Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (23-09-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Social Issues: U.P., Rajasthan, M.P. top in cases of atrocities on Dalits: report |
| International Relations: Quad launches maritime and health initiatives, adopts strong language on aggression |
| Polity and Governance: Only 16% land reclaimed under legacy waste management project of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 |
| Environment and Ecology: India formally joins International Big Cat Alliance |
| Centre envisions contiguous cheetah conservation landscape across Kuno and Gandhi Sagar in MP, Rajasthan: Report |
U.P., Rajasthan, M.P. top in cases of atrocities on Dalits: report
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS1 Social issues
Context: cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes
Why in News
- The latest government report on cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in 2022 reveals concerning trends regarding the concentration of such incidents, their investigation, and conviction rates.
Key Findings on Atrocities Against SCs
- Geographic Concentration:
- Around 97.7% of all cases of atrocities against SCs were reported from just 13 states.
- Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number, accounting for 23.78% (12,287 cases), followed by Rajasthan (8,651 cases) and Madhya Pradesh (7,732 cases).
- These three states alone contributed to more than 55% of the total atrocities reported.
- Other states with significant numbers included Bihar (6,799 cases), Odisha (3,576 cases), and Maharashtra (2,706 cases), collectively representing over 81% of all such cases in India.
Key Findings on Atrocities Against STs
- Similar to SCs, 98.91% of all atrocities against STs were concentrated in the same 13 states.
- Madhya Pradesh had the highest number of cases (2,979 cases, 30.61%), followed by Rajasthan (2,498 cases) and Odisha (773 cases).
- Maharashtra (691 cases) and Andhra Pradesh (499 cases) also reported a significant share of cases.
Investigations and Charge-Sheeting
- For SC cases:
- 60.38% of the cases led to charge sheets being filed.
- 14.78% were concluded without charges due to issues like false claims or lack of evidence.
- By the end of 2022, investigations were still pending in 17,166 cases.
- For ST cases:
- 63.32% of the cases resulted in charge sheets.
- 14.71% ended with no charges.
- By year-end, 2,702 ST-related cases were still under investigation.
Conviction Rate and Judicial Response
- The conviction rate for cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been declining.
- In 2022, the conviction rate dropped to 32.4%, a significant decrease from 39.2% in 2020.
- There was a shortage of special courts to expedite trials under this Act.
- Out of 498 districts across 14 states, only 194 had established such special courts.
Special Measures and Interventions
- Certain districts prone to atrocities were identified, but only 10 states and Union Territories declared such districts. Notably, Uttar Pradesh, which had the highest number of cases, reported that no “atrocity-prone areas” were identified.
- SC/ST protection cells were set up in several states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
What is the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989?
- The SCs and the STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, also known as the SC/ST Act 1989, was enacted to safeguard the members of SCs and STs from caste-based discrimination and violence.
- Rooted in Articles 15 and 17 of the Indian Constitution, the Act aims to ensure the protection of these marginalised communities and to address the inadequacies of previous laws.
- The Act builds on the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, which were established to abolish untouchability and discrimination based on caste.
- The Central Government is authorised to frame rules for the Act’s implementation, while State Governments and Union Territories administer it with central assistance.
Key Provisions:
- The Act defines specific offenses against SC/ST members, including physical violence, harassment, and social discrimination. It recognizes these acts as “atrocities” and prescribes stringent penalties for perpetrators.
- The Act prescribes stringent punishments for those found guilty of committing atrocities against SCs/STs. These include higher penalties than those provided under the Indian Penal Code 1860 (now replaced as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023).
- Anticipatory Bail Provisions, Section 18 of the SC and ST Act, 1989 excludes the application of Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure1973 (now replaced as Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023), which provides for anticipatory bail.
- The Act mandates the establishment of special courts for speedy trial and SC/ST Protection Cells at the state level, led by senior police officers, to oversee the implementation of the Act.
- Investigations into offenses under the Act must be conducted by officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and must be completed within a stipulated time frame.
- The Act provides for relief and rehabilitation of victims, including financial compensation, legal aid, and support services.
- Exclusions: The Act does not cover offenses between SCs and STs neither can invoke the Act against another
Recent Amendments:
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015:
- The 2015 Amendment aimed to strengthen the protection offered to SCs and STs by introducing more stringent provisions and expanding the scope of the Act.
- New categories of offenses, such as garlanding with footwear, forcing manual scavenging, and imposing social or economic boycotts and any form of social ostracism are now considered offenses.
- Sexual exploitation and intentional touching of SC/ST women without consent are defined as offenses. Practices like dedicating SC/ST women as devadasis are explicitly outlawed.
- Public servants who neglect duties related to SCs and STs face imprisonment.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018:
- The requirement for Senior Superintendent of Police approval before arresting an accused is removed. Immediate arrests are permitted without prior approval.
Provisions Against Untouchability in India
- Article 17- Abolition of Untouchability. It is a Fundamental Right (Part III), available against individual; Article 17 does not define the term ‘untouchability’.
- To expand the ambit of Article 17, the government came up with the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. The new legislation was enacted to deal with more violent caste-driven atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
- Above provisions are not exhaustive, there are many other provisions which prevent any form of discrimination or promote the weaker section. E.g. Article 46 from Directive Principles of State Policy talks about promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections.
- Article 330 provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and Article 332 provides for the reservation of seats in the Legislative Assemblies of the States.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following two statements regarding the trends of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India:
Statement 1: The conviction rate for atrocities against SCs and STs under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been consistently increasing due to the establishment of special courts across all districts in states with high crime rates. Statement 2: The majority of atrocities against SCs and STs in 2022 were concentrated in a small number of states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Which of the following is correct? (A) Only Statement 1 is correct. (B) Only Statement 2 is correct. (C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct. (D) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is correct. |
Q. Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination? (2020)
a. Right against Exploitation b. Right to Freedom c. Right to Constitutional Remedies d. Right to Equality Ans: d |
| Answer 1-B
Explanation:
|
Quad launches maritime and health initiatives, adopts strong language on aggression
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: Quad Summit
Why in News
- The Quad summit held at Archmere Academy in Delaware brought together the leaders of India, the United States, Australia, and Japan.
Overview
- The Quad summit held at Archmere Academy in Delaware brought together the leaders of India, the United States, Australia, and Japan to discuss a wide range of strategic, economic, and health initiatives, reflecting the group’s expanding scope of cooperation.
Strategic Cooperation and Maritime Security
- Maritime Focus: The Quad leaders announced several maritime initiatives, reflecting their shared concern over security in the Indo-Pacific region. These include:
- Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission (2025): Aims to improve interoperability among Quad navies and enhance maritime safety.
- Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): Training Quad partners to monitor and secure their waters and deter unlawful activities. India will host the first MAITRI workshop in 2025.
- Coast Guard Exercises: A new coast guard exercise aimed at improving coordination among the countries’ coast guards.
Significance:
- These initiatives underline the Quad’s strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific, countering aggressive actions, particularly from China. The East and South China Seas were explicitly mentioned as areas of concern due to increasing militarization and coercive actions, especially regarding the Philippines.
- India’s involvement in MAITRI signals its commitment to strengthening maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing its role as a security provider.
Condemnation of Aggression and Global Conflicts
- East and South China Sea: The Quad strongly condemned China’s aggressive maritime actions, expressing concerns over the militarization of disputed features and the intimidation of other nations’ maritime activities.
- Ukraine Conflict: Although there was no direct mention of Russia—likely to maintain India’s close ties with Moscow—the Quad expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine, highlighting its impact on global food and energy security, especially for developing nations.
- UN Charter: The Quad reiterated its unwavering support for the United Nations Charter, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Significance:
- The Quad’s condemnation of maritime militarization and emphasis on the rules-based order showcases its commitment to upholding international law.
- The reference to Ukraine highlights the Quad’s concern over geopolitical stability, even as they balance India’s relationships with Russia.
Health and Humanitarian Initiatives
- Quad Cancer Moonshot: A collaborative initiative aimed at combating cervical cancer. India has committed $10 million for screening, and the Serum Institute of India, along with Gavi, will provide up to 40 million vaccines for the region (subject to approval).
- Logistics Network Pilot Project: This involves sharing airlift capacity among Quad countries to support disaster response across the region, enhancing humanitarian assistance capabilities.
- The Quad Cancer Moonshot showcases collaborative health diplomacy, with India playing a significant role through its vaccine production capabilities.
- The logistics network highlights the Quad’s focus on disaster management and humanitarian response, key areas of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Health and Humanitarian Initiatives
- The Quad fellowship program, aimed at promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, was expanded. It will now include 50 scholarships worth $500,000 for students from the Indo-Pacific region to study at technical institutions in India.
- This educational initiative supports the Quad’s goal of fostering innovation, technology collaboration, and people-to-people ties in the region.
- It aligns with India’s emphasis on capacity building and its desire to be a hub for higher education in the region.
Balancing Geopolitical Interests
- While the Quad’s joint statement condemned militarization and aggression in the South China Sea, it carefully avoided directly naming Russia in the context of Ukraine, likely reflecting India’s balanced foreign policy approach.
- India maintains a strategic relationship with both the U.S. and Russia, and the Quad has respected this stance.
- This reflects the Quad’s ability to accommodate diverse national interests while maintaining unity on larger geopolitical issues, particularly those related to regional stability and global governance.
Significance:
- The Quad Summit at Archmere Academy highlighted the group’s growing influence in addressing regional and global challenges, particularly in the areas of maritime security, public health, and education.
- India’s active participation in initiatives such as MAITRI and the Quad Cancer Moonshot underscores its pivotal role in promoting regional stability and humanitarian cooperation.
- The Quad’s unified stance on upholding the rules-based international order and addressing global conflicts like Ukraine reaffirms its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the outcomes of the recent Quad Summit:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (2016)
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: D |
| Answer 2 – A
Explanation:
|
Only 16% land reclaimed under legacy waste management project of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance
Context: Legacy Waste Management Project of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
Why in News
- The legacy waste management project under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0 was launched to address the accumulated waste stored in unscientific dumpsites across India.
Overview
- The legacy waste management project under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0 was launched to address the accumulated waste stored in unscientific dumpsites across India.
- However, three years after the rollout, progress has been slow, with only 470 out of 2,424 dumpsites fully remediated, and only 16% of the area reclaimed.
Legacy Waste Dumpsites: Definition and Problem
- Legacy waste dumpsites are sites containing solid waste collected and stored over the years in an uncontrolled manner.
- These dumpsites often result in “garbage hills”, which originally developed on the outskirts of cities but, with urban expansion, are now found in city centers, posing significant environmental and health risks.
- These dumpsites contain toxic substances that pollute air, soil, and water, contributing to public health hazards and the degradation of urban land.
Magnitude of the Problem
- The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry estimates that around 15,000 acres of prime real estate in India are buried under 16 crore tonnes of legacy waste.
- This vast accumulation of waste demonstrates the scale of the challenge for urban local bodies.
Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0: Vision and Goals
Launched on October 1, 2021, for a five-year period, Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 aims to make all cities garbage-free through:
- 100% source segregation of waste.
- Door-to-door collection.
- Scientific waste management, including safe disposal in scientific landfills.
The key focus of SBM 2.0 is the remediation of legacy dumpsites and converting them into green zones.
Funding and Action Plans
- The mission has received ₹3,226 crore as Central Share (CS) assistance for remediation projects.
- However, States and Union Territories must contribute matching funds for these projects.
Current Progress
- Total Dumpsites Identified: 2,424 dumpsites containing more than 1,000 tonnes of waste.
- Dumpsites remediated: 470 sites (remediation completed).
- Ongoing remediation: 1,224 sites (work approved and in progress).
- Untouched sites: 730 sites (no action yet).
- Area reclaimed: Out of 28,460.33 acres of dumpsites, only 16% (4,552.34 acres) has been reclaimed. The remaining 84% (23,908 acres) is yet to be reclaimed.
State-Wise Performance
- Tamil Nadu has reclaimed the most area from dumpsites (837 acres, 42% of its total).
- Gujarat is the best-performing state in terms of area reclaimed, with 75% of its landfill areas (698 of 938 acres) recovered.
Municipal Solid Waste Generation
- According to the State of India’s Environment 2023 report, India generates around 1,50,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day.
- This daily waste generation further highlights the ongoing challenge of scientific waste management and landfill remediation.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Legacy Waste Management Project under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 2, 4, and 5 |
Q. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? (2019)
(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories. (b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only (c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities. (d) It is mandatory on the part of the waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district. Ans: (c) |
| Answer 3- A
Explanation
|
India formally joins International Big Cat Alliance
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3– Environment and Ecology, GS 2 -International Relations
Context: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Why in News
- India has formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which it launched in 2023.
Overview
- India’s formal joining of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) marks a significant step in global wildlife conservation efforts.
- The IBCA, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, aims to safeguard the future of big cats and their habitats.
- It focuses on the seven major big cats worldwide: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, puma, and jaguar.
- Out of these, five species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah—are found in India.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global coalition focused on the protection and conservation of seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, puma, and jaguar.
- Global Initiative: The IBCA is designed to unite countries to tackle common challenges related to the protection and conservation of big cats.
- It was launched on April 9, 2023, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, India’s successful conservation initiative.
- The IBCA aims to unite countries, organizations, and stakeholders worldwide to secure the future of big cats and their ecosystems.
Key Objectives of the IBCA:
- Big Cat Conservation: To protect and conserve big cats and their habitats worldwide.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Use big cat conservation to help with natural climate adaptation, water security, and support for communities dependent on these ecosystems.
- International Cooperation: Foster collaboration among countries, agencies, and businesses for mutual benefits in big cat conservation.
- Focus on Conservation: The alliance will work on policies, research, and collaborative strategies to ensure the protection of big cats and their ecosystems, preventing habitat loss, poaching, and illegal trade.
Member Countries and Global Scope:
- Member Nations: India, along with Nicaragua, Eswatini, and Somalia, are the initial members of the IBCA.
- Founding Members: India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, and Somalia.
- 24 countries have consented to be part of IBCA, and nine international organizations have agreed to partner.
- 95 eligible countries: The alliance is open to big cat range countries, non-range countries interested in conservation, and UN member countries. This includes stakeholders such as scientific organizations, conservation partners, and corporates.
India’s Role:
- Leadership: India, as a founding member, hosts the IBCA’s headquarters.
- India’s participation in the IBCA aligns with its own longstanding efforts in conservation, as the country is home to some of the world’s most iconic big cats, including the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and the recently reintroduced African cheetah.
- India’s expertise in conservation efforts like Project Tiger and Asiatic Lion Reintroduction will contribute significantly to the success of the alliance.
- Budgetary Support: The Indian government approved a ₹150 crore budget for the IBCA for five years (2023-2028).
- Conservation Experience: India brings its expertise from successful initiatives like Project Tiger, Project Lion, and recent efforts like the reintroduction of cheetahs.
Expected Outcomes:
- Strengthened Conservation: Reinforcing strategies to prevent the decline of big cat populations.
- Shared Best Practices: Establishing a global network for sharing expertise, best practices, and resources.
- Sustainable Resource Use: Promoting eco-friendly resource use to ensure the sustainability of ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Funding:
- Initial Support: ₹150 crore from India for 2023-2028.
- Additional Contributions: Expected from member countries, international conservation organizations, and private entities.
Alignment with India’s Environmental Goals:
The IBCA aligns with India’s broader environmental initiatives, such as:
- Project Tiger: India’s flagship tiger conservation program.
- Project Lion and other wildlife protection programs.
- Global Biodiversity Goals: Reinforcing India’s commitment to global biodiversity and sustainable resource management.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Which of the following statements about the Integrated Biodiversity Conservation Approach (IBCA) is/are Correct?
A) Only statements 1 and 4 are true. |
Q. Consider the following protected areas: (2012)
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves? (a) 1 and 2 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4- B
Explanation
|
Centre envisions contiguous cheetah conservation landscape across Kuno and Gandhi Sagar in MP, Rajasthan: Report
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Environment and Ecology
Context: Project Cheetah, Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh and the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)
Why in News
- The report on Project Cheetah outlines India’s ambitious plan to reintroduce and establish a viable population of cheetahs in the country
Overview of Project Cheetah
- Long-Term Vision: The government envisions creating a larger cheetah metapopulation landscape within the next 25 years, integrating Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Goals of Establishing a Metapopulation: The project aims to establish a viable metapopulation of 60-70 cheetahs in the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape. This involves ensuring that habitats are restored, prey availability is adequate, and risks to both cheetahs and prey are minimized.
Immediate and Long-Term Strategies
- Immediate Goals: The primary focus is to establish cheetah populations within protected areas like KNP and Gandhi Sagar WLS while simultaneously working on landscape restoration.
- Population Management: The report mentions achieving milestones such as the addition of 12 cubs to the founding stock in Kuno, but acknowledges that natural mortality has occurred. Therefore, annual supplementation of cheetahs from source countries may be necessary to maintain population numbers.
- Prey Base Augmentation: The current population of prey, particularly chital (spotted deer), is insufficient to support the cheetah population due to the high presence of leopards in KNP. Consequently, augmentation and captive breeding of chital and blackbuck in predator-proof enclosures are recommended.
Habitat Preparation and Management
- Habitat Management Outside Kuno: The report emphasizes the need to prioritize habitat management and protection outside Kuno NP, covering 1235 km², to recover prey and habitat within the next 3-5 years. The contiguous forest habitat, extending to Gandhi Sagar WLS, spans approximately 6800 km², with 3200 km² identified as having high potential for cheetah occupancy.
- Unified Management Framework: A unified administrative, legal, financial, and management framework is proposed to ensure effective cooperation in managing the interstate cheetah conservation complex.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary as a Future Site
- Preparation for Cheetah Release: Gandhi Sagar WLS is being prepared as the next release site for cheetahs, with infrastructure and prey requirements being addressed. The plan allows for the release of 4-5 cheetahs into a fenced area within the next five years, fostering the establishment of a breeding population.
- Ecological Restoration: The surrounding habitat will undergo ecological restoration and prey recovery phases before cheetahs are released into free-ranging conditions in the Gandhi Sagar landscape.
Political Will and Management:
- The report underscores the importance of strong political will and effective government machinery to secure and manage this interstate conservation initiative.
- Successful management of large landscapes will depend on interstate cooperation.
Project Cheetah:
- The Phase-1 of the project started in 2022, to restore the population of cheetahs, which were declared extinct in the country in 1952.
- It involves the translocation of cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park.
- The project is implemented by the NTCA in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Under Phase-2 of the Project India is considering sourcing cheetahs from Kenya due to similar habitats.
- Cheetahs will be translocated to Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh).
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Which of the following statements about Project Cheetah is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A) Only One |
Q. Consider the following: (2012)
Which of the above are naturally found in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer 5- B
Explanation
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