Daily Current Affairs 16 September 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 16 September 2023 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

World Trade Report 2023

Source: World Trade Organisation
GS III: Economy

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About the World Trade Report
3. Key highlights of the report
4. About World Trade Organization

Why in the News?

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has recently released the World Trade Report of 2023.

About the World Trade Report

• It is an annual publication that aims to deepen understanding about trends in trade, trade policy issues and the multilateral trading system.
• It has been published since 2003 by the WTO.

Key highlights of the report

Relationship between trade and security:

• Despite disruptions in global supply chains, trade remains a source of security in a multilateral rules-based system.
• Trade contributes to more economic security by helping economies to better prepare for, cope with, and recover from shocks.
• Trade expands the resources available to invest in security by raising incomes.
• It facilitates the efficient supply of critical services such as weather services, insurance, telecommunications, logistics and health services.

Effects of globalization on poverty and inequality:

• Tariffs and non-tariff measures (NTMs) were reduced through multilateral, plurilateral and regional trade agreements and volume of world trade increased by 43 times between 1950 and 2021.
• From 1981 to 2019, lower- and middle-income economies have increased their share in global exports from 19 to 29%, contributing to poverty reduction by raising economic growth.

About World Trade Organization

• It is an intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade.
• With effective cooperation in the United Nations System, it is used to establish, revise, and enforce the rules that govern international trade
• It officially commenced operations from 1995, pursuant to the Marrakesh Agreement 1994, thus replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) established in 1948.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• It is the world’s largest international economic organization, with 164 member states representing over 98% of global trade and global GDP.
• It facilitates trade in goods, services and intellectual property among participating countries by providing a framework for negotiating trade agreements, which aims to reduce or eliminate tariffs, quotas, and other restrictions.

e-Courts Phase III

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About e-Courts Project
3. National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the eCourts Project Phase III as a Central Sector Scheme spanning four years with a financial outlay of Rs.7210 crore

News in Brief

• India’s eCourts Mission Mode Project is a crucial initiative that aims to improve access to justice through the use of technology.
• This project has been implemented as part of the National eGovernance Plan since 2007.
• It is designed to enable the Indian Judiciary with ICT.
• The successful completion of Phase II of the project in 2023 has paved the way for Phase III, which is rooted in the philosophy of “access and inclusion”.
• The e-Courts Project aims to make the judicial system more accessible and inclusive for all, and is aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas”.
• By leveraging technology, the e-Courts Project aims to transform the way justice is delivered in India, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all.

About e-Courts Project

• The eCourts initiative digitizes a number of court procedures in order to create a system for delivering justice that is quick, inexpensive, accessible, transparent, and responsible.
• The National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary – 2005 served as the conceptual framework for this project.
• The Indian Government’s eCommittee, which was established at the Chief Justice of India’s suggestion and with the goal of transforming the Indian Judiciary through court ICT enablement, produced the National Policy.
• All significant stakeholders, including the judiciary, the high courts, the district and subordinate courts, and the citizens/litigants/lawyers/advocates, are catered to by the project’s services.
• The automation of case management improves visibility and aids in the swift resolution of cases by courts.
• The information on cases, orders, and verdicts is available to citizens through the centralized portals for the District, Subordinate, and High Courts.

e-courts.gov.in

• On 7th August 2013, Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India launched the e-Courts National portal ecourts.gov.in of the eCourts Project.
• More than 2852 Districts and Taluka Court Complexes have secured their presence on the NJDG portal ecourts.gov.in and are providing Case Status and cause lists online with many of them also uploading orders/judgments.
• The data of more than 7 crore pending and disposed of cases and 3.3 crore orders/judgments of District Courts in India is available on NJDG at present.

e-Courts Project Phase-I

• In Phase-I of the eCourts Project beginning in 2007.
• A large number of Court Complexes, Computer Server Rooms and Judicial Service Centres were readied for the computerization of the District Courts.
• The District and Taluka Court Complexes covered in Phase-I were computerized with the installation of hardware, LAN and Case Information Software (CIS), for providing basic case-related services to the litigants and the lawyers.
• A large number of District Courts launched their websites for the convenience of the different stakeholders.
• The Change Management exercise was undertaken to train the Judicial Officers and Court Staff in the use of computers and the Case Information System (CIS) was successfully implemented.
• The Process Re-Engineering exercise was initiated to have a fresh look on the process, procedures, systems and Court Rules in force in the different District Courts under High Courts.
• The Phase-I concluded with extended timelines up to 30th March 2015.

e-Courts Project Phase-II

• Received approval of Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India on 8th January 2014.
• The government of India sanctioned the project on 4th August 2015.
• It provides for High Courts as the Implementing Agency, of the project under its jurisdiction.
• In Phase-II, the covered courts are provisioned additional hardware, whereas the uncovered Courts of Phase-I and the newly established Courts were provisioned hardware, LAN etc.
• The infrastructure Model provides for adopting Cloud Computing Architecture.
• All the remaining Court Complexes are provisioned to be connected with Jails and desktop-based Video Conferencing.
• Also be used for recording evidence in sensitive cases.
• The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) will be further improvised to facilitate more qualitative information.

e-Courts Project Phase-III

• The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of eCourts Phase III is being implemented under the joint partnership of
  • Department of Justice
  • Ministry of Law & Justice
  • Government of India
  • e-Committee
  • Supreme Court of India.
• In a decentralized manner through the respective High Courts to develop a judicial system that would promote ease of justice by making the system more accessible, affordable, reliable, predictable, and transparent for all stakeholders.

National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)

• The Supreme Court recently onboarded its case data on the National Judicial Data Grid.
• The NJDG portal is a national repository of data relating to cases instituted, pending and disposed of by the courts across the country.
• It is a database of orders, judgments and case details of 18,735 District and subordinate Courts and High Courts created as an online platform under the eCourts Project.
• Its key feature is that the data is updated in real-time and has granular data up to the Taluka level.
• The platform has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
• Currently, litigants can access case status information of 23.81 crore cases and more than 23.02 crore orders/judgments.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet

Source: The Hindu
GS III: Internal Security

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet

Why in the News?

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared proposals worth Rs 45,000 crore to acquire 12 Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft and indigenous Dhruvastra short-range air-to-surface missiles for the Indian Air Force among nine platforms and weapon systems for the armed forces.

News in Brief

• Clearing a long pending deal, the Defence Acquisition Council which met on Friday approved procurement of 12 SU-30MKI jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• These will be licensed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and cost under ₹11,000 crore.
• These will replace aircraft that have been lost over the years.
• The IAF has been pushing for additional Sukhois as well 21 Mig-29s to arrest its falling fighter strength before newer inductions come in.
• The DAC cleared Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for nine capital acquisition proposals of the armed forces worth ₹45,000 crore.

About Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet

• Origin: The Su-30MKI is a variant of the Russian Sukhoi Su-30 family of fighter aircraft. It was developed specifically for India and is based on the Su-30 platform.
• Manufacturer: The Su-30MKI is manufactured by Russia’s Sukhoi Corporation and is licensed for production in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Role: It is a multi-role fighter designed for air superiority, ground attack, and long-range interception missions. It can carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
• Specifications:
  • Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot/weapons system operator)
  • Length: Approximately 21 meters
  • Wingspan: Approximately 14.7 meters
  • Max Takeoff Weight: Around 38,800 kg
  • Speed: Supersonic, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2
  • Range: Approximately 3,000 kilometers (with external fuel tanks)
  • Service Ceiling: Around 17,300 meters
• Avionics: The Su-30MKI is equipped with advanced avionics and radar systems, including a powerful radar for air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting. It has a modern glass cockpit with multi-function displays.
• Armament: It can carry a variety of missiles, bombs, and rockets, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, air-to-air missiles like the R-77 and R-73, and precision-guided munitions for ground attack missions.
• Maneuverability: The Su-30MKI is known for its exceptional maneuverability, which includes the ability to perform the Pugachev’s Cobra and the Herbst maneuver.
• Variants: The Su-30MKI is a specific variant customized for the Indian Air Force. Other countries operate their own versions of the Su-30 family.
• Operational Status: The Su-30MKI is one of the primary fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force’s inventory and has been in service since the early 2000s.
• Upgrades: Over the years, the Indian Air Force has undertaken several upgrade programs to enhance the capabilities of the Su-30MKI, including avionics and weapons systems upgrades.
• Significance: The Su-30MKI is a critical component of India’s air defense and strike capabilities, and it plays a vital role in ensuring national security.

Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg)

Source: PIB
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg)

Why in News?

The Indian government has introduced the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg), an online platform developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

News in Brief

• It is hailed as a significant leap forward in managing agricultural data.
• The UPAg Portal is intended to serve as a public resource, streamlining access to credible, granular, and objective data while reducing search costs and inefficiencies for users.
• The UPAg Portal’s core function is to generate crop estimates and integrate with other agriculture-related statistical systems.
• It aims to combat challenges like non-standardized and unverified data, ultimately supporting data-driven decision-making in India’s agriculture sector.

About Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg)

• The platform aims to make agricultural data more accessible, reliable, and standardized, reducing search costs and empowering users to make data-driven decisions in the field.
• It addresses issues with non-standardized and unverified data by providing real-time, verified information on agricultural commodities.
• The platform generates crop estimates and integrates with other systems for agriculture statistics, such as price, trade, procurement, and stock.
• This initiative aligns with e-governance principles, introducing smartness, transparency, and agility to India’s agriculture sector.
• The ministry is also working on other initiatives, including the Krishi Decision Support System, farmer registry, and crop survey, to enhance data accuracy and digital data governance in agriculture.

Kalaignar Women’s Rights Grant Scheme (Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam)

Source: The Scheme
GS II: Schemes

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Kalaignar Women’s Rights Grant Scheme (Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam)

Why in News?

In a groundbreaking move, Tamil Nadu has launched the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam (Kalaignar Women’s Rights Grant Scheme), the largest social welfare initiative to provide monthly financial assistance.

• This scheme is set to benefit over 06 crore eligible women who are the heads of their families.

News in Brief

• Direct Bank Transfers and ATM Cards
  • Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive a monthly sum of Rs 1,000.
  • This financial aid will be directly transferred into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
  • To facilitate easy access to the funds, ATM cards will be issued to eligible women, allowing them to withdraw the allocated amount as needed
• Communication with Beneficiaries
  • To keep beneficiaries informed and updated about the scheme, the government will utilize SMS notifications, ensuring that the eligible women receive timely information about the program and any relevant updates.
• Application Acceptance
  • Out of the approximately 1.63 crore applications received for the scheme, a total of 1.06 crore have been accepted.
  • This reflects the significant reach and impact of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam in supporting women’s family heads across Tamil Nadu.

Assessing Economic Activity of a Country

Source: The Hindu
GS II: Indian Economy

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
3. Indicators other than GDP

Why in the News?

The Finance Ministry challenged aspersions cast by certain sections on the credibility of India’s GDP data.

• It showed a 7.8% uptick in the first quarter, stressing that the GDP data was not seasonally adjusted and was finalised three years later,
• It was therefore wrong to look at the underlying economic activity based on GDP indicators alone.

News in Brief

• Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate that the manufacturing and services sectors are growing.
• Bank credit growth is in double digits. Consumption is improving, and the government has vigorously ramped up capital expenditure.
• India’s real GDP growth was 7.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 202-324.
• This is as per the Income or Production Approach.
• As per the expenditure approach, it would have been lower.
• So, a balancing figure statistical discrepancy is added to the expenditure approach estimate.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

• GDP is one of the most fundamental indicators used to assess the economic activity of a country.
• It measures the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specific period, typically a year or a quarter.
• GDP can be expressed in nominal or real terms (adjusted for inflation).

Assessing Economic Activity of a Country (Indicators other than GDP)

• Gross National Income (GNI):
  • GNI is similar to GDP but takes into account net income earned from abroad.
  • It includes factors such as remittances, investments, and foreign aid.
• GDP Growth Rate
  • The GDP growth rate indicates the percentage change in GDP from one period to another.
  • Positive growth suggests economic expansion, while negative growth indicates a recession.
• Per Capita Income
  • This is calculated by dividing a country’s GDP or GNI by its population.
  • It provides an average income figure per person and helps assess the standard of living.
• Employment and Unemployment Rates
  • Assessing the level of employment and the unemployment rate provides insights into labor market conditions and economic activity.
  • A high unemployment rate may indicate economic distress.
• Inflation Rate
  • Inflation measures the rate at which the general price level of goods and services rises over time.
  • Moderate inflation is often considered a sign of a healthy economy, while high inflation can erode purchasing power.
• Balance of Trade and Current Account Balance
  • These indicators assess a country’s trade balance with the rest of the world.
  • A trade surplus (exports > imports) can be a positive sign, while a deficit (imports > exports) may indicate trade imbalances.
• Government Budget Deficit/Surplus
  • It measures the difference between government revenue and expenditure.
  • A budget surplus indicates government savings, while a deficit reflects borrowing.
• Foreign Exchange Reserves
  • These are a country’s holdings of foreign currencies and other assets.
  • Sufficient reserves provide stability in international transactions and help protect against external shocks.
• Investment and Savings Rates
  • High investment rates suggest economic growth potential, while high savings rates can indicate financial stability.
• Industrial Production
  • This measures the physical output of the industrial sector, which is a key driver of economic activity.
• Consumer and Business Confidence Indexes
  • Surveys of consumer and business sentiment provide insights into economic expectations and can influence spending and investment decisions.
• Trade Agreements and Tariffs
  • International trade agreements and tariff rates can affect a country’s economic activity by influencing trade volumes and patterns.
• Human Development Index (HDI)
  • The HDI combines indicators of life expectancy, education, and income to assess a country’s overall development level.
• Economic Surveys and Reports
  • Government agencies and international organizations publish economic surveys and reports that analyze and assess various aspects of a country’s economy.

International Day of Democracy

Source: United Nation
GS II:  Governance and Civil Service

Overview

1. About International Day of Democracy
2. Indian Democratic System

Why in the News?

Millions of people from across Karnataka joined Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in reading the Preamble of the Constitution on Friday, which is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Democracy.

About International Day of Democracy

• The International Day of Democracy is observed annually on September 15th.
• It was established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote and uphold the principles of democracy worldwide.
• This day provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of democratic values and to raise awareness about the ongoing efforts to promote and protect democracy.

2023 Theme: Empowering the next generation. Focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.

Key objectives and themes

• Promotion of Democracy
  1. The day serves as a platform to promote the idea that democracy is a fundamental human right and an essential component of good governance.
• Awareness and Education
  • It encourages educational and awareness-raising activities about the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
• Democratic Participation
  • The day emphasizes the importance of citizens’ participation in democratic processes, such as elections, civic engagement, and decision-making.
• Protection of Democracy
  • It highlights the need to safeguard and strengthen democratic institutions and practices, including freedom of expression, media freedom, and the independence of the judiciary.
• Global Cooperation
  • The International Day of Democracy encourages international cooperation to support democratic governance and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means.
• Inclusivity
  • Democracy is celebrated as a system that should be inclusive and accessible to all citizens, regardless of gender, age, race, or socio-economic status.
• Rule of Law
  • Emphasis is placed on the importance of the rule of law in democratic societies, where laws are applied equally to all citizens.
• Peaceful Transitions of Power
  • It underscores the significance of peaceful transitions of power through free and fair elections, a hallmark of democratic societies.
• Accountability
  • The day promotes the concept of accountability in governance, where leaders are responsible to their constituents and can be held accountable for their actions.
• Dialogue and Tolerance
  • Encouragement of dialogue, tolerance, and respect for diverse opinions and perspectives as essential elements of democratic societies.

Indian Democratic System

• India is the world’s largest democracy and is known for its vibrant and diverse political system.
• Comprehensive understanding of Indian democracy, including its key features, institutions, challenges, and strengths. 

Key Features of Indian Democracy

• Universal Adult Suffrage
  • India grants the right to vote to all citizens above the age of 18, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic status.
• Federal System
  • India follows a federal system of government with a division of powers between the central government and the states.
  • It is also known as a quasi-federal system due to the strong influence of the central government.
• Parliamentary Democracy
  • India’s political system is based on the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. It has a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
• Multi-Party System
  • India has a multi-party system with a wide range of political parties representing diverse interests and ideologies.
  • The Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are two of the prominent parties.
• Independent Judiciary
  • The Indian judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature.
  • The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial authority and guardian of the Constitution.

Institutions of Indian Democracy

• Parliament
  • India’s Parliament consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
  • Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people, while members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
• Executive
  • The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
  • The Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, is responsible for day-to-day governance.
• Judiciary
  • The Indian judiciary is a three-tier system consisting of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts.
  • It interprets and upholds the Constitution, protects individual rights, and resolves disputes.
• Election Commission
  • The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections at various levels – from the local panchayats to the national parliament.

Challenges to Indian Democracy

• Electoral Challenges: Issues such as money power, criminalization of politics, and voter bribery can undermine the integrity of elections.
• Political Fragmentation: The multi-party system can lead to coalition politics and unstable governments, which may hinder decision-making.
• Social and Economic Inequalities: Caste-based discrimination, economic disparities, and regional disparities persist, affecting the inclusivity of Indian democracy.
• Communalism and Sectarianism: Communal tensions and religious polarization can threaten social harmony and the secular fabric of the nation.
• Corruption: Corruption at various levels of government remains a significant challenge.
• Security Concerns: Issues like terrorism and insurgencies pose security threats and challenges to governance.

Strengths of Indian Democracy

• Peaceful Transfers of Power: India has a strong tradition of peaceful transfers of power through democratic elections.
• Vibrant Civil Society: India has a vibrant civil society with active participation in social and political issues.
• Independent Media: The Indian media plays a crucial role in providing information and promoting accountability.
• Judicial Activism: The judiciary’s activism has been instrumental in protecting constitutional values and citizens’ rights.
• Institutional Framework: India’s democratic institutions, including the Election Commission and the judiciary, are well-established.

Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)

Source: PIB
GS III: Economy

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)

Why in the News?

Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) organised a workshop on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) in collaboration with UNICEF and the National Stock Exchange at the NSE premises in Mumbai on September 12, 2023. 

News in Brief

• The workshop was attended by above 50 Sustainability, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and BHR (Business Human Rights) professionals from key corporate houses.
• The workshop aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the BRSR framework, which is based on the nine principles of the National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC).
• The workshop concluded with an interactive learning recap, peer networking way forward and an open house session.
• The workshop received an overwhelming response from the participants, who appreciated the quality and relevance of the content and delivery.
• The workshop was part of the ongoing collaboration between IICA and UNICEF to promote responsible business conduct among corporates and relevant stakeholders in India.
• More workshops on BRSR in different cities across India are scheduled such as Indore (20 Sept.), Delhi (26 Sept.), and Bengaluru (29 Sept.).

About Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)

• The BRSR framework is a mandatory disclosure mechanism for the top 1000 listed companies or businesses to report their performance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects.
• This framework demonstrates their commitment to responsible business practices.
• The reporting will be voluntary for the financial year 2021-22 and mandatory from the financial year 2022-23 for the top 1000 listed entities (by market capitalization).
• The framework aims to achieve quantitative and standardized disclosures on ESG parameters to enable comparability across companies, sectors, and time.
• The environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature, while social criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities where it operates.
• Governance deals with a company’s leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights.
• The listed entities that already prepare and disclose sustainability reports based on internationally accepted frameworks such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, or Integrated Reporting will be included in the BRSR framework.
• Such disclosures will be helpful for investors to make better investment decisions.
• It will also enable companies to engage more meaningfully with their stakeholders by encouraging them to look beyond financials and consider their social and environmental impacts.

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