Current Affairs Reverse Engineering- CARE (04-10-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: Union Cabinet approves classical language status for Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit |
| PM Internship Scheme kicks off today: Govt to shell out Rs 800 cr for pilot project, provide 1 crore opportunities |
| Economy: Govt. brings agriculture sector initiatives under two schemes for flexibility |
| Environment and Ecology: Deforestation driving negative human-elephant interactions in Western Ghats |
| International Relations: U.K. to restore sovereignty of Chagos islands to Mauritius |
Union Cabinet approves classical language status for Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 Polity and Governance, Art and culture
Context: Classical language status
Why in News
- The Union Cabinet approved classical language status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit.
Overview
- The Union Cabinet has recently granted classical language status to five languages: Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit.
- This designation is a significant step in recognizing the historical and cultural importance of these languages.
Criteria for Classical Language Status
A language must meet specific criteria to be designated as a classical language. These criteria, revised by the Linguistics Experts Committee in July 2024, typically include:
- Antiquity: The language must have ancient origins, with early texts dating back at least 1,500-2,000 years.
- Rich Literary Tradition: There must be a vast body of ancient literature, which is unique and not borrowed from another language or culture.
- Cultural Contribution: The language should have contributed significantly to the country’s cultural heritage.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
Once a language is given classical status, the following benefits are provided:
- International Awards: Two major annual international awards are instituted for scholars of eminence in that language.
- Research and Academia: A Centre of Excellence is established for studies in the classical language. Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is encouraged to create professional chairs in Central Universities to promote research and teaching in these languages.
- Job Creation: Employment opportunities are expected to arise in areas such as archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media, particularly in the preservation and documentation of ancient texts.
Existing Classical Languages
Prior to this decision, six languages in India had already been designated as classical languages:
- Tamil (2004)
- Sanskrit (2005)
- Telugu (2008)
- Kannada (2008)
- Malayalam (2013)
- Odia (2014)
Constitutional provisions related to languages
Eighth Schedule:
- Objective:Promote Hindi and enrich Indian languages.
- Article 344(1):Calls for a commission, every five years, to ensure the progressive use of Hindi for official purposes.
- Article 351: Mandates the Union to promote Hindi as a medium of expression for India’s composite culture.
- Languages: Initially 14 languages were included, now 22, including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, and others.
Amendments:
- 21st Amendment (1967): Added Sindhi.
- 71st Amendment (1992): Added Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali.
- 92nd Amendment (2004):Added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali.
- Demands:38 more languages are being considered for inclusion, e.g., Bhojpuri, Angika.
- Committees: The inclusion of more languages is under consideration based on recommendations from the Pahwa (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra (2003) committees.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||||
Q1. Match the Following Languages with the Year They Were Given Classical Status:
Options: A. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4, E-5 B. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-5, E-4 C. A-4, B-1, C-5, D-2, E-3 D. A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1, E-5 |
Q. Which one of the following was given classical language status recently? (2015)
(a) Odia (b) Konkani (c) Bhojpuri (d) Assamese Ans: (a)
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| Answer – 1-A
Explanation – · Tamil (2004): Tamil was the first language to be declared a Classical Language in India. It has a history that spans more than 2,000 years, with a rich literary tradition including works like the Sangam literature. · Sanskrit (2005): Recognized as a Classical Language for its profound influence on Indian culture and philosophy, Sanskrit is considered the foundation of many Indian languages and has a vast corpus of ancient texts in literature, science, and religion. · Kannada (2008): Kannada, with its long history of over a thousand years of literary works, was declared a Classical Language in 2008. It has a rich tradition of epics, poems, and dramas. · Odia (2014): Odia was given Classical Language status in 2014, owing to its distinct literary tradition that has been flourishing for more than 1,000 years. · Malayalam (2013): Malayalam, known for its literary tradition and distinctive linguistic features, was recognized as a Classical Language in 2013.
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Govt. brings agriculture sector initiatives under two schemes for flexibility
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Economy
Context: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
Why in News
- The Union Cabinet decided to merge all Central schemes in the agriculture sector into two new schemes, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).
Merger of Central Agriculture Schemes
The Union Cabinet approved the merger of all existing Central agriculture schemes into two broad schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY): With an allocation of ₹57,074.72 crore, this scheme focuses on sustainable agriculture. It aims to promote practices that ensure long-term agricultural growth, aligning with the principles of climate resilience and improved resource management.
- Krishonnati Yojana (KY): With a fund of ₹44,246.89 crore, this scheme is geared towards addressing food security and agricultural self-sufficiency. The emphasis is on improving agricultural productivity and reducing dependency on imports.
- Rationalization and Flexibility: The merger aims to avoid duplication and promote convergence. States will have greater flexibility in planning their agricultural strategies, enabling them to create comprehensive plans rather than individual scheme-wise action plans.
- Significant Impact: This consolidation is expected to address emergent agricultural challenges such as nutrition security, sustainability, and private sector participation. By focusing on value chain development, these schemes will boost agricultural incomes and reduce regional disparities.
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)
The Cabinet also approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds, which will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2030-31 with a financial outlay of ₹10,103 crore. The goal is to:
- Increase Domestic Production: The mission aims to enhance domestic oilseed production, reducing India’s heavy dependence on imported edible oils.
- Key Focus Areas: The primary focus will be on crops like Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum, as well as secondary sources like Cottonseed and Rice Bran.
- Production Targets: The aim is to increase oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31, which would strengthen India’s self-reliance in edible oils.
Energy Efficiency Hub
India’s decision to join the Energy Efficiency Hub is aimed at aligning the country’s efforts with global sustainable development goals. Key points include:
- Global Collaboration: The hub consists of 16 member countries, offering a platform for exchanging expertise, technological advancements, and resources on energy efficiency.
- Domestic Impact: By accessing this network, India can significantly enhance its domestic energy efficiency programs, contributing to its climate goals, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Productivity Linked Bonus for Railway Staff
The Union Cabinet approved a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for non-gazetted railway employees:
- Payment: A 78-day bonus worth ₹2,028.57 crore will be distributed to 11.72 lakh employees, benefiting key categories such as track maintainers, loco pilots, and station masters.
- Motivation for Performance: The PLB serves as a financial incentive, promoting higher performance and improved efficiency within the railways.
Modified Productivity Linked Reward (PLR) Scheme for Port Workers
- The existing PLR scheme for port workers has been modified for the period 2020-2026.
- This scheme is expected to benefit 20,704 employees at major ports and dock labor boards, with a financial implication of ₹200 crore over five years.
- The scheme encourages improved labor productivity in critical maritime infrastructure.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the merger of all Central schemes in the agriculture sector into two new schemes. Which of the following statements regarding these schemes is/are correct?
1. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture. 2. Krishonnati Yojana (KY) aims at improving food security and agricultural self-sufficiency. 3. The newly approved schemes will be implemented with no financial contribution from the states. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes? (2020)
1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets 2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks 3. Consumption requirements of farm households 4. Post-harvest expenses 5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only Ans: (b)
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| Answer 2– A
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: PM-RKVY focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture. · Statement 2 is correct: Krishonnati Yojana addresses food security and agricultural self-sufficiency. · Statement 3 is incorrect: The schemes will have a central share and require financial contributions from the states. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Deforestation driving negative human-elephant interactions in Western Ghats
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Research on Elephant Habitats and Human-Elephant Conflicts
Why in News
- A study published in Tropical Conservation Science explores the impact of deforestation and land-use changes on elephant habitats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) and Bhadra Tiger Reserve in India.
Key Findings
- Habitat Loss:
- Between 1960 and 2004, around 15% of the Asian elephants’ former habitats in the NBR and Bhadra Tiger Reserve were lost due to agriculture and land-use changes.
- A total of 6,761 square kilometers of elephant habitats, including forests and scrubland, were destroyed. Simultaneously, agricultural land increased by 7,123 square kilometers.
- Human-Elephant Conflicts:
- The study found 624 incidents of human-elephant conflicts, including crop-raiding and attacks, between 2008 and 2011. These incidents occurred mostly in areas where deforestation was most severe.
- The correlation between deforestation and human-elephant conflicts highlights how habitat destruction forces elephants to come into closer contact with human settlements, increasing the frequency of negative interactions.
- Deforestation and Wildlife Corridors:
- Deforestation has also affected the connectivity of wildlife corridors, which are essential for the movement of elephants and tigers between reserves.
- These corridors have become narrower, often passing through densely populated human areas, making them less effective and increasing the likelihood of conflicts.
- Impact of Land-Use Changes:
- The transformation of land for intensive agriculture has isolated elephant populations and contributed to conflicts as elephants struggle to adapt to shrinking habitats.
- Despite protective legislation like the Indian Forest Act (1927) and Forest Conservation Act (1980), the landscape connectivity for the largest Asian elephant population has been significantly disrupted.
Implications
- Conservation Challenges: The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures outside protected areas. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation not only harm wildlife but also increase the chances of conflict with humans, making it critical to maintain ecological functions and wildlife corridors.
- Human Safety and Wildlife Preservation: Areas near protected zones, particularly those within four kilometers, are at higher risk of conflicts and require systematic monitoring and interventions.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the impact of deforestation on Asian elephant habitats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) and Bhadra Tiger Reserve:
1. Around 15% of the former habitats of Asian elephants in the NBR and Bhadra Tiger Reserve were lost between the 1960s and early 2000s due to agriculture and land-use changes. 2. Human-elephant conflicts, such as crop-raiding and elephant attacks, are predominantly concentrated in areas where deforestation has been minimal. 3. The study suggests that elephant populations have become isolated due to the shrinking of their habitats and fragmentation of wildlife corridors. 4. Legislation like the Indian Forest Act (1927) and Forest Conservation Act (1980) has successfully prevented the severance of wildlife corridors between reserves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 3 only (B) 2 and 4 only (C) 1, 3, and 4 only (D) 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
Q. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 2015)
1. It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples. 2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologies for sustainable forest management. 3. It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: b |
| Answer 3-A
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: Around 15% of the former elephant habitats in the NBR and Bhadra Tiger Reserve were lost due to agriculture and land-use changes. · Statement 2 is incorrect: Human-elephant conflicts are concentrated in areas where deforestation has been severe, not minimal. · Statement 3 is correct: The shrinking habitats and fragmentation of corridors have led to isolated elephant populations. · Statement 4 is incorrect: Despite protective legislation, wildlife corridors have been severed due to deforestation and land-use changes. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
U.K. to restore sovereignty of Chagos islands to Mauritius
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: Sovereignty of Chagos islands
Why in News
- For the first time in over 50 years, the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, will be transferred from the UK to Mauritius
UK-Mauritius Agreement on Diego Garcia
- UK-Mauritius Agreement on Diego Garcia agreement pertains to the sovereignty dispute over the Chagos Archipelago, specifically Diego Garcia, a strategically significant military base jointly operated by the UK and the US.
Resolution of Sovereignty Dispute:
- Sovereignty Transfer: For the first time in over 50 years, the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, will be transferred from the UK to Mauritius, though the UK will retain operational control over the military base for an initial period of 99 years.
- Decolonization: This move is considered a major step in the decolonization of Mauritius, supported by India, and aligns with international rulings, including those from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and UN resolutions that have previously supported Mauritius’ claim.
Geopolitical and Strategic Importance:
- Strategic Military Base: Diego Garcia is a critical military asset for both the UK and the US, helping maintain security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Its long-term security is crucial for global and regional stability.
- Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Security: The agreement strengthens the strategic partnerships between the UK, Mauritius, India, and the US, ensuring that the military base can continue to function without legal challenges.
Human Rights and Resettlement:
- Chagossian Resettlement: The agreement allows for the resettlement of Chagossians on other islands in the Chagos Archipelago, except Diego Garcia. The UK has committed to supporting a resettlement programme and setting up a trust fund for the welfare of the Chagossians.
- Historic Wrongs: The agreement also addresses historical wrongs associated with the forced displacement of the Chagossian population during the 1960s when the base was first established.
India’s Role and Support:
- India’s Stand on Decolonization: India has consistently supported Mauritius’ claim to sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago as part of its stance on decolonization and territorial integrity.
- Strengthened Maritime Cooperation: This agreement provides an opportunity for deeper cooperation between India, Mauritius, and the UK in the Indian Ocean, enhancing maritime safety and security, and contributing to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the recent agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius on Diego Garcia:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 4 only (B) 1, 2, and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 2 and 4 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the Trade Technology Council’. and Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement- I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Answer: (c)
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| Answer 4-A
Explanation · Statement 1 is Correct. The agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius confirms that Mauritius will assume sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. However, the UK will retain operational control over the military base for an initial period of 99 years to ensure the continued operation of the base. · Statement 2 is inCorrect. The agreement does not support the resettlement of Chagossians on Diego Garcia itself. While it allows for resettlement on other islands in the Chagos Archipelago, Diego Garcia is specifically excluded from this resettlement programme. · Statement 3 is Incorrect. India has not opposed the agreement. On the contrary, India has welcomed the agreement as it aligns with India’s long-standing support for the decolonization of Mauritius and Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. India has consistently supported Mauritius’ claim in this dispute. · Statement 4 is correct. The agreement secures long-term operational control of the military base on Diego Garcia by the UK and strengthens maritime cooperation between the UK, Mauritius, and India. This cooperation contributes to the security and stability of the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with broader geopolitical interests. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
PM Internship Scheme kicks off today: Govt to shell out Rs 800 cr for pilot project, provide 1 crore opportunities
Source: Business Today
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: PM Internship Scheme
Why in news
- The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme is a significant initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment by providing young individuals with hands-on work experience in top companies.
Key Features of the PM Internship Scheme
- Budget Allocation and Pilot Project:
- The government has allocated Rs 800 crore for the pilot phase of this scheme.
- The scheme aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering internships to 1 crore young individuals over a period of five years.
- These internships will be provided by 500 top companies.
- Online Portal and Application Process:
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has developed an online portal to manage the internship process.
- This portal will serve as a centralized platform where companies can offer internship positions and interested candidates can apply.
- Key dates for the portal:
- October 12, 2024 (Vijayadashami): The portal will be activated, and individuals will be able to register.
- October 26, 2024: A list of shortlisted candidates will be made available for companies to review.
- November 27, 2024: Companies will finalize the selection of interns.
- December 2, 2024: The internships will commence.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Youth between 21-24 years old.
- Family Income: Family income should be below Rs 8 lakh for the financial year 2023-24.
- Education and Employment Criteria: Specific criteria related to education and employment will be clarified during the application process.
- Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Companies’ Involvement:
- Companies are participating based on their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure.
- As of now, 111 companies are already on board, and more companies are expected to join.
- The companies are offering 1,077 internship opportunities, primarily in production-related and maintenance-related sectors.
- Companies can offer internships not just within their own operations but also within their supply chain, providing interns with diverse work experiences.
- Internship Structure:
- The internships will last for 12 months.
- Interns will spend at least half of the internship period in real work environments where they will gain practical experience.
- Interns will receive financial support in the form of:
- A monthly stipend of Rs 5,000, with Rs 4,500 contributed by the government and Rs 500 from the company’s CSR funds.
- A one-time grant of Rs 6,000 for incidental expenses, such as travel or work-related costs.
- Interns will also be provided insurance coverage through government schemes, ensuring financial security during their internship.
- Selection Process:
- The selection process involves the following steps:
- After registration, candidates will be shortlisted based on eligibility criteria.
- Companies will make the final selection of interns by reviewing the shortlisted candidates.
- The goal is to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process, giving opportunities to eligible candidates from various socio-economic backgrounds.
- The selection process involves the following steps:
- Support and Grievance Redressal:
- The scheme will offer a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism to address any issues faced by the interns during the internship.
- There will also be a multilingual helpline to assist interns and companies in resolving concerns.
Benefits of the PM Internship Scheme
- Youth Empowerment:
- The scheme provides young individuals with hands-on work experience, helping them develop industry-relevant skills and improve their employability.
- It addresses the issue of youth unemployment by offering meaningful work opportunities in top companies.
- Financial Support:
- The monthly stipend and one-time grant ensure that interns can afford their living and work-related expenses during the internship.
- The inclusion of insurance coverage adds a layer of financial security for interns.
- Industry Exposure:
- The scheme allows interns to work in real-world environments across diverse industries, including production, maintenance, and supply chains.
- This exposure will help them gain practical knowledge and skills that are crucial for securing future employment.
- Corporate and Social Responsibility:
- By engaging companies through their CSR initiatives, the scheme fosters collaboration between the government and the corporate sector to tackle unemployment.
- Companies benefit from training potential future employees while fulfilling their CSR obligations.
- Long-Term Impact:
- The scheme’s long-term goal is to reduce the education-employment gap, enabling a smoother transition from academics to the workforce.
- The internships will help create a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the demands of modern industries, contributing to India’s economic growth.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5 With reference to the recently announced Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’?(2017)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Ans: (b)
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| Answer 5-B
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: The scheme aims to provide internships to 1 crore young individuals in 500 top companies over a period of five years. · Statement 2 is correct: The eligibility criteria include that only candidates whose family income is below Rs 8 lakh for FY 2023-24 can apply. · Statement 3 is incorrect: The internships under the scheme will last for 12 months, not six months. · Statement 4 is correct: The stipend is Rs 5,000, with Rs 4,500 from the government and Rs 500 from the companies’ CSR funds. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |