of households demanding MGNREGA work and the number who were provided work has been the highest in 2019-20.

Facts:

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was enacted in 2005.

Aim:

To enhance livelihood security of household in rural areas of India

Objectives:

To guarantee 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households.
Creation of durable rural assets
Social inclusion of women, SCs and STs

Beneficiary: Adult members of any rural households willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage. Minimum one-third of the workers should be women

Key features:

Provides the legal right to employment
Gram Panchayat is mandated to provide employment with 15 days of work application, failing which worker is entitled to unemployment allowance
Wages must be paid according to the wages specified for agricultural laborers in the state under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 or as notified by Central govt.
Payment of wages within 15 days of competition of work, failing which worker is entitled to delay compensation of 0.05%/ day of wages earned
Geo-tagging all assets created under MGNREGA.

Implementation: Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) in association with state governments monitors the implementation of the scheme.

Sample Question

‘Good Governance Index’ was topped by

a) Tamil Nadu

b) Maharashtra

c) Gujarat

d) Telangana

Answer: A

Topic: Sun’s Corona

Topic in Syllabus: Indian Geography

Sun’s Corona

Context:

Solar physicists from Centre for Excellence in Space Sciences (CESSI), IISER Kolkata, have succeeded in predicting the shape of Sun’s corona at the time of the recent annular eclipse.

What is Corona?

The corona is the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere. It is the aura of plasma that surrounds the Sun and other stars.
The Sun’s corona extends millions of kilometres into outer space and is most easily seen during a total solar eclipse, but it is also observable with a coronagraph.
Spectroscopy measurements indicate strong ionization in the corona and a plasma temperature in excess of 1000000 Kelvin much hotter than the surface of the Sun.

Predicting in advance

The Predictive Solar Surface Flux Transport model developed by the CESSI team can predict the shape of the corona well in advance.
The researchers can predict the large-scale structure of the Sun’s corona up to two months in advance.
This model gives advance knowledge and a large window of preparedness for space weather driven by coronal magnetic fields.

Why Space weather matters?

The dynamic events on the Sun can affect Earth’s outer atmosphere and our technologies, leading to disruption in communication and navigation networks (GPS).
These are more frequent during solar maxima and pose a threat to space reliant technology and astronauts.

Sample Question
Consider the following with reference to the Solar Eclipse phenomenon-

1.A Solar Eclipse is visible when the sun completely or partially covers the view of the moon from Earth.

2.Annular solar eclipses can take place only on New Moon day.

3.During a solar eclipse the moon casts two shadows on the Earth which are The Umbra and Penumbra.

Which of the Above statement(s) is/are correct:

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) All of the Above

Answer: C

Current affairs prelims 24th dec to 30th dec 2019-1

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Weekly Current Affairs Prelims (24th to 30th December, 2019)