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[Audio] Hello Students. Welcome for today's current affairs discussion. Have a look at the contents for today's discussion.

[Audio] Recently UN published report on groundwater extraction, which highlights urgent need to work upon conservation of the same. Multiple reports in the past few years have reported over exploitation of ground water in India and other parts of the world. Atal Bhujal Yojana is a program started by central government of India to address the issue of groundwater exploitation. As per United nations university data, 27 of 31 aquifers in india are depleting faster than they can be replenished. India extracts more groundwater than China and the United states combined. Groundwater act as primary source of water in India. Because, about 70% of India's water usage comes from groundwater. In states such as Punjab, 78% of wells are overexploited. Existing legal and regulatory frameworks with respect to groundwater are: Indian easement act, 1882 tells about historically determined groundwater rights and links groundwater rights to land ownership. Central groundwater board develops policies and programs. Environment protection act, 1986 has recognized groundwater as a public resource. Central groundwater authority(CGWA) is declared under is Environment protection act, 1986. It can declare notified areas where there may be strict regulations. National green tribunal directs CGWA to regulate extraction, even sometimes mandates extraction. Public Trust Doctrine was established by 2004 Supreme Court judgement. Doctrine emphasizes public access to groundwater..

[Audio] Government of India launched Atal Bhujal Yojana on December 25th, 2019. It is under ministry of Jal Shakti. Objective of the scheme is to ensure long term sustainability of groundwater resources in the country by combining both top-down (government-driven) and bottom-up (community-driven) approaches. (pause: 2) Atal Bhujal Yojana encourages community participation through the formation of Water User Associations. Emphasizes monitoring and data dissemination. Focuses on water budgeting and panchayat-level plans. Stresses to engage in Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities. (pause: 2) Two main components of the scheme are, one is by Institutional strengthening and capacity building which includes enhancing monitoring networks and strengthening water user associations. Two, by incentivizing the states which are successful in achieving better ground water practices. (pause: 2) Possible solutions to address groundwater issue are: By cultivating water efficient crops like millets. By adopting technology which helps in water conservation and scientific way of watering leads to increased productivity as well. By creating demand side awareness which includes farmers, industries about the existing situation and future situation if over exploitation of ground water resources continues. And many more..

[Audio] (pause: 3) Recently supreme court criticized governments for failing in filling vacancies in information commissions. Also said government's failures in filling vacancies makes the Right to Information Act ineffective and threatens the Act's role in promoting transparency and exposing scams. (pause: 2) Supreme court has directed governments to fill vacancies in information commissions in a timely manner by adhering to it's directions, which states: One, to promote or advertise vacancies and start appointment process one or two months before the incumbent's retirement. Two, to appoint CIC and Information Commissioners on terms similar to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Three, to clearly state appointment criteria in advertisements and on websites. And make the selection criteria and the search committee's decisions public on the website. Four, Appointees should be eminent individuals from varied fields like law, journalism, public service, etc. Five, The court noted a trend of appointing only government employees and stressed broader representation..

[Audio] (pause: 2) RTI Act 2005 was amended in 2019 through RTI Amendments Act, 2019 which bought few changes in Central Information Commission and State Information Commission. One, Central Government will decide the term for Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner. The term for State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioner will also be set by the Central Government. (pause: 1) Two, Central government determines the salary, allowances, and service conditions for the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner, also of state level commissioners. Supreme court said RTI Act has become a Dead Letter of Law, because, (pause: 1) One, Governments haven't filled vacancies in information commissions. 7 out of 11 commissioner posts in CIC are vacant. Two, Despite a 2019 judgment ordering timely filling of vacancies, governments haven't complied. Commissions in Telangana, Tripura, and Jharkhand are defunct. Three, The RTI Act's role in promoting transparency and exposing scams might be undermined. Four, The RTI, born from a grassroots movement, risks subversion by the government's inaction. (pause: 2) While, centre is of the view that despite the vacancies, the government continues to highlight the importance of the RTI Act to democracy..

[Audio] (pause: 3) The global economy faces challenges like climate change, pandemics, and debt. To address these, reforms are suggested to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposed changes focus on making the IMF fairer, updating its responsibilities, and improving its decision-making process. This will help stabilize the global financial system. There is a need for reforming IMF as: One, The global economy's challenges, from climate change to debt burdens, require more resources than are currently available. Two, to address the increasing global inequalities and shortages. Three, Quotas in the IMF don't reflect the current economic significance of member countries. Four, Decision making power need to redistributed. Five, Present SDR allocation benefits richer countries than those in need..

[Audio] (pause: 3) Major reforms needed in IMF are: One, fairness in quota adjustment which reflects true economic importance. Fairness in SDR allocation for poor countries. Two, Mandate is needed in maintaining global economic stability. Also to manage global liquidity. Three, there's a need to strengthen the decision making role of each member along with ensuing universal and equitable representation. (pause: 1) Special drawing rights(SDR) is an international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement the official reserves of its member countries. The SDR is not a currency. It is a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members. As such, SDRs can provide a country with liquidity..

[Audio] (pause: 3) Recently, a complaint was lodged with the Lok Sabha Speaker alleging that an MP had received money from a businessman for putting questions up in Parliament with a view to promoting the person's business interests. The Speaker in turn referred the complaint to the Ethics Committee for examination. (pause: 2) Lok Sabha Ethics Committee became permanent part of Lok Sabha in 2015. It has 15 members. Speaker appoints members for one year. Difference between Ethics committee and privilege committee are as follows, One, The work of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee often overlap. An allegation of corruption against an MP can be sent to either body, but usually more serious accusations go to the Privileges Committee. Two, A non-MP too can be interrogated by the privilege committee for actions that attack the authority and dignity of the House. The Ethics Committee can take up only cases of misconduct that involve MPs..

[Audio] (pause: 2) Issues in the present case are: One, It has been referred to a ethics committee which is against the usual practice. Two, The Lok Sabha has not framed any rules to regulate the online submission of questions. Three, Article 105 of the Constitution gives the freedom to say "anything" in the House. This right can be extended to using any source for information for putting questions up. Therefore, an investigation into the sources of information of an MP may not have legal sanction. Four, Ethics Committee's functioning hasn't been defined anywhere. (pause: 2) Differences between a judicial probe and a parliamentary probe are: One, While Judicial probes are conducted by trained persons, parliamentary probe is conducted by MPs. Two, While Judiciary can't directly investigate, parliament can. Three, The rules of evidence under the Indian Evidence Act are applicable to a judicial probe. But they aren't applicable in parliamentary probe. Four, Parliamentary committees investigate matters based on rules of the house. While judiciary does as in the statues..

[Audio] (pause: 3) With the years and months are passing, deadline to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degree Celsius more than pre-industrial level. But sadly, necessary collection of funds isn't happening. So today's article discusses challenges in climate financing. According to the UNFCCC, Climate finance refers to "local, national or transnational financing, drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing, that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change". In simpler words, climate finance relates to the money which needs to be spent on the activities (like renewable energy generation) which will contribute to slowing down climate change and help the world to reach the target of limiting global warming to an increase of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Under the Paris Agreement, developed countries have to meet the goal of a mobilisation of $100 billion climate finance per year to fund the climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts of the developing world. (pause: 2) Issues related to mobilising climate finance: One, the sum of $100bn per year is inadequate in terms of switching over to a low carbon development path and climate resilient development. Two, lack of strong political will and sense of urgency in the Global North. Three, without any mandatory formula for collecting money, it is difficult to predict how climate finance will be mobilised. Neither the UNFCCC nor the Paris Agreement mention the criterion for mobilisation. Four, there is no agreed approach among developed countries to share the burden of this goal..

[Audio] (pause: 2) Legal backing of climate finance is as follows: One, Providing finance to developing countries is the operationalisation of the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities. Two, The developed countries are required, in accordance with the decision accompanying the Paris Agreement, to collectively mobilise $100 billion through 2025. After this, a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is to be set at the end of 2024. (pause: 2) Institutional mechanisms for climate financing are: One, Global Environment Facility (GEF) is UNFCCC-designated funding agency providing grant and concessional loan to developing countries. Two, Green Climate Fund (GCF) is also within the ambit of UNFCCC. It administers a portion of the $100 billion for developing country parties to switch over to low-emissions and climate resilient development path. Going by the needs of countries in the Global South expressed in their NDCs, the quantum of climate finance required touches close to $6 trillion until 2030. There are multiple needs for climate financing. Few major ones are One, Most of the financial needs are required in transitioning towards low-carbon, cleaner energy systems from traditional systems. Two, Alternate livelihood for people involved in the fossil fuel economy through direct or indirect jobs related to the coal mining and power sector..

[Audio] (pause: 3) The Indian and Bangladesh Prime Minister jointly inaugurated the Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project. It is a railway line between Agartala, Tripura of India and Akhaura of Bangladesh. Total distance of railway line is 12.24 kilometers, of which 5.46 kilometers lies in India and 6.78 kilometers in Bangladesh. The final project cost is estimated at Rs 1255.10 crore, with Rs 862.58 crore allocated for works on the Indian side alone.The entire project cost is being funded by India. (pause: 2) Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project is significant because: One, The rail link will significantly reduce the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka. At present, the rail route from Agartala to Kolkata is around 1600 kilometers and takes 38 hours.Once the rail link opens, the travel time will be reduced to roughly 10 hours. Two, Expected to boost India-Bangladesh trade in various goods such as agriculture products, tea, sugar, construction items, iron and steel, and consumer goods. Three, Will help foster closer relationships between people from India and Bangladesh..

[Audio] (pause: 3) Recently, Reliance Jio has successfully demonstrated Jio Space Fiber at the India Mobile Congress. JioSpaceFiber is India's first satellite-based gigabit internet service. It uses medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite technology to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas. Jio has partnered with SES to access the world's latest medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite technology. (pause: 2) Jio space fiber is differenct from it's competitor starlink as Jio Space Fiber uses medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites while Starlink uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. MEO satellites orbiting at a greater distance from the planet will have higher latency than LEO satellites. However, MEO satellites can cover larger areas with fewer satellites. Jio Space Fiber is currently only available in India while Starlink is available in over 30 countries. Both utilizes communication satellites in orbit around the Earth to provide internet connectivity to users. (pause: 2) Jio space fiber has it's own set of advantages and disadvantages. It has advantages such as provides accessibility of internet in remote regions, quick deployment, potential alternative when other internet options are limited. And disadvantages are, It has higher latency, potential for service interruptions due to weather and usually higher costs..

[Audio] (pause: 3) Recently the Prime Minister has participated in the programme marking the culmination of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign. It is under ministry of culture. Aim of the campaign is to honour the brave freedom fighters and brave hearts who sacrificed their lives for the country. There are several activities which are part of campaign such as, One, Shilaphalakams will be built in every village or panchayat to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives during the freedom struggle or defence personnel who lost their lives. Two, Veeron ka vandan to felicitate freedom fighters and the families of deceased freedom fighters. Three, Vasudha vandhan, under this, every gram panchayat is encouraged to plant 75 saplings of indigenous species. Four, Amrit vatika, a unique garden will be developed using soils of all panchayats of the country. Five, Taking the Panch Pran Pledge with focus to make India a developed country, eliminate the mentality of slavery, be proud of our rich heritage, uphold unity and solidarity, fulfill duties as citizens, and respect those who protect the nation. The campaign is significant as it will inspire the nation, foster unity and gratitude for the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and security forces..

[Audio] (pause: 3) Recently, Multiple opposition leaders and a few journalists have reported receiving a notification from Apple about "state-sponsored attackers" remotely trying to compromise their iPhones. Apple has advised them on adopting protective measures such as activating the 'Lockdown Mode' feature on their iPhones for added security. (pause: 2) Lockdown Mode is a special feature that Apple introduced in its latest software update. It's purpose is to protect users from sophisticated spyware attacks that could compromise their devices and data. When Lockdown Mode is activated, device will enter a state of high security, where many of the usual functions will be restricted or disabled. For example, user won't be able to send or receive attachments, links, or link previews in messages, to prevent attackers from accessing their personal information..

[Audio] (pause: 3) Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been promoting only one indigenous variety, the Gir cow breed across the country. This has erupted discussions and received comments from various personalities. Gir is an Indigenous cow breed originating in the state of Gujarat. Other names of Gir include Bhodah, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi and Surti. (pause: 2) Rastriya Gokul Mission primarily promotes the Gir cow breed due to its high milk yield and adaptability to various environments. Due to this, the population of Gir cows increased to 2.3 million in 2019, marking a substantial 70% growth from the 2013 estimate. (pause: 2) Rashtriya Gokul Mission's focus solely on Gir breed risks threatening the purity of other indigenous breeds. Hence, suggestions have been made for the identification and breeding of genetically superior cows from various indigenous breeds to uphold regional traits and maintain diversity. India boasts several indigenous cattle breeds apart from the Gir such as Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Hallikar and more..

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