CARE 20th September 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (20-09-2024)

News at a Glance

Art and Culture: Harappan civilisation: enigma remains even after 100 years of exploration

Polity and Governance: India should increase capacity of court system to reduce number of pending trials in money laundering cases: FATF report

Geography: Earth will temporarily get a ‘mini-moon’ in September

Economy: Amit Shah unveils ‘White Revolution 2.0’, promises ‘full budgetary support’

Polity and Governance: 1000 Tribal Home Stays to be promoted under Swadesh Darsan to Boost Local Tourism and Livelihood in Tribal Areas

Harappan civilisation: enigma remains even after 100 years of exploration

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/harappan-civilisation-100-years-of-historic-exploration/article68660040.ece#:~:text=At%20the%20apogee%20of%20its,and%20in%20making%20beads%2C%20exquisite

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1 Art and Culture

Context: Indus Valley Civilisation 

Why in News 

• Exactly 100 years ago, on September 20, 1924, The Illustrated London News published an article by John Marshall, then Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), announcing the discovery of a long-forgotten civilisation—the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation

• Marshall’s article was titled, First Light on a Long-forgotten Civilisation: New Discoveries of an Unknown Prehistoric Past, and it introduced the world to what we now call the Harappan Civilisation. 
• Named after the site of Harappa (in modern-day Pakistan), this Bronze Age civilisation amazed and confounded specialists for decades. 
• It was a highly advanced society, excelling in town planning, water management, metallurgy, and pottery, among other things. 
• At its height, it was a “technological powerhouse”, featuring:
  • Sophisticated urban planning with underground drainage systems
  • Fortified cities with large warehouses and granaries
• Advanced craftsmanship in pottery, beads, seals, and terracotta
• Maritime capabilities, using seafaring boats for trade.

Key Archaeologists 

Two important archaeologists were involved in the discoveries:

1. Daya Ram Sahni: He excavated Harappa in 1921-22, discovering seals, pottery, and beads.
2. Rakhal Das Banerji: In 1922, he excavated Mohenjo-daro, another major site, and found similar artefacts.

• The two sites were hundreds of kilometers apart, but the artefacts were strikingly similar, leading Marshall to conclude that they were part of a single, vast civilisation.

Time Period and Decline 

The Harappan civilisation spanned from:

• Early phase: 3200 BCE to 2600 BCE
• Mature phase: 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE (the peak of prosperity)
• Late phase: 1900 BCE to 1500 BCE (decline and collapse)

The civilisation spread over an area of 1.5 million sq. km across modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Significant sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Ganweriwala (Pakistan), and Rakhigarhi, Dholavira (India).

Significance and Contributions 

1. Filling a Historical Gap: Before the discovery of Harappan civilisation, historians believed that settled life in the Indian subcontinent began only around the 6th century BCE. The discovery of the Harappan civilisation pushed this timeline back by over 3,000 years, revealing that a complex, settled society existed in South Asia as early as the 3rd millennium BCE.
2. Another Ancient Civilisation: The Harappan civilisation added to the list of ancient civilisations in Asia, alongside the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations. It also demonstrated maritime trade connections with West Asia dating back to around 3000 BCE.

Distinct Features of Harappan Civilisation 

Indus civilisation expert Asko Parpola highlighted some of the unique features of the civilisation:

• Indus Script: Though undeciphered, the script appeared on finely carved seals with human or animal motifs.
• Standardised Measures: Cubic weights and measures in binary and decimal systems.
• Architecture: Large-scale use of burnt brick, standardised in size with a ratio of 1:2:4.
• Lapidary Art: The civilisation produced long carnelian beads with intricate, chemically stained decorations.

Indus Valley Civilisation

• The Indus Valley Civilisation existed through its early years of 3300-1300 BCE, and its mature period of 2600-1900 BCE. 
• The area of this Civilisation extended along the Indus River from what today is northeast Afghanistan, into Pakistan and northwest India.
• The Indus Civilisation was the most widespread of the three early civilizations of the ancient world, along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. 
• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were thought to be the two great cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, emerging around 2600 BCE along the Indus River Valley in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. 
• Their discovery and excavation in the 19th and 20th centuries provided important archaeological data about ancient cultures.

Origin of the Civilisation 

• The roots of the Harappan civilisation can be traced back to Mehrgarh in Balochistan, Pakistan, around 7000 BCE. 
• According to R.S. Bisht, who excavated Dholavira, the development of the Harappan civilisation can be traced back to the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh, which represents the early stages of settled agricultural life in the region.
  

CARE MCQ	UPSC PYQ
Q1 How many pairs given below are correctly matched? Column A Column B 1. Harappa A. Indus Valley civilization 2. Mohenjo-daro B. Major site in Gujarat 3. Dholavira C. Daya Ram Sahni 4. Indus Script D. Ancient writing system Select Correct Options: [A] Only one pair [B] Only two pairs [C] Only three pairs [D] All four pairs	Q. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:(2011) It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene, During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a.) 1 only (b.) 2 only (c.) Both 1 and 2 (d.) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (c)

Answer 1- B Explanation: Pair 1 is Correct: Harappa – A. Indus Valley civilization Pair 2 is Incorrect: Mohenjo-daro – B. Major site in Gujarat Pair 3 is Incorrect: Dholavira – C. Daya Ram Sahni Pair 4 is Correct: Indus Script – D. Ancient writing system Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

India should increase capacity of court system to reduce number of pending trials in money laundering cases: FATF report

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-should-increase-capacity-of-court-system-to-reduce-number-of-pending-trials-in-money-laundering-cases-fatf-report/article68660716.ece#:~:text=India%20should%20aim%20to%20reduce,mutual%20assessment%20report%20of%20India.  

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 – Polity and Governance

Context: FATF mutual assessment report

Why in News 

• The FATF mutual assessment report calls for India to enhance its judicial capacity and address systemic challenges in prosecuting money laundering and terror financing cases.

Overview

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) mutual assessment report highlights several critical areas for India to address in order to enhance its fight against money laundering (ML) and terror financing (TF). 

• The report emphasizes the need for systemic changes in the court and enforcement systems, particularly regarding the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Pending Trials and Capacity Issues:

• The report suggests that India must reduce the backlog of pending trials in money laundering cases by increasing the capacity of the court system and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
• Despite a high conviction rate of approximately 97%, the number of prosecutions has been low, primarily due to legal challenges related to the PMLA.

Legal Challenges:

• A significant number of constitutional petitions (121) related to PMLA provisions stalled trials until resolved by the Supreme Court in July 2022.
• The FATF noted that while some challenges remain, they have not adversely affected PMLA prosecutions since the Supreme Court ruling.

Court Initiatives:

• To expedite trials, courts have implemented measures such as:
• Shortened session dates
• Use of video conferencing for suspects and witnesses
• Remote points for video conferencing in Indian embassies and consulates worldwide
• Although these measures have led to an increase in prosecutions and convictions, a significant backlog remains.

Saturation of the Judicial System:

• A limited number of specialized prosecutors and judges has resulted in the judicial system reaching full capacity, making it challenging to prosecute additional cases.
• Plans are in place to increase the number of ED prosecutors from 173 to 300.

Comprehensive Financial Network Analysis: 

• The report urges India to improve its analysis of financial networks related to ML techniques, especially those linked to human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Capacity Enhancement of State Agencies:

• State-level agencies need to enhance their capacity for effective parallel financial investigations.
• Improvements are needed in the implementation of Targeted Financial Sanctions to ensure timely updates for reporting entities.

Risk-Based Approach for Non-Profit Organizations:

• Anti-terror financing measures should be applied to the non-profit organization (NPO) sector using a risk-based approach.
• There is a need for targeted outreach to ensure that at-risk NPOs understand TF risks.

Technical Shortcomings: 

• The FATF pointed out the lack of a definition for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) in the PMLA rules as a technical shortcoming.
• Other recommendations include enhancing the capacity of supervisors for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) and increasing scrutiny in high-risk sectors like Money or Value Transfer Services.
• National Risk Assessment Exercise: The government plans to incorporate the FATF’s recommendations as part of its National Risk Assessment Exercise for 2025.

Conclusion

• The FATF report serves as a comprehensive assessment of India’s current legal and enforcement landscape regarding money laundering and terror financing. 
• It outlines the need for strategic reforms in judicial capacity, enhanced coordination among agencies, and a risk-based approach to regulate vulnerable sectors. By addressing these recommendations, India can strengthen its mechanisms to combat financial crimes effectively.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other threats to the integrity of the international financial system. 
• It sets standards and promotes effective measures for countries to implement in order to prevent and combat financial crimes. 
• The FATF conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess their compliance with its recommendations and provides guidance on improving their financial regulatory frameworks.
  

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q2. Which of the following statements about the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is/are correct? The FATF was established in 1989 to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It is a United Nations agency that sets international standards for financial regulation. The FATF conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess their compliance with its recommendations. The FATF has the authority to impose sanctions on countries that do not comply with its guidelines. Options: Only 1 and 3 are correct. Only 2 and 4 are correct. Only 1, 3, and 4 are correct. All of the above are correct.

Q. With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: (2018) BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.  While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication.  Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only  (b) 2 only  (c) Both 1 and 2  (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (a)

Answer 2– A Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The FATF was indeed established in 1989 to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Statement 2 is incorrect: The FATF is not a UN agency; it is an intergovernmental organization. Statement 3 is correct: The FATF conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess compliance. Statement 4 is incorrect: The FATF does not impose sanctions but can place countries on a “blacklist” or “grey list” based on their compliance levels. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Earth will temporarily get a ‘mini-moon’ in September

Source: Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/earth-mini-moon-meaning-9576200/

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1 Geography

Context: Study on Asteroid 2024 PT5, Mini moon

Why in News 

• A recent study highlights that a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, will be temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational field. 

Overview

• A recent study highlights that a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, will be temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational field. 
• This phenomenon, known as gaining a “mini-moon,” is rare as most asteroids either miss Earth or disintegrate upon atmospheric entry.

Definition of Mini-Moons:

• Mini-moons are small asteroids that become temporarily trapped in Earth’s orbit. 
• They are usually difficult to detect due to their size.
• Only four mini-moons have been confirmed in Earth’s history, and none remain in orbit today.

Discovery of 2024 PT5:

• Discovered on August 7 through the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), 2024 PT5 is about 33 feet long and too small to be seen with the naked eye or standard amateur telescopes.

• The asteroid originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt, which follows similar orbits to Earth, approximately 150 million kilometers from the Sun.

Possible Origin:

• There is a hypothesis that 2024 PT5 could be a fragment from a lunar impact, potentially originating from the Moon.

Debate on Classification:

• Some scientists argue that 2024 PT5 may not qualify as a mini-moon, as it will not complete a full orbit around Earth but instead will follow a horseshoe-shaped path.
• This distinction is important for understanding the dynamics of near-Earth objects.

Significance of Observations: 

• Studying 2024 PT5 will enhance our knowledge of asteroids that approach Earth and contribute to understanding the potential risks of collisions.
• Observations can also provide insights into the composition and behavior of asteroids, which is crucial for planetary defense strategies.

Conclusion

• The temporary capture of asteroid 2024 PT5 offers a unique opportunity for scientific research into near-Earth objects, expanding our understanding of their characteristics and potential threats. 
• This event underscores the importance of monitoring and studying asteroids, as they can provide valuable information about the solar system and contribute to planetary defense efforts.
  

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q3. Which of the following statements regarding mini-moons is/are correct? Mini-moons are asteroids that become temporarily trapped in Earth’s orbit. There have been only four confirmed mini-moons that have orbited Earth. A mini-moon must complete at least one full orbit around Earth to be classified as such. Mini-moons are usually large enough to be detected by the naked eye. Options: [A] Only 1 and 2 are correct. [B] Only 3 and 4 are correct. [C] Only 1, 2, and 3 are correct. [D] All of the above are correct.

Q. Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following? (2015) Gravitational force of the Sun Gravitational force of the Moon Centrifugal force of the Earth Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Ans: d

Answer 3 A Explanation Statement 1 is correct: Mini-moons are indeed asteroids that become temporarily captured in Earth’s orbit. Statement 2 is correct: Only four mini-moons have been confirmed in Earth’s history. Statement 3 is incorrect: A mini-moon does not necessarily need to complete a full orbit; it can also follow a horseshoe-shaped path. Statement 4 is incorrect: Mini-moons are usually very small and difficult to detect, often too small to be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Amit Shah unveils ‘White Revolution 2.0’, promises ‘full budgetary support’

Source: Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amit-shah-unveils-white-revolution-2-0-promises-full-budgetary-support-9577809/

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- Economy

Context: White Revolution 2.0

Why in News 

• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched ‘White Revolution 2.0’.

Overview

• Recently, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the ‘White Revolution 2.0’, aimed at transforming India’s dairy and cooperative sectors. 
• This initiative includes an action plan to establish and strengthen two lakh new Multipurpose Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies, dairy cooperatives, and fishery cooperatives. 
• It also outlines a standard operating procedure for fostering cooperation among these cooperatives.

Key Objectives 

• Empowering Women Farmers: The initiative prioritizes enhancing the role of women in agriculture, recognizing their significant contributions and aiming to improve their self-reliance and empowerment.
• Enhancing Local Milk Production: ‘White Revolution 2.0’ focuses on increasing domestic milk production to meet the growing demand and support local farmers.
• Strengthening Dairy Infrastructure: The program aims to improve the existing infrastructure related to dairy farming, which is crucial for enhancing production efficiency and quality.
• Boosting Dairy Exports: By enhancing production and infrastructure, the initiative seeks to position India as a competitive player in the global dairy market.
• Initiatives Under the Program During the national conference, Shah highlighted that the Ministry of Cooperation has implemented ten significant initiatives in the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, with three being launched on this occasion. 
• These initiatives are designed to make the cooperative sector more self-reliant and expansive.

Government Support

• Amit Shah reassured stakeholders in the cooperative and animal husbandry sectors regarding budgetary support for ‘White Revolution 2.0’. 
• He emphasized that the government prioritizes this program and is committed to providing necessary financial backing to ensure its success.

Need of white revolution 2.0

• Inflation- The all-India modal price of milk has risen significantly, from Rs 42 to Rs 60 per litre over the last five years.
• Reduction in demand- Higher prices may result in consumers cutting back on their milk consumption, impacting the overall demand for dairy products.
• Increased production cost- The costs associated with fodder, feed, and raw materials have seen a significant increase, prompting dairies to raise procurement prices paid to farmers.
• Impact on consumers- Inflation and increased production cost falls on consumers, as there is a limit on how much more consumers can pay for milk before it causes demand destruction.

Conclusion

• ‘White Revolution 2.0’ represents a significant step towards enhancing India’s dairy sector and empowering women in agriculture. 
• By focusing on cooperative models and infrastructure development, the initiative aims to improve self-reliance, tackle malnutrition, and increase India’s presence in the global dairy market.
  

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding ‘White Revolution 2.0’: The initiative aims to strengthen the cooperative sector by establishing two lakh new Multipurpose Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies. ‘White Revolution 2.0’ focuses exclusively on improving dairy production without addressing women’s empowerment. How many of the above statements are correct? [A] Only one statement is correct. [B] Both statements are correct. [C] Only the first statement is correct. [D] None of the statements are correct.

Q.  Consider the following crops of India: (2012)  1. Cowpea  2. Green gram  3. Pigeon pea  Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder and green manure?  (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 2 only  (c) 1 and 3 only  (d) 1, 2 and 3  Ans: (a)

Answer 4 C Explanation Statement 1 is correct: The initiative indeed aims to strengthen the cooperative sector by establishing two lakh new cooperatives. Statement 2 is incorrect: ‘White Revolution 2.0’ also focuses on empowering women farmers, not just on improving dairy production. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

1000 Tribal Home Stays to be promoted under Swadesh Darsan to Boost Local Tourism and Livelihood in Tribal Areas

Source: PIB

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2056682 

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and governance

Context:  Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan

Why in News 

• Union Cabinet has approved Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan with a total outlay of Rs.79,156 crore for improving the socio-economic condition of tribal communities, by adopting saturation coverage for tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts. 

Overview 

• The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan is a significant initiative launched by the Union Cabinet, aimed at enhancing the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities across the country.  

Objectives 

• Socio-Economic Improvement: The mission seeks to uplift tribal communities by addressing critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood.
• Saturation Coverage: The plan intends to ensure saturation coverage for tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts.

Financial Outlay

• Total Investment: The initiative has a total outlay of Rs. 79,156 crores, with the central share being Rs. 56,333 crore and the state share Rs. 22,823 crores.

Coverage

• Target Areas: The initiative will cover approximately 63,000 villages and is expected to benefit over 5 crore tribal people across 549 districts and 2,740 blocks in 30 States and Union Territories.

Implementation

• 25 Interventions/Schemes: The mission comprises 25 different interventions/schemes to be implemented by 17-line ministries, ensuring a coordinated approach.
• Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST): Each ministry will be responsible for implementing relevant schemes in a timely manner, funded under this plan over the next five years.

Tribal Home Stays – Swadesh Darshan: 

• A notable scheme under this mission, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Tourism.
• Objective: To tap into the tourism potential of tribal areas and provide alternative livelihoods for tribal communities.
• Support: Funding will be provided to establish 1,000 homestays in villages with tourism potential.
• Financial Assistance:
  • Rs. 5 lakhs for constructing two new rooms for each household.
  • Up to Rs. 3 lakhs for renovating existing rooms.
  • Rs. 5 lakhs for community requirements in the village.

Background

• Tribal Population: According to the 2011 Census, India has a Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of approximately 10.45 crore, consisting of over 705 tribal communities that often reside in remote areas.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• PM Gati Shakti Portal: The tribal villages covered under the Abhiyan will be mapped on this portal. Departments will identify specific requirements and monitor both physical and financial progress.
• Recognition: The best-performing districts will be awarded for their efforts, promoting a competitive and effective implementation strategy.

Conclusion

• The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan aims for a holistic and sustainable development approach by leveraging existing resources, enhancing infrastructure, and empowering tribal communities through targeted interventions. 
• By mapping the needs and progress on the PM Gati Shakti Portal, the government seeks to ensure accountability and efficacy in its execution.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q5.  Consider the following statements: Statement 1: The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan aims to improve the socio-economic condition of tribal communities through saturation coverage in tribal-majority villages. Statement 2: The initiative is expected to cover around 100,000 villages and benefit over 10 crore tribal people. How many statements given above are correct? [A] Only Statement 1 [B] Only Statement 2 [C] Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 [D] Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2

Q. With reference to the government’s welfare schemes, consider the following statements. (2002) 1. Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, the food grains are available to the poorest of the families at 2 per kg for wheat and 3 per kg for rice. Under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, the 2. old and destitute are provided 75 per month as central pension, in addition to the amount provided by most State Government 3. Government of India has allocated 25 kg food grain per below poverty line family per month, at less than half the economic cost. Which of these statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1,2 and 3 Ans. (d)

Answer 5 A Explanation Statement 1 is Correct. The initiative is designed to enhance the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities by implementing various schemes in tribal-majority villages. Statement 2 is Incorrect. The initiative aims to cover around 63,000 villages and benefit more than 5 crore tribal people, not 100,000 villages or 10 crore people. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.