DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th August 2024

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: Congress and BRS in Telangana is indulging in war of words as many MLA’s are crossing parties.

Background:-

• There are numerous other examples: Some time back, the Election Commission of India allotted the name Shiv Sena and the party’s symbol – bow and arrow – to the Eknath Shinde faction, effectively acknowledging it as the original party that Balasaheb Thackerey founded.

Anti-Defection Law Overview:

• The 52nd Constitutional Amendment introduced the anti-defection law in 1985 through the Tenth Schedule.
• This law disqualifies members of the State Legislature or Parliament if they voluntarily resign from their party or vote against party instructions, known as the whip.
• This voting instruction is issued by the party whip. A whip is a member of the parliamentary party nominated by the political party in the House.

Nominated Members and Anti-Defection:

• Nomination in Rajya Sabha: Nominated Rajya Sabha members can join a political party within six months of nomination. After this period, joining a party may lead to disqualification.

Disqualification Process:

• Initiation: Any House member can file a petition with the Speaker (Lok Sabha or assembly) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) alleging defection. This means that the Presiding Officer (Speaker of Lok Sabha or Chairperson of Rajya Sabha) cannot initiate disqualification proceedings suo moto.
• Authority:The Speaker or Chairman decides on disqualification petitions.
• Timeframe: The law does not specify a strict timeline for decisions, leading to potential delays.
• Judicial Review: Disqualification decisions can be challenged in court. The Supreme Court’s 1992 judgement in Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu and Others upheld the anti defection law’s constitutionality and allowed judicial review in cases of malafide intent, perversity, or violation of natural justice.

Exceptions and Limitations:

• Mergers and Splits: law permits mergers of parties when two-thirds of the members of a legislative party agree to merge with another party. In these cases, legislators are not considered to have defected. For example, 12 of 17 Congress MLAs in Meghalaya joined the All India Trinamool Congress in 2021. The 2003 91st Amendment removed the provision allowing one-third of members to split and form a separate group.

Supreme Court’s Three-Test Formula:

• In Sadiq Ali vs. Election Commission of India (1971), the Court laid down the three-test formula for deciding which faction is to be recognised as the original political party by the Election Commission.The three fundamental tests are:
  • i) the test of aims and objectives of the party,
  • ii) the test of party constitution, which reflects inner-party democracy, and
  • iii) the test of majority in the legislative and organisational wings. The first test is subject to competing claims by rival groups.
• The Election Commission recognised the Eknath Shinde group as the legitimate Shiv Sena in February 2023 on the basis of the votes collected by lawmakers who backed Eknath Shinde in the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Limitations: The anti-defection law has been criticized for:

• Undermining democratic principles by making legislators more accountable to party leaders than their constituents.
• Discriminating against independent members, who face immediate disqualification if they join a party, unlike nominated members with a six-month grace period.
• Lacking a clear timeline for resolving defection cases and allowing large-group defections, which can lead to political instability.
• The law has been called for revision to better balance party discipline with individual expression and to address underlying issues like intra-party democracy, corruption, and electoral malpractices.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 1

Context: Every year, on August 6, Hiroshima Day is observed to remember the tragic anniversary of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city.

Background:

• The first atomic bomb codenamed ‘Little Boy’ was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Prelude to the Atomic Bomb:

• WWII Atomic Bombs: The first use of nuclear weapons in warfare occurred during WWII. On August 6, 1945, the US dropped a uranium-based atomic bomb on Hiroshima, followed by a plutonium bomb, “Fat Man,” on Nagasaki on August 9.
• Axis vs. Allies: WWII was marked by a clash between Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) led by dictatorial regimes and Allied powers (Great Britain, France, Soviet Union, US) advocating democracy and self-determination.
• Justification for Atomic Bombing: Despite Italy’s surrender in September 1943 and Germany’s in May 1945, Japan’s refusal to surrender led to the decision to use atomic bombs.

Attack on Pearl Harbor:

• US-Japan Conflict: After Pearl Harbor attack by Japan on December 7, 1941, resulting in 2,404 US casualties, the Pacific War intensified, with significant battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa causing heavy US and Japanese losses.

Manhattan Project and Decision to Use the Bomb:

• The Manhattan Project: It was a research and development program undertaken by US during World War II to produce the first nuclear weapons.
• First Atomic Test: On July 16, 1945, the US successfully tested its atomic bomb in New Mexico.
• The success of the project gave an added advantage to the US military arsenal. Ideas were now debated as to how to use this newfound weapon.
• Potsdam Conference: on July 26, the Big Three Allied forces, i.e. the US, Britain and the Soviet Union gathered at Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam, Germany. They issued an ultimatum for Japan and asked for its unconditional surrender.
• Truman’s Decision: Personal experiences of US President Harry Truman and the legacy of President Roosevelt influenced the decision to authorize the use of atomic bombs after Japan’s rejection of the Potsdam Declaration.

Impact and Legacy of Nuclear Weapons:

• Nuclear Disarmament: Since 1946, efforts have been made to control nuclear weapons, including treaties like the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty  (CTBT), and Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
• India remains committed to the goal of global, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament. India keeps up the demand for internationally verified Fissile Material Cut off Treaty.
• India’s reservation to NPT and CTBT along with TPNW remains one of the most decisive policy decisions. To date, the NPT signed in 1968 recognises only the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (the US, Russia, the UK, France and China) as nuclear weapon powers and mandates that other countries can be a party to the NPT only as a non-nuclear weapon state. This was and is principally against the security and integrity of the nation and the sovereign right to defend itself.
• India has pledged to continue with its voluntary and unilateral moratorium on further nuclear testing. It is the only nuclear weapon state to declare that it believes its security would be enhanced, not diminished, in a world free of nuclear weapons.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT

Context: Coastal erosion in Tamil Nadu is increasingly endangering livelihoods and infrastructure, driven by both natural processes and human activities.

Background:

• Tamil Nadu, with India’s second-longest coastline, faces significant erosion challenges. According to recent studies, nearly 43% of Tamil Nadu’s coastline is experiencing erosion. This erosion is driven by both natural factors, such as sea level rise, cyclones, and wave action, and human activities like construction of ports, harbours, seawalls, and beach sand mining.

What is Coastal erosion?

• Coastal erosion is the process by which coastlines are worn away due to the action of natural forces such as waves, tides, and currents, as well as human activities.

Process of Coastal Erosion

• Wave Action: Waves hitting the shore exert pressure on the rocks and soil, causing them to break down.
• Tidal Action: The rise and fall of tides can lead to the removal of sediments from the shore.
• Currents: Ocean currents can transport sediments away from the coast.
• Weathering: Physical and chemical weathering processes break down rocks and minerals along the coast.

Causes of Coastal Erosion

• Natural Causes:
  • Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels increase the rate of erosion by allowing waves to reach further inland.
  • Storms and Cyclones: These events can cause significant erosion in a short period.
  • Wave Action: Continuous wave action can gradually wear away the coastline.
• Human Activities:
  • Construction: Building of ports, harbours, and seawalls can disrupt natural sediment flow.
  • Sand Mining: Extraction of sand from beaches and riverbeds reduces the amount of sediment available to replenish the coast.
  • Deforestation: Removal of vegetation that stabilizes the soil can lead to increased erosion.

Effects of Coastal Erosion

• Loss of Land: Erosion can lead to the loss of valuable land and property1.
• Damage to Infrastructure: Roads, buildings, and other infrastructure near the coast can be damaged or destroyed.
• Impact on Ecosystems: Coastal habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs can be degraded.
• Economic Impact: Coastal erosion can affect tourism, fisheries, and other industries dependent on the coast.

Measures of Prevention

• Breakwaters: Offshore structures that reduce the energy of incoming waves.
• Beach Nourishment: Adding sand or sediment to beaches to replace what has been lost.
• Dune Stabilization: Planting vegetation or using other methods to stabilize sand dunes.
• Managed Retreat: Allowing certain areas to erode naturally while protecting more valuable areas.
• Mangrove Restoration: Planting mangroves to stabilize the shoreline and provide a buffer against waves.
• Coral Reef Protection: Protecting and restoring coral reefs to reduce wave energy.

Source: Hindu

 Syllabus

• Prelims – ECONOMY

Context: The latest data indicates that the Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for July showed a slight decline, dropping to 62.3 from 64.2 in June1. Despite this mild dip, the services sector activity remains robust, with international sales growing at a notable pace.

Background:

• The PMI is widely used across the world, with organizations like the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) in the U.S. and IHS Markit producing PMI data for various countries.

About Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)  :

• The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a key economic indicator that reflects the prevailing direction of economic trends in the manufacturing and service sectors.
• The purpose of the PMI is to provide information about current and future business conditions to company decision makers, analysts, and investors.
• It considers key areas such as new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries, and employment.
• PMI is compiled by IHS Markit for more than 40 economies worldwide.
• PMI data is released by various organizations globally, such as S&P Global for India.
• It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is also constructed.

Interpretation:

• The PMI is a number from 0 to 100.
• A PMI above 50 indicates expansion compared to the previous month.
• A PMI below 50 indicates contraction.
• A PMI of 50 indicates no change.

Source: Business Standard

 Syllabus

• Prelims – ECONOMY

Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a circular mandating that CEOs, Managing Directors (MDs), or equivalent officials of Asset Management Companies (AMCs) will be held responsible and accountable for implementing mechanisms to deter potential market abuse.

Background:

• AMCs are required to establish an institutional mechanism to detect and deter market abuse, including front-running and fraudulent transactions in securities. This move aims to protect investors and ensure the integrity of the securities market by holding top officials accountable for preventing market abuse.

About Asset Management Companies

• An Asset Management Company (AMC) is a financial institution that pools funds from multiple investors and invests in various financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, to generate returns for the investors in exchange for a fee.
• AMCs are commonly referred to as money managers or money management firms.
• Different types of AMCs are Hedge Funds, Mutual Funds, Index Funds, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Private Equity Funds and Other Funds.
• Retail Investors, Institutional Investors, Public Sector (Government Organizations), Private Sector and High-Net-Worth are the clients of AMCs.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Investment Decisions: AMCs make investment decisions on behalf of their investors.
• Portfolio Management: Managing assets in investors’ portfolios to achieve growth.
• Fund Managers: Appointing qualified fund managers with expertise and experience.
• Investment Strategies: Employing strategies and risk management techniques.
• Research Analysts: Supporting fund managers with research and analysis.
• Regulation:
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates and controls AMCs in India.

Source: Hindu

 Syllabus

• Prelims – CURRENT EVENT

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee has flagged serious harm to wildlife in the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.

Background:

• The committee highlighted that the heavy vehicular traffic within the core area of the reserve is severely affecting tiger breeding and causing significant stress to the animals. To address these issues, the CEC has recommended a blanket ban on private vehicles in the reserve.

About Sariska Tiger Reserve :

• Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Aravali hills and forms a part of the Alwar District of Rajasthan.
• Sariska was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and was declared the tiger reserve later in 1978, making it a part of India’s Project Tiger.
• Sariska is the first tiger reserve to have successfully relocated Royal Bengal tigers in India.
• The Reserve is immensely rich in flora and fauna;
• Flora: Scrub thorn arid forests, rocky landscapes, semi-deciduous woodlands. Trees like Tendu, Dhok, and Khair.
• Fauna: Home to Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, Nilgai, Sambar, chital, and various bird species including peafowl, vultures, and eagles.
• The Sanctuary houses ruined temples, forts, pavilions and a palace.
• Kankarwadi fort is located in the center of the Reserve and it is said that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh at this fort in struggle for succession to the throne.
• The Reserve also houses a famous temple of lord Hanuman at Pandupole related to Pandavas.

Source: The Print

Q1.) With reference to the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), consider the following statements:

1. The PMI is a key economic indicator that reflects the prevailing direction of economic trends in the manufacturing and service sectors.
2. It considers key areas such as new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries, and employment.
3. It helps business leaders, analysts, and investors make informed decisions.

How many of the above given statements are not correct?

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

Q2.) With reference to the Sariska Tiger Reserves, consider the following statements:

1. Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Eastern Ghats.
2. Sariska is the first tiger reserve to have successfully relocated Royal Bengal tigers in India.

Which 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.) With reference to the Asset Management Companies (AMCs), consider the following statements:

1. They are financial institutions that pools funds from investors and invests in various financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, to generate returns for the investors in exchange for a fee.
2. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates and controls AMCs in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  7th August 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  c

Q.2) – a

Q.3) – d