CURRENT

AFFAIRS
Date : 16 AUG, 2023 ENGLISH

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Prelims Specific Read (Based on Current Issues)
India-made MRI scanner
First India-made MRI scanner to be launched for clinical work in October.

Helium :
Since 2006, the world has been battling a shortage of helium, which despite
being the second most abundant element in the universe, is a rare
commodity on earth.

The only way to source helium is to extract it from natural gas reserves.

Helium is used in a variety of applications, from electronic components to

rocket propulsion.

Helium’s most common use is as a coolant in large superconducting

magnets powering Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.

The Russia-Ukraine war has further squeezed liquid helium supply with
ripple effects on diagnostic facilities around the world, including India,
thus unable to fully utilize their MRI scanners.

Indian MRI :
The indigenously developed machine is characterized by several
innovations, including avoiding reliance on scarcely available liquid
helium, bottom-up software design, and customized hardware.

This MRI scanner is designed in a way to avoid reliance on liquid helium.

If at all there is a need to rapidly cool the scanner’s magnets, the far
cheaper and more abundant liquid nitrogen can be used to get the job done.

These and other innovations characterize the first made-in-India MRI

scanner developed by the Bangalore-based Voxel grids Innovations Private
Limited.

MRI, the definitive tool to provide three-dimensional images of tissues, and

the best bet for warning of nascent Tumours, continues to be inaccessible to
several Indians who require it.
 The Voxel grids scanners, is not different from the conventional doughnut-
shaped machines into which people, shorn of any metal on their persons,
must lie perfectly immobile while they are scanned.

Know more about The new Portal by Ministry

of Power
Recently,the National Power Committee (NPC) has asked States to provide
suggestions for offering incentives to buyers and sellers on the surplus
power portal PUSHp.

PUShP Portal:
The Ministry of Power introduced the High Price Day Ahead Market (HP-
DAM) and Surplus Power Portal (PUShP).

The portal aims to enhance power availability during peak demand periods
by enabling certain category of sellers to offer power at prices surpassing
the Rs 12 per unit ceiling.

Enhancing Power Availability:

PUShP facilitates the submission of surplus power availability by power
distribution companies (DISCOMs) across various time blocks, days, or
months.

DISCOMs in need of power can requisition the surplus power indicated on

the portal.

Transaction Dynamics:
The new buyer acquires the surplus power and pays both variable charge
(VC) and fixed cost (FC) as determined by Regulators.

Upon reassignment, the original beneficiary relinquishes the right to recall,

transferring the entire FC liability to the new beneficiary.

Benefits:
Reduces fixed cost burden on DISCOMs.

Maximizes utilization of available generation capacity.

Day Ahead Market :
The Day Ahead Market is a tangible electricity trading marketplace where
power delivery occurs within 24 hours of the next day, commencing from
midnight.

Trading is conducted in 15-minute time blocks, with electricity prices and

quantities determined through an auction bidding process.
Current Affairs
Project by United Nations Population Fund in
Rajastan gets support
A project of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for gender
sensitivity in Rajasthan has received support from the experts working for
the elimination of customs promoting patriarchy.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) :

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is an international
development agency established in 1968 to support projects and programs
related to population, sexual and reproductive health, and gender equality.

Here are key details about UNFPA:

1. Mission:
UNFPA’s mission is to create a world where every pregnancy is desired,
every childbirth is safe, and the potential of every young person is fulfilled.

2. Name Change:
Originally known as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities
(UNFPA) since its establishment in 1968, it was officially renamed the
United Nations Population Fund in 1987.

However, it retained its original abbreviation, UNFPA.

3. Headquarters: The headquarters of UNFPA is located in New York.

4. Role in Statistics:
While not directly responsible for primary data collection, UNFPA plays a
significant role in supporting and providing technical and financial
assistance for statistical activities in various countries.

This includes activities like population censuses and surveys.

5. Assistance Programs:
UNFPA provides assistance, research, and advocacy through programs that
are initiated in response to requests from governments.
 This ensures that the organization’s efforts are aligned with national
priorities and needs.

6. Areas of Focus:
UNFPA supports projects and initiatives in three main areas:

7. Reproductive Health:
This includes activities related to family planning, safe motherhood, and
the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

8. Population Issues:
UNFPA addresses population challenges in both developed and developing
countries, exploring strategies to tackle these challenges.

9. Gender Equality:
The organization is involved in initiatives related to the status of women,
working to bridge gender gaps, especially in education.

What is Legionnaire’s Disease - Symptoms,

Diagnosis,Treatment & more.
British government’s initiative to put asylum-seekers on a housing barge
suffered as Legionella bacteria were found on the barge.

Legionnaire’s Disease :
1. Caused by Bacteria: Legionnaire’s disease is a severe form of pneumonia
caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila.

2. First Identified Outbreak: The disease was first identified in 1976 when an
outbreak occurred among attendees of an American Legion convention in
Philadelphia.

Transmission:
Inhalation of Bacteria:
The bacteria are commonly found in freshwater environments like lakes,
streams, and hot tubs.

People can contract the disease by inhaling aerosolized water droplets

containing the bacteria, often from sources like cooling towers, air
conditioning systems, and showers.
Symptoms :
1. Respiratory Symptoms: Initial symptoms resemble those of pneumonia,
including fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath.

2. Additional Symptoms: Headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and confusion

might also occur.

3. Severity: In severe cases, the disease can lead to acute respiratory failure,
kidney failure, septic shock, and even death.

At-Risk Populations:
1. Elderly: Individuals over 50, especially those with weakened immune
systems, are at a higher risk.

2. Smokers: Smoking and chronic lung diseases increase susceptibility.

3. Underlying Conditions: People with certain underlying conditions, like

diabetes or chronic lung diseases, are more vulnerable.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

1. Laboratory Testing: Diagnosis involves identifying Legionella bacteria in
respiratory samples or urine.

2. Antibiotics: Early treatment with antibiotics like fluoroquinolones or

macrolides is effective.

3. Hospitalization: Severe cases often require hospitalization and supportive

care.

Prevention:
1. Water System Maintenance: Proper maintenance of water systems, cooling
towers, and other sources to prevent bacterial growth is crucial.

2. Regulations: Public health regulations and guidelines exist to control and

prevent outbreaks in large buildings and facilities.

3. Awareness: Educating healthcare professionals about the disease’s

symptoms and risk factors aids timely diagnosis.
 MakeMyTrip launches microsite ‘Traveller’s
Map of India
Travel company MakeMyTrip has announced a collaboration with the
Ministry of Tourism to introduce over 600 unique and unconventional
travel destinations.

The company has introduced a specialized microsite named ‘Traveller’s Map

of India‘ to facilitate this initiative.

This digital platform enables travelers to engage interactively and unearth

hidden tourism treasures within India, tailored to their preferences.

The creation of this meticulously crafted microsite aligns seamlessly with

the Government of India’s forward-looking ‘DekhoApnaDesh‘ program.

Empowering Indian Explorers: Unveiling the ‘Traveller’s Map of India’ :

The ‘Traveller’s Map of India’ resonates with the sentiments of every Indian
explorer.

This endeavor will grant every individual the authority to advocate for the
nation’s cultural, historical, natural, and geographical wonders.

Minister of Tourism, Kishan Reddy, extended a warm welcome to

MakeMyTrip’s venture, applauding their efforts to showcase the variety of
destinations within India and encourage domestic tourism.

Exploring India’s Hidden Gems: MakeMyTrip’s Curated Selection of

Lesser-Known Destinations
The company stated that in order to create the carefully curated list, it
analyzed India’s travel search records.

Given the substantial number of monthly users on the platform, the

destination searches conducted can be regarded as a collective expression
of the nation’s preferences for must-visit places within the country.

Building upon this foundation, the company meticulously handpicked

destinations that remain undiscovered or are recognizable primarily within
specific regions of the nation.
 These selections have also been meticulously organized into distinct
categories, such as adventure, wildlife, heritage, mountains, and beaches,
among others, to assist travelers in effortlessly finding their preferred
travel styles.

About ‘DekhoApnaDesh’ initiative :

‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative is a endeavor led by the Ministry of Tourism to
promote tourism.

The core objective of this initiative is to not just offer financial support to
travelers exploring different corners of India but also to create a robust and
enticing tourist infrastructure.

To achieve this, a substantial budget has been dedicated by the government,

aimed at boosting travel experiences and bolstering tourism-related
facilities throughout the country.

This strategic plan outlines the development and promotion of around 50

distinct destinations across the nation, each offering a unique glimpse into
the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, history, and landscapes.
Bill to Alter Chief Election Commissioner
Appointment Process
The Government has introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha to modify
the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner
(CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).

The proposed bill aims to exclude the Chief Justice of India (CJI)
from the panel responsible for selecting the CEC and ECs.

This change has triggered discussions about the composition of

the selection committee and its potential impact on the process’s
independence.

Background of the Chief Election Commissioner

Appointment Issue :
The context for the recent bill can be traced back to a series of
legal developments:

1. Supreme Court Ruling (March 2023):

In March 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) would be
appointed by the President of India, following the advice of a
committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in
the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India.
 This arrangement was to be followed until a proper law was
enacted by Parliament to address the appointment process.

2. Originating from a PIL:

The legal process began with a 2015 Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
challenging the constitutionality of the Centre-appointed members
of the Election Commission.

This PIL raised concerns about the independence of the election

body.

3. Constitutional Article and Legal Complexity:

Article 324(2) of the Indian Constitution outlines the composition
and appointment of the Election Commission.

It stipulates that the President shall appoint the Chief Election

Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, with the
provision for a law to be enacted by Parliament regarding these
appointments.

Since no such law had been enacted, legal ambiguity persisted.

4. Supreme Court Intervention:

The case progressed over the years, and in 2018, a two-judge
bench of the Supreme Court referred the matter to a larger bench
due to the complexity of interpreting Article 324.

This step was taken as the issue required a thorough examination

and analysis of the constitutional article’s nuances.

5. Addressing the Constitutional Vacuum:

In the absence of a parliamentary law as mandated by Article 324,
the Supreme Court took the initiative to fill the “constitutional
vacuum” and provide a temporary framework for CEC and EC
appointments through its March 2023 judgment.
6. Introduction of the Bill:
The bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha seeks to formalize the
appointment process for the CEC and ECs through legislative
means, thereby addressing the constitutional gap highlighted by
the Supreme Court’s previous interventions.

This legislative approach aims to establish a structured and

statutory procedure for these appointments.

Current Process of Appointment for CEC and ECs :

The appointment process for the Chief Election Commissioner
(CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) in India currently lacks a
well-defined legislative framework.

The existing process can be summarized as follows:

1. Constitutional Articles:
Part XV (Elections) of the Indian Constitution encompasses five
articles (Article 324 to Article 329) that pertain to the conduct of
elections in the country.

Article 324 specifically grants the Election Commission the

authority of “superintendence, direction, and control of elections.”

2. Appointment Authority:
Prior to the Supreme Court’s intervention in March 2023, the
process of appointing the CEC and ECs was vested in the
President of India.

The President made these appointments based on the

recommendations presented by the government.
Key Features of the Bill Aiming to Alter the Appointment
Process of CEC and ECs :
The proposed bill to amend the appointment process of the Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs)
contains several significant features:

1. Composition of the Selection Committee:

The Selection Committee for appointing the CEC and ECs will
comprise:

The Prime Minister as the Chairperson

The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (or the leader of the
largest opposition party in Lok Sabha if the Leader of the
Opposition position is vacant)

A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister

2. Search Committee:
The bill introduces the establishment of a Search Committee
responsible for preparing a panel of five individuals to be
considered for the roles of CEC and ECs.

The Search Committee will be led by the Cabinet Secretary and

include two members of the rank of Secretary, knowledgeable and
experienced in electoral matters.

3. Non-Invalidation due to Vacancy:

The appointments of the CEC and other ECs will not be nullified
due to any vacancies or shortcomings in the composition of the
Selection Committee.

4. Repealing of Previous Act:

The bill proposes the repeal of the Election Commission
(Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction
of Business) Act, 1991.
 Upon passing of the new Act, the functioning of the Election
Commission will be governed by the new legislation.

The 1991 Act currently stipulates that the salary of ECs should be
equivalent to that of a Supreme Court judge.

The bill aligns the salary, allowances, and service conditions of the
CEC and other ECs with those of the Cabinet Secretary.

5. Unanimity and Majority Decision:

The proposed bill retains the provision that the affairs of the
Election Commission should be conducted unanimously whenever
feasible.

In the event of a difference of opinion, the view supported by the

majority will prevail.

Concerns Regarding the Proposed Changes to the

Appointment Process of CEC and ECs :
The proposed changes to the appointment process of the Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs)
have sparked concerns on several fronts:

1. Imbalance in Selection Committee:

The inclusion of the Prime Minister and a Cabinet Minister
nominated by the Prime Minister in the three-member committee
raises concerns about the committee’s balance of power.

With the Leader of the Opposition potentially holding a minority

vote, the composition of the committee might not ensure equitable
decision-making from the outset.

2. Impact on Independence:
The proposed changes could potentially impact the autonomy and
independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
 A committee with a significant representation from the Executive
branch might raise questions about the ECI’s ability to function
independently and free from undue influence.

3. Integrity of the Election Process:

The independence of the Election Commission is paramount to
ensure a fair and impartial electoral process.

Any perception of the Executive’s involvement or influence in the

selection process might undermine the ECI’s credibility in
conducting elections without bias.

4. Constitutional Intent:
The Supreme Court’s previous ruling highlighted that the framers
of the Constitution intended for an independent body to oversee
elections.

Critics argue that the proposed changes might deviate from this
intent by potentially giving the Executive more influence in the
appointment process.

5. Questions About Impartiality:

The composition of the new Selection Committee might raise
questions about whether the process will lead to the appointment
of individuals who can maintain impartiality and act in the best
interests of conducting free and fair elections.
Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill,
2023
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023,
recently passed by Parliament.

These amendments seek to address ambiguities, streamline

administrative processes, and integrate emerging aquaculture
practices.

Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 :

1. Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005: The Coastal Aquaculture
Authority Act, 2005 is legislation aimed at regulating coastal
aquaculture activities along coastlines and estuaries. Its key provisions
nclude:

Special Organization: Creation of the Coastal Aquaculture

Authority to manage and control seafood cultivation activities near
the coast.

Environmental Protection: Ensuring that coastal aquaculture

practices do not harm the environment.

Scope: Regulating the cultivation and rearing of aquatic organisms

such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in marine or brackish
water environments.
Major Provisions of Coastal Aquaculture Authority
(Amendment) Bill, 2023:
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023
introduces significant changes to the existing Act. Key provisions
include:

1. Expanding Scope:
Definition Broadening: Bringing all coastal aquaculture activities
under the Act, including methods beyond shrimp farming like cage
culture, seaweed culture, and ornamental fish culture.

Emerging Practices: Recognition of environmentally friendly

aquaculture practices to boost revenue and employment
opportunities for coastal communities.

2. Facilitating Aquaculture Units:

Within No Development Zone (NDZ): Allowing hatcheries,
Broodstock multiplication centers, and Nucleus Breeding Centres
to operate within 200 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL).

3. Simplifying Regulatory Processes:

Registration Modification: Replacing imprisonment with civil
penalties for unregistered coastal aquaculture activities.

Operational Flexibility: Allowing modifications of certificates of

registration for changes in ownership or activity size.

Delay Condoning: Empowering the Coastal Aquaculture Authority

to condone renewal application delays with a compounded fee.

4. Environmental Protection and Compliance:

Emission and Effluents Standards: Authority empowered to
establish emission or effluent discharge standards for aquaculture
units.

Polluter Pays Principle: Holding aquaculture unit owners

responsible for environment-related damage costs.
 Ecologically Sensitive Areas: Prohibiting aquaculture activities in
vulnerable ecosystems.

5. Advancing Disease Prevention and Sustainability:

Antibiotic-Free Aquaculture: Prohibiting the use of antibiotics and
pharmacologically active substances to prioritize aquatic
ecosystem health.

Status of Coastal Aquaculture in India :

India boasts a vast coastline of approximately 7,517 km, providing
a promising platform for the development of coastal aquaculture.

Here’s an overview of the current status of coastal aquaculture in

the country:

Diverse Species Cultivation: Coastal aquaculture in India

encompasses a range of aquatic organisms, including shrimp, fish,
crab, oyster, mussel, seaweed, and pearl.

Shrimp Dominance: Shrimp production has been a dominant force

in Indian coastal aquaculture.

Over the past nine years, shrimp production has witnessed an

astounding surge of 267%.

Seafood Exports Soar: The growth in shrimp production has had a

significant impact on seafood exports from India.

The country’s seafood exports have experienced a remarkable

doubling effect, skyrocketing from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to
Rs 63,969 crore in 2022-23.

Shrimp’s Contribution: It’s important to note that a substantial

portion of the increased seafood exports can be attributed to
shrimp cultivation.
Key States Driving Growth: Several coastal states have played
pivotal roles in driving the expansion of coastal aquaculture,
particularly shrimp production and subsequent exports:

Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat
Odisha
Tamil Nadu

Export Contribution: These states have contributed significantly to

the surge in shrimp production and exports, bolstering India’s
position in the global seafood market.