Daily Current Affairs 02 January 2024 – IAS Current Affairs
Current Affairs 02 January 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :
National Transit Pass System (NTPS)
Source: PIB
GS II: Infrastructure
Overview
- News in Brief
- National Transit Pass System (NTPS)
- How does it help?
Why in the News?
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, recently launched the National Transit Pass System (NTPS) across India envisaged as One Nation One Pass.
News in Brief
- Union Minister highlighted several other recent initiatives by the Ministry, such as the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme and the Trees Outside Forest Initiative.
- This initiative will streamline the issuance of timber transit permits by providing a unified, online mode for tree growers and farmers involved in agroforestry across the country, contributing to the ease of doing business.
National Transit Pass System (NTPS)
- This method will make it easier for bamboo, lumber, and other forest products to travel across the nation smoothly.
- The NTPS is intended to be a One Nation-One Pass system that would allow farmers and tree producers to issue permits uniformly, online, and seamlessly.
- Unique cars around India: Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir vehicles carrying lumber and other forest products were flagged off for Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
- Permissions: Movement permits with QR codes would enable smooth movement by enabling checkpoints between states to confirm the authenticity of the permits.
- Current System: state-specific transit regulations are used to determine the issuance of transit licenses for the transportation of forest products and wood.
How does it help?
- NTPS is designed for user convenience, featuring desktop and mobile applications for easy registration and permit applications.
- Transit permits will be issued for regulated tree species, while the users can self-generate No Objection Certificates (NOC) for exempted species.
- Ensure greater transparency and extend its impact beyond agroforestry and tree farming.
- It also promises to incentivize the entire value chain.
- Records from different sources, such as private lands, government-owned forests, and private depots, would be easier to maintain for both intrastate and interstate transit.
Jain Sculptures Discovered in Mysuru
Source: Times of India
GS I: Art and Culture
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Jain Sculptures
Why in the News?
Municipal workers digging for drainage works on Ambedkar Road in Varuna town, Mysuru district, were in for a pleasant surprise when three sculptures belonging to the Jain religion were unearthed.
News in Brief
- There were no inscriptions in the vicinity, making the task of identification all the more challenging for the experts.
- The three archaeological artefacts have been conserved at the city museum for further investigation.
- While digging the earth using an earth mover, the three items were found at a depth of about three feet.
- Immediately, all excavation was halted and the state archaeology department officials were alerted.
About Jain Sculptures
- Jaina sculptures primarily depict the 24 Tirthankaras, enlightened beings and spiritual teachers in Jainism.
- Often carved in meditation postures like Padmasana (lotus seat) and Kayotsarga (standing posture), the sculptures exude peace and spiritual focus.
- Carved from diverse materials like sandstone, granite, and black stone, these sculptures showcase exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Jaina sculptures are often found adorning pilgrimage sites, caves, and temples, adding to their spiritual significance.
- Spanning centuries, Jaina sculptures offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Indian art and the rich history of Jainism.
- Jaina’s artistic influence extends beyond India, with notable sculptures found in Southeast Asia and Central Asia.
- Jaina sculptures come in various sizes, with some towering monuments like the 57 ft Gommateshwara statue in Shravanabelagola, India.
- The serene expressions and unassuming postures of Jaina sculptures embody the core Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).
- The intricate carvings and iconography often narrate Jaina mythology and teachings, serving as visual storytelling tools.
Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities
Source: Hindustan Times
GS II: International Relation
Overview
- News in Brief
- What is the agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities?
Why in the News?
India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels recently under the agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations and facilities.
- This is the 33rd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries
News in Brief
- India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged a list of their nuclear installations through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- The exchange of the list took place under a bilateral pact that prohibited the two sides from attacking each other’s atomic facilities.
- This comes amid the weakening ties between the two countries over the Kashmir issue as well as cross-border terrorism.
- Notably, India has been maintaining its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism and has remained firm on its position of not having any talks with Islamabad until it stops cross-border terrorism.
What is the agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities?
Was signed on December 31, 1998, by the then Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto and Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi.
- The treaty came into force on January 27, 1991.
- It has two copies each in Urdu and Hindi.
- Background
- The Indian army conducted a large-scale drill known as “Brasstacks” in 1986.
- This increased concerns about a nuclear facility assault.
- Since then, negotiations have been ongoing between the two nations to come to a consensus on nuclear weapons management.
- The first of this list exchange took place on January 1, 1992.
What does the agreement say?
- To create a climate of security that fosters confidence, the agreement requires both nations to notify one another on January 1st of each year of any nuclear sites and facilities that fall within its purview.
- The agreement states that any installation containing fresh or irradiated nuclear fuel and materials in any form, as well as establishments storing sizable amounts of radioactive materials, are considered “nuclear installations or facilities.”
- This includes nuclear power and research reactors, fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, isotope separation, and reprocessing facilities.
Prelims
Green Deposits
News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently clarified that banks and NBFCs are not obligated to raise green deposits but must adhere to the prescribed framework if opted.
- They are interest-bearing fixed deposits denominated in Indian rupees, similar to regular fixed deposits.
- Green deposits are mandated for allocation into projects or activities that yield environmental benefits.
- Activities include energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, climate resilience and adaptation, and preserving and enhancing natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Green deposits offer depositors a chance to contribute to climate-friendly initiatives that support net zero emissions goals.
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