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

Syllabus:

• Mains – ECONOMY

Context: The Government’s flagship Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing has been a mixed bag so far in terms of job creation.

Background: –

• Data obtained through RTI reveals that sectors such as textiles and advanced chemical cells are yet to make a mark, some others such as mobile phones, food processing and pharma have done very well, and some like auto, IT hardware and specialty steel are slow to gain momentum.

Key takeaways

• The PLI scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing and generate employment across 14 sectors, including textiles, advanced chemical cells (ACC), solar modules, auto and auto components, IT hardware, specialty steel, mobile phones, telecom, medical devices, white goods, pharmaceuticals, food processing, drones, and drug intermediates.

Job Creation under PLI Scheme

• Overall Performance:
  • The scheme has created 5.84 lakh direct jobs till June 2024.
  • This constitutes 36% of the total 16.2 lakh direct jobs targeted over the next five years or so across the 14 sectors.
• Sector-Wise Contribution:
  • Just three sectors – food processing, pharmaceuticals, and mobile phones (large-scale electronics manufacturing) – accounted for over 75% (4.47 lakh) of the total jobs created.

Performance of sectors under PLI:

• Mobile Phones (Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing):
  • Created 1.22 lakh jobs, establishing a strong assembly base in India.
  • Companies like Apple have contributed significantly via contract assemblers such as Foxconn, shifting production from China to India.
• Food Processing Sector: Created 2.45 lakh jobs (against a target of 2.5 lakh jobs by 2026-27).
• Pharmaceuticals Sector: Performed well, contributing significantly to job creation.

Underperforming Sectors an slow moving sectors:

• Automobiles and Auto Components: Created 32,081 jobs against a five-year target of 1.45 lakh jobs.
• Solar Modules: Created 9,521 jobs against a target of 1.95 lakh over five years.
• Textiles:
  • Target: 2.5 lakh jobs by 2026.
  • Actual: Only 12,607 jobs created over two years and three months till June 2024.
  • Stakeholders cite difficult eligibility criteria for smaller entities.
• Advanced Chemical Cell (ACC) Battery Storage:
  • Aims to establish giga-scale battery facilities.
  • Actual: Only 802 jobs created as production has not yet commenced.
  • Selected Bidders: Ola, Reliance Industries, etc.
• Specialty Steel and IT Hardware: Progress is slow, with employment targets yet to be met.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearings in a landmark climate change case, examining what countries worldwide are legally required to do to combat climate change and help vulnerable nations fight its devastating impact.

Background: –

• Lawyers and representatives from more than 100 countries and organisations will make submissions before the ICJ in The Hague.

What are the hearings about?

• The two central questions asked of the Court are as follows: 
  • What are the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases for States and for present and future generations;
  • What are the legal consequences under these obligations for States where they, by their acts and omissions, have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with respect to:
    • States, including, in particular, small island developing States, which due to their geographical circumstances and level of development, are injured or specifically affected by, or are particularly vulnerable to, the adverse effects of climate change?
    • Peoples and individuals of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change? 

How did this case come to the ICJ? 

• In September 2021, the Pacific island of Vanuatu announced its intention to seek an advisory opinion from the ICJ on climate change.
• Vanuatu then lobbied other countries and formed the core group of UN Member States to take the initiative forward. The discussions within the core group led to resolution A/RES/77/276, which was adopted by the General Assembly on 29 March 2023.
• The resolution drew upon “particular regard” to the UN Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and rights recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “the principle of prevention of significant harm to the environment and the duty to protect and preserve the marine environment”. 

Who is authorised to request advisory opinions ? 

• Advisory proceedings are only open to five organs of the United Nations and 16 specialised agencies of the UN.  While the UN General Assembly and Security Council may request advisory opinions on “any legal question”, the other UN organs and specialised agencies can only do so with respect to “legal questions arising within the scope of their activities”. 

Why is this case so significant?

• This case is the largest ever seen by the world court.
• Significantly, they are taking place a week after developing nations criticised a deal at COP29 to provide $300 billion a year in climate finance by 2035, calling the agreement “insulting” and arguing it did not give them the resources they require to address the climate crisis.
• With small island developing states already facing impacts of climate change, these hearings are vital to establish a stronger framework of accountability that sets clear international legal obligations for climate action.

What effect can an advisory opinion have? 

• Court’s advisory opinions are not binding. They clarify legal questions. The requesting organ, agency or organization – the General Assembly in this particular case – remains free to decide, as it sees fit, what effect to give to these opinions.  
• Advisory opinions carry great moral authority by what is considered the world’s highest court and the principal judicial body of the UN. 
• This opinion on climate change can help inform subsequent judicial proceedings such as domestic cases, influence the diplomatic process and will likely be cited in thousands of climate-driven lawsuits around the world.

Source: UN News

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT

Context: At United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) CoP16, India showcased its ambitious ‘Aravali Green Wall’ project to the global community.

Background:

• AGWP, launched in 2023, is a major initiative to green the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli range in four states.

Key takeaways

• The Aravalli Green Wall Project is part of the Union Environment Ministry’s vision to create green corridor to combat land degradation and desertification. 
• The project covers states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi – where the Aravalli hills landscape span over 6 million hectares of land. 
• The project will involve planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrubland, wasteland and degraded forest land, along with rejuvenating and restoring surface water bodies such as ponds, lakes and streams. 
• The project will also focus on agroforestry and pasture development to enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

The major objectives of Aravalli Green Wall Project are:

• Improving the ecological health of the Aravalli range.
• To prevent eastward expansion of Thar Desert and to reduce land degradation by creating green barriers that will prevent soil erosion, desertification and dust storms.
• Promote sustainable development and livelihood opportunities by involving local communities in afforestation, agro-forestry and water conservation activities that will generate income, employment, food security and social benefits.
• Contribute to India’s commitments under various international conventions such as UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

Source: Times Of India

Syllabus:

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT

Context: The State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) appointed by the National Green Tribunal, has recommended implementation of projects in a time-bound manner to check the illegal discharge of waste into Ashtamudi Lake.

Background: –

• A preliminary examination indicates the presence of excessive ‘algae bloom’, which is the direct result of discharge of biowaste, including septage into the waterbody, SLMC said in its report on the mass fish kill reported in Ashtamudi Lake on October 27.

Key takeaways

• Location: Ashtamudi Lake is situated in the southern part of Kerala, near the city of Kollam.
• Shape: The lake is palm-shaped (also described as octopus-shaped) with multiple branches, hence the name “Ashtamudi,” which means “eight-hills” in Malayalam.
• Size: It is the second-largest lake in Kerala, covering an area of 61.4 square kilometers.

Ecological Significance:

• Ramsar Wetland: Ashtamudi Lake is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, recognizing its ecological significance.
• Biodiversity: The lake supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, including mangroves, marshy vegetation, and various fish species.
• Water Source: The primary inflow to the lake is the Kallada River, and it connects to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary.

Cultural and Historical Importance:

• Historical Port: Kollam, located on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, was an important port city in ancient times, known as Quilon.
• Trade Hub: The lake has historical significance dating back to the 14th century, serving as a major trading center.
• Houseboats: Ashtamudi Lake is famous for its houseboat cruises, offering a serene experience through the backwaters.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – POLITY

Context: The Supreme Court issued detailed directions to ensure effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), for implementation across the states and union territories.

Background: –

• The apex court in a May 2023 judgment, had expressed its discontent that even a decade after the enactment of POSH Act, serious lapses continue to exist in its effective enforcement.

Key takeaways

• Enacted in 2013 to provide protection against sexual harassment of women at the workplace and ensure their right to work with dignity.
• Definition of Sexual Harassment – As per the Act, sexual harassment includes:
  • Physical contact and advances.
  • A demand or request for sexual favors.
  • Making sexually colored remarks.
  • Showing pornography.
  • Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

Scope of the Act

• Covers women working in both the organized and unorganized sectors.
• Includes regular, temporary, ad hoc, or daily wage employees, trainees, apprentices, and women working through a contract or consultant.

Workplace Definition

• Extends to private and public offices, government institutions, NGOs, and even the premises of employers such as vehicles or any place visited by the employee during work.

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

• Every employer is required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at each office or branch with 10 or more employees. The ICC is responsible for receiving and addressing complaints of sexual harassment.
• ICC Composition:
  • Presiding Officer: A senior woman employee.
  • At least two members committed to women’s issues or having legal knowledge.
  • One external member from an NGO or legal background.
• ICC’s Role:
  • Inquire into complaints.
  • Recommend actions such as warnings, salary deductions, termination, or other disciplinary measures.

Local Complaints Committee (LCC)

• For establishments with fewer than 10 employees or when the employer is the respondent, complaints are directed to an LCC set up by the District Officer.

Complaint Mechanism:

• Complaints must be submitted in writing to the IC or LC within 3 months from the date of the incident.
• IC/LC can extend this period by 3 months for valid reasons.
• The IC/LC must complete the inquiry within 90 days.

Punishment and Compensation:

• Disciplinary actions include written apologies, warnings, reprimands, suspension, or termination of employment.
• Compensation can be awarded to the aggrieved woman, considering the severity of the harassment and its impact.

Duties of Employers:

• Employers are required to provide a safe working environment, display notices about the penal consequences of sexual harassment, organize workshops and awareness programs, and assist in securing the attendance of the respondent and witnesses during the inquiry.

Penalties:

• The Act prescribes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and cancellation of business licenses. It also provides for punishment for false or malicious complaints.

Source: Livelaw

Q1.) Consider the following statements about Ashtamudi Lake:

1. It is the largest lake in Kerala.
2. The primary inflow to the lake is the Kallada River.
3. It is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q2.) Which of the following is NOT a provision under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013?

(a) Constitution of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in every organization with 10 or more employees.

(b) Complaints must be submitted in writing within 90 days of the incident.

(c) The Act applies only to women working in the organized sector.

(d) The ICC must complete the inquiry process within 90 days.

Q3.) The Aravalli Green Wall Project aims to achieve which of the following objectives?

1. Prevent the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.
2. Promote agroforestry and pasture development to enhance local livelihoods.
3. Rejuvenate rivers flowing through the Maikal hills.
4. Contribute to India’s commitments under international conventions like UNCCD and UNFCCC.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 1, 2, and 4 only

(c) 1, 2, and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – a

Q.3) – a