Daily Current Affairs 04 March 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 04 March 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Karnataka Temple Bill

Source: Live Mint
GS II: Governance

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Karnataka Temple Bill
3. Comparison with Other state

Why in the News?

The State Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

News in Brief

• Karnataka Cabinet passed the controversial Temple Bill.
• It will now be sent to the governor for his assent, following which it will become law.
• The proposed bill was defeated by a voice vote in the upper house where the opposition has a majority.
• Karnataka’s Temple Bill was reconsidered and it has now received the green light in both Assembly and Legislative Council.

About Karnataka Temple Bill

• The Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024 proposes to collect 5% from temples whose gross income is between ₹10 lakh and less than ₹one crore.
• For temples whose annual income is above ₹1 crore, the state government will collect 10% of the funds.
• These funds will be put into a Common Pool Fund, administered by Rajya Dharmika Parishath.
• What is the purpose of collecting Money?
  • The Common Pool Fund is proposed to be used for the welfare of archakas/priests (like insurance cover, death relief fund, and scholarships to children from families of around 40,000 priests and other employees).
  • Upkeep of C-category temples (state-controlled) whose annual income is less than ₹5 lakh.
• The Department of Religious and Charitable Endowments, popularly known as the Muzrai department administers about 35,000 Hindu religious institutions which receive grants from the Government of Karnataka.

Previously, temples with annual income between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh used to give 5% of their net income to the Common Pool Fund, and temples with an annual income of over ₹10 lakh used to give 10% of the net income into the fund.

Why oppose the Bill?

• The opposition has called the bill anti-Hindu.
• Karnataka was trying to fill its treasury with temple money.
• The government would divert the revenue from temples to other religions.

Comparison with Other state

• Kerala, temples are managed by state-run Devaswom (temple) Boards and giving grants.
• Telangana, religious institutions making more than ₹50,000 annually are required to pay 1.5% of their annual income to the state government.
• Uttarkahnd, 51 temples and shrines including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri were freed from the state government’s control in 2021.
• The Law Commission of India suggested that the law should be passed to check the misuse of funds and properties of temples.

Issues of Indigenous People of Tripura

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

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Agreement
3. Issues associated

Why in the News?

A tripartite agreement was signed between the Centre, the State government of Tripura and the Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (Tipra Motha) and other stakeholders, to amicably resolve all issues of indigenous people of Tripura.

News in Brief

• The government has respected history, corrected past wrongs and accepted the present reality to proceed towards a brighter future by signing the agreement.
• all stakeholders of Tripura that you won’t have to fight for your rights anymore.
• The government of India will be two steps ahead in creating mechanisms to safeguard your rights.
• Tripura Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance, popularly known as TIPRA Motha, and all tribal parties have played a constructive role towards this agreement.

About Agreement

• The Tipra Motha’s demands include a Greater Tipraland which is a separate state for Tripura’s tribals which seeks to include those living outside the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) area as well.
• The party has also sought more powers for the TTAADC  including;
  • Direct funding from the Centre, its police force,
  • Share of revenue from gas exploration in the state,
  • Roman script to be declared as the official script for the indigenous Kokborok language.

Issues associated

Tripura, a northeastern state in India, is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Tripuri, Reang, Jamatia, Chakma, and Halam, among others. These communities have unique cultures, languages, and traditions that are integral to their identity.

• Land Alienation: One of the primary concerns for indigenous peoples in Tripura is land alienation. Historical processes, including colonization and migration of non-tribal populations, have led to the encroachment of tribal lands. This has resulted in displacement, loss of livelihoods, and conflicts over land ownership.
• Economic Marginalization: Indigenous communities in Tripura often face economic marginalization, with limited access to resources and opportunities for development. Lack of adequate infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, further exacerbates their socio-economic struggles.
• Political Representation: Despite being a significant portion of the state’s population, indigenous peoples often lack adequate political representation. This can result in their voices being marginalized in decision-making processes, leading to policies that may not address their specific needs and concerns.
• Cultural Preservation: Rapid modernization and urbanization pose a threat to the cultural heritage of indigenous communities in Tripura. Traditional practices, languages, and knowledge systems are at risk of being eroded, leading to a loss of identity and cohesion within these communities.
• Conflict and Displacement: Inter-community conflicts and tensions, often fueled by ethnic, religious, or political factors, have led to instances of violence and displacement among indigenous populations. These conflicts disrupt social harmony and impede efforts towards peace and reconciliation.
• Access to Education and Healthcare: Indigenous communities in Tripura face challenges in accessing quality education and healthcare services. Limited availability of schools and healthcare facilities in remote tribal areas, coupled with socio-economic barriers, hinder their overall development and well-being.

World Hearing Day

Source: PIB
GS II:  Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. World Hearing Day
3. How is India supporting people with disability in hearing?
4. Way Forward

Why in the News?

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities celebrates World Hearing Day to Promote Hearing Health Awareness.

News in Brief

• On March 3rd, the world unites to observe World Hearing Day to raise awareness about hearing impairment, preventing hearing loss, and promoting overall hearing care.
• Under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, National institutes and Regional Centers organised a series of awareness programmes.
• Another NI NIEPMD, Chennai organized an Awareness programme by giving training to airport authorities at Chennai Airport.

World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day is observed annually on March 3rd to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the globe. This initiative was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the importance of preventing deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care.

About Hearing Disabilities

• According to the WHO, over 5% of the world’s population – approximately 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their ‘disabling’ hearing loss.
• By 2050, it is estimated that over 900 million people – or one in every ten individuals – will have disabling hearing loss.
• Hearing loss can have profound effects on individuals, affecting their communication, education, employment, and overall quality of life.
• Many causes of hearing loss are preventable, including exposure to loud noises, infections, genetic causes, and complications during childbirth.
  • Occupational hearing loss is a significant concern in industries where workers are exposed to loud noises, such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
  • Noise-induced hearing loss among young people is on the rise due to increased exposure to loud music through headphones and recreational activities.

Challenges

In low and middle-income countries, access to hearing care services is often limited, leading to untreated hearing loss and its associated consequences.

• Communication barriers: Hearing loss can hinder effective communication, making it difficult for individuals to engage in conversations, follow instructions, or participate in social activities. This can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and exclusion from social interactions.
• Limited access to information: Hearing-disabled individuals may struggle to access information through traditional auditory channels, such as spoken communication, telephone calls, and audiovisual media. This can affect their ability to stay informed about important news, events, and developments in their communities.
• Employment discrimination: Hearing-disabled individuals may encounter discrimination in the workplace due to misconceptions about their capabilities and communication needs. They may face challenges in finding suitable employment opportunities, accessing job-related training and accommodations, and advancing in their careers.
• Educational barriers: Hearing loss can pose significant challenges in educational settings, affecting students’ ability to learn, communicate, and participate in classroom activities. Limited access to assistive technologies, specialized support services, and trained educators can further exacerbate these barriers.
• Social stigma and discrimination: Hearing-disabled individuals may experience stigma, prejudice, and discrimination due to their hearing impairment. Negative attitudes and misconceptions about hearing loss can lead to social exclusion, bullying, and marginalization, impacting individuals’ self-esteem and mental well-being.
• Accessibility obstacles: Many public spaces, buildings, transportation systems, and digital platforms are not adequately designed to accommodate the needs of hearing-disabled individuals. Lack of captioning, sign language interpretation, hearing loops, and other accessibility features can create barriers to accessing essential services and participating fully in society.
• Healthcare disparities: Hearing-disabled individuals may face challenges in accessing timely and appropriate healthcare services due to communication barriers, limited availability of specialized providers, and gaps in insurance coverage. This can result in delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes.

How India supporting people with disability in hearing?

• India has taken several measures to support people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments.
• The country has implemented various policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion, empowerment, and well-being of individuals with hearing disabilities.  

Status of Hearing Disability in India

• According to WHO estimations, the estimated prevalence of Significant Auditory Impairment in India is 6.3%, with an estimated 63 million individuals living with the condition.
• According to the NSSO study, 291 people out of every lakh people have severe to profound hearing loss at the moment (NSSO, 2001).
• Among these, youngsters aged 0 to 14 make up a sizable portion.
• Given the sheer number of young Indians who are deaf, this results in a significant loss of economic and physical output.
• Unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss and milder forms of hearing loss affect an even greater portion of our population.

India supports people with hearing disabilities

• Legal framework
  • India has enacted several legislative measures to protect the rights and promote the welfare of persons with disabilities, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, of 2016.
  • This comprehensive legislation mandates equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and full participation in all aspects of life for individuals with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments.
• Right to Education ActAccessible education
  • Section 3 (2) of the RTE Act lays impetus on the elementary education of children with disabilities.
  • The government of India has implemented inclusive education policies to ensure that children with hearing disabilities have access to quality education.
  • Special schools, resource centres, and integrated education programs provide educational support, assistive technologies, and sign language interpretation to facilitate learning and development.
• Indian Sign Language (ISL)
  • It has been officially recognized as a language under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, of 2016.
  • This recognition promotes the use of sign language as a means of communication for individuals with hearing impairments and facilitates their access to information, education, and services.
• National Programme for the Prevention & Control of Deafness (NPPCD)
  • To prevent avoidable hearing loss on account of disease or injury.
  • To medically rehabilitate persons of all age groups, suffering from deafness.
  • Manpower Training & Development: For prevention, early identification and management of hearing-impaired and deafness cases, training would be provided from medical college-level specialists (ENT and Audiology) to grassroots-level workers.

Way Forward

• Implementing public health strategies to prevent hearing loss, such as raising awareness about the risks of exposure to loud noises and promoting the use of hearing protection.
• Improving access to affordable and quality hearing care services, especially in low-resource settings.
• Investing in research and innovation to develop effective interventions and treatments for hearing loss.
• Incorporating hearing health into broader public health agendas to ensure that it receives the attention and resources it deserves.

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)

Source: PIB
GS II: Governance; GS III: Economics

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)

Why in the News?

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) to hold its inaugural edition of the international conference on Transparent Financial Reporting and Audit Quality: Pillars of Corporate Governance.

News in Brief

• This initiative aims to engage, interact, and exchange views with all stakeholders to enhance the quality of financial reporting and auditing.
• The conference’s primary focus aims to be on elevating financial reporting and audit quality, encompassing leadership, governance, and the quality of financial statements, all aimed at achieving corporate governance objectives and fostering investor trust.
• The event will feature informative sessions on wide-ranging topics led by distinguished speakers and panellists on global regulatory updates, industry trends, and best practices.
• The conference promises to be valuable in terms of educational, networking, and professional development opportunities.
• Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with regulators, industry experts, and peers, facilitating valuable networking opportunities.
• It’s a unique platform where professionals can share insights, exchange ideas, and explore potential synergies that can drive innovation and excellence in financial reporting and auditing practices.

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)

• The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) is an autonomous regulatory body established by the Government of India under the provisions of Section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Its primary objective is to oversee the quality of financial reporting and auditing in the country.
• Thereby enhancing transparency and reliability in corporate financial statements.
• NFRA operates independently and functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Details of NFRA

• Establishment: NFRA was established on October 1, 2018, as per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Authority: It has the authority to investigate, regulate, and discipline statutory auditors, audit firms, and other entities associated with the auditing profession.
• Composition: NFRA comprises a Chairperson, who is a person of eminence with expertise in accounting, auditing, finance, or law, and other members including officials from various regulatory bodies and professionals from relevant fields.
• Jurisdiction: NFRA has jurisdiction over certain classes of companies, including listed companies, unlisted public companies with a net worth exceeding a prescribed threshold, and certain private companies.
• Powers: It has extensive powers to impose penalties, issue orders for compliance, and even debar individuals or firms from practising as auditors for specified periods.

Importance

• Quality Enhancement: NFRA plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of financial reporting by ensuring that companies adhere to prescribed accounting standards and auditing practices.
• Investor Confidence: The existence of a robust regulatory body like NFRA instils confidence among investors and stakeholders by assuring them of the reliability and credibility of financial information disclosed by companies.
• Enforcement Actions: NFRA has the authority to take enforcement actions against auditors and audit firms found guilty of misconduct or non-compliance with auditing standards. For instance, it can impose fines, issue warnings, or even recommend criminal prosecution in cases of severe violations.

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here

Rate this Article and Leave a Feedback