Daily Current Affairs 04 October 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 04 October 2023 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

SHREYAS Scheme

Source: PIB
GS II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About SHREYAS Scheme

Why in the News?

Umbrella Scheme of “SHREYAS” comprising 4 central sector sub- schemes

About SHREYAS Scheme

The umbrella scheme of “SHREYAS” which comprises 4 central sector sub- schemes namely

1. Top Class Education for SCs
2. Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs
3. National Overseas Scheme for SCs
4. National Fellowship for SCs

Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs

• The objective of the Scheme is to provide coaching of good quality for economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates to enable them appear in competitive and entrance examinations for obtaining appropriate jobs in Public/Private Sector as well as for securing admission in reputed technical and professional higher education institutions.
• The ceiling of the total family income under the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum. 3500 slots are allotted per annum.
• The ratio of SC: OBC students is 70:30 and 30% slots are reserved for females in each category.
• In case of non-availability of adequate number of candidates in SC category the Ministry can relax this ratio.
• However, in no case, a less than 50% SC students shall be permitted.

From 2014-15 till 2022-23 a total of 109.77 crore rupees have been released to benefit 19,995 beneficiaries.

Top Class Education for SCs

• The Scheme aims at recognizing and promoting quality education amongst students belonging to SCs, by providing full financial support.
• The Scheme will cover SC students for pursuing studies beyond 12th class.
• The scholarship, once awarded, will continue till the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory performance of the student.
• The ceiling of the total family income under the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum.
• Presently, 266 higher education institutes which includes Government institutes and private institutes such as all the IIMs, IITs, NITs, IIITs, AIIMS, NIFTs, NIDs, NLUs, IHMs, CUs and institutes of national importance, NAAC A++ accredited institutes and top 100 National Institutional ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking institutes.
• The overall number of scholarship would be capped at. 21,500 for the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26 (4100 for 2021-22, 4200 for 2022-23, 4300 for 2023-24, 4400 for 2024-25 and 4500 for 2025-26).

Under the scheme, (i) full tuition fee and non-refundable charges (there will be a ceiling of Rs. 2.00 lakh per annum per student for private sector institutions (ii) Academic allowance of Rs. 86,000 in the first year of study and Rs. 41,000 in every subsequent year, to take care of living and other expenses is provided.

From 2014-15 till 2022-23 a total of 398.43 crore rupees have been released to benefit 21,988 beneficiaries

National Overseas Scheme for SCs:

• Under this scheme financial assistance is provided to the selected students from SCs (115 slots); De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (6 slots); landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisan categories (4 slots), for pursuing masters and Ph.D. level courses abroad.
• Presently, 125 slots are allotted under the scheme.
• Such students can be benefitted under the scheme whose total family income including the candidate is less than Rs. 8 lakhs per annum
• Also having more than 60% marks in the qualifying examination, below 35 years of age and secured admission in top 500 QS ranking foreign Institutes/ Universities.
• Under the scheme, total tuition fee, maintenance and contingency allowance, visa fee, to and fro air passage etc. are provided to the awardees.

From 2014-15 till 2022-23 a total of 197.14 crore rupees have been released to benefit 950 beneficiaries

National Fellowship for SC Students

• Under the scheme fellowship is provided to Scheduled Castes students for pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/ Ph.D degrees in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Institutions/ Colleges recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC).
• The scheme provides for 2000 new slots per year (500 for science stream and 1500 for Humanities and Social Sciences) who have qualified the National Eligibility Test- Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and Junior Research Fellows for Science stream qualifying UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) Joint Test.

UAPA Act

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

Why in the News?

The Delhi Police has sealed the office of news portal NewsClick, alleging it received money for pro-China propaganda.

• The FIR against the portal invokes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the stringent anti-terror law.

News in Brief

• The main allegation in the FIR against NewsClick is that the newsportal allegedly received illegal funding from China routed through the United States.
• Among the key provisions invoked is Section 16, which prescribes punishment for terrorist acts.
  • Is punishable with imprisonment for a term of at least five years to life.
• Other provisions invoked  include
  • UAPA
    • Section 13 (unlawful activities)
    • Section 16 (terrorist act)
    • Section 17 (raising funds for terrorist acts)
    • Section 18 (conspiracy)
    • Section 22 (C) (offences by companies, trusts)
  • IPC
    • Sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different group)
    • Section 120B (criminal conspiracy).

About Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, commonly known as UAPA, is an important anti-terrorism legislation in India. It was first enacted in 1967 and has since undergone several amendments to enhance its effectiveness in dealing with various aspects of unlawful activities, including terrorism. Here is a detailed answer regarding the UAPA Act in India:

• Background and Enactment
  • The UAPA was initially enacted to provide law enforcement agencies with comprehensive legal provisions to combat activities related to secessionism and terrorism.
  • It was passed in the backdrop of growing threats to India’s national security, including insurgency in certain regions.
• Key Objectives
  • The primary objective of the UAPA is to prevent and combat unlawful activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India.
  • It aims to disrupt and dismantle terrorist organizations and networks.
• Amendments and Enhancements
  • Over the years, the UAPA has been amended to keep pace with evolving security challenges.
  • Amendments have broadened the definition of “unlawful activities” to include various forms of terrorism and activities that pose a threat to India’s security.
• Salient Features
  • The UAPA empowers the central government to declare an organization as a terrorist organization.
  • It allows for the banning of organizations that are found to be involved in unlawful activities.
  • The Act provides for the detention of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism or unlawful activities for up to 180 days without filing formal charges.
  • It also allows for the seizure and freezing of assets of individuals and organizations involved in unlawful activities.
• Controversies and Criticisms
  • The UAPA has faced criticism from human rights organizations and activists for its provisions related to preventive detention, which they argue can be abused.
  • Concerns have been raised about potential misuse to stifle dissent and target political opponents.
• Legal Safeguards
  • The Act includes safeguards, such as the requirement for sanction from the central government before prosecuting an individual or organization under the Act.
  • Review committees are established to periodically review cases of preventive detention.
• Impact
  • The UAPA has been instrumental in the prosecution and conviction of individuals and organizations involved in terrorism and unlawful activities.
  • It has contributed to strengthening India’s counterterrorism efforts.
• International Implications
  • The UAPA has implications for international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, as it allows for the extradition of individuals involved in unlawful activities.
• Ongoing Relevance
  • In the face of evolving security threats, the UAPA continues to be a critical tool in India’s efforts to combat terrorism and unlawful activities.

NIA v Zahoor Ahmed Watali, the SC read the bail provisions strictly, holding that courts must only be satisfied that a prima facie case can be made out to deny bail, and not consider the merit or the admissibility of the evidence.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in India plays a crucial role in addressing terrorism and unlawful activities.
• While it has been effective in prosecuting offenders, its provisions, particularly those related to preventive detention, have sparked debates regarding civil liberties and human rights.
• Balancing the need for national security with safeguarding individual freedoms remains a challenge in the context of this legislation.

Circular Migration

Source: The Hindu
GS II: Human Resource

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is Circular Migration?

Why in the News?

In India, internal migration, which is migration within a particular country or State, has almost always been circular.

• With rapid industrialisation, there has been a massive flow of migrants from rural areas to urban cities

What is Circular Migration?

• It is a repetitive form of migration wherein people move to another place (the destination country) and back (country of origin) according to the availability of employment.
• This phenomenon is primarily observed among individuals with low incomes who move to take advantage of temporary job opportunities in a different country, city, or location.
• Circular migration gained prominence during the 1960s and 1970s with the rise of globalization and economic development.

Circular Migration Within India

• In India, internal migration has traditionally followed a circular pattern.
• The emergence of opportunities in the manufacturing, construction, and service sectors has led to a significant influx of migrants from rural areas to urban centres.
• Between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012, the construction sector experienced a substantial increase in employment, particularly among rural males.
• This phenomenon has resulted in a decline in rural populations and their economic activities, while urban areas, although flourishing, have struggled with inadequate infrastructure to accommodate the incoming migrant populations.
• In the wake of post-liberalization uneven development in India, there has been a notable increase in inter-state migration.
• States such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar have recorded some of the highest out-migration rates.
• Initially, most migration was directed towards Delhi, but in recent times, southern States have also witnessed an uptick in migrant arrivals.
• A study conducted in 2020 on the circular migration of rural males from West Bengal revealed that many of these migrants were previously engaged in agricultural occupations in their home states.
• Upon migrating, a majority of them found employment in low-skill jobs.

What are the impacts?

• Enhanced opportunities for higher-paying employment compared to their home states, improved household well-being through remittances, and increased mobility, among other factors.
• Women gain greater autonomy and decision-making authority within their families in the absence of migrating men.
• Language barriers pose a significant challenge, with rural circular migrants frequently relying on intermediaries or agents.
• These migrants are often subject to exploitation and experience significant limitations on their freedoms in the host states.

Swamp Deer

Source: News On Air
GS III: Environment

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Swamp Deer

Why in the News?

Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve on October 2, 2023 announced that the population of swamp deer at the park has witnessed a rise.

About Swamp Deer

• The barasingha, scientifically known as Rucervus duvaucelii, is a deer species native to the Indian subcontinent.
• This deer belongs to the Cervidae family within the Artiodactyla order and is typically found in the open woodlands and grasslands of India and Nepal.
• Its primary diet consists of wetland plants and herbaceous vegetation that are abundant in its natural habitat.
• Unfortunately, the population of the barasingha has become limited and scattered, with remaining populations primarily found in isolated regions of Nepal, Assam, and northern India.
• It is regrettable that this species has gone extinct in both Bangladesh and Pakistan.
• Within the Indian Subcontinent, there are three subspecies of the barasingha, each with its own habitat:
  • The western swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), located in Nepal.
  • The southern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), inhabiting central and northern India.
  • The eastern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi), found in the Kaziranga and Dudhwa National Parks.

Manas National Park

• Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wildlife sanctuary located in the northeastern state of Assam, India.
• It is known for its rich biodiversity and is one of the Project Tiger reserves in India.
• Overall, Manas National Park is a significant conservation area in India, known for its exceptional biodiversity and natural beauty.
• It serves as an essential site for the protection of endangered species and plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Eastern Himalayan ecosystem.

About Manas National Park

• Location
  • Manas National Park is situated in the western part of Assam, bordering Bhutan to the north.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
  • It was recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and significant biodiversity.
• River Manas
  • The park is named after the Manas River, which flows through it.
  • The river is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• Flora
  • Manas National Park is characterized by diverse vegetation types, including tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and grasslands.
  • It is home to a wide variety of plant species.
• Fauna
  • The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife.
  • It is home to several endangered and rare species, including the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Indian elephant, clouded leopard, and pygmy hog.
• Birdlife
  • Manas is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 450 species of birds recorded in the park.
  • It is an important area for bird conservation.
• Biodiversity
  • Manas National Park is recognized for its high biodiversity.
  • It is part of the Eastern Himalayas, which is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
• Tribal Communities
  • The park is inhabited by various indigenous communities, including the Bodo people.
  • Efforts have been made to involve local communities in conservation and eco-tourism activities.
• Conservation
  • Manas faced significant challenges due to poaching and political unrest in the region.
  • However, conservation efforts, including the restoration of the park’s World Heritage status, have contributed to its protection.
• Transboundary Conservation
  • Manas National Park is part of the Manas Conservation Area, which includes the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
  • Together, they form a transboundary protected area aimed at conserving biodiversity.
• Tourism
  • The park attracts tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
  • It offers opportunities for safaris and eco-tourism activities.
• Challenges
  • Manas National Park faces challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.
  • Conservation organizations and the government are working to address these issues.

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