DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam –1st May 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims – Current Event

Context: Israel is voicing concern that the International Criminal Court could be preparing to issue arrest warrants for government officials on charges related to the conduct of its war against Hamas.

Background:-

• The ICC – which can charge individuals with war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide – is investigating Hamas’ October 7 cross-border attack and Israel’s devastating military assault on Hamas-ruled Gaza.

About International Criminal Court (ICC)

• It is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague, Netherlands.
• It has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, crime of aggression.
• It is intended to complement existing national judicial systems.
• It may exercise its jurisdiction only when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute criminals.
• It may only investigate and prosecute crimes committed within member states, crimes committed by nationals of member states, or crimes in situations referred to the Court by the United Nations Security Council.The ICC lacks universal territorial jurisdiction.
• Israel is not a member of the court and does not recognise its jurisdiction, but the Palestinian territories were admitted with the status of a member state in 2015.
• Established in 2002 pursuant to the multilateral Rome Statute, the ICC is considered by its proponents to be a major step toward justice.
• However, it has faced a number of criticisms from governments and civil society groups, including objections to its jurisdiction, accusations of bias, Eurocentrism and racism, questioning of the fairness of its case selection and trial procedures, and doubts about its effectiveness.

Additional Information

• The ICC is distinct from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), an organ of the United Nations that hears disputes between states. The ICJ, is also known as the World Court.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Polity

Context: The Election Commission of India (EC), under various Sections of the Representation of People Act, 1951 (RPA), declared void the poll on April 19, in 11 polling stations of Manipur, and 8 polling stations of Arunachal Pradesh. Repolls were conducted on April 22 and April 24 respectively. Elections were also adjourned in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul Lok Sabha constituency due to the death of a candidate on April 9. The polling, originally scheduled on April 26, will now be held on May 7.

Background:

• India’s election laws provide a framework for handling situations where the normal polling process is disrupted for any reason, including damage to EVMs, booth-capturing, natural disasters, or a candidate’s death. The provisions for repolls, adjournments, and the voiding of polls ensure that the democratic process remains fair, transparent, and uninterrupted.

Circumstances when the normal polling process is disrupted — and the options before the EC in each case :

1. Intentional destruction, taking away of EVMs:

• Under Section 58 of the RPA (‘Fresh poll in the case of destruction, etc., of ballot boxes’), the EC can declare the poll at a polling station to be void if:
• an unauthorised person has unlawfully taken away any EVM;
• any EVM has been accidentally or intentionally destroyed, or lost, or damaged, or tampered with; or
• a mechanical failure develops in any EVM during the recording of votes.
• In such cases, the Returning Officer (RO) immediately informs the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer of the state about the relevant facts and material circumstances, after considering which, the EC can declare the poll void and formally fix the date and time for a new poll.
• All electors will be allowed to vote at the fresh poll.During the repoll, the voters’ left middle fingers are inked to distinguish between the mark made during the original poll (on their left forefinger).

2. Booth capturing

• Booth-capturing, defined in Section135A of the RPA, includes all or any of the following activities by any person or persons :
• seizure of a polling station, affecting the conduct of elections;
• taking possession of a polling station, allowing only his or their supporters to vote;
• intimidating or threatening any elector and preventing him from going to the polling station;
• seizure of a counting place affecting the counting of votes;
• involvement of any person in government service in any of the above activities.
• Booth capturing is punishable for a term of not less than one year, which may extend to three years for lay people, and not less than three years, extending to five years for government servants.
• Under Section 58A (‘Adjournment of poll or countermanding of election on the ground of booth capturing’) in case booth capturing has taken place at a polling Station, the Presiding Officer of a polling station immediately closes the Control Unit of EVM and detaches the Ballot Unit(s) from the Control Unit under Rule 49X of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
• He/She then informs the RO, who reports the full facts to the EC through the fastest means of communication. The EC, based on the material facts, may: (a) declare the poll at that polling station to be void and direct a fresh poll on a new date; or (b) countermand the election in the constituency in case booth capturing has taken place in a large number of polling stations, or if it has affected the counting of votes.

3. Natural disasters, other disruptions to polling

• The Presiding Officer of a polling station can adjourn the poll at a polling station under section 57(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, in case of:
• a natural calamity like a flood, a severe storm;
• non-receipt or loss or damage to essential polling materials like EVM, electoral roll etc;
• interruption or obstruction due to any riot or, open violence;
• non-arrival of the polling party due to obstruction or any other serious difficulty; or
• non-commencement of the poll within two hours from the scheduled time due to malfunctioning of EVM, or any other reason.
• After seeking the EC’s approval on the date and hours, the adjourned poll will recommence from the stage at which it was left immediately before the adjournment. Contesting candidates or their agents are informed, and only electors who have not already voted before the poll was adjourned are permitted to vote.

4. Death of a candidate

• As per Section 52 of RPA, the poll shall be adjourned only in case of the death of a recognised political party’s candidate. A “recognised political party” refers to either a recognised national party, or party recognised as a state party in the state concerned, for which the EC reserves a symbol under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order.
• The above provision applies if the candidate with a valid nomination dies at any time after 11.00 a.m. on the last date for making nominations, until the commencement of the poll. The RO reports the fact to the EC and orders the adjournment of the poll to a date to be notified later by the Commission.
• The EC then calls upon the concerned political party to nominate another candidate for the said election in place of the deceased candidate. The political party must make the nomination within seven days.
• In Betul, the candidate’s death occurred one day after the last day for withdrawing candidature. Therefore, the polls were adjourned. However, in the Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency, the candidate died after voting, in which case a by-election will be held if he emerges as the winner of the seat after counting.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims – Science

Context: The United States has taken stringent measures in response to salmonella contamination in shipments from Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH).

Background:

• The situation underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in food production and distribution. Authorities worldwide are closely monitoring such incidents to protect consumers and maintain food safety standards.

About SALMONELLA

• Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever, a condition known as salmonellosis.
• These bacteria naturally reside in animals’ intestines and can be found in their faeces.
• Humans can contract salmonella if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated items in their environment.
• This ubiquitous and hardy bacteria can survive for several weeks in a dry environment and several months in water.
• People infected with salmonella might experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
• The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that salmonella causes approximately 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and about 450 deaths in the United States every year.

Source: Economic Times

Syllabus

• Prelims : Economy

Context: The paradox of savings, also known as the paradox of thrift, has garnered attention in recent discussions related to the economy.

Background:

• The The concept was popularized by British economist John Maynard Keynes in his 1936 book, The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money.

About PARADOX OF THRIFT :

• The Paradox of Thrift suggests that when people save more money, especially during a recession, it can lead to a decrease in overall economic activity.
• The idea is part of the under-consumption theories of the business cycle, which attribute economic downturns to weak consumption and high savings.

The Paradox of Thrift has the following implications for the economy:

• Reduced Consumption: When a large percentage of the population saves more and consumes less, it leads to decreased consumer spending. During a recession, people tend to save more as a precautionary measure, fearing economic uncertainty. However, this collective behaviour can result in reduced overall consumption levels.
• Contraction of Output: As consumption falls, businesses experience decreased demand for their goods and services. Consequently, they produce less, leading to a contraction of economic output. This decline in production affects both employers and employees, resulting in lower income for everyone.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Security Forces

Context: The Assam Rifles successfully intercepted a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and other war-like supplies near the Indo-Myanmar border in Mon district, Nagaland.

Background:

• This significant recovery of heavy-caliber, military-grade weapons close to the border area is a commendable achievement for the ongoing border sealing operation by the Assam Rifles.

About ASSAM RIFLES :

• The Assam Rifles, also known as the Sentinels of North East, is the oldest paramilitary force in India.

Formation and Evolution:

• The Assam Rifles traces its lineage back to the Cachar Levy, which was formed in 1835 during British rule. Over time, it underwent several name changes, including the Assam Frontier Police, Assam Military Police, and Eastern Bengal and Assam Military Police, before officially becoming the Assam Rifles in 1917.
• It served in both World Wars and has a rich historical legacy.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Counter-Insurgency Force: The Assam Rifles plays a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations in the challenging terrain of the Northeastern states.
• Law and Order: It assists in maintaining law and order in the region, working alongside the Indian Army.
• Indo-Myanmar Border Security: The force guards the Indo-Myanmar border, ensuring security and preventing illegal activities.
• Sentinels of the Northeast: The Assam Rifles is aptly called the “Friends of the Hill People” due to its close interaction with the local communities.

Dual Control Structure:

• The Assam Rifles is unique in having a dual control structure:
• Administrative Control: Lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Operational Control: Rests with the Indian Army, which falls under the Ministry of Defence.
• This dual control arrangement ensures effective coordination and synergy between civil administration and military operations.

Source: PIB

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3

Context: As urbanization gathers pace, more and more wastewater is generated. But only about 40% of this is treated, and even that is not being reused.

Background:

• The NITI Aayog, said in a report titled ‘water trading mechanism to promote reuse of treated water’ that in many countries water trading has helped achieve water-use efficiency and productivity.

Water Trading:

• It is a water market mechanism that considers water as a commodity rather than a public good.
• It can be traded amongst users according to their needs.
• A water company, rather than creating its own water source, can buy the water from a third party and sell it to the users.
• Enabling elements for Water Trading:

1. Ownership of water – should be indisputable.
2. Water entitlements- could be transferred.
3. Water Reuse Certificates (WRCs) – as tradable permits.

Need for reuse of treated wastewater through water trading:

• Only about 40% of urban wastewater is treated in India, and even that is not being reused.
• Wide temporal and spatial variations in the distribution of water. For example, India receives more than 80 % of the rainfall during four months of the year.
• The National Water Policy of 2002 & 2012 has proposed a private hand in water management and has emphasised public-private partnership.
• Wastewater, including agricultural runoff, is the leading cause of water pollution. It is intricately linked to human and ecosystem health, with over 80% of global wastewater estimated to enter water bodies untreated. (UN World Water Report 2023)
• Around 80% of people living under water stress lived in Asia, in particular, northeast China, as well as India. (UN World Water Report 2023)
• Around 89% of groundwater extracted is used for irrigation, and crops such as paddy and sugarcane consume more than 60% of irrigation water. India is also a large virtual net export of water because of agricultural products export.

Challenges/Issues for reuse of treated wastewater through water trading:

• Treating the wastewater and supplying it to the farm fields or the industrial units will involve certain costs that may not be competitive with the cost of fresh water. As fresh water is available at a substantially low or sometimes even at no cost.
• Since the process of wastewater generation is continuous, the treatment process also should be continuous. However, the demand may not remain constant throughout the year. For example, the crops may not require irrigation for a certain period; demands in industrial units may also vary. This would require either storage of treated wastewater or discharging the treated water to other freshwater sources.
• To make water/treated wastewater a tradable commodity, it is necessary to have a demand.
• Maintenance of the plant, disruption in the sewage network, quality problems in inlet sewage or treated sewage, disruption in the distribution network, etc. could interrupt supply.
• In India, water is neither considered a commodity nor possesses any significant economic value. This is mainly because of the due consideration of the essentiality of water as a fundamental human right.

Way Forward:

• Formation of Independent Regulatory Authority (IRAs) with statutory powers to determine water allocation and pricing of treated wastewater.
• Creation of a trading platform and induction of all stakeholders into it. Fixing the reuse target and finalising the norms of treated wastewater quality along with credits and value of Water Reuse Certificates (WRCs).
• Identification of Industrial Clusters, Municipal/Residential units, Agriculture lands, and Environmental needs where the treated wastewater could be reused.
• Preparation of site-specific plans for reuse where GIS tools could be used for initial planning, and social mobilisation through NGOs would be required to overcome the stigma of the use of treated wastewater.
• Establishment of regular monitoring mechanisms and social impact assessment under the supervision of IRAs.
• The water neutrality concept advocates that the total water demand should be the same after a new development is built as it was before. Promoting water reuse can aid in achieving water neutrality.

Source: Livemint

Q1.) Salmonella, recently seen in news is a group of

1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Virus
4. Flowering plants

Q2.) With reference to the paradox of thrift, consider the following statements:

1. The Paradox of thrift suggests that when people save more money, especially during a recession, it can lead to a decrease in overall economic activity.
2. Paradox of thrift leads to a decrease in the level of employment and income and reduces total savings in the economy.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q3.) Consider the following statements about the Assam Rifles:

1. The Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force in India.
2. The Assam Rifles is tasked with guarding the Indo-Myanmar border.
3. Administrative control of the Assam Rifles lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’ 1st May 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – c