Daily Current Affairs 05 October 2023 – IAS Current Affairs
Current Affairs 05 October 2023 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :
Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 decriminalized
Source: PIB
GS II: Governance
Overview
- News in Brief
- Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
- In conclusion
Why in the News?
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has today notified amendments in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 thereby providing the operational mechanism for implementation of the decriminalized provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
News in Brief
- Ministry issued a notification appointing 3rd October 2023 as the date from which provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 and entries in the schedule to it with respect to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 has come into force.
- Section 16 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 dealt with the punishment for contraventions under any of its provisions.
- This section had provision for imprisonment which might extend up to 2 years, in case of first instance and 5 years for every subsequent offence.
- With an aim to make the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 more business-friendly and to boost investor confidence in the sector, punishments specified under Section 16 were re-examined and were decriminalized through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provision) Act, 2023.
- The imprisonment provisions have been now replaced with monetary penalties and other non-monetary measures like Advisory, Warning and Censure.
- These measures will be enforced through the “designated officer” defined in the rules notified.
- Moreover, Section 16 now introduces an appeal mechanism against the order made by the designated officer.
- Sections 17 and 18 were omitted for being redundant.
Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
- The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 is an important piece of legislation in India that governs the regulation of cable television networks and the content broadcasted through them.
- Below is a detailed UPSC answer regarding the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995:
Introduction
- The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, commonly known as the Cable TV Act, is a significant legal framework in India that regulates the cable television industry.
- This act was enacted to address the emerging challenges and concerns associated with the rapidly growing cable television sector in the country.
Key Provisions
- Licensing
- The Act mandates that cable television operators must obtain a license from the appropriate authority to operate a cable television network.
- This licensing system allows the government to monitor and regulate cable TV services.
- Content Regulation
- One of the central objectives of the Act is to regulate the content broadcasted through cable television networks.
- It empowers the government to prescribe a Code of Conduct and Program Code to ensure that the content is in line with public decency, morality, and order.
- The Act also empowers the government to prohibit the transmission of certain content that can incite violence or disturb law and order.
- Advertising Standards
- The Act also regulates the advertising content on cable television.
- It ensures that advertisements do not promote products or services that are harmful to health and safety.
- Advertisements must also adhere to ethical standards.
- Programme Code
- The Act prescribes a Programme Code that contains guidelines for cable television networks.
- It includes rules related to the depiction of violence, obscenity, and other sensitive issues.
- It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining communal harmony and respecting the cultural diversity of India.
- Redressal Mechanism
- The Cable TV Act establishes a redressal mechanism for viewers.
- It allows viewers to file complaints against cable operators for violations of the Act’s provisions. Cable operators who fail to comply with the Act’s regulations can face penalties, including fines and suspension or revocation of their licenses.
- Penalties
- The Act outlines penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
Significance: The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, is significant for several reasons:
- Content Regulation: It ensures that the content broadcasted on cable television adheres to ethical and legal standards, which is crucial for maintaining social harmony and preventing the spread of harmful content.
- Consumer Protection: The Act provides a mechanism for viewers to seek redressal if they find any content objectionable or if they have grievances against cable operators. This promotes consumer protection and accountability in the cable TV industry.
- Government Control: The Act allows the government to regulate and control the cable television sector to prevent the misuse of the medium and protect the interests of the public.
- Cultural Sensitivity: By prescribing guidelines for the depiction of cultural and sensitive issues, the Act helps in maintaining the cultural diversity and integrity of India.
In conclusion
- Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, plays a vital role in regulating the cable television industry in India.
- It ensures that the content broadcasted through cable TV networks is in line with ethical and legal standards and provides a mechanism for consumer protection and redressal of grievances.
- Currently, there are over 1400 Multi-system Operators registered with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Decriminalization of the contraventions of provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and replacement with civil penalties shall boost stakeholders’ confidence and promote the ease of doing business.
World Cerebral Palsy Day
Source: PIB
GS II: Human Resource; Health
Overview
- News in Brief
- About World Cerebral Palsy Day
- Cerebral Palsy
Why in the News?
World Cerebral Palsy Day is a global observance that shines a spotlight on cerebral palsy (CP) and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
About World Cerebral Palsy Day
- Celebrated every year on October 6th, this day serves as a platform to raise awareness about CP, support those living with the condition, and advocate for greater inclusion and understanding.
- Children and adults affected by cerebral palsy often face challenges that hinder their full participation in society.
- The day sheds light on the need for increased awareness, understanding and support for those with cerebral palsy.
- The theme for World Cerebral Palsy Day in 2023 is “Together Stronger.”
- This theme highlights the importance of unity, collaboration, and mutual support within the cerebral palsy community and beyond.
- It emphasizes that when individuals, families, caregivers, and communities come together, they become a powerful force for positive change and inclusion.
- The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is the nodal department to look after all the development agenda of Persons with Disabilities in the country.
- With the vision to create awareness about Cerebral Palsy among the masses, the Department is observing World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6th October 2023, through the institutions associated with it by conducting various events across the country.
Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood.
- It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
- Cerebral palsy affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
- It is a lifelong condition, but the severity and symptoms can vary widely from one individual to another.
Key characteristics of cerebral palsy
- Impaired Movement
- People with cerebral palsy often have difficulty controlling their muscles.
- This can result in stiff muscles, weak muscles, or uncontrollable movements.
- Some individuals may have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt, while others may have difficulty with gross motor skills, such as walking or running.
- Spasticity
- Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type and is characterized by stiff, tight muscles.
- This can make movement and walking difficult.
- Athetosis
- This type of cerebral palsy involves slow, involuntary writhing movements.
- It can affect the arms, hands, and legs and may make it challenging to maintain a stable posture.
- Ataxia
- Ataxic cerebral palsy affects balance and coordination.
- People with ataxia may have shaky movements and difficulties with tasks that require precise coordination.
- Mixed
- Some individuals may have a combination of these types, which can result in a range of motor difficulties.
Cerebral palsy can be caused by various factors, including
- Bain damage during fetal development
- Brain injury during childbirth
- Brain infections during early childhood.
- The exact cause may not always be clear.
Character and treatment
- It’s important to note that cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition, meaning it doesn’t worsen over time.
- However, the associated symptoms and challenges may change as a person grows and develops.
- Early intervention and therapy, including physical and occupational therapy, can help individuals with cerebral palsy improve their motor skills and overall quality of life.
- Treatment and management of cerebral palsy typically involve a multidisciplinary approach, including medical care, therapy, assistive devices, and, in some cases, surgery.
- The goal is to maximize an individual’s independence and quality of life.
Special Campaign 3.0
Source: PIB
GS II: Social Justice
Overview
- News in Brief
- Special Campaign 3.0
Why in the News?
Ministry of Ayush is all set to de-clutter and improve upon the working space across national institutes, organisations, research councils, subordinate organizations etc., and its’ own premises as per the Special Campaign 3.0 (Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters) initiative.
News in Brief
- Ministry has successfully identified targets for the special campaign and all efforts are underway to achieve the targets in a time-bound, coordinated way, and the targets set forth will have clear requisite visibility.
- Campaign 3.0 preparation began on 15 September 2023 to identify targets to be taken up for cleaning during the campaign period.
- The Main campaign started on October 2 during which special focus will be given to achieving space management and enhancement of workplace experience in offices.
- Campaign 3.0 is the latest step to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and address concerns.
Special Campaign 3.0
- Special Campaign 3.0 aims to expedite the resolution of pending matters and promote cleanliness in government offices.
- Ministry has inspected all the identified cleanliness sites in the office premises and directed all the senior officers to put their best efforts to achieve the target during the campaign period. Daily progress is being monitored by a dedicated team.
- As a part of Swacchata Hi Seva campaign, the Ayush Ministry’s cleanliness drive was observed across India, and various activities were taken up.
- The Institutes, organisations, councils took up cleaning of their premises, neighborhood, public places like bus stands, parks, herbal gardens, and even lakes, ponds etc. Senior officials and Ayush fraternity cleaned Ayush Bhawan and respective neighborhood as a part of the drive.
- During the Preparatory phase of Special Campaign 3.0, the targets were all set to reduce the pendency and dispose of all within the campaign duration.
Cochlear Implants
Source: PIB
GS III: Science and Technology
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Cochlear Implants
Why in the News?
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded the benchmark of 50 bilateral simultaneous cochlear implants in the last 18 months by the Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) at Army Hospital (R&R).
Here in this news understanding Cochlear Implants are enough.
About Cochlear Implants
- A cochlear implant is a medical device designed to provide hearing to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss or deafness.
- Unlike traditional hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly stimulating the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged parts of the inner ear (the cochlea).
- It has been revolutionary for people with severe hearing loss or profound deafness, as they can significantly improve their ability to hear and communicate.
- They are most effective when implanted in children at a young age, as early intervention can promote better speech and language development.
- It’s important to note that it does not completely restore “normal” hearing but provides a sensation of sound.
- The individual may need auditory rehabilitation and speech therapy to learn how to interpret these new auditory signals effectively.
- They have undergone significant advancements over the years, making them an essential tool in the field of auditory rehabilitation.
How does a cochlear implant generally work?
- External Components
- Microphone: It picks up sounds from the environment.
- Speech Processor: This small computer processes the incoming sound into digital signals.
- Transmitter Coil: The processed signals are sent to the internal implant through a transmitter coil that sits on the skin behind the ear.
- Internal Component (Implant)
- Receiver-Stimulator: This part of the implant is surgically placed under the skin behind the ear. It receives signals from the transmitter coil and converts them into electrical impulses.
- Electrode Array: A thin, flexible electrode array is inserted into the cochlea, the spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear. The electrodes directly stimulate the auditory nerve fibres.
- Brain Processing
- The electrical impulses generated by the implant travel along the auditory nerve to the brain.
- The brain interprets these impulses as sound, allowing the individual to perceive sound, including speech and environmental noises.
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