Weekly Current Affairs (8th-14th July)

✅ This write-up is divided in 2 parts i.e. - Prelims and Mains exam related articles.

✅ Please follow along video for better understand, especially for Mains related articles.

Digital Bharat Nidhi

The Department of Telecommunications has released draft rules for the Digital Bharat Nidhi
(DBN).

Key Points about Digital Bharat Nidhi:

o Replacing USOF: Digital Bharat Nidhi is set to take over from the Universal Service
Obligation Fund (USOF), which was financed through a 5% Universal Service Levy on
telecom operators' Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
o Funding Rural Telecom Expansion: The funds will be utilized to expand telecom
networks in remote and rural regions.
o Usage of Funds: The funds will support:
▪ Telecom services in underserved rural, remote, and urban areas.
▪ Research and development in telecommunication services, technologies, and products.
▪ Pilot projects and consultancy to enhance connectivity.
▪ Introduction of new telecommunication services and technologies
▪ Support for Specific Groups:
o Targeted access to telecom services for women, persons with disabilities, and
economically and socially weaker sections of society.

Brown Palm Civet

Recently, a Conservationist group observed a Rare Brown Palm Civet in the Koyna Wildlife
Sanctuary (it indicates the presence of a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem).

About the Brown Palm Civet

1. Habitat: Endemic to the Western Ghats, these civets are crucial seed dispersers with a
predominantly frugivorous diet

2. Behavior: Solitary and nocturnal Mammal’s , these small carnivores thrive in high-
altitude tropical rainforests.

3. Distribution: Found from Castle Rock in Goa to the southern tip of the Western Ghats in
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

4. Conservation Status:
o IUCN: Listed as Least Concern.
o CITES: Listed in Appendix III. (International trade requires appropriate permits or
certificates.)
Key Facts about KOYNA Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Location: Situated in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

2. Significance: A significant protected area within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.

3. Koyna Dam: The sanctuary is closely associated with the Koyna Dam, one of the largest
dams in Maharashtra, built on the Koyna River (arises in Mahabaleshwar - tribututary of
Krishna River ) and serving as a crucial water reservoir for the region.

Gandaki River

A 15-year-old bridge over the Gandaki River recently collapsed in Bihar's Saran district.

About the Gandaki River

1. Also Known as the Narayani and Gandak.

2. Significance: It is one of the major rivers in Nepal and serves as a left-bank tributary of
the Ganges in India. It has been declared as National Waterway (NW)-37

3. Formation: Created by the confluence of the Kali and Trisuli rivers, which originate in the
Great Himalaya Range in Nepal.
• Major Tributaries: Daraudi, Seti, Madi, Marsyandi, and Budhi Gandaki.
• Historical Reference : Mahabharata: The Gandaki River is mentioned in the ancient
Sanskrit epic Mahabharata.

Integrated Tribal Development Programme

The Integrated Tribal Development Programme is a flagship initiative by NABARD aimed at

fostering sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.
o Based on the ‘wadi’ model of tribal development - enhance income, food security,
and quality of life for tribal communities through sustainable agriculture and
livelihood practices.
o it is mainly funded by NABARD’s profits and supports projects in partnership with
state governments, KVKs, NGOs, and corporates.

Key Facts about NABARD

Under the Ministry of Finance.

Formation:
Founded in 1982 under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act 1981 on
recommendation of B. Sivaraman Committee.

Schemes Implemented include Standup INDIA,Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme
(SCLCSS), Kisan Credit Card Scheme,Climate Change Fund, EShakti

• Refinance Support: Provide financial support to rural banks.

• Rural Infrastructure: Enhance rural infrastructure.

 • Supervision: Oversee Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Cooperative Banks.

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve

The Karnataka Forest Department has introduced a green tax for vehicles entering BR Hills via
the BRT Tiger Reserve.

About Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve

o Located in the of Karnataka State .
o Named after 'BILIGIRI', a white rocky cliff with a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
known locally as ‘Rangaswamy’.
o It is a unique bio-geographical area, bridging the Western Ghats and the Eastern
Ghats in South India, was established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974.
o It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2011.

Chandravalli Cave

Chandravalli Cave, located in the state of Karnataka, is a Natural underground cave system and
holds significant historical and cultural importance.
• Location: Situated in Karnataka, Chandravalli Cave is also known as Ankali Math,
named after a saint who is believed to have settled here.
• Historical Significance: Excavations around the site, surrounded by three hills, have
unearthed artifacts dating back to dynasties like the Hoysala, Satavahana, and
Vijayanagara.
• Inscriptions: Contains a rock inscription of Mayurasharma, founder of the Kadamba
dynasty (first Kannada dynasty), dating back to AD 450. There are inscriptions in Brahmi
script.
• Cultural Connections: The region had trade connections with Rome and China, evident
from discovered coins.

Astrophysical Jets

Scientists from the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an

autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have recently
explored the influence of plasma composition on the dynamics of astrophysical jets emitted from
celestial bodies.

About Astrophysical Jets

• Definition: Astrophysical jets are streams of ionized matter ejected as extended beams
from celestial objects such as black holes, neutron stars, and pulsars.

Highlights of the Study

• Significance of Plasma Composition: It directly impacts the internal energy and
propagation speeds of jets. Plasma composition (a state of matter consisting of charged
particles, forms these jets)
 • Electrons and Positrons: Jets composed of electrons and positrons exhibit slower
velocities compared to jets containing protons, despite protons being approximately two
thousand times more massive.
• Structural Impact: Plasma composition influences jet structures, including the number
and strength of recollimation shocks, and shapes the dynamics of reverse shocks.
• Recollimation Shocks: These shocks form within jet beams due to interaction with
backflowing material.
• Turbulent Structures: Electron-positron jets display pronounced turbulent structures,
which contribute to jet deceleration and potentially affect long-term stability.
• Long-term Stability: The formation and growth of turbulent structures play a role in
determining the stability of astrophysical jets over time.

Naavu Manujaru’ Programme

The Karnataka government has initiated the implementation of the ‘Naavu Manujaru’
programme in schools starting from this academic year.

About Naavu Manujaru’ Programme

• Objective: The programme aims to enhance students' independent thinking, rationality,
and understanding of various issues, fostering their overall development.It seeks to
empower students to become thoughtful and responsible citizens equipped to contribute
positively to society.
• It involves two hours of weekly discussions. Topics include social harmony, festivals, folk
games, sports, social reformers' thoughts, local landmarks, cottage industries, family
structures, inequality elimination, and constitutional values like equality, liberty, and
fraternity.

Heat Dome Explained

The western United States is currently experiencing a severe heatwave attributed to a heat
dome centered over California.

About Heat Dome

• A heat dome is a weather phenomenon characterized by a high-pressure system in the
atmosphere that acts like a lid on a pot, trapping warm air underneath it for an extended
period.
• The trapped warm air cannot rise upward due to the high-pressure system. This results in
clear skies, as cloud formation typically requires rising warm air that cools and
condenses.
• The presence of a heat dome allows more sunlight to reach the Earth's surface,
intensifying warming and drying of the soil. This reduces evaporation and diminishes the
formation of rain clouds.
• Longevity: The longer a heat dome remains stationary, the more pronounced and
prolonged the heatwave becomes.
Classical Language Status

Recently, the Central Government has revised the criteria for granting classical language status
to languages.

About Classical Language Status

• Criteria Evolution: The government has refined the criteria for designating a language
as a classical language. These include:
o Recorded history: or early texts spanning 1,500-2,000 years.
o Ancient Literature: It should possess a substantial body of ancient literature
valued as heritage by generations.
o Originality: The literary tradition should be indigenous and not borrowed from
another community.
o Distinctiveness: There should be a clear distinction between the classical form of
the language and its modern iterations or derivatives.
• Benefits: Upon notification as a classical language, the Education Ministry offers various
benefits:
o Two major international awards annually for eminent scholars in the language.
o Establishment of a Center of Excellence for studies in the classical language.
o Creation of Professional Chairs in Central universities by the University Grants
Commission.

Classical Languages in India

• Current Status:India has six classical languages: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu
and Kannada (both in 2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014). Tamil was the first to
receive this status, while Odia is the most recent addition.

National Gopal Ratna Award 2024

Nominations for the prestigious National Gopal Ratna Award for the year 2024 will commence
soon marking another significant recognition under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).

About National Gopal Ratna Award

1. Instituted by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of
Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying since 2021.

2. The Award aims to honor excellence in Dairy farming and related fields. It encourages
and recognizes outstanding contributions by:
o Milk producing farmers rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds.
o Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS), Milk Producer Companies (MPC), and Dairy
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO).
o Artificial Insemination Technicians (AIT) who play a crucial role in enhancing
breeding practices.
 3. Award Ceremony: The awards ceremony will coincide with the celebration of National
Milk Day on November 26th.

Exercise Pitch Black 2024

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is currently engaged in Exercise Pitch Black 2024, a pivotal
international exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

1. Host and Origin: Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial multinational air warfare exercise
conducted by the RAAF. It emphasizes night-time flying operations over expansive and
uninhabited regions.

2. Scale and Participation: The 2024 edition marks the largest in its 43-year history, with
participation from 20 countries. Over 140 aircraft and approximately 4400 military
personnel from various air forces are involved.

3. IAF Contingent: We are operating Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, C-17 Globemaster
transport aircraft, and IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat support roles.

4. Previous Participation: India has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions
of Exercise Pitch Black, enhancing its interoperability and strategic partnerships with
regional and global allies.

Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

1. The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) , represents a revolutionary class of extremely large
telescopes aimed at deepening our exploration of space and enhancing our
understanding of cosmic phenomena.

2. International Collaboration: It is a collaborative effort including India, the United States,

Canada, China, and Japan.

3. Technological Advancements: At its core, TMT features a massive 30-meter primary

mirror, cutting-edge adaptive optics systems (AOS - designed to improve the
performance of optical systems by compensating for distortions in the wavefront of light.
These distortions can be caused by various factors such as atmospheric turbulence,
misalignment of optical components, or imperfections in the optical elements
themselves.)

Primary Scientific Goals:

• Origins and Evolution: Study the early universe, including the first galaxies and stars,
and the formation and evolution of galaxies.

• Black Holes and Stellar Systems: Investigate supermassive black holes and their host
galaxies, and study the formation of stars and planetary systems.

• Exoplanets and Impact: Characterize exoplanets and their atmospheres for habitability,
significantly expanding our understanding of the cosmos.
MeDevIS Platform

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently launched the Medical Devices Information
System (MeDevIS), a groundbreaking online platform designed to revolutionize the
management and dissemination of information about medical devices worldwide.

About MeDevIS Platform:

MeDevIS is the first global open-access clearinghouse providing comprehensive information on

medical devices. It aids governments, regulators, healthcare professionals, and users in
selecting, procuring, and utilizing medical devices for diagnostics, testing, and treatment.

International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

India has emphasized the need for effective measures to address seafarer safety at the 132nd
session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.

About International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

o Specialized Agency: of the United Nations (UN) responsible for overseeing and
regulating global shipping activities.
o Safety and Security: ensuring the safety and security of shipping and preventing
marine and atmospheric pollution caused by ships.
o Sustainable Development: The IMO plays a crucial role in achieving UN
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on conserving and
sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.
o Policy Setting: for international shipping, including regulations on safety
standards, security protocols, and environmental protection measures.
o National Implementation: Once an IMO policy is accepted by a member state, it
becomes national law, and it is the responsibility of the government to enforce
these regulations.

• Formation: Established in 1948 as IMCO, became a UN specialized agency in 1959, and

renamed IMO in 1982.

• Membership: Includes 176 member states and three associate members. India has been
a member since 1959 and has been in 2023 re-elected to the IMO Council.

Funding and Headquarters:

• Funding: Supported by member state contributions, donations, and commercial revenue.

• Headquarters: Located in London, United Kingdom.

World population Day
 Aspect Details
Established by the United Nations in 1989 (Five Billion Day) following
concerns raised by demographers like Dr. K.C. Zachariah (Kerela
Background of World Migration Study to Gulf countries) about global population growth.
Population Day (July 11)
The day highlights challenges such as poverty, health issues, and
gender inequality, especially in developing countries.

India has undergone significant demographic shifts since the

1960s-70s. Initially facing predictions of population explosion, the
country has since seen a dramatic decline in fertility rates, from 3.4
children per woman in 1992 to below the replacement level of 2.1 in
2021.

This decline has been crucial in shaping India's demographic dividend,

Demographic Trends in
with a growing proportion of working-age population relative to
India
dependents. Simultaneously, improvements in healthcare and living
standards have led to increased life expectancy and reduced maternal
and child mortality rates.

India is now experiencing demographic ageing, with the population aged

60 and above projected to increase from 8.6% in 2011 to an estimated
19.5% by 2050.

India's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

adopted in 2015, focuses on eradicating poverty, achieving zero hunger,
ensuring good health and well-being, and promoting gender equality,
among others. Significant progress has been made in poverty reduction,
with the percentage of people living below the poverty line dropping
from 48% in 1990 to around 10% in recent years.
SDGs and India's
Progress Health indicators have shown improvement, evidenced by a decline in
maternal mortality (MMR from 384.4 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to
102.7 in 2020) and child mortality rates.

Challenges remain in achieving targets related to malnutrition, despite

initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic
Nourishment (POSHAN Abhiyaan) launched in 2018.

India grapples with persistent income inequality, where the top 10% of
the population holds a disproportionate 77% of national wealth,
exacerbating socio-economic disparities.

Nutrition remains a critical issue, with India bearing a third of the global
burden of malnutrition, affecting child growth and development.
Challenges in Healthcare improvements have been unevenly distributed, with rural
Development and marginalized communities still facing challenges in accessing
quality healthcare services.

Despite advancements, challenges persist in achieving equitable

development across all states, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, which account for a significant
share of India's population living below the poverty line.
 Progress has been made in promoting gender equality and improving
women's health, yet disparities persist.

Efforts include increased access to modern contraceptives, leading to a

decline in fertility rates, and initiatives like the Janani Suraksha Yojana
Gender Equality and
to reduce maternal mortality through cash benefits for institutional
Women's Health
deliveries.

However, women still face challenges in labour force participation,

political representation, and societal empowerment, hindering India's
progress towards achieving comprehensive gender equality.

India, with its large population, faces significant challenges from climate
change, exacerbated by historical emissions from developed countries.

The country's development priorities are balanced with climate change

mitigation efforts, aiming for economic growth while addressing
Climate Change and
environmental sustainability concerns.
Population
The impact of climate change, including extreme weather events and
environmental degradation, disproportionately affects vulnerable
populations, further highlighting the need for integrated development
strategies.

As a leading nation in the Global South, India plays a crucial role in

driving economic growth strategies while navigating challenges of
sustainability and equitable development.
Global South and
Economic Growth
The Circular Economy framework, emphasized in global forums like the
G-20, underscores India's commitment to balancing economic growth
with resource efficiency and sustainable consumption practices.
Rapid rural-to-urban migration continues to reshape India's
demographic landscape, placing strain on urban infrastructure and
services.
The projected increase in urban population, with two-thirds of Indians
Urbanization and
expected to reside in urban areas by 2030, poses challenges in urban
Migration Trends
planning, housing, and provision of essential services.
The emergence of new cities alongside megacities is essential to
alleviate pressure on existing urban centers and improve overall quality
of life for urban residents.
Policy priorities include addressing socio-economic disparities among
states, enhancing healthcare and nutrition interventions, and preparing
for demographic challenges such as population ageing and
urbanization.
Policy and Future
Directions
India aims to achieve sustainable development goals by focusing on
inclusive growth, equitable distribution of resources, and strengthening
social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations from falling into
poverty.

India's demographic trajectory influences global population dynamics,

with implications for global economic and environmental policies.

Global Context and As a populous nation, India's development strategies impact global
India's Role sustainability goals and climate change mitigation efforts. India's role in
global forums is pivotal in advocating for inclusive growth, poverty
alleviation, and sustainable development practices across nations,
particularly in the Global South.
A law around low - carbon climate resilient development

Aspect Details
Supreme Court of India recognizes the right to be "free from the adverse
Court Judgment
impacts of climate change" derived from the rights to life and equality.

Need for Climate Recognizes the limitations of judicial interventions alone and advocates for
Legislation comprehensive climate legislation tailored to India's context.

1. Re-orient development towards low-carbon, climate-resilient futures.

2. Internalize climate objectives in decision-making at all levels of
Objectives of
governance.
Climate Legislation
3. Advance social justice by addressing vulnerabilities and ensuring a just
energy transition.

Mentions framework climate laws in other countries (e.g., 67 countries) as

Global Examples of
models for governance capacity building and achieving climate action
Climate Laws
goals.
 Highlights India's low per capita emissions but rising emissions trajectory,
India's Context emphasizing the need for sustainable development pathways and climate
resilience.

Recommends establishing an independent 'low-carbon development

Institutional
commission' to advise on policy options and a 'climate cabinet' for strategic
Structure Proposal
decision-making across government levels.

Advocates for engaging subnational governments in climate action through

Federal Structure
scientific support, financial alignment with climate goals, and coordinated
Engagement
planning.

Proposes a framework climate law to catalyze action, complemented by

Legal Framework
sectoral laws, enabling a whole-of-government approach to climate
Proposal
governance in India.
The High Seas Treaty

Aspect Details

The treaty aims to maintain ecological health by reducing pollution,

Purpose conserving biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable use of marine resources in
international waters beyond national jurisdictions.
Focuses on areas outside exclusive economic zones (EEZs), comprising
Scope about 64% of the global ocean area. These areas are considered global
commons.
Comparison to Often likened to the Paris Agreement on climate change due to its global
Paris significance and potential impact on marine ecology and biodiversity
Agreement conservation.

Builds upon the UNCLOS (1982), addressing gaps in governance by

Legal
specifying conservation practices, fair benefit-sharing from genetic
Framework
resources, and mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs).

1. Conservation and protection of marine ecosystems.

2. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.
Objectives
3. Mandatory EIAs for potentially polluting activities.
4. Capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries.

Marine Similar to national parks, MPAs will regulate activities to conserve marine
Protected Areas biodiversity and habitats, with several potential areas already identified for
(MPAs) designation.

Ensures equitable access to and sharing of benefits from marine genetic

Benefit-sharing resources for scientific research and commercial exploitation, prohibiting
proprietary rights over these resources.

Environmental
Impact Required for activities within national jurisdictions affecting high seas,
Assessments ensuring transparency and public access to assessments.
(EIAs)
The treaty will enter into force after 60 countries ratify it, legally binding them
Ratification
to its provisions. Currently, 91 countries have signed, with 8 ratifications
Process
completed.
ANUSANDHAN NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (NRF) ACT, 2023

Context:

Recently, ANRF announced a 15-member Governing Board and a 16-member Executive Council,
which lack representation from organisations the ANRF envisioned aiding and facilitating.

For example, the ANRF aims to strengthen the research infrastructure of universities. Even
acknowledging that more than 95% of students attend State universities and colleges in India, the
board and the executive council do not have any members from Central or State universities or
colleges.

ANRF : improving ease of science in India

The ANRF acts as an apex body providing high-level strategic direction for scientific research in the
country.

• The NRF aims to boost research and innovation in science, technology, engineering, health,
agriculture, and interdisciplinary areas, by providing direction, monitoring, and funding.The
Department of Science and Technology (DST) will administer the NRF.

• Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) originally established by an act of Parliament
in 2008 has been subsumed into the ANRF.

• The Governing Board of the Foundation includes the Prime Minister as President (ex-officio), along
with the Union Ministers of Science & Technology and Education as Vice-Presidents (ex-officio). It
also comprises ex-officio members from NITI Aayog and various government departments related
to science and education. The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India serves as the
Member Secretary.
• The NRF will operate with a budget of ₹50,000 crore for five years, of which 28% (₹14,000 crore)
will be the government’s share, and the remaining 72% (₹36,000 crore) will come from the private
sector. Out of the government’s share, ₹4,000 crore will be used from the existing Science and
Engineering Research Board’s budget, which will be subsumed under the NRF. Therefore, the
government has earmarked an additional 10,000 crore over the next five years for the NRF.

• However, this increase in the nation’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development
(GERD) seems too meagre, (less than 2% of GERD) especially if one compares the GDP and the
comparative spending in other big economies, such as the U.S. and China.
Draft Digital Competition Bill

Context:

Recently, India’s Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) established a Committee on Digital

Competition Law (CDCL) to explore the necessity of a separate law for digital market competition.
The CDCL concluded that an ex-ante framework should supplement the existing ex-post framework
under the Competition Act, 2002. This recommendation formed the basis of the draft Digital
Competition Bill.

Ex-post vs. Ex-ante Framework:

• Ex-post Framework:

◦ Current system under the Competition Act, 2002.

◦ Competition Commission of India (CCI) acts after anti-competitive behavior occurs.
◦ Similar to traditional competition laws globally.
• Ex-ante Framework:

◦ Proposed by CDCL for digital markets.

◦ Allows CCI to pre-empt and prevent anti-competitive actions.
◦ Inspired by the European Union's Digital Markets Act.
 ◦ Justification: Digital markets exhibit rapid growth due to economies of scale,
economies of scope, and network effects, necessitating a proactive regulatory
approach to prevent market tipping and irreversibility.
Draft Bill's Basic Framework:

• Targeted Regulation:

◦ Focuses on "dominant" digital enterprises.

◦ Identifies ten core digital services (e.g., search engines, social networking, video
sharing).
• Criteria for Dominance:

◦ Significant Financial Strength: Financial metrics to assess dominance.

◦ Significant Spread: User numbers in India.
◦ Systemically Significant Digital Enterprises (SSDEs): Entities designated based
on qualitative and quantitative standards.
• Obligations for SSDEs:

◦ Must operate fairly, transparently, and non-discriminatorily.

◦ Prohibited practices:
▪ Self-preferencing: Favoring own products over third-party products.
▪ Restricting third-party applications and user settings.
▪ Anti-steering: Limiting business users from communicating with end users.
▪ Tying/Bundling: Compelling use of non-essential services.
▪ Cross-utilizing user data across services.
▪ Using non-public user data to gain unfair advantages.
Response and Implications:

• Opposition:

◦ Skepticism about the effectiveness of the ex-ante model.

◦ Concerns about the direct transplantation of the EU model without considering India-
specific factors.
◦ Potential negative impacts on start-up investments and growth.
◦ MSMEs might face higher costs and operational challenges due to restrictions on
data usage and service bundling.
• Support:

◦ Some Indian start-ups support the bill to curb monopolistic practices of big tech.
◦ Calls for revising financial and user-based thresholds to prevent domestic start-ups
from undue regulatory burdens.