Daily Current Affairs 18 May 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 18 May 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Pokhran-I Nuclear Test

Source: The Hindu
GS III: National Security and Challenges

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Details of Pokhran-I Nuclear Test
3. Pokhran

Why in the News?

India conducted its first nuclear test in Pokhran 50 years ago.

News in Brief

• Fifty years ago, in the deserts of Pokhran, an event of great significance echoed not only through Rajasthan but also around the world.
• On May 18, 1974, India made history by conducting its first nuclear test, “Smiling Buddha.
• This pivotal moment represented a major turning point for India, highlighting both a scientific breakthrough and a profound change in the nation’s strategic direction.

Details of the Pokhran-I Nuclear Test

• Pokhran-I, also known as Operation Smiling Buddha, was India’s first successful nuclear test conducted on May 18, 1974.
• This test marked a significant milestone in India’s scientific and strategic capabilities, demonstrating the country’s advancement in nuclear technology and its entry into the league of nuclear-armed states.

Key Facts

• Date and Location: May 18, 1974, in the Thar Desert near Pokhran, Rajasthan.
• Yield: The test had an estimated yield of approximately 8 to 12 kilotons of TNT.
• Project Lead: The test was overseen by key scientists such as Dr. Raja Ramanna, Dr. Homi Sethna, and Dr. P.K. Iyengar.
• International Reaction
  • The test was conducted under a veil of secrecy and surprised the international community.
  • It led to a range of reactions from different countries, with some expressing concern and others acknowledging India’s technological achievement.

Cold War Context

• After World War II, new global alliances and alignments emerged, leading to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• The US and the USSR engaged in proxy wars in other countries, vying for ideological and economic superiority.
• To prevent massive devastation from nuclear weapons, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) was signed in 1968.
• The NPT defined nuclear-weapon states as those that had manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon before January 1, 1967 (effectively including the P-5 countries: the US, UK, France, China, and Russia).

Various Areas of Impact

• Scientific Endeavor
  • The success of Pokhran-I was the culmination of years of dedicated research by Indian scientists.
  • It involved collaboration across various institutions including the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD).
• Geopolitical Impact
  • The test had significant geopolitical implications.
  • It signaled India’s intention to develop a deterrent against potential threats, particularly from neighboring countries with nuclear capabilities.
  • This move also highlighted India’s desire to maintain strategic autonomy and reduce reliance on foreign powers.
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
  • India’s decision to conduct the test outside the framework of the NPT, which it had not signed, underscored its stance on the inequities perceived in the treaty.
  • India argued that the NPT perpetuated the monopoly of established nuclear powers while restricting others.
• International Sanctions and Response
  • In the aftermath, India faced international sanctions, particularly from the United States and other Western nations.
  • These sanctions aimed to curb further development of India’s nuclear program but also spurred India to become more self-reliant in its nuclear technology.

De-recognition or De-Registration of Political parties

Source: The Hindu
GS II: Constitution of India and Indian polity

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Provision for Political Party registration
3. Deregistration of Political Parties

Why in the News?

Does the Election Commission have the power to de-recognise a political party for violation of the MCC?

News in Brief

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) in its report on the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has stated that it expects star campaigners to lead by example and not vitiate the fabric of society.
• This has raised a debate about ECI’s powers to rein in MCC violations.

Provision for Political Party registration

• Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) lays down the requirements for registration of a political party with the ECI.
• Any political party that seeks registration should submit a copy of its memorandum/constitution.
• Such document should declare that the party shall bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
• It should also bear allegiance to the principles of socialism, secularism and democracy, and uphold the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
• Registered political parties enjoy the following legal benefits
  • Tax exemption for donations received under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961
  • Common symbol for contesting general elections to the Lok Sabha/State Assemblies
  • Twenty ‘star campaigners’ during the election campaign.
• As per the ECI, there are 2,790 active registered political parties in India.

Deregistration of Political Parties

• A party amends its internal Constitution and notifies the ECI that it can no longer abide by the Indian Constitution.
• Non-contesting RUPPs raise concerns about potential misuse of benefits like income tax exemption and donations for purposes such as money laundering.
• Political Party registration was obtained by fraud.
• The Representation of the People Act (RP Act) does not explicitly empower the Election Commission of India (ECI) to de-register political parties for failure to contest elections, conduct inner-party elections, or submit required returns.
• Recognised political parties have been found guilty of breaching the MCC, which prohibits the exploitation of caste and communal sentiments for electoral gain, as well as voter bribery and intimidation.
• It is declared illegal by the Central Government

Indian National Congress versus Institute of Social Welfare & Ors (2002)
ECI lacks the authority to de-register political parties under the RP Act, except under extraordinary circumstances such as fraudulent registration or cessation of allegiance to the Constitution.

World Telecommunication Day

Source: Hindustan Times
GS III: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Historical Context and Significance
3. Telecommunication Sector in India

Why in the News?

World Telecommunication Day, is observed annually on May 17th.

News in Brief

• Celebrates the advancements in communication technologies and raises awareness about the potential for these technologies to enhance connectivity, improve lives, and drive socioeconomic development.
• The day also highlights the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in bridging the digital divide and fostering global collaboration.

Historical Context and Significance

• World Telecommunication Day marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on May 17, 1865.
• The ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations, is responsible for issues concerning information and communication technologies.
• This day has been celebrated since 1969, following the recommendation of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos.

Theme and Focus

• Each year, World Telecommunication Day is centred around a specific theme that addresses current trends and challenges in the telecommunications sector.
• The theme for this year’s World Telecommunication Day is – Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.
• Recent themes have included topics such as “Bridging the Standardization Gap,” “ICTs for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” and “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Challenging Times.”

Facts and Figures

• Global Connectivity: According to the ITU, over 4.9 billion people were using the Internet by the end of 2021, representing approximately 63% of the global population.
• Mobile Technology: There are more mobile phone subscriptions than people in the world, with the number of subscriptions surpassing 8 billion in 2020.
• Digital Divide: Despite significant progress, about 2.9 billion people remain offline, with the majority living in developing countries.

Impact of telecommunication

• Education: Telecommunication technologies have revolutionized education by enabling distance learning and access to a wealth of online resources. Initiatives like the Global Education Coalition by UNESCO during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplify this impact.
• Healthcare: Telemedicine has grown rapidly, allowing patients in remote areas to access medical consultations and services, improving healthcare outcomes and accessibility.
• Economic Growth: ICT has been a driving force behind economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities in various sectors, from tech startups to traditional industries adapting to digital transformation.

Key Takeaways

• Celebration of ICT Advancements: Recognizing the significant milestones in telecommunication technologies.
• Themes Highlighting Current Issues: Focusing on relevant themes each year to address pressing challenges and trends.
• Impact Across Sectors: Demonstrating the profound impact of telecommunications on education, healthcare, and economic growth.
• Commitment to Bridging the Digital Divide: Emphasizing the need for continued efforts to ensure equitable access to ICT for all.

Telecommunication Sector in India

• The telecommunication sector in India is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and a critical driver of its digital economy.
• With a massive subscriber base and rapid technological advancements, India’s telecom sector plays a pivotal role in economic development, social connectivity, and digital inclusion.

Historical Context and Evolution

• India’s telecommunication journey began in the 1850s with the establishment of telegraph services.
• The sector witnessed significant growth post-liberalization in the 1990s, which introduced private players and competition.
• The introduction of mobile telephony in the mid-1990s revolutionized communication, and subsequent policy reforms and technological advancements have continually shaped the sector.

Key Milestones

1. 1994: The National Telecom Policy allowed private operators to enter the market.
2. 2008: The 3G spectrum auction paved the way for mobile internet services.
3. 2016: The launch of 4G services by Reliance Jio transformed the market dynamics with affordable data plans and extensive coverage.

Current Landscape

India is the world’s second-largest telecommunications market, with over 1.17 billion subscribers as of 2021.

The sector is characterized by:

• High Competition: Major players include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
• Affordable Services: India offers some of the lowest mobile data rates globally.
• Rapid Internet Growth: Internet penetration has increased significantly, with over 750 million internet users as of 2021.

Key Statistics

• Tele-density: Approximately 85.88% in urban areas and 59.32% in rural areas.
• Internet Subscribers: Around 825 million, with a significant proportion using mobile internet.
• Revenue: The telecom sector’s revenue is projected to grow to USD 26 billion by 2025.

Challenges

1. Spectrum Allocation: High spectrum prices and limited availability pose challenges for expanding services.
2. Regulatory Issues: Frequent policy changes and high taxation can impact business operations.
3. Infrastructure: Developing robust infrastructure, especially in rural areas, remains a challenge.
4. Financial Stress: High levels of debt and competitive pricing pressures have led to financial instability among telecom operators.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster the telecom sector:

• Digital India: Aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society.
• BharatNet: Seeks to provide high-speed broadband to rural areas.
• 5G Rollout: Plans to launch 5G services to enhance connectivity and support emerging technologies like IoT and AI.

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