OBC Reservation in Local Bodies

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the state government of Gujarat hiked reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from the existing 10% to 27% in the panchayats and urban local bodies.

What are the Key Points about this Decision?

• The decision followed recommendations of the Justice K S Jhaveri Commission that was formed in response to a Supreme Court (SC) directive in 2022 to make suggestions for OBC reservation in local bodies in Gujarat.
• The expanded 27% OBC reservation will apply to all levels of local bodies (municipal corporations, municipalities, gram panchayats, taluka panchayats, and district panchayats).
• The increased OBC reservation, however, will not be applicable in areas covered by the PESA Act 1996 where the scheduled tribe (ST) population exceeds 50%. In such regions, OBC candidates will receive a 10% reservation.
• The existing quota for SCs (14%) and STs (7%) remains unchanged without any breach of the 50% reservation ceiling as mandated by the SC.

What is the SC’s View about Reservation in Local Bodies?

• In the five-judge Constitution Bench decision in K. Krishnamurthy (Dr.) v. Union of India (2010), the SC interpreted Article 243D(6) and Article 243T(6), which permit reservation by enactment of law for backward classes in panchayat and municipal bodies respectively.
  • The SC also held that the barriers to political participation are not the same as the barriers that limit access to education and employment.
    • Article 15 (4) and Article 16 (4) form the basis for reservation in education and employment.
• However, the SC also held that although reservation to local bodies is permissible, it is subject to empirical finding of backwardness in relation to local bodies as fulfilled through the triple tests which refers to the following three conditions:
  • Set up a dedicated Commission to conduct empirical inquiry into the nature of the backwardness in local bodies
  • Specify the proportion of reservation required to be provisioned local body-wise
  • Such reservation shall not exceed an aggregate of 50% of the total seats reserved for SCs/STs/OBCs taken together.

What are the General Arguments regarding OBC Reservation in Local Body Polls?

• Arguments in Favour:
  • Empowerment, Inclusion and Participation: Reservation provides OBC individuals with opportunities to participate actively in local governance, allowing them to voice their concerns, advocate for their communities, and contribute to policy-making that affects their lives.
  • Policy Relevance: Elected representatives from OBC communities are more likely to understand the challenges faced by their communities and work towards addressing them effectively.
  • Skill and Leadership Development: Reservation would provide them more opportunities to gain experience in leadership roles, public speaking, and decision-making.
  • Enhanced Political Awareness: It would encourage political awareness and engagement among community members inspiring them to contribute more actively in the political process.
  • Long-Term Positive Impact: Proponents argue that over time, this may lead to a more equitable distribution of resources, improved socio-economic indicators, and reduced disparities between different sections of society.
• Arguments Against:
  • Caste-Based Division: Some opponents contend that caste-based reservations perpetuate divisions within society, emphasising differences rather than fostering unity.
  • Disadvantaged Groups Within OBCs: There is concern that within the OBC category, some groups may be more privileged (creamy layer) than others. Implementing reservations for the entire OBC category might result in some relatively more privileged groups benefiting disproportionately, while the most marginalised OBCs remain underrepresented.
  • Reservation Efficacy: Sceptics also question the long-term efficacy of reservations in truly addressing socio-economic disparities. They argue in favour of alternative approaches like targeted welfare programs, skill development etc.
  • Impact on Local Governance: There are apprehensions about political considerations outweighing governance concerns when candidates are elected through reservations. This could hinder effective decision-making and the overall development of local bodies.

Aviation Cooperation Between India and New Zealand

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, India and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in civil aviation.

• Furthermore, a meeting took place between the Agriculture Ministers of both countries, where they not only reaffirmed their commitment to boost agricultural collaboration and invited India to join the Global Research Alliance(GRA).

What are the Key Highlights of MoU on Civil Aviation?

• Building upon an Air Services Agreement, 2016, the MoU aims to further strengthen the aviation partnership between India and New Zealand.
• The cooperation in civil aviation includes scheduling new routes, codeshare services, traffic rights, and capacity entitlement.
• Both India and New Zealand enjoy the privilege of exercising third and fourth freedom traffic rights, enabling them to conduct unlimited services using any type of aircraft.
  • New Zealand's airlines can operate to/from six destinations in India, while Indian airlines can serve Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and three additional points in New Zealand, as determined by the Government of the Republic of India.
• Airlines from both countries can freely operate unlimited cargo services using any type of aircraft, with the right to stop at intermediate points and extend their services to destinations beyond, without being restricted by specified route points.

Indian Army Enhancing Operational Preparedness

Source: TH

Why in News?

To enhance its overall operational preparedness, the Indian Army has signed contracts for the procurement of 130 tethered drones and 19 tank-driving simulators under Emergency Procurement (EP).

• The long-endurance tether drone systems can be used in high-altitude areas.

What are Tethered Drones and Simulators?

• Tethered Drones: Tethered drones are a category of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) linked to a ground-based station via a tether.
  • These tethered drone systems, with wings that span both day and night, are meant to be watchful protectors, sending important data and video feeds to enhance border security continuously.
  • Beyond aviation, tethered drones are a paradigm shift in surveillance, virtually anchored to the ground while bearing vital loads like cameras and radios.
  • With their advanced sensor technology and ability to provide an uninterrupted view of vast areas, Tethered Drones can play a crucial role in enhancing situational awareness and tactical decision-making on the battlefield.
• Simulators: The simulators are supposed to virtually help in the training of the drivers of tanks and infantry combat vehicles (ICV) and will contribute to minimising wear and tear on tanks and ICVs during training.

How is the Indian Army Enhancing its Preparedness in Recent Times?

• The army is observing 2023 as the 'Year of Transformation', and is working on several projects to reshape and remodel the functional processes to bring in a "quantum jump in its capabilities".
• Since the India-China stand-off in Eastern Ladakh in 2020, the Army has concluded a series of contracts with Indian start-ups for small drones for surveillance and load-carrying.
• Niche technologies like logistic and nano drones, counter-drones, loiter munitions, SWARM drones, UAV-launched precision-guided missiles, and automatic spectrum monitoring systems, are being procured.
• Aligning with the larger vision of 'Atmanirbharta', the Army is achieving modernisation with indigenisation through various modes, such as 'Make' projects, iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence), and outreach programs like setting up of 'Army Cells' at leading technology institutions to promote R&D aligned with the army's requirements.

Why is it Significant for the Indian Army to Enhance its Capabilities?

• National Security: Given India's complex geostrategic environment and its history of conflicts, bolstering defence capabilities is essential to safeguard its borders and citizens.
• Deterrence: India's robust defence forces can discourage adversaries from initiating conflicts or hostile actions, contributing to regional stability.
• Conflict Resolution: In the unfortunate event of a conflict, superior defense capabilities can lead to quicker and more favorable conflict resolutions.
• Counter Terrorism: India has faced numerous instances of terrorism and insurgent activities; enhanced defence capabilities allow for more effective counterterrorism operations.
• Strategic Autonomy: Strengthening defence capabilities reduces dependency on external sources for defence equipment, technology, and expertise, enhancing India's strategic autonomy.

India's 6th Minor Irrigation Census

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the 6^th census of minor irrigation schemes (with reference year 2017-18), shedding light on the state of irrigation practices across India.

• So far, five censuses were conducted in 1986-87, 1993-94, 2000-01, 2006-07, and 2013-14.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Total Minor Irrigation Schemes:
  • A total of 23.14 million minor irrigation (MI) schemes have been reported in the country.
    • Among these, 21.93 million (94.8%) are groundwater (GW) schemes, and 1.21 million (5.2%) are Surface Water (SW) schemes.
• Dominant Types of Schemes:
  • Dug-wells have the highest share in MI schemes followed by shallow tube-wells, medium tube-wells and deep tube-wells.
  • The 6^th MI census recorded an increase of about 1.42 million MI schemes compared to the previous census.
    • Nationally, GW schemes saw a 6.9% increase, while SW schemes increased by 1.2%.
• Leading States in MI Schemes:
  • Uttar Pradesh leads in MI schemes in India, followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Maharashtra is the leading State in dug-wells, surface flow and surface lift schemes.
  • Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Punjab are the leading States in shallow tube-wells, medium tube-wells and deep tube-wells, respectively.
  • In SW schemes, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha and Jharkhand have the highest share.
• Ownership Breakdown:
  • Approximately 96.6% of MI schemes are under private ownership.
  • Among GW schemes, 98.3% are owned by private entities, and in SW schemes, this share is 64.2%.
  • For the first time, data on the gender of MI scheme owners was collected.
    • 18.1% of individually owned schemes are owned by women.
• Financing and Sources:
  • Around 60.2% of schemes are financed through a single source.
    • Own savings of individual farmers contribute significantly to single-source financing (79.5%).
  • 39.8% of schemes have more than one source of finance.

What is a Minor Irrigation scheme?

• A minor irrigation scheme is a type of irrigation project that uses surface water or groundwater to irrigate a culturable command area (CCA) of up to 2,000 hectares.
  • CCA is an area which can be irrigated from a scheme and is fit for cultivation.
• Minor irrigation schemes are classified into two major categories and six sub-categories.
  • Ground Water (GW) schemes encompass dugwells, shallow tube wells, medium tube wells, and deep tube wells.
  • Surface Water (SW) schemes consist of surface flow and surface lift schemes.
• The minor irrigation schemes provide the farmers with controlled and timely irrigation which the new high yielding varieties of seeds demand. These schemes are labour intensive, less implementation period and involve reasonable investments for their commissioning.

What are the Initiatives Taken by the Government Related to Irrigation?

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).
• Per Drop More Crop.
• Mission Kakatiya.

G20 Culture Ministerial Meeting and B20 Summit 2023

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) of India concluded the G20 Culture Ministerial Meeting in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with a consensus on safeguarding cultural heritage highlighting repatriation and addressing threats to assets. 

• Additionally, the PM also addressed the Business 20 (B20) India 2023 summit in New Delhi. 

What are the Key Highlights of the G20 Culture Meet? 

• Acknowledgment of Threats to Cultural Heritage:  
  • The "Kashi Culture Pathway" document identified various threats to cultural heritage, including looting, illicit trafficking of cultural property, destruction of cultural sites, desecration of relics, and more. 
• Impact of Cultural Threats:  
  • These threats can lead to the irreversible loss of cultural assets, disrupt socio-cultural practices, and affect the cultural, human, economic, and social rights of people and communities. 
• Concern Over Illicit Online Trade:  
  • Culture ministers from G20 countries expressed concerns about the rise of online platforms enabling illicit trafficking of cultural property and emphasized the need for potential regulations to address this issue. 
• Link Between Cultural Property and Organized Crime:  
  • Ministers highlighted the connection between the destruction and trafficking of cultural property and organized crimes like money laundering, corruption, tax evasion, and terrorist financing, especially in conflict situations. 
• Unity Against Cultural Destruction:  
  • All participating nations united against intentional or collateral destruction of cultural heritage, particularly in conflict scenarios that hinder peace and sustainable development. 
• Commitment to Living Heritage for Development: 
  • The G-20 nations also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen institutional and policy frameworks to harness living heritage (inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants) for sustainable development. 
• Prime Ministers' Museum:  
  • The PM of India highlighted  the "Prime Ministers’ Museum" in New Delhi, which showcases India's democratic heritage and emphasized the development of the "Yuge Yugeen Bharat" National Museum, set to become the world's largest museum showcasing India's history and culture spanning over 5,000 years. 

What is  Business 20 (B20)? 

• About: 
  • The B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum involving the global business community. 
  • B20 plays a leading role in mobilizing global business leaders' perspectives on global economic and trade governance. 
    • It represents the unified voice of the entire G20 business community. 
  • Each year, a B20 Chair is appointed by the G20 Presidency, supported by a B20 Sherpa and secretariat. 
  • B20's goal is to provide actionable policy recommendations aligned with rotating presidency priorities to foster economic growth. 
  • B20 operates through Task Forces (TFs) and Action Councils (ACs) responsible for consensus-based policy recommendations. 
  • These recommendations are directed towards the G20 and international organizations. 
• B20 India 2023 Theme: 
  • The theme for the B20 India is R.A.I.S.E. This stands for Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, Equitable Businesses. 
    • The vision is to collaborate with global partners in areas such as inclusive global value chains (GVCs), energy and climate change, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and the future of work. 
• B20 India Members: 
  • Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Türkiye, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Mexico. 
• Highlights of B20 India Summit: 
  • Caution Against Treating Countries as Markets: 
    • The PM of India cautioned global businesses to move beyond treating countries solely as markets. 
    • Stressed the importance of balancing the interests of both producers and consumers for sustaining a profitable market. 
  • Global Supply Chain Disruptions and India's Solution: 
    • Pointed to irreversible disruptions in global supply chains post-Covid-19 pandemic. 
    • Questioned the efficiency of such supply chains during critical times. 
    • Presented India as a trustworthy solution to address disruptions in global supply chains. 
      • Highlighted India's technological prowess, indicating its capacity to adopt innovative solutions and digital tools to manage and optimize supply chains. 
  • Rethinking Business Approach: 
    • Advocated for a reboot of the traditional "brand and sales" approach. 
      • Emphasized the need to improve the purchasing power of people. 
    • Highlighted India's success in lifting 13.5 crore people out of poverty in five years, creating a new consumer base. 
  • International Consumer Care Day: 
    • Suggested an annual "International Consumer Care Day" to enhance trust between producers and buyers. 
      • Proposed businesses globally come together to pledge commitment towards consumers' well-being and market integrity. 
  • Cryptocurrencies and AI Ethical Considerations: 
    • Addressed the emerging challenges posed by cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence (AI). 
      • Highlighted the need for an integrated global framework to address concerns from all stakeholders. 
    • Discussed ethical considerations associated with AI, including algorithm bias and societal impact. 
    • Advocated for collaboration between global business communities and governments to ensure the expansion of ethical AI. 
  • Challenges and Opportunities: 
    • Urged businesses and society to analyze decisions' impact on the planet. 
    • Stressed that answers to challenges like climate change, energy crisis, food supply chain imbalance, and cybersecurity will shape business and humanity's future. 
  • B20 Task force Recommendations: 
    • The Task Force has made four key recommendations they are 
      • Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Acceleration. 
      • Fund for financing of ‘Global Public Goods’ (with initial thrust on geographically fungible SDG projects in climate, energy, biodiversity, and ocean pollution) 
      • Capacity building of domestic financial sectors for SDGs financing  
      • Improving MSME access to finance and reducing cost of capital to foster inclusive growth. 
      • Financing sustainable and resilient infrastructure with enhanced focus on healthcare, energy, and digital infrastructure. 

World Sanskrit Day 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

In 2023, the celebration of World Sanskrit Day takes place on 31^st August.

What are the Important Facts about World Sanskrit Day?

• History:
  • The first World Sanskrit Day was celebrated in 1969.
  • World Sanskrit Day or Vishwa Sanskrit Diwas is celebrated on Purnima Tithi (Full moon) of Shravana month every year.
  • It serves as a tribute to the birth anniversary of Paṇini, a distinguished Sanskrit scholar and grammarian.
• Importance:
  • This day is celebrated to show gratitude and respect towards the Sanskrit language.

What are Some of the Important Facts about the Sanskrit Language?

• It is an Indo-Aryan language and is considered to be one of the oldest languages and is known as the mother of most languages of India.
• It is believed to have originated in India around 3500 years ago and is often referred to as Dev Vani (the language of the deities).
• It is divided into two parts which are Vedic and classical.
  • Vedic Sanskrit is the older and more archaic form of Sanskrit, which is attested in the Rig Veda, the Upanishads, and the Puranas.
  • Classical Sanskrit is the later and more standardised form of Sanskrit, which is based on the grammar of Panini and used in literature, philosophy, science, and art.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

US and Palau Enhance Maritime Enforcement

• Recently, the United States and the Republic of Palau, a country in the western Pacific Ocean, signed an expanded bilateral law enforcement agreement to enhance maritime governance.
• The agreement enables the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce regulations at sea in Palau's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on behalf of Palau even without the presence of a Palauan officer.
• The agreement will help increase maritime domain awareness and prevent Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing within Palau's EEZ.

Read more: Rising Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, Palau Joins ISA

---

Mahendragiri

• Mahendragiri, the last Project 17A Frigate, will be launched on 1st September 2023.
• The ship is named after a mountain peak in Eastern Ghats located in the state of Orissa.
  • Project 17A Frigates are follow-ons of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors, and platform management systems.
• Mahendragiri is a technologically advanced warship and stands as a symbol of India's determination to embrace its rich naval heritage.
• Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.

Read more: Project 17A and INS Taragiri

---

Contribution of Ernest Rutherford

Ernest Rutherford won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1908. He hypothesised that helium gas could be formed from radioactive substances.

• He discovered that there are at least two types of radiation, alpha (α) and beta (β) particles, coming from uranium.
• His most famous experiment is the gold foil experiment:
  • A beam of alpha particles was aimed at a piece of gold foil. Most alpha particles passed through the foil, but a few were scattered backward.
  • This showed that most of the atom is empty space surrounding a tiny nucleus (positively charged and surrounded at a great distance by the negatively charged electrons).