DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th September 2024

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 1 & GS 2

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasised that atrocities committed against women and the safety of children are a serious concern in society.

Background: –

• The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.

Status of Crimes Against Women in India as per NCRB Data (2022):

• Total cases: 4,45,256 (4% increase from 2021).
• Main categories: The majority of cases under crime against women were registered under ‘cruelty by husband or his relatives’ at 31.4 per cent followed by kidnapping and abduction of women at 19.2 per cent assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty at 18.7 per cent and rape at 7.1 per cent.
• Cyber crimes against women – cyber pornography/ hosting/ publishing obscene sexual material – accounted for 14,409 cases (21.8 per cent).
• The crime rate registered per lakh women population was 66.4 in 2022 compared to 64.5 in 2021.

There are various types of violence faced by women, such as:

• Femicide: It is the deliberate killing of a woman or a girl simply because she is female. Gender-based violence can also encompass honor killings, which involve the murder of a family member due to the belief that the individual has brought shame upon the family.
• Sexual Violence: According to UN Women, Sexual violence is any sort of harmful or unwanted sexual behaviour that is imposed on someone. It includes acts of abusive sexual contact, forced engagement in sexual acts, attempted or completed sexual acts with a woman without her consent, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, threats, exposure, unwanted touching, incest, and others. Sexual violence can include sexual harassment, rape, corrective rape, and other forms of sexual assault.
• Domestic Violence: Section 3 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act), defines domestic violence as any act, omission, commission or conduct of the respondent that harms or injures or endangers the health, safety, life, limb or well-being, whether mental or physical, of the aggrieved person or tends to do so and includes causing physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse and economic abuse.
• Technology-facilitated Violence: Cyberbullying, doxing, non-consensual sexting, image-based abuse.
• Child Marriage: Early marriage leading to health risks and reduced decision-making power for girls.

Legal Frameworks for Women’s Safety in India

• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Article 14: Equal rights and opportunities.
  • Article 15: Prohibits gender-based discrimination.
  • Article 15(3): Special provisions for women.
  • Article 16: Equal job opportunities.
  • Article 39(c): Equal pay for equal work.
  • Article 42: Just and humane working conditions, maternity relief.
  • Article 51(A)(e): Renounce practices derogatory to women’s dignity.
• Key Acts:
  • PoSH Act, 2013: Sexual harassment prevention at workplaces.
  • Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Protection from abuse by partners/family members.
  • POCSO Act, 2012: Protection of children from sexual offences.
  • Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Criminalizes dowry demands.
  • Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1976: Raises legal marriage age (18 for girls, 21 for boys).
  • National Commission for Women Act, 1990: Established NCW to safeguard women’s rights.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3

Context: Over 328 cadres of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) will give up arms after the banned insurgent outfits signed a memorandum of settlement with the Central and Tripura Governments.

Background: –

• Tripura has experienced prolonged insurgency driven by ethnic tensions, political instability, and socio-economic challenges.

Key takeaways

• The roots of the conflict date back to the early 20th century, but insurgency in its organized form began in the 1960s and escalated in the 1980s.
• The main cause of insurgency was the demographic change in Tripura caused by the large-scale migration of Bengalis from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) after the Partition in 1947. This migration led to the indigenous tribal population feeling politically marginalized and economically dispossessed.

Major Insurgent Groups

• Sengkrak: The first insurgent group in Tripura, Sengkrak, was formed in 1967. Though it did not last long, it laid the foundation for future insurgent movements by voicing the concerns of the indigenous tribal people.
• Tripura National Volunteers (TNV) (1978): The TNV accused the Indian government of neglecting tribal rights and opposed the influx of Bengali migrants. The TNV signed a peace accord with the government in 1988, which led to its disbandment.
• National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) (1989): One of the most notorious insurgent groups in Tripura, the NLFT was formed with the goal of establishing an independent Tripuri state. It operated from sanctuaries in Bangladesh.
• All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) :Formed in 1990, the ATTF aimed to expel Bengali migrants from Tripura and restore tribal rights. Like the NLFT, it also operated from bases in Bangladesh. By the late 2000s, it had become largely inactive due to internal splits, desertions, and counter-insurgency operations.

Key Phases of the Insurgency

• Early Insurgency (1960s–1970s):
  • The insurgency began with the formation of groups like Sengkrak, which focused on protecting tribal identity and opposing the influx of Bengali settlers. This phase was characterized by sporadic violence and political movements aimed at protecting tribal land rights.
• Escalation in the 1980s–1990s:
  • The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a sharp rise in insurgent activity, as groups like the NLFT and ATTF became more organized and militant. Insurgents launched attacks on security forces, carried out kidnappings, and imposed “taxes” on civilians. This period was the most violent.
• Counter-Insurgency Efforts and Decline (Late 1990s–2000s):
  • The Indian government responded to the insurgency with a combination of military action and peace initiatives. The Tripura State Rifles (TSR), a specialized paramilitary force, played a key role in counter-insurgency operations. The Left Front government, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), adopted a mix of force and incentives to reduce insurgent violence.
• Several insurgent leaders surrendered in exchange for economic rehabilitation packages, which included an immediate grant of Rs. 1.5 lakh, vocational training, and a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000. These measures significantly weakened insurgent groups and led to a sharp decline in violence.

Factors Behind the Decline of Insurgency

• Government Rehabilitation Programs: The government offered lucrative rehabilitation packages to surrender, which included financial grants, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
• Development Initiatives: The government focused on economic development and infrastructure in Tripura, which helped address some of the grievances of the tribal population, including unemployment and lack of access to basic services.
• Counter-Insurgency Operations: The Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), and the TSR launched coordinated counter-insurgency operations, effectively dismantling insurgent camps and cutting off supply lines from Bangladesh.
• Improved Relations with Bangladesh: Cooperation between India and Bangladesh played a crucial role in curbing insurgency. The Bangladesh government, particularly under Sheikh Hasina, cracked down on insurgent bases and reduced the ability of groups like the NLFT and ATTF to operate from across the border.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Context: Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) has published the only fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV) — the viral infection that caused at least a third of the encephalitis or brain swelling cases in Gujarat during the outbreak in July-August.

Background:

• Chandipura is a viral infection that can lead to outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) or brain swelling. It is known to cause fever, headache, and encephalitis leading to convulsions, coma, and death, usually within a few days of the symptoms showing up.

What is Genome Mapping?

• Genome mapping is the process of finding the specific locations of genes on each chromosome. It is akin to creating a map that helps scientists navigate the genome, much like how a city map helps people find their way around.

Steps in Genome Mapping

• Sample Collection: DNA is extracted from the cells of the organism being studied.
• Marker Identification: Identifying genetic markers, which are known sequences of DNA that vary among individuals.
• Mapping: Using genetic or physical mapping techniques to determine the positions of these markers on the chromosomes.
• Data Analysis: Analyzing the data to create a map that shows the relative or absolute positions of genes and markers.

Applications of Genome Mapping

• Disease Research: Genome mapping provides important clues on where a virus comes from, how it is changing, and whether it has any mutations that are likely to make it more transmissible or deadly. Sequencing viral genomes helps researchers keep an eye on viruses that may lead to outbreaks in the future.
• Agriculture: Assists in breeding programs by identifying genes responsible for desirable traits in crops and livestock.
• Evolutionary Biology: Provides insights into the genetic relationships and evolutionary history of different species.

Notable Projects

• Human Genome Project: One of the most significant genome mapping projects, which aimed to map the entire human genome. It provided a foundation for many advances in genetics and medicine.
• 1000 Genomes Project: Aimed to create a detailed map of human genetic variation by sequencing the genomes of a large number of people from different populations

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains: ECONOMY

Context: The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) has recently reported that the eShram portal has registered over 30 crore unorganised workers.

Background: –

• This significant milestone highlights the portal’s widespread adoption among workers in the unorganised sector, including migrant workers, gig workers, agricultural workers, and many others.

About eShram portal

• The eShram portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021.
• The eShram portal aims to create a comprehensive national database of unorganised workers to facilitate the delivery of social security and welfare schemes.
• This initiative is a crucial step towards ensuring better access to benefits and protections for these workers.

Key Benefits for Migrant Workers:

• Comprehensive Registration: Migrant workers can register themselves on the portal, ensuring they are included in the national database of unorganised workers.
• Family Details: The portal captures family details of migrant workers, which can be crucial for accessing various welfare schemes.
• Access to Social Security: By registering on eShram, migrant workers can easily access social security benefits and welfare schemes designed for unorganised workers.
• Job Opportunities: Integration with the National Career Service (NCS) Portal allows migrant workers to search for suitable job opportunities using their Universal Account Number (UAN).
• Skill Development: The portal is linked with the Skill India Digital portal, providing migrant workers with opportunities for skill enhancement and apprenticeships.
• Pension Scheme: Migrant workers aged between 18-40 years can register for the Pradhan Mantri Shram-Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) pension scheme using their UAN.
• Government Schemes: Through integration with the My Scheme portal, migrant workers can discover and apply for various government schemes they are eligible for.

Source: PIB

 Syllabus

• Prelims : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Context: Researchers have been exploring the potential of repurposing existing drugs, including antidepressants, for cancer management.

Background: –

• This research group has shown that Selegiline (L-deprenyl), an antidepressant drug from a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, might be applied as anticancer therapeutics for breast cancer.

About Drug Repurposing

• Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning or reprofiling, involves identifying new therapeutic uses for existing or investigational drugs.
• It is the technique of using an existing drug or drug candidate for a new treatment or medical condition for which it was not indicated before.
• The goal of drug repurposing is to quickly identify compounds with an established safety profile and known therapeutic advantages that may prove efficacious for other indications.

Benefits of Drug Repurposing:

• Cost-Effective: Utilizes existing drugs with known safety profiles, reducing the need for extensive safety testing.
• Faster Development: Can expedite the process of bringing treatments to market, especially in urgent situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Broad Applications: Effective for a wide range of conditions, including rare diseases, oncology, and infectious diseases.

Examples of Successful Drug Repurposing:

• Sildenafil (Viagra): Originally developed for hypertension, later found effective for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.
• Thalidomide: Initially used for morning sickness, repurposed for leprosy and multiple myeloma.

Challenges:

• Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the regulatory landscape for new indications can be complex.
• Intellectual Property Issues: Patent and exclusivity concerns may arise when repurposing drugs.

Source: DST

 Syllabus

• Prelims: ECONOMY

Context: Recently, the union minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development launched the AgriSURE Scheme in New Delhi.

Background: –

• This scheme is part of the government’s broader efforts to empower farmers and boost the agricultural sector, ensuring increased production, reduced costs, and better prices for farmers.

About AgriSURE

• Agri Fund for Start-ups & Rural Enterprises (AgriSURE)Fund is an innovative fund which is a pioneering step toward revolutionizing the agricultural landscape in India.
• The AgriSURE Fund is a financial initiative aimed at supporting agricultural start-ups and rural enterprises in India.
• It is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• The fund aims to support agricultural start-ups and rural enterprises by providing financial assistance through a blended capital fund of ₹750 crore.It provides both equity and debt support to agritech start-ups and agripreneurs.
• It targets high-risk, high-impact activities across the agriculture value chain.
• AgriSURE Fund is registered as a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with SEBI.

Objectives:

• Investment-Friendly Climate: Create an environment conducive to investment for start-ups in agriculture and allied activities.
• Growth Acceleration: Accelerate the growth of start-ups within the agricultural ecosystem.
• Capital Commitments: Increase and sustain capital commitments to sector-specific AIFs.
• Encouraging Entrepreneurs: Support young entrepreneurs with innovative, technology-driven ideas.
• Liquidity Provision: Provide liquidity to existing agri and agri-tech start-ups.
• Linkage Systems: Strengthen the farm produce value chain.
• Access to Technology: Enable FPOs, FPCs, and Primary Cooperative Societies to access the latest farm technologies.
• Employment Opportunities: Create additional employment opportunities for rural and urban youth.
• Youth Retention and Encouragement: Retain and encourage youth in agriculture.
• Investment Attraction: Attract more investment into the agri and rural start-up ecosystem.

Target Beneficiaries:

• The fund aims to support about 85 start-ups by the end of its life, with variable ticket sizes of up to ₹25 crore.
• Beneficiaries include start-ups in sectors like agritech, food processing, animal husbandry, fisheries, supply chain management, farm mechanisation, biotechnology, waste management, renewable energy, and more.

Source: PIB

Q1.) With reference to the Agri Fund for Start-ups & Rural Enterprises (AgriSURE)Fund, consider the following statements:

1. The AgriSURE Fund is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the SEBI.
2. AgriSURE Fund is registered as a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with SEBI.

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

Q2.) Consider the following statements:

1. Drug repurposing is the technique of using an existing drug or drug candidate for a new treatment or medical condition for which it was not indicated before.
2. The goal of drug repurposing is to quickly identify compounds with an established safety profile and known therapeutic advantages that may prove efficacious for other indications.

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.) Consider the following statements about the eShram portal:

1. The eShram portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It aims to create a comprehensive national database of organised workers to facilitate the delivery of social security and welfare schemes.

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 ’  5th September 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  d

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – c