Current Affairs 1 July 2021 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 1 July 2021 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) 7th Edition

Source : PIB
Security Forces

What we discuss under Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) 7th Edition ?

1. About IONS

Why in News ?

7th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a biennial event, was hosted by the French Navy at La Réunion from 28 June to 01 July 2021.

Key Facts

• IONS, conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008, seeks to enhance maritime cooperation among Navies of the littoral states of the IOR by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues that would lead to common understanding on the way ahead.

  

• The chairmanship of IONS has been held by India (2008-10), UAE (2010-12), South Africa (2012-14), Australia (2014-16), Bangladesh (2016-18) and Islamic Republic of Iran (2018-21).
• France has assumed the Chairmanship on 29 Jun 21 for a two-year tenure.
• The Symposium also held panel discussions themed on the three IONS working Groups viz HADR, Maritime Security and Information Sharing & Interoperability.
• The Naval Maritime Foundation (NMF) also participated in the Panel Discussion on HADR.
• IONS Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) is the decision-making body at the level of Chiefs of Navies which meets biennially.
• 6th IONS and CoC was conducted by Iran Navy in April 2018 at Tehran.
• Owing to the pandemic, the CoC 2021, will be hosted by French Navy later this year.

China declared Malaria-free Officially

Source : BBC
Health

What we discuss under China declared Malaria-free Officially ?

1. How china Achieved ?
2. About Malaria and its Impact
3. Criteria for declaring Malaria Free
4. Malaria in India

Why in News ?

China used to report 30 million cases a year during the 1940s. Since then, eradication efforts have driven down case numbers.

Key Facts

• The country used various methods to break the cycle of transmission of the parasite via mosquitos.
• Country had now gone four years without registering a case, giving it malaria-free certification.
• How China achieved ?
  • China’s government has brought malaria cases down by using anti-malarial drugs, spraying mosquito breeding grounds, and distributing insecticide-treated nets.
• According to the WHO, China has become the 40th country to be declared malaria-free.
• Last few years include Argentina, Algeria and Uzbekistan.

About Malaria and its Impact

• Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through mosquito bites.

  

• The illness starts with symptoms such as fever, headaches and chills and without treatment, can progress quickly to severe illness and often death.
• Preventable and mostly curable if diagnosed and treated promptly.
• The World Health Organization estimates there were 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019.
• 409,000 deaths occurred due to malaria.
• Around 94% of all infections were reported in Africa.
• The best available treatment is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).

Criteria for declaring Malaria Free

• Countries can apply to the WHO for certification as malaria-free after they report four consecutive years of no indigenous cases.
• They must then present evidence of this and demonstration their ability to prevent any future outbreak.

Malaria in India

• According to the WMR 2019, India represents 3% of the global malaria burden.
• Despite being the highest malaria burden country of the SEA region, India showed a reduction in reported malaria cases of 49% and deaths of 50.5% compared with 2017.
• India has made remarkable progress during the recent years in reducing the malaria incidence.
• Also there are remarkable decline in malaria incidence in India the estimated malaria cases were reduced by 24% in 2017 compared to 2016 and 28% in 2018 compared to 2017.
• In accordance with the GTS, the Government of India launched the National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016-2030 in February 2016 and the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination 2017-2022 in July 2017 with WHO support.
• India has a vision of a malaria free country by 2027 and elimination by 2030.

WIPO Ban on Illegally Using Brand Name Khadi

Source : PIB
Intellectual Property

What we discuss under WIPO Ban on Illegally Using Brand Name Khadi ?

1. What is the Isuue?
2. About Khadi 
3. What is Intellectual Property?
4. How WIPO Protect Intellectual Property Right ?

Why in News ?

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ordered a Delhi-based firm against using a domain name www.urbankhadi.com which illegally uses the brand name “Khadi”.

• The Administrative Panel of WIPO’s Arbitration and Mediation Center has ruled that the firm Om Soft Solutions  had registered and used the domain name www.urbankhadi.com in bad faith and to gain benefit from the goodwill of Khadi.

Key Facts

• The panel’s order came on a petition of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) against Om Soft Solutions  which was indulging in the business of garments by misusing the brand name “Khadi”.

  

•  The complainant is also the owner of trademarks Khadi and Khadi India, the disputed domain name www.urbankhadi.com includes the trademark of KVIC and is confusingly similar or identical to the trademarks of the complainant (KVIC).
• Cases Related to misuse of  Khadi Brand
  • On June Delhi High Court barred a Ghaziabad-based trader from manufacturing and selling counterfeit Khadi Prakritik Paint. 
  • On May Delhi High Court restrained Khadi Design Council of India and Miss India Khadi Foundation from using Khadi brand name.
  • On May Arbitration Tribunal in Delhi  observed Khadi was not a generic name to be used by private individuals or firms while permanently restraining an individual from using the brand name Khadi.
  • On March this year the Delhi High Court had also restrained a firm from using brand name Khadi and the Charkha symbol to sell its products under the name IWEARKHADI.
• KVIC has issued legal notices to over 1000 private firms including Fabindia for misusing its brand name and selling products under the name of Khadi.
  • KVIC has sought damages to the tune of Rs 500 crore from Fabindia which is pending before the Mumbai High Court.

About Khadi 

• Khadi means handspun and handwoven cloth.
• Mahatma Gandhi started his movement for Khadi as relief programme for the poor masses living in India in 1918.
• Mahatma Gandhi began promoting the spinning of khadi for rural self-employment and self-reliance as an alternative for cloth produce from mills.
• During the period of Swadeshi Movement Khadi played an important role. 
• Khadi and Village Industries Commission holds the exclusive rights to use the trademark ”Khadi” and “Khadi India”.
• The National Internet Exchange of India Domain Dispute Policy (INDRP) Arbitration Tribunal in New Delhi rejected the contention of a private entity that “Khadi” is a generic word.

What is Intellectual Property?

• Intellectual Property in which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create.
• Types of IP
  • Copyright : Mainly describe the rights that creators have over their literary and artistic works. Copyright range from books, music, paintings, sculpture and films, to computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps and technical drawings.
  • Patent : It  is an exclusive right granted for an invention.
  • Trademark : In order to distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises.
  • Geographical indications : Are used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, a reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that place of origin.

How WIPO Protect Intellectual Property Right ?

• WIPO offers a range of global services for protecting intellectual property (IP) across borders, and for resolving IP disputes outside the courts.
• international Alternative Dispute Resolution services enableto resolve IP disputes outside the courts, in a single neutral forum, saving significant time and money.
• It is resolved by Mediation, Arbitration and Expert determination.

Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2019-20

Source : PIB
 Education, Human Resources

What we discuss under Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2019-20 ?

1. About the facts
2. Highlights of Report

Why in News ?

Union Education Minister released the Report on Unified Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2019-20 for School Education in India.

Key Facts

• As per the UDISE+ report 2019-20, Gross Enrolment Ratio at all levels of school education has improved in 2019-20 compared to 2018-19.

  

• Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) has improved at all levels of school education.
• The UDISE+ system of online data collection from the schools was developed in the year 2018-19 to overcome the issues related to manual data filling in paper format and subsequent feeding at the block or district level, which was in practice in the UDISE data collection system from 2012-13.
• The present publication relates to UDISE+ data for the reference year 2019-20.
• According to the report, in 2019-20, enrolment of girls from primary to higher secondary is more than 12.08 crore. 
  • This is a substantial increase by 14.08 lakh compared to 2018-19.
• The UDISE+ report shows a remarkable improvement in the number of schools with functional electricity with functional computers internet facility in 2019-20 over the previous year.
• Between 2012-13 and 2019-20 the Gender Parity Index (GPI) at both Secondary and Higher Secondary levels have improved.
• In year 2019-20, more than 90% schools in India had hand wash facility as compared to only 36.3% in 2012-13.

Highlights of Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2019-20

• Gross Enrolment Ratio
  • Total students in school education from pre-primary to higher secondary have crossed 26.45 crore.
  • This is higher by 42.3 lakh compared to 2018-19.
  • At all levels of school education has improved in 2019-20 compared to 2018-19.
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio
    • Increased to 89.7% (from 87.7%) at Upper Primary level
    • 97.8% (from 96.1%) at Elementary Level
    • 77.9% (from 76.9%) at Secondary Level
    • 51.4% (from 50.1%) at Higher Secondary Level
• Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR)
  • 96.87 lakh teachers have been engaged in school education.
  • This is higher by about 2.57 lakh compared to 2018-19.
  • Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR)
    • PTR for primary has become 26.5
    • PTR for upper primary
    • Secondary has become 18.5
    • PTR for higher secondary has become 26.1.
• Enrolment of Divyang students
  • Enrolment of Divyang students has increased by 6.52% over 2018-19.
• Enrolment of girls
  • Primary to higher secondary is more than 12.08 crore.
  • This is an increase by 14.08 lakh compared to 2018-19.
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio of girls has increased to
    • 90.5% (from 88.5%) at Upper Primary level
    • 98.7% (from 96.7%) at Elementary Level
    • 77.8% (from 76.9%) at Secondary Level
    • 52.4% (from 50.8%) at Higher Secondary Level
• Gender Parity Index (GPI)
  • At both Secondary and Higher Secondary levels have improved.
  • Improvement of GPI has been most pronounced at the higher secondary level, which has gone up to 1.04 in 2019-20 from 0.97 in 2012-13.
• Electricity
  • More than 80% schools in India in 2019-20 had functional electricity.
  • This is an improvement by more than 6% over the previous year 2018-19.
  • In 2012-13, about 54.6% schools had electricity.
• Digital Connectivity
  • Number of schools having functional computers increased to 5.2 lakh in 2019-20 from 4.7 lakh in 2018-19.
  • Number of schools having internet facility increased to 3.36 lakh in 2019-20 from 2.9 lakh in 2018-19.
• Schools conducted medical checkups
  • More than 82% schools conducted medical check-up of students in 2019-20.
  • It is an increase by more than 4% compared to previous year 2018-19.
  • In 2012-13, about 61.1% schools conducted medical checkups.
• Library/reading room/ reading corner
  • More than 84% schools in India had a library/reading room/ reading corner in 2019-20.
  • It shows an improvement of nearly 4% compared to the previous year.
  • In 2012-13, about 69.2% schools had library/ reading room/ reading corner.

Digital India Mission 6 Years Completed

Source : PIB
Technology

What we discuss under Digital India Mission 6 Years Completed ?

1. Key Facts
2. Various Initiatives of Government under Digital India Mission
3. Internet and Broadband Penetration

Why in News ?

Prime Minister interacted with the beneficiaries of Digital India through video conference on the occasion of ‘Digital India’ completing six years since its launch.

Key Facts

• The digital India programme was launched on July 1, 2015, by the prime minister.

  

• The digital India initiative was launched with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
• Digital India Mission 6 Years Completed now. 
• The need of the hour is to to bridge the gap between the system and facilities, service and service between the government and the public.
• It also means a transparent, non-discriminatory system and an attack on corruption.
• The digital India drive helps to makes the task like obtaining driving license, birth certificate, paying electricity bill, paying water bill, filing income tax return, all the processes have become very easy, very fast with the help of Digital India.
• This programme was envisaged by Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY).
• The programme has three vision areas
  • Digital infrastructure as a utility for every citizen : includes availability of high speed internet for delivery of  services to citizens; digital identity for every citizen; mobile phone and bank account enabling citizen participation in digital and financial space; shareable private space on a public cloud; and safe and secure cyber-space.
  • Governance and services on demand : Seamlessly integrated services across departments or jurisdictions,  services availability in real time from online and mobile platforms, digitally transformed services for improving ease of doing business, leveraging GIS for decision support systems and development. 
  • Digital empowerment of citizens by bridging the digital divide in the country : universal digital literacy, accessible digital resources universally, all documents/certificates to be available on cloud, availability of digital resources/services in Indian languages and portability of all entitlements through cloud.
• Digital India aims to provide
  • Broadband highways;
  • Universal access to mobile connectivity;
  • Public internet access programme;
  • e-governance: reforming government through technology;
  • e-Kranti electronic delivery of services;
  • Information for all;
  • Electronics manufacturing;
  • IT for Jobs;
  • Early harvest programmes;

Various Initiatives of Government under Digital India Mission

• Digital Life Certificate
  • Jeevan Pramaan/Digital Life Certificate (DLC) is a biometric enabled digital service for pensioners for submitting their Life Certificates digitally, which was introduced in 2015 as a Digital India initiative of Government of India.
  • In this service, all life certificates submitted manually by the pensioners are now being submitted digitally by using
    Aadhaar number.
  • These Jeevan Pramaan Centres are functioning in all the 810 Head Post Offices across the country.
• e-Governance
  • With the advent of Digital India as an apex programme, various new policy initiatives have been taken up by MeitY such as
    • eKranti, policy on adoption of open source software in e-governance systems;
    • e-mail policy;
    • Policy on use of IT resources;
    • Policy on collaborative application development by opening the source code of government applications;
    • Application development and re-engineering guidelines for cloud ready applications and e-governance competency framework.
  • Major schemes such as e-districts, common service centres and state wide area network (SWAN) have also been working in this direction.
• Online e-Sign (e-Hastakshar)
  • One of the initiatives taken under Digital India Programme is to provide non-repudiable authentication of applicant’s identity through a facility called e-Sign.
  • This facility is an online digital signature service.
  • e-Sign was formally launched in 2015.
  • It is an online electronic signature service, which can be integrated with service delivery applications via an Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate an e-Sign user to digitally sign a document.
  • Using authentication of the Aadhaar holder through Aadhaar e-KYC service, online electronic signature service is facilitated.
  • e-Sign service facilitates instant signing of documents online by citizens in a legally acceptable form.
• National Knowledge Network
  • National Knowledge Network (NKN) was established in 2010.
  •  The objective of the NKN is to interconnect all institutions of higher learning and research with a high speed data communication network to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative research.
  • National Informatics Centre (NIC) is the implementing agency.
• UMANG
  • Unified Mobile Application for New-Age Governance (UMANG) has been developed and launched in 2017 as a single mobile platform to deliver major government services.
  • UMANG’s core platform is integrated with Aadhaar, DigiLocker, PayGov, Rapid Assessment System (RAS), etc.
  • Citizens can access pan-India government services from the central government, state governments, local bodies and their agencies.
  • It supports 12 Indian languages, in addition to English and has been hosted on cloud.
  • UMANG aims to bring power to the fingertips of citizens.
• Digital Locker
  • Digital Locker is a key initiative under Digital India, the Government of India’s flagship programme, aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
  • Targeted at the idea of paperless governance, Digital Locker is a platform for issuance and verification of documents and certificates in a digital way, thus eliminating the use of physical documents.
  • Indian residents, who sign up for a DigiLocker account, get a dedicated cloud storage space.
  • Organisations that are registered with Digital Locker can push electronic copies of documents and certificates (e.g. driving license, school certificates) directly into citizens’ lockers.
  • Citizens can also upload scanned copies of their legacy documents in their accounts.
  • These legacy documents can be electronically signed using the eSign facility.
• PRAGATI
  • PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) as a part of Digital India programme, e-Governance Reforming Government through Technology, was launched in 2015.
  • This video conferencing facility brings the Secretaries to Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the states on single platform on every fourth Wednesday of the month.
  • Prime Minister is able to discuss the issues in major projects and programmes with the concerned central and state officials directly with full information and latest visuals of the ground level situation.
  • This enables faster implementation of the central level schemes/projects, state level projects and resolution of grievances between state and central level departments.
• Sahaj
  • Sahaj was a digital initiative launched by oil marketing companies for release of LPG connection with online payment and issuance of ‘e-SV’ under the Digital India initiative and the facility is now available on pan-India basis.

Internet and Broadband Penetration

• • The number of internet subscribers (both broadband and narrow band put together) which was 636.73 million at the end of March 2019 increased to 687.63 million by the end of September 2019.
  • The number of subscribers accessing internet via wireless phones, etc., was 665.37 million at the end of September 2019 while number of wireline internet subscribers was 22.26 million.
  • The number of broadband subscribers was 563.31 million at the end of March 2019 and 661.27 million at the end of November 2019.
  • There was a net increase of 50.90 million in the internet subscribers during the period from March 2019 to  September 2019.
  • India is now the global leader in monthly data consumption, with average consumption per subscriber per month increasing 146 times from 62 MB in 2014 to 9.06 GB in 2019.
  • The cost of data has also reduced substantially, enabling affordable internet access for millions of citizens.
  • National Broadband Mission : NBM was launched in 2019 with a vision to fast-track growth of digital  communication infrastructure, bridge the digital divide, facilitate digital empowerment and inclusion, and provide affordable and universal access of broadband for all. 

Daily Current Affairs : Click Here