Daily Current Affairs 07 October 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 07 October 2023 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

UN’s Ten Principles For Bridging Finance Gap

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

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What are the UN’s Ten Principles For Bridging the Finance Gap?

Why in the News?

The Sustainable Finance: Bridging the Gap in Asia and the Pacific report puts forward ten principles for action for policymakers, regulators and private finance.

News in Brief

• A new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlights the urgent issue of sustainable finance in the region.
• Also discusses the challenges and opportunities for policymakers, regulators and private finance in bridging this gap.
• Only 17 of the 51 Asia-Pacific countries party to the UNFCCC have assessed and reported their financial needs to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Only seven have broken down financial needs between adaptation and mitigation.
• Average economic losses resulting from disaster-related and other natural hazards in the region are forecast to increase to $1.1 trillion in a moderate climate-change scenario and $1.4 trillion in a worst-case scenario.

What are the UN’s Ten Principles For Bridging the Finance Gap?

• This report assesses the patterns, difficulties, and prospects encountered by policymakers, regulators, and the private financial sector (including banks, issuers, and investors) in Asia and the Pacific as they work to raise and utilize funding for critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on climate action.
• The objectives are to encourage a more vigorous and knowledgeable discussion among member States on crucial strategies for advancing sustainability in the region and to provide clearer insights into the advantages and repercussions of specific policy and financing decisions in both the near and distant future.

Ten Principle

1. New climate finance partnerships are developed
2. Effective NDC financing strategies are developed
3. Policy coherence and capacities are developed across key government ministries
4. Decisive regulatory action takes place to shift capital in Asia and the Pacific towards the net zero transition
5. Investment in the capacities of financial personnel
6. Investment in much-needed sectoral and project-based financial data is undertaken
7. Commitments to net zero pledges for 2050 with credible transition pathways including 2030 goals are made
8. Local-currency financing of energy transition projects as well as green technologies and other net-zero investments is increased
9. Concessional financing and risk-sharing by multilateral development banks, bilateral development financial institutions, and public development banks is expanded and accelerated
10. Investment of time and effort with partners in project preparation is increased.

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

Source: Hindustan Times
GS II:  Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
3. Indian laws and regulations to stop CSAM

Why in the News?

YouTube, Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) have been told to proactively filter child sexual abuse material (CSAM) out on the Indian Internet the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

News in Brief

• A notice to social media platforms, including Telegram, X (formerly Twitter)), and YouTube, to remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their platforms in India.
• MeitY also said that delay in complying with the notices will result in the withdrawal of their safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act.

Section 79 of the IT Act

Any social media intermediary will not be in the radar of legal action for any third party information, data, or communication link made available or hosted by him. This immunity is however, subject to the provisions of Section 79(2) and 79(3) of the Act.

• The notices were sent a day after the paper had reached out to the government about such content available on these platforms.
• The notice also calls for the implementation of proactive measures to take down CSAM and emphasises the importance of prompt and permanent removal of CSAM.
• Non-compliance with these requirements will be deemed a breach of Rule 3(1)(b) and Rule 4(4) of the IT Rules, 2021

Rule 3(1)(b) Due diligence by an intermediary:

The rules and regulations, privacy policy or user agreement of the intermediary shall inform the user of its computer resource not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share any information that belongs to another person and to which the user does not have any right. Also, that is harmful to children.

Rule 4(4) Additional due diligence to be observed by significant social media intermediary

A significant social media intermediary must use technology-based measures, including automated tools, to identify and prevent the sharing of content related to rape, child sexual abuse, or conduct that is identical to previously removed content. Users trying to access such content will be shown a notice indicating that the content falls into these categories.

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), also known as child pornography, refers to any visual or written material that portrays minors engaged in explicit sexual activities. This illegal and harmful content has severe consequences for both the victims and society as a whole.

• Traumatic Impact on Victims
  • The creation and dissemination of CSAM involve the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, causing severe emotional, psychological, and physical harm to the minors involved.
  • Victims often suffer long-lasting trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
• Perpetuation of Abuse
  • The sharing and circulation of CSAM perpetuate the abuse of the child victims.
  • Once these images or videos are online, they can be replicated and redistributed countless times, causing ongoing harm to the victims as their abuse is relived repeatedly.
• Normalization of Child Exploitation
  • The existence and availability of CSAM normalize child exploitation and contribute to the desensitization of society towards the sexual abuse of children.
  • This normalization can create a culture that tolerates and even condones such heinous acts.
• Criminal Activity
  • The production, distribution, and possession of CSAM are illegal activities in most jurisdictions.
  • Those involved in these activities can face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
• Online Safety Risks
  • CSAM is often distributed through online platforms, making the internet a dangerous place for children.
  • Minors may be lured or coerced into sharing explicit images of themselves, which can then be used as CSAM.
  • This puts children at risk of further exploitation and abuse.
• Global Issue
  • CSAM is a global problem, with vast networks dedicated to its production and distribution.
  • International cooperation is essential to combat this issue effectively.
• Damage to Society
  • The existence of CSAM damages the social fabric by eroding trust and causing widespread outrage.
  • It also diverts resources away from addressing other pressing issues.

Indian laws and regulations to stop CSAM

Caste Data in Bihar

Source: The Hindu
GS I: Society

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is the Patna High Court’s ruling on Bihar Caste Survey?

Why in the News?

Supreme Court on Friday refused to keep the Bihar government from publishing data collected from its caste-based survey.

News in Brief

• A Bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna refused to be bothered by the fact that the State had released the data when petitions challenging the legality of the survey were pending before the Supreme Court.
• The Bench posted the case for the next hearing in January 2024, while issuing notice to the State to file its response to the petitions.
• Privacy is not an issue as names, etc., are not published.
• The petitions were at a preadmission stage when the court was still deciding whether or not to issue formal notice.
• The data received was extensive and voluntary from the people, and needed to be analysed in detail to help identify welfare areas.

What is the Patna High Court’s ruling on Bihar Caste Survey?

• Petition against Bihar’s caste census- The caste survey was challenged under 2 grounds.
• Violation of right to privacy (Article 21) – Petitioners argued that the right to privacy will be infringed due to the queries concerning their religion, caste, and monthly income.
• State’s competency- The petitioners cited 7th schedule and Article 246 and claimed that only the Union government could conduct a census.
• Bihar government’s stand- In 2011, a caste census was conducted by the Centre, the details of which weren’t disclosed.
• It also pointed out that Entry 45 of the Concurrent List is similar to Entry 94 of the Union List, as both confer powers to collect statistics for verifying details to achieve the economic and social planning goals listed under Entry 20 of the Concurrent List.
• Verdict- The court referred to the triple-requirement test laid down in ‘Justice KS Puttaswamy vs Union of India, 2017’ , reiterating that permissible restrictions can be imposed on the fundamental right, in the state’s legitimate interests, provided they are proportional and reasonable.
• It said that the disclosures were voluntary and added that the action of the State as perfectly valid with the legitimate aim of providing development with justice.

India and Maldives

Source: Times of India
GS II: International Relation

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. India and the Maldives

Why in the News?

The new Maldives Presidentelect’s transition team hopes to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the swearingin ceremony of Mohamed Muizzu in Male next month, says Maldives Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

News in Brief

• Mr. Nasheed who has broken away from outgoing President Ibu Solih and his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to form his own party, which could join the incoming government.
• New Maldivian President would not be “antiIndia” or “proChina”, as he has generally been portrayed in recent commentary.

India and the Maldives

India and the Maldives share a historically close and friendly relationship. This relationship is characterized by geographic proximity, cultural ties, and shared strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. India-Maldives relations have remained strong and are expected to continue evolving positively in the future, driven by shared interests and mutual respect.

Key aspects of India-Maldives relations

• Geopolitical Significance
  • The Maldives is strategically located in the Indian Ocean and is vital for India’s maritime security.
  • It forms a part of India’s extended neighbourhood and has a direct impact on India’s security and stability.
• Economic Cooperation
  • India is one of the largest trading partners of the Maldives.
  • In recent years, bilateral trade between the two countries has been steadily growing. India exports a variety of goods to the Maldives, including food products, machinery, and petroleum products.
  • Indian imports from the Maldives primarily comprise scrap metals while Indian exports to the Maldives include agriculture and poultry produce, sugar, fruits, vegetables, spices, rice, atta, 3 textiles, drugs and medicines, a variety of engineering and industrial products, sand and aggregate, cement for building etc.
• Development Assistance
  • India has been a significant development partner for the Maldives.
  • It has provided financial and technical assistance for various projects in the areas of infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and capacity building.
• Tourism
  • Tourism is a major industry in the Maldives, and India is one of the top source countries for tourists visiting the Maldives.
  • Indian tourists often choose the Maldives as a vacation destination due to its natural beauty and proximity.
• Security Cooperation
  • Both countries cooperate closely on security issues, including counter-terrorism and maritime security.
  • The Indian Navy plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of the Maldives’ exclusive economic zone.
• Political Engagement
  • High-level visits and diplomatic dialogues are regular occurrences between India and the Maldives.
  • These interactions serve to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional and global challenges.
• Climate Change
  • Both countries are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels.
  • They collaborate on international platforms to address climate change issues and advocate for climate justice.
• Investment
  • Indian companies have invested in various sectors in the Maldives, including tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
  • Bommidala Infrastructure of India signed an agreement for a 25-MW solar energy project in the Upper Southern province.
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India and Government of Maldives on cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development.
• Defense Cooperation
  • India has provided assistance in enhancing the Maldives’ defence capabilities.
  • This includes the provision of patrol vessels and cooperation in conducting joint exercises.
  • India will permanently base two helicopters in the country.
  • Ekuverin, an annual joint military exercise has been held every year since 2009 between India and Maldives.
  • Operation Cactus: The intervention by the Indian Armed Forces defeated the attempted coup led by businessman Abdullah Luthufi and assisted by armed mercenaries of a Tamil secessionist organisation from Sri Lanka.
• Healthcare
  • India has been assisting the Maldives in the healthcare sector, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, by supplying essential medical equipment and vaccines.
• Cultural Exchanges:
  • Cultural exchanges, including music, dance, and art, are actively promoted, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.
  • Three historical mosques in the Maldives were successfully restored by Indian experts.
  • Indian Cultural Center in Male inaugurated in July 2011 is expected to give a further boost to the cultural activities between the two countries.
• Indian Diaspora
  • Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives.
  • Indian expatriate community consists of doctors, nurses and technicians, teachers, construction workers, tailors, etc. spread all over the country.
  • Around 25% of teachers in Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels.

Anti-dumping Duty on Wheel Loaders

Source: ET
GS II: International Relation

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is Anti-dumping Duty?

Why in the News?

Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended anti-dumping duty of up to 82% on imports of ‘wheel loader’, a common use machinery in infrastructure and mining sectors, from China.

News in Brief

• The recommendation came after a year-long investigation into the complaints of injury by domestic manufacturers.
• Imports are coming at prices below the domestic sales price injuring domestic industry.
• Price undercutting of 40-50% which has resulted in negative growth in the industry on all parameters.
• Domestic industry produces loaders of up to 5583 kg capacity.
• Wheel loaders are used in mining, shipping, construction and whenever earth and other material has to be moved and loaded.

What is Anti-dumping Duty?

Anti-dumping duties are typically levied when a foreign company is selling an item significantly below the price at which it is being produced.

• This will be implemented to save domestic jobs but these tariffs can also lead to higher prices for domestic consumers.
• This will helps to reduce international competition.

World Trade Centre towards Anti-dumping Duty

• WTO does not intervene in the activities of companies engaged in dumping.
• WTO agreement permits governments to act against dumping if dumping affects internal economy of nations.
• Anti-dumping measures can only be applied if the dumping is hurting the industry in the importing country.

GATT (Article 6) allows countries to take action against dumping. It allows anti-dumping duties to be imposed on goods that are deemed to be dumped and causing injury to producers of competing products in the importing country. These duties are equal to the difference between the goods’ export price and their normal value, if dumping causes injury.

World Cotton Day 2023

Source: PIB
GS II: Agriculture

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Kasturi Cotton program
3. Cotton Cultivation in India

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Textiles marked World Cotton Day 2023 by hosting a conference centred on the theme of Enhancing Quality & Productivity of Indian Cotton through Policy, Innovation, & Technology Upgradation.

• This event was conducted in collaboration with the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and the EU-Resource Efficiency Initiative, an initiative by GIZ.

News in Brief

• Conference held on the eve of World Cotton Day, highlighted best practices and sustainable farming methods throughout the cotton value chain, spanning from Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.
• Brainstorming sessions addressed crucial topics, including Enhancing Sustainability and circularity in the Cotton Value Chain and Cotton Mission for Enhancing Quality and Productivity.

Important outcomes

• To ensure that the quality, variety, origin, and other vital parameters of cotton are transparent to both Indian and international buyers, CCI launched the Bale Identification and Traceability System (BITS) using Blockchain Technology.
• Each cotton bale now carries a QR code that allows easy tracking of its original source, processing factory, storage details, and associated cotton quality information, including timestamps.
• Additionally, the Ministry of Textiles introduced the Kasturi Cotton program, a premium certified quality cotton with traceability.
• TEXPROCIL, in collaboration with CCI on behalf of the Ministry of Textiles, is overseeing the implementation of this program.
• All ginners in the country are empowered to produce Kasturi Cotton following quality protocols.

About the Kasturi Cotton India program

• Kasturi Cotton India (KCI) is an initiative of the Government of India, Textile Trade Bodies and Industry.
• GOI have the objective of creating premium value for cotton grown in India.
• Process of branding Indian cotton forward, The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) and the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on December 2022 at Varanasi.
• In the MoU, Texprocil was designated as the implementing Agency for Branding, Tracing and Certification of Kasturi Cotton India.
• The program will give increasing credibility through transparent dealings by highlighting the sustainable practices used in producing homegrown cotton thereby earning a premium price.

About World Cotton Day

• World Cotton Day, is observed on October 7 each year.
• Emphasises cotton’s importance in generating jobs and supporting economies, especially in less developed countries.
• The day’s celebrations promote fair trade and help developing nations engage in all aspects of the cotton industry.
• It was introduced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on October 7, 2019, with support from Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali, known as the Cotton Four or C4 countries.
• The WTO approved the proposal of the C4 countries to create World Cotton Day.

The theme for World Cotton Day 2023 is ‘Making cotton fair and sustainable for all, from farm to fashion’.

Cotton Cultivation in India

• Cotton is one of the most important fibre and cash crops of India.
• It plays a dominant role in the industrial and agricultural economy of the country.
• It provides the basic raw material (cotton fibre) to the cotton textile industry.
• Cotton in India provides direct livelihood to 6 million farmers and about 40 -50 million people are employed in the cotton trade and its processing.

Major Cotton Growing Zones

• Ten major cotton-growing states are divided into three zones
  • North zone
  • Central zone
  • South zone.The
• North zone consists of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
• The central zone includes Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• South zone comprises Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Besides these ten States, cotton cultivation has gained momentum in the Eastern State of Orissa.
• Cotton is also cultivated in small areas of non-traditional States such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal & Tripura.

Types of Cotton Species

• There are four cultivated species of cotton
  1. Gossypium arboreum
  2. G.herbaceum
  3. G.hirsutum
  4. G.barbadense.
• The first two are also known as Asiatic cotton because they are grown in Asia.
• The last two species are tetraploid and are also referred to as New World Cottons.
• G.hirsutum is also known as American cotton or upland cotton
• G.barbadense as Egyptian cotton or Sea Island cotton Peruvian Cotton Tanguish Cotton or quality cotton.
• G.hirsutum is the predominant species which alone contributes about 90% to global production.
• Perhaps, India is the only country in the world where all four cultivated species are grown on a commercial scale.

Climate & Soil for Cultivation

• It will grow in both tropical & sub-tropical conditions.
• Temperature
  • Minimum temperature of 15° C
  • The optimum temperature for vegetative growth is 21-27° C
• Warm days of cool nights with large diurnal variations during the period are conducive for good boll & fibre development.
• Soil
  • Well-drained deep alluvial soils in the north
  • Black clayey soils of varying depth in the central region
  • Black and mixed black and red soils in the south zone

Cultivating Season

• Generally early April-May in northern India
• Cotton is a Kharif crop in the major parts of the country.
  • Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and parts of Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka.
  • irrigated crop is sown from March-May and the rain-fed crop in June-July
• In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the cotton is usually sown in August-September.

Sagar Parikrama Phase-IX

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

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Sagar Parikrama Phase- IX

Why in the News?

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (FAHD), Government of India, and National Fisheries Development Board along with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu, Indian Coast Guard, and fishermen representatives organized as well as actively participated in the Sagar Parikrama, Phase- IX which started from Thiruvandanai, Tamil Nadu.

News in Brief

• Sagar Parikrama Phase- IX program began with interaction with beneficiaries and moved forward to Jegathappattinam Fish Landing Centre, Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu.
• Interacted with traditional fishermen, and fisherwomen emphasized the use of new technology in the fishery sector and highlighted that the training of new technology can be taken with the help of the officials from the Department of Fisheries.
• Further, beneficiaries were distributed with Kisan Credit Card.
• Inaugurated fish farmer producer cooperative society limited at Manamelkudi, Pudukkottai District.

About Sagar Parikrama Phase- IX

• Sagar Parikrama’ is aimed at addressing the issues of fishermen and other stakeholders while facilitating their economic upliftment through various schemes.

The first eight phases of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ covered 4,115 km in eight coastal states and union territories, including Gujarat, Diu and Daman, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar.

• The ninth phase of the programme will cover coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
• Officials will review the progress of the implementation of central schemes and distribute certificates/sanctions related to schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
• Nearly 10,500 fishermen, various fisheries stakeholders, and scholars attended physically the Sagar Parikrama Phase IX program.
• The goal of Sagar Parikrama is to interact with fishermen at their doorsteps, hear their difficulties and grievances, witness village-level ground realities, encourage sustainable fishing, and ensure that government subsidies and initiatives reach the beneficiaries.

Second Global Amphibian Assessment Report

Source: Down To Earth
GS III: Environment

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About the Report
3. What are Amphibians?

Why in the News?

A new paper analysing two decades of data from around the world has found that climate change is emerging as one of the biggest threats to frogs, salamanders, and caecilians.

News in Brief

• The study titled Ongoing Declines for the World’s Amphibians in the Face of Emerging Threats was published in the scientific journal.
• Climate change is the new driver pushing the amphibian population towards extinction, a new study showed.

About the Report

• Frogs, caecilians, and salamanders are examples of amphibians, which are currently the most endangered animals on earth.
• Out of the 8,011 species of amphibia that have been evaluated so far, more than 40% are threatened with extinction.
• Globally, their situation is becoming worse.
• In the years 1980 to 2004, disease and habitat loss posed a danger to 91% of the amphibian species.
• Climate change and habitat loss are the main causes of the status degradation of 39% and 37% of the investigated species, respectively, between 2004 and 2023.
• 60% of the endangered species have been shown to be declining due to fungi infections and climate change.
• A unique non-invasive diagnostic method for finding the fungus pathogen has been developed by CSIR-CCMB.
• The highest concentration of threatened species was mapped to be located in India’s Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Caribbean islands, tropical Andes, Mesoamerica and the mountains and forests of western Cameroon and eastern Nigeria.
• Other geographic locations of high concentrations included the Atlantic Forest biome of southern Brazil, central and southern China and the southern Annamite Mountains of Vietnam.
• The second most threatened group of vertebrates included cycads which faced a 69 per cent threat; sharks and rays faced 37.4 per cent threat, conifers faced 34 per cent, reef-building corals 33.4 per cent, mammals 26.5 per cent and reptiles 21.4 per cent.
• 48 per cent were classified as enigmatic decline species.
  • Diseases such as chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, were mainly responsible for many enigmatic declines.

Improved Status

• 120 species improved their Red List status since 1980.
• 63 species improved their status directly due to conservation action such as habitat protection and management from countries like Costa Rica and Sabah in Malaysia and the Western Ghats in India.

What are Amphibians?

Amphibians are a class of vertebrate animals known for their unique life history that involves two distinct life stages: an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage.

They are characterized by several key features

• Moist Skin
  • Amphibians have thin, permeable skin that lacks scales or feathers.
  • This skin is highly sensitive to desiccation (drying out), so they are often found in moist environments.
  • Many amphibians can breathe through their skin, which is especially important for respiration in aquatic species.
• Metamorphosis
  • Amphibians undergo metamorphosis, which means they go through a dramatic physical transformation as they transition from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults.
  • For example, frogs start as tadpoles with gills and a tail, and they eventually develop legs, lose their tails, and develop lungs for breathing air.
• Dual Respiration
  • Amphibians typically respire through both their skin and their lungs.
  • Larval amphibians often respire primarily through gills, while adults rely more on lungs.
  • However, many adult amphibians still have moist, permeable skin that aids in gas exchange.
• Ectothermic
  • Amphibians are ectothermic, which means their body temperature is regulated by the external environment.
  • They cannot generate their own body heat as mammals and birds do.
  • Consequently, they are often more active in warm, moist conditions.
• Habitats
  • Amphibians are found in a variety of habitats, including freshwater ponds, streams, rainforests, and terrestrial ecosystems.
  • They are especially abundant in areas with access to both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
• Species Diversity
  • There is a wide range of amphibian species, including frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.
  • Frogs and toads belong to the order Anura, while salamanders and newts are part of the order Urodela.
  • These groups exhibit diverse adaptations and behaviours.

Conclusion

• Amphibians play essential roles in ecosystems.
• They are both predators and prey, and they contribute to nutrient cycling.
• However, many amphibian species are currently facing population declines and extinction threats due to factors like habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and a fungal disease called chytridiomycosis.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique and ecologically important animals.

Prelims Focus

Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)

News: India has been elected as President of Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) for a Third Successive Term.

• India had already served two terms as President of AIBD General Conference (GC) from 2018 – 2021 and 2021 – 2023.
• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UNESCO are the founding organisations.
• AIBD was established in 1977.
• AIBD currently has 92 member organisations from across 44 countries.
• India is one of the founding members of AIBD and Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster is the representative body of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India at AIBD.
• It services the countries of the UN-ESCAP to achieve a cohesive electronic media environment through policy and resource development.

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

News: A day after indicating that Russia might revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), President Vladimir Putin said on Friday (October 6) that the country would do so to be on level terms with the United States, and not to resume nuclear testing.

• The organization was established by the States Signatories to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996.
• Its primary goals are to promote the CTBT’s entrance into force and to set up a worldwide verification framework in advance of the Treaty’s entry into force.
• Role in Non-Proliferation
  • The CTBT is viewed as an important instrument in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
  • It is seen as complementary to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
• Prohibition of Nuclear Explosions
  • Under the CTBT, all nuclear explosions are prohibited.
  • This includes explosions in the atmosphere, underwater, and underground.
  • The treaty encompasses tests of all yield levels.
• About CTBTO commission is composed of two main organs
  • Plenary Body
  • Provisional Technical Secretariat.
• Members of CTBTO
  • All States Signatories to the CTBT are automatically members of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission.
  • As of 2023 there are 186 Member States of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission
  • Of these, 177 have ratified the Treaty.
  • The latest state to ratify the Treaty was Solomon Islands, on 20 January 2023.
• Entry into Force
  • For the CTBT to enter into force, it must be ratified by 44 specific countries that are listed in Annex 2 of the treaty.
  • These countries are known to have had nuclear facilities at the time of the treaty’s negotiation. 

Bekal Fort

News: The first public sector caravan park in Kerala to come up at Bekal Fort of Kerala.

• Bekal Fort is artistically crafted and constructed using dark maroon laterite stones.
• Bekal Fort stands as the largest and most well-preserved fort throughout Kerala. 
• The fort boasts impressive walls and fortifications, occasionally broken by massive bastions.
• These bastions are equipped with numerous large and small gun openings, while the walls feature windows and peepholes, which
• served the purpose of spotting approaching enemies in the past.
• A distinctive and captivating element is a solitary bastion extending out into the sea.
• Its construction dates back to the 17th century.
• This historic site provides a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea from its tall watchtowers, which once housed immense cannons.
• Originally commissioned by the rulers of the ancient Kadampa Dynasty, the fort changed ownership over the years, passing through the hands of the Kolathiri Rajas, the Vijayanagara Empire, Tipu Sultan, and ultimately, the British East India Company.
• The most notable structure within the fort is the watchtower constructed by Tipu Sultan.

Project Kuiper

News: Amazon has recently launched the first test satellites for its planned internet service under its Project Kuiper.

• Project Kuiper is an endeavour aimed at expanding global access to high-speed internet by launching 3,236 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).
• Its goal is to provide speedy and reasonably priced broadband services to areas across the globe that currently lack adequate connectivity.
• Project Kuiper has secured 77 launches from notable space launch providers like Arianespace, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance.
• Additionally, it has options for more launches with Blue Origin, ensuring that there is enough capacity to deploy a significant portion of its satellite network.
• Project Kuiper intends to bridge the digital divide by delivering swift and affordable broadband services to a diverse range of users, including individuals, businesses, government entities, and other organizations operating in regions where reliable internet access is limited.
• The project derives its name from the Kuiper Belt
  • It is an expanse in our solar system situated beyond the eight major planets.
  • This belt itself is named after the renowned Dutch astronomer Gerard Kuiper, often hailed as the pioneer of modern planetary science.

Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) Scheme

News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently extended the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme by another two years and will include beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

• The RBI initiated it in January 2021 for a duration of three years.
• Aim: Significantly increasing the count of payment acceptance devices across the nation.
• PIDF stands as a fund established by the RBI, in collaboration with prominent authorized card networks, to support the growth of payment acceptance infrastructure in cities ranging from tier-3 to tier-6, along with the northeastern regions of India.
• Special emphasis will be placed on the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
• In August 2021, beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi Scheme located in Tier-1 and 2 centres were also incorporated into the program.
• PIDF will be governed through an Advisory Council
  • It is managed and administered by the RBI.
• Fund
  • Funded by the RBI.
  • Provides financial assistance to banks and non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) for the deployment of PoS terminals.

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here

Rate this Article and Leave a Feedback