Daily Current Affairs 30 September 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 30 September 2023 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Cauvery Water Dispute

Source:  Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
GS II: Governance

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is the Cauvery Water Dispute?
3. Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)
4. About Cauvery River 

Why in the News?

The court mandated Karnataka to release 10,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for a 15-day period.

News in Brief

• On August 14, the Tamil Nadu government sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to make Karnataka immediately release 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) from its reservoirs.
• Also to ensure the availability of the specified quantity of water at Biligundlu on the inter-State border for the remainder of the month.
• It also urged the Court to direct Karnataka to ensure the release of 36.76 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) stipulated for September 2023 as per the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).
• Karnataka should release a total quantity of 177.25 TMC in a normal water year (June to May).
  • 123.14 TMC is to be given during the period from June to September, southwest monsoon. 
• This monsoon yields lower rainfall, and the Cauvery issue flared up.

How did the issue trigger?

• Whenever there’s a deficit in the Southwest Monsoon in the region, the Cauvery conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka resurfaces.
• Quite recently, Tamil Nadu brought its case to the Supreme Court, requesting Karnataka to release 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of Cauvery water daily to support their standing crops.
• In response, the court directed Karnataka to release 10,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for a 15-day period.

What is the Cauvery Water Dispute?

• The Cauvery Water Dispute is a long-standing and complex water-sharing conflict between the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Kerala and Puducherry also have minor stakes in the issue.
• The dispute primarily revolves around the sharing of waters from the Cauvery River.
• The river originates in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

How is the river Crucial for the states?

• The Cauvery River is a critical water source for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, supporting irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation.
• The Cauvery River is considered one of the seven holy rivers in India.
• Kaveri basin is 81,155 sq km.
  • Of which the river’s catchment area is about 34,273 sq km in Karnataka, 2,866 sq km in Kerala and the remaining 44,016 sq km in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.

Agreement History

• Colonial Era
  • The dispute has its roots in agreements and treaties signed during British colonial rule.
  • Mysore’s plans to revive the irrigation projects met with resistance from the Madras Presidency at the end of the 19th century.
  • The 1892 agreements allocated water to the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) and the Princely State of Mysore (now Karnataka).
  • H D. Griffin became the arbitrator
  • In 1924 final agreement for the construction of the Krishnasagara Dam was approved.
  • Clauses of the agreement were open to reconsideration at the expiry of 50 years from the date of its execution.
• Post Independence Negotiations
  • In the late 1960s after the completion of 50 years, negotiations were going on.
  • A decade-long negotiations were done without any final agreement.
• Court Interventions
  • Government of India constituted the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) on June 2, 1990.
  • Interim order directing the State of Karnataka to release water from its reservoir in Karnataka in a water year.
  • 205 million cubic feet (TalMC) of water to be released to the Mettur reservoir in Tamil Nadu.
  • This should be either a monthly or a weekly assessment.
  • In February 2007, the CWDT issued its final award, detailing water allocations among the four states in the Cauvery basin based on an overall availability of 740 TMC in a typical year.
  • Karnataka and Tamil Nadu expressed discontent with the tribunal’s judgement.
  • In 2018 Supreme Court declared the Cauvery River a national resource and upheld the water-sharing arrangements determined by the CWDT.

What is the recent issue?

• There has been a recent controversy surrounding the release of water by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu.
• Tamil Nadu requested the release of 10,000 cusecs of water over 15 days.
• Karnataka proposed a lower limit of 8,000 cusecs for the same duration due to a decrease in rainfall in the Cauvery catchment.
• Kodagu, where the Cauvery River originates, experienced a 44% rainfall deficit from June to August, which worsened the situation.
• To resolve the issue, Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court for help in ensuring that Karnataka releases 24,000 cusecs of water from its reservoir.
• However, Karnataka argued that Tamil Nadu failed to recognize that 2023 is a distressed water year rather than a normal water year.

Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)

About Cauvery River 

• Origin
  • The Kaveri River or Cauvery River originates in the Brahmagiri Hills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
  • It is formed by the confluence of two small streams, the Bhavani and the Amravati.
• Course
  • The river flows eastward through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and a small part of Kerala.
  • It covers a total distance of approximately 800 kilometres (500 miles) before reaching the Bay of Bengal.
• Tributaries
  • The Kaveri River has several tributaries, including the Kabini River, Hemavati River, Shimsha River, Arkavathy River, and the Moyar River.
  • These tributaries contribute to the river’s flow and are important for irrigation and water supply.
• Importance
  • The Kaveri River is of immense significance to the region.
  • It serves as a major source of water for irrigation, agriculture, and drinking water supply for millions of people in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
  • It also supports hydropower generation and sustains the livelihoods of farmers.
• Cauvery Basin
  • The basin of the Kaveri River is known as the Cauvery Basin.
  • It covers parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
  • The river and its tributaries provide water for irrigation in this agriculturally productive region.
• Wildlife
  • The Kaveri River basin is home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • It supports several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including the Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka and the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu.
• Religious Significance
  • The river is considered sacred by many and is associated with numerous temples and religious rituals in the region.
  • The town of Talakaveri in Karnataka is believed to be the source of the river and is a place of religious importance.

Father of Green Revolution M S Swaminathan

Source Father of Green Revolution M S Swaminathan: The Hindu
GS II: Agriculture

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About M S Swaminathan
3. About Green Revolution

Why in the News?

Known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, renowned agricultural scientist Dr. M. S Swaminathan passed away.

News in Brief

• From leading India’s Green Revolution to pushing for recognition for India’s women farmers.
• A devoted adherent of Mohandas Gandhi, this young Tamilian abandoned the field of medicine for the less glamorous pursuit of agriculture.
• His mission in post-independence India was to guarantee an adequate food supply for its impoverished populace.
• He played a pivotal role in disseminating high-yield strains of rice and wheat.
  • It played a transformative role in shifting India from a nation heavily reliant on food imports.
  • India was often described as living on a precarious hand-to-mouth basis during the 1960s, to achieving self-sufficiency in rice and wheat production by the mid-1970s.

Father of Green Revolution M S Swaminathan

• He is a renowned Indian agricultural scientist and geneticist who played a significant role in India’s agricultural transformation during the mid-20th century.
• Dr M.S. Swaminathan’s pioneering work in the field of agriculture, particularly in wheat and rice production, helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
• His research involved the development of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which had a substantial impact on increasing agricultural productivity in India.
• This period of agricultural transformation, which began in the 1960s, is commonly referred to as the Green Revolution.
• Dr. Swaminathan’s contributions not only led to increased food production but also helped alleviate food scarcity and hunger in India.
• His work in agriculture and food security has earned him recognition and awards both nationally and internationally.
• It’s important to note that Dr. Swaminathan’s role as the “Father of the Green Revolution” is specific to India, and similar efforts in other countries have their own notable figures associated with them.
• The Green Revolution was a global movement that aimed to increase agricultural productivity and food security worldwide, with significant contributions from various scientists and researchers in different regions.

Honours and Recognition

• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in 1961
• Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971
• Padma Vibhushan in 1989
• UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Gold Medal in 1999

About Green Revolution

• The Green Revolution in India was a period of significant agricultural transformation that began in the 1960s and continued into the 1970s.
• It was marked by the adoption of modern farming techniques, including the use of high-yielding varieties of seeds, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, and improved irrigation methods.
• The Green Revolution aimed to increase agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and reduce poverty and hunger.

Key facts of the Green Revolution

• Introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs)
  • The Green Revolution in India is often associated with the introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
  • These new varieties were developed through extensive research and breeding efforts.
  • The wheat variety “Kalyan Sona” and the rice variety “IR8” were among the first high-yielding varieties introduced.
• Increase in Crop Yields
  • The adoption of HYVs led to a significant increase in crop yields.
  • For example, the introduction of HYV wheat varieties resulted in yield increases of 2 to 3 times compared to traditional varieties.
• Impact on Food Production
  • The Green Revolution had a profound impact on food production. India’s food grain production, particularly of wheat and rice, increased substantially.
  • Between 1965 and 1970, wheat production increased from 11 million tons to 17 million tons, and rice production increased from 35 million tons to 45 million tons.
• Food Security
  • The increase in food production contributed to improved food security in India.
  • It helped meet the growing food demands of the population and reduced the country’s reliance on food imports.
• Reduction in Hunger and Poverty
  • The Green Revolution played a role in reducing hunger and poverty by increasing agricultural incomes and providing surplus food for distribution to vulnerable populations.
• Challenges
  • While the Green Revolution brought significant benefits, it also faced challenges.
  • There were concerns about the environmental impact of increased pesticide and fertilizer use.
  • Additionally, the benefits of the Green Revolution were not evenly distributed, leading to income disparities in rural areas.
• Expansion of Irrigation
  • To support high-yielding crop varieties, the Green Revolution promoted the expansion of irrigation infrastructure.
  • This led to increased water use in agriculture.
• Continued Efforts
  • The Green Revolution was not a one-time event but an ongoing process.
  • Subsequent phases of the Green Revolution involved the development and adoption of new crop varieties and technologies, such as the cultivation of hybrid crops.
• Legacy
  • The Green Revolution’s legacy includes the development of a strong agricultural research and extension system in India.
  • It also highlighted the importance of science and technology in agriculture.
• Global Influence
  • India’s success in the Green Revolution had a global influence, inspiring similar efforts in other countries facing food security challenges.

Toto Language

Source: The Hindu
GS II: Indian Heritage and Culture

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Toto Language

Why in the News?

A language spoken by barely 1,600 people living in parts of West Bengal bordering Bhutan is ​to get a dictionary, thanks to the efforts of a professor at the University of Calcutta.

• Toto Shabda Sangraha translating Toto words into Bengali and English, will be released in Kolkata.

News in Brief

• Toto is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the tribal Toto people and is written in the Bengali script.
• Even though prominent community member Dhaniram Toto developed a script as recently as in 2015, most people either write it in Bengali script or write in Bengali language.
• A book by the Padma Shri-decorated Mr. Toto, titled Dhanua Totor Kathamala, was written in Bengali.

Toto Language

• It is a nearly extinct language spoken by the Toto tribe, a small indigenous community in the Indian state of West Bengal.
• Toto is a Sino-Tibetan language.
• The Toto people are one of the most marginalized and endangered indigenous groups in India, with only a few hundred members remaining.
  • UNESCO lists it as a critically endangered language.
• It is considered a language isolate, which means it has no known relation to any other language.
• It is not part of any larger language family, and its origins and linguistic roots remain a subject of study and debate among linguists.
• Due to the small number of Toto speakers and the influence of dominant languages in the region, such as Bengali, the Toto language is critically endangered.
• Efforts have been made by linguists and anthropologists to document and revitalize the language, but the challenges are significant.
• Language revitalization initiatives typically involve efforts to teach the language to younger generations, create educational materials in the language, and raise awareness about its cultural significance.
• However, the success of such initiatives depends on various factors, including community support and government policies.
• Preserving and revitalizing endangered languages like Toto is essential not only for linguistic diversity but also for the preservation of the unique cultural heritage and knowledge of indigenous communities.

HIV Act

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Governance; Health

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. How it helps

Why in the News?

The court was considering a plea filed by the former officer against the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) judgment, which denied him the compensation claimed.

News in Brief

• A retired Air Force veteran, who contracted HIV during a blood transfusion when he fell sick on duty during Operation Parakram, received a breather from the Supreme Court.
• The top court, while holding the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army jointly and vicariously liable for medical negligence, directed the IAF to award him Rs 1,54,73,000 as compensation.
• A bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Justice Dipankar Datta also laid down directives for the government, courts and quasi-judicial bodies under the framework of the HIV Act.

HIV Act

• The HIV and AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017 is a federal law designed to safeguard and advance the rights of individuals living with and impacted by HIV and AIDS.
• Its primary objectives include preventing and managing the spread of HIV and AIDS while reinforcing the legal and human rights of those affected by the condition.
• Additionally, it aims to protect the rights of healthcare providers.
• This legislation, it ensures the availability of diagnostic services related to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the management of opportunistic infections for individuals living with HIV and AIDS.
• It also establishes a mechanism for addressing grievances through the appointment of an Ombudsman at the state level and a Complaints Officer at the institution level, facilitating prompt resolution of issues.
• Non-compliance with the Ombudsman’s directives may result in penalties of up to Rs 10,000. Furthermore, every person under state care and custody has the entitlement to access HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and counselling services.
• Importantly, no individual affected by HIV can undergo medical treatment, or medical procedures, or participate in research without giving informed consent.
• The breach or violation of this act is subject to punitive measures, including imprisonment for a maximum of two years, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both.

CRIIIO 4 GOOD

Source: PIB
GS II: Human Resource

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. How it helps

Why in the News?

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched ‘CRIIIO 4 GOOD’, a new online, life skills learning module, to promote gender equality among girls and boys.

News in Brief

• The programme was launched in association with the International Cricket Council, UNICEF, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
• first learning modules of CRIIIO 4 GOOD with over 1000 school children at the stadium.
• The modules are highly engaging, and they use the power of cricket to talk about essential life skills and gender equity, among girls and boys in a fun, interactive way.
• Using the popularity and passion of cricket young audiences, ICC and UNICEF released these modules to inspire children and youth to adopt critical life skills and appreciate the importance of gender equality.

CRIIIO 4 GOOD

• It’s a recently launched set of online modules for life skills education designed to foster gender equality among both girls and boys.
• These modules showcase the potential of sports and cricket as tools for empowering girls and raising awareness about gender fairness in an engaging way.
• The program consists of eight cricket-themed animated films that cover various essential life skills, including leadership, critical thinking, self-assurance, choice-making, conflict resolution, empathy, collaboration, and setting objectives.
• These materials are available in three languages: English, Hindi, and Gujarati.

Pink Bollworm

Source Pink Bollworm: Indian Express
GS II: Agriculture

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Pink Bollworm

Why in the News?

Aggrieved farmers had ploughed fields as the cotton crop was destroyed by Pink Bollworm.

News in Brief

• After the reports of pink bollworm infestation surfaced in Fazilka district, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian has visited cotton crop fields at Jandwala Bhimeshah and Jhotianwali villages.
• Around 2.5 lakh acres of cotton crop has been sown in the district.
• The infestation, which began around 10 days ago, has now spread to several villages.
• As a result, the cotton balls have started falling in some fields.

About Pink Bollworm

e-Cabinet System

Source: Indian Express
GS II: e-Governance

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About e-Cabinet System

Why in the News?

The Chief Minister of Tripura has recently introduced an e-cabinet system.

• Making it the fourth state in India to advance the development of digital infrastructure and the digitization of government services and information.

News in Brief

• The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, inaugurated an electronic cabinet system in Agartala recently.
• It aimed at fostering the development of digital infrastructure and the digitization of government services and information.
• With this development, Tripura has become the fourth state in India, and the second in the Northeast region, following Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, to implement an electronic cabinet system.
• Instead of paper ministers and bureaucrats will utilize tablets for these meetings.
• During the inaugural electronic cabinet meeting, the government approved a proposal to secure a loan of Rs 160 crore from the Asian Development Bank.
• It’s worth noting that the Asian Development Bank has previously provided low-interest soft loans to the government and collaborated on various developmental projects.

About e-Cabinet System

• The e-cabinet system is a digital portal utilized by both Union and state governments to conduct Cabinet meetings electronically.
• It was developed by the National Information Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) and was initially launched in 2020.
• This system automates workflow activities before, during, and after meetings, thereby enhancing security through a push-and-pull mechanism.
• It also serves as an institutional memory and knowledge repository, enabling rapid search and retrieval of information or data.
• Additionally, it generates all meeting outputs and outcomes electronically at each stage, leading to savings in resources that would otherwise be expended on paper, fuel, and manpower.
• This, in turn, reduces the carbon footprint and mitigates adverse environmental impacts.

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