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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12/01/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 12/01/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12/01/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12/01/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12/01/2024

Darjeeling Zoo has World’s largest number of Snow Leopards in Captivity

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP), commonly known as Darjeeling zoo, has achieved a remarkable milestone in wildlife conservation.

  • After nearly four decades of dedicated efforts, the zoo now boasts the world’s largest number of snow leopards in captivity — a total of 14, evenly split between 7 males and 7 females.

Key Highlights

  • The announcement of this significant achievement was made by the World Association for Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance dedicated to promoting conservation efforts.
  • Among the 14 snow leopards, the zoo proudly houses six cubs born from three different mothers.
  • This marks the highest number of cubs since the inception of the zoo’s conservation breeding program.
  • Conservation Breeding Program History:
    • The success story at Darjeeling zoo is the result of a long-term commitment to conservation.
    • The zoo initiated its conservation breeding program for snow leopards in 1985, making it the first and only such program in the country.
    • Four years later, in 1989, the Conservation Breeding Centre (CBC), currently spanning five hectares at Topkeydara, celebrated the first birth of a snow leopard.
    • Over the years, some snow leopards born in the zoo have been transferred to other zoos across the country as part of strategic conservation efforts.
    • The zoo has a 100% success rate in its breeding programme, with 77 snow leopards born since 1989.
    • The zoo closely monitors pregnant snow leopards, separating them from others and keeping them under 24×7 CCTV surveillance, regularly testing them and their cubs.
  • Naturalistic Enclosures and Artificial Habitat:
    • The breeding center at Darjeeling zoo features five naturalistic enclosures, each covering an area of 1,000 square meters.
    • To mimic the snow leopards’ natural habitat, artificial dry mountainous regions have been created within these enclosures.
    • The careful consideration of the pedigree of each snow leopard ensured that the most genetically distant and unrelated pairs were selected for breeding.
  • Research-Driven Conservation Strategies:
    • A pivotal moment in the zoo’s conservation journey was a 2013 research project on the “study of snow leopards.”
    • Funded by the Central Zoo Authority, this research played a crucial role in shaping the strategies for the establishment of the breeding center.
    • The findings of the study provided valuable recommendations for creating appropriate facilities dedicated to breeding, cub care, and ensuring their survivability.
    • The input from this research influenced the development of night shelters, breeding dens, enclosures, and veterinary facilities at the center.

About Snow Leopard

  • The snow leopard (Pantherauncia) is a large cat native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
  • Size and Appearance:
    • Snow leopards are relatively large cats, with males weighing between 60 to 120 pounds (27 to 55 kilograms) and females being slightly smaller.
    • They have a distinctive, thick fur coat that varies in color from smoky gray to yellowish-tan, with a white underbelly.
    • The coat is covered in dark rosettes and spots, providing effective camouflage in their rocky, snowy habitats.
  • Range:
    • Snow leopards are found across the mountainous regions of Central Asia, including the Himalayas, Altai, and the mountain ranges of Russia, Mongolia, China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
  • Habitat:
    • They inhabit alpine and subalpine zones, typically found at elevations between 9,800 to 17,000 feet (3,000 to 5,200 meters).
    • Snow leopards are highly elusive and well-adapted to survive in cold, harsh environments.
  • Snow leopards are known to be crepuscular or nocturnal, being most active during dawn and dusk.
  • Snow leopards are classified as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) “Red List of Threatened Species.”
    • In India, snow leopards are protected under the Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 providing it with the highest level of legal protection.
    • With an estimated global population of 4,000 to 7,500, they face various threats in the wild.
    • The main threats to snow leopards include poaching for their fur and bones, retaliation killings by herders for livestock losses, habitat fragmentation, and climate change impacting their mountainous habitats.

Organ Transplant: Why Delhi HC prescribed 6-8 weeks?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

In a recent judgment on January 4, the Delhi High Court, represented by Justice Prathiba M Singh, has outlined an optimal timeline of 6-8 weeks for completing the process of organ transplantation from living donors.

  • The court emphasized that prolonged delays can lead to significant mental and physical distress for donors, recipients, and their families.

Key Highlights

  • Justice Singh directed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to establish timelines under The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, and Rules, 2014 for all steps involved in considering organ donation applications.
  • This move aims to streamline the organ transplantation process and reduce the distress caused by delays.
  • The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994:
    • The 1994 Act governs the transplantation of human organs and tissues in India, addressing both deceased and living organ donations.
    • The Act lays down regulations for healthcare providers and hospitals, imposing penalties for any violations.
    • The Act allows living donations from close relatives, including parents, siblings, children, spouses, grandparents, and grandchildren.
    • Additional scrutiny is applied for altruistic donations from distant relatives, in-laws, or long-time friends to ensure no financial exchange occurs.
    • Living donations from close relatives, whether Indian or foreign, necessitate documents establishing identities, family relationships, and photographic evidence.
    • Donors and recipients undergo interviews as part of the scrutiny process.
    • Unrelated persons seeking to donate must provide documents and photographic proof of their long-term association or friendship with the recipient, subject to external committee examination.
    • The Act imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment up to 10 years and fines up to Rs 1 crore, for offenses such as paying for organs, engaging in illegal organ trade, initiating, negotiating, or advertising organ-related arrangements, and abetting in the creation of false documents.
  • The Authorisation Committee:
    • The Authorisation Committee holds a crucial position in the transplantation process, overseeing and validating various aspects to prevent illegal dealings and ensure compliance with the law.
    • According to Section 9(4) of The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, the composition of the Authorisation Committee is determined by the Central Government.
    • State governments and Union Territories are mandated to constitute one or more Authorisation Committees, comprised of members nominated by the respective government authorities.
    • Under Section 9(5) of the Act, the Authorisation Committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into applications seeking approval for organ transplants.
    • The inquiry involves a meticulous review of the authenticity of both the donor and the recipient.
    • Crucially, the committee ensures that the motivation behind the organ donation is not driven by commercial interests.
    • By thoroughly examining applications, the committee ensures that organ transplants are conducted for reasons of affection, attachment, or other special circumstances, rather than financial gain.
  • Rule-Making Authority:
    • Section 24 of the Act empowers the Central Government to establish rules, subject to parliamentary approval, for various purposes outlined in the legislation.
    • These rules can cover aspects such as the manner and conditions under which a donor may authorize organ removal before death, the certification process for brain-stem death, and procedures for preserving organs removed from individuals.
    • Through its inquiry process and adherence to rules, the Authorisation Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining ethical standards in organ transplantation.
    • This includes verifying the voluntary nature of organ donations and preventing any form of exploitation or illicit practices in the organ transplant process.
  • Provisions of the 2014 Rules and Delhi High Court’s Ruling
    • Rule 7 of the 2014 Rules outlines the constitution of the Authorisation Committee and specifies the nature of the inquiry and evaluation conducted by it.
    • Rule 7(3) mandates the Committee to ensure that no commercial transaction is involved in cases where the donor and recipient are not near relatives.
    • Rule 7(5) allows expedited evaluation if a recipient is in critical condition and requires transplantation within a week.
    • Rule 10 describes the application process for living donor transplantations, requiring joint applications by the donor and recipient.
    • Rule 21 mandates the Authorisation Committee to personally interview applicants for organ transplantations and determine their eligibility to donate.
  • Delhi High Court Case Overview:
    • The case before the Delhi High Court involved a retired Indian Air Force officer diagnosed with kidney failure in 2017.
    • By 2019, two hospitals had recommended a renal (kidney) transplant for him.
    • The petitioner’s application for transplantation was rejected by the Army Hospital in New Delhi, citing the non-availability of a “near relative” donor, as defined in Section 2(i) and Section 9(1) of the 1994 Act.
    • Definition of “Near Relative” and Approval Process:
      • Section 2(i) defines a “near relative” as a specific set of family members.
      • Section 9(1) requires the Committee’s prior approval for organ removal and transplantation unless the donor is a “near relative.”
    • Court’s Directions:
      • In February 2021, the Delhi High Court directed the Authorisation Committee to decide the petitioner’s application within two weeks.
      • However, when the matter was heard again in October 2021, the court was informed that the petitioner had passed away.
    • Court Decision and Rationale:
      • Despite the petitioner’s passing, the Delhi High Court continued with the case.
      • The Centre argued that the Authorisation Committee made its decision within a week of receiving all required documents, adhering to the 2014 Rules.
      • The petitioner’s counsel contended that there is no specific timeline for the Committee to conduct interviews, leading to delays in deciding cases. Prolonged adjournments without meeting donors, recipients, and families result in undecided applications and prolonged suffering for patients.
      • The court ruled that all aspects, including conducting interviews, processing forms, and decision-making, must adhere to fixed timelines and not be handled in an “expanded or elastic” manner.
      • It pointed out the absence of timelines under Rules 21 and 23 for pre-transplantation interviews by the Authorisation Committee, leading to delays.
      • The court highlighted Rule 23(3), which requires a final decision within 24 hours of a meeting, reflecting the urgency of the process.
    • Delays and Contradictions with the Law:
      • Non-adherence to timelines has resulted in extended waiting periods of 2 to 3 years in some cases before decisions are made, contradicting the intent of the 1994 Act and the 2014 Rules.
      • The court suggested that after 4-6 weeks of receiving the application, the Committee should schedule interviews within 2 weeks.
      • During these interviews, family members of donors and recipients can participate, and more than one interview can be conducted.
      • The court emphasized that the entire process, from submission to decision, should ideally not exceed 6 to 8 weeks.

Direct tax collections cross 80% of 2023-24 target

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

India’s net direct tax collections have surged to ₹14.7 lakh crore by January 10, achieving over four-fifths of the annual target and reflecting an impressive 19.4% growth compared to the same period last fiscal year.

Key Highlights

  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes reports steady growth in provisional direct tax collections, reaching ₹17.18 lakh crore.
  • This growth is fueled by a substantial 26.11% increase in Personal Income Tax (PIT) inflows, outpacing Corporate Income Tax (CIT) collections, which grew at 8.32%.
  • After adjusting for refunds, the net growth in CIT collections is 12.37%, while PIT collections demonstrate a remarkable 27.26% increase.
  • Net of refunds, PIT and Securities Transaction Tax receipts collectively witness a robust growth of 27.22%.
  • The net direct tax kitty has expanded by ₹1 lakh crore since December 17, with a growth rate slightly higher at 20.66% during that period.
  • Fiscal Year Progress:
    • The net direct tax collection, excluding refunds, stands at ₹14.70 lakh crore, marking a 19.41% year-on-year increase.
    • This collection achievement represents 80.61% of the total Budget Estimates of Direct Taxes for the fiscal year 2023-24.
    • Refunds amounting to ₹2.48 lakh crore had been issued to taxpayers, surpassing the refunds sent by December 17 by around ₹23,000 crore.
  • Projections and Expectations:
    • Rating agency ICRA anticipates that the full year’s direct tax collections will exceed Budget estimates by ₹1 lakh crore, projecting an 18% growth over the provisional numbers for 2022-23.
    • ICRA’s economists expect direct tax revenues to grow by 12% in 2024-25, citing favorable conditions such as benign commodity prices contributing to corporate profitability.
    • The Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance compliance are also expected to support personal income tax inflows, coupled with a widening tax base.

Understanding Some Terminologies:

  • Direct Tax:
    • A direct tax is a type of tax that is imposed directly on individuals or entities, and the liability for paying the tax falls directly on the taxpayer.
    • It is not transferred to another person or entity.
    • Examples of direct taxes include income tax, corporate tax, and wealth tax.
  • Refunds to Taxpayers:
    • Refunds in the context of taxes refer to the return of excess tax paid by a taxpayer to the government.
    • When a taxpayer pays more in taxes than they are legally obligated to, they can apply for a refund to receive the excess amount back.
    • Refunds can arise due to various reasons, such as overpayment, tax credits, or deductions.
  • Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT):
    • The Central Board of Direct Taxes is a statutory authority in India responsible for administering direct taxes.
    • It operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
    • The CBDT frames policies for the Income Tax Department and ensures their implementation.
  • Personal Income Tax (PIT):
    • Personal Income Tax is a direct tax levied on the income of individuals, including salary income, income from business or profession, capital gains, and other sources.
    • The tax rates vary based on the income slab in which an individual falls.
  • Corporate Income Tax (CIT):
    • Corporate Income Tax is a direct tax imposed on the income of corporations or businesses.
    • The tax is levied on the profits earned by companies and can vary based on the business structure and the amount of income generated.
  • Securities Transaction Tax (STT):
    • Securities Transaction Tax is a tax levied on the sale and purchase of securities such as stocks and derivatives.
    • It is designed to curb tax evasion and is applied to the transaction value of securities traded on recognized stock exchanges.
  • Budget Estimates:
    • Budget Estimates refer to the anticipated revenues and expenditures outlined in a government’s budget for a specific fiscal year.
    • These estimates provide a financial plan for the government, including projections for tax collections and spending.

S. Africa accuses Israel of genocidein Palestine, asks UN court to step in

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and has urged the United Nations’ top court to immediately halt Israel’s military operations.

  • Israel vehemently denies the allegations, stating it is engaged in a battle against a formidable enemy in the Gaza Strip.

Key Highlights

  • The two-day hearing is part of a landmark case and addresses the long-standing oppression of Palestinians by Israel, marking one of the world’s most challenging conflicts.
  • South Africa is seeking binding preliminary orders to cease Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, citing over 23,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel contends that it follows international law, attributing the high toll to Hamas embedding in residential areas.
  • The court session, held in The Hague, involves presenting evidence of a pattern of conduct supporting the claim of genocidal acts, with South Africa asserting that only a court order can alleviate the suffering in the region.
  • South Africa Alleges Genocidal Intent by Israel, Drawing Apartheid
    • South Africa remains steadfast in its accusation that Israel deliberately committed genocide in Gaza, pointing to the scale of destruction, the targeting of civilians, and the impact on children as evidence of genocidal intent.
    • The case also draws parallels with South Africa’s apartheid history, with the African National Congress comparing Israel’s policies to its own past.
    • Israel, taking the accusation seriously, has sent a strong legal team to defend its military operation, breaking from its usual stance of boycotting international tribunals.
    • The decision on South Africa’s request for “provisional measures” is expected to take weeks, and the case could extend over several years.
    • The uncertainty remains on whether Israel will comply with any court order to halt operations, risking potential U.N. sanctions, which may face a U.S. veto.
  • The International Court of Justice and Genocide Cases
    • The International Court of Justice (ICJ), responsible for adjudicating disputes between nations, has not directly judged any country as responsible for genocide to date.
    • The closest instance occurred in 2007, when the ICJ ruled that Serbia had “violated the obligation to prevent genocide” concerning the July 1995 massacre in Srebrenica, Bosnia, where over 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces.
    • The International Criminal Court (ICC), located near The Hague, focuses on prosecuting individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
    • The distinction lies in the ICC’s pursuit of individuals, while the ICJ handles cases between states.
    • Next month, Israel is set to face the ICJ regarding a United Nations request for a non-binding advisory opinion on the legality of Israeli policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

About International Criminal Court (ICC)

  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization that investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression
  • Established by the Rome Statute, the ICC is the world’s first permanent international criminal court and is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
  • The ICC was established on July 1, 2002, with the entry into force of the Rome Statute, which was adopted in 1998.
  • The court jurisdiction over four main crimes
    • Genocide: Characterized by the specific intent to destroy, in whole or in part, an ethnic, racial, or religious group by killing its members or by other means, such as causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction, imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group, or forcibly transferring children of the group to another group
    • War crimes: Grave violations of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the 1977 Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, which include, but are not limited to, the following acts: (a) murder and extortion; (b) rape and other forms of sexual violence; (c) torture and cruel treatment; (d) pillaging; (e) wanton destruction of cities, towns, or villages; and (f) other serious violations of the laws and customs of war
    • Crimes against humanity: These include acts of widespread or systematic oppression, persecution, or inhuman treatment that constitute crimes against any civilian population, or that attempt to overthrow or undermine the lawful authority of a government
    • The crime of aggression: This crime is defined as the use of force by a state against another state, unless authorized by the United Nations Security Council
  • The ICC is a court of last resort, aiming to complement, not replace, national courts
    • It seeks to hold those responsible for their crimes accountable and help prevent these crimes from happening again
    • The ICC is legally independent from the United Nations, although it shares some common features with the International Court of Justice.

About the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

  • The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN), established in 1945.
  • It is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and its primary function is to settle legal disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred by UN organs and specialized agencies.
  • Composition and Structure:
    • The ICJ consists of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, each serving a nine-year term.
    • Judges are selected based on their qualifications, impartiality, and representativeness of different legal systems.
  • States voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction of the ICJ.
  • The court hears cases on a wide range of legal issues, including territorial disputes, treaty interpretation, and human rights violations.
  • Its decisions are binding on the parties involved, and the UN Security Council can enforce these decisions.
  • Advisory Opinions:
  • The ICJ provides non-binding advisory opinions to UN organs and specialized agencies on legal questions.
  • These opinions assist in clarifying legal issues and guiding the UN’s actions.
  • Legal Principles and Sources:
    • The ICJ relies on various sources of international law, including treaties, customary international law, and general principles recognized by civilized nations.
    • Its decisions often contribute to the development and clarification of international legal principles.

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Surat in Gujarat and Indore in Madhya Pradesh jointly secured the top position as the cleanest cities in India at the annual SwachhSurvekshan awards 2023 by the Union Urban Affairs Ministry.

  • This marks Indore’s seventh consecutive win as the cleanest city.
  • Navi Mumbai claimed the third spot in the ranking.

Key Highlights

  • Cleanest Cities (Population over one lakh):
    • Surat, Gujarat
    • Indore, Madhya Pradesh
    • Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
    • Greater Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
    • Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
    • Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
    • New Delhi
    • Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
    • Greater Hyderabad, Telangana
    • Pune, Maharashtra
  • Cleanest States:
    • Maharashtra
    • Madhya Pradesh
    • Chhattisgarh
    • Odisha
    • Telangana
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Punjab
    • Gujarat
    • Uttar Pradesh
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Sikkim
    • Karnataka
    • Goa
    • Haryana
    • Bihar
  • Special Awards and Recognitions:
    • Cities with a population of less than one lakh: Sasvad, Lonavala (Maharashtra), and Patan (Chhattisgarh) secured the top three spots.
    • Cleanest Cantonment Board: Mhow Cantonment Board, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Cleanest Ganga Towns: Varanasi and Prayagraj, both in Uttar Pradesh.
    • Best SafaimitraSurakshitSheher (Safest City for Sanitation Workers): Chandigarh.
    • Zonal Awards: Twenty awards were presented to medium and small cities.
  • Bottom Performers:
    • Cities: Madhyamgram, Kalyani, and Haora from West Bengal.
    • States: Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Themes of SwachhSurvekshan:
    • 2023: “Waste to Wealth.”
    • 2024: “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.”

About the SwachhSurvekshan Awards

  • SwachhSurvekshan is a government-led ranking initiative in India aimed at evaluating both rural and urban areas based on their cleanliness levels and the effective implementation of Swachhata mission initiatives.
  • The primary goal is to instigate widespread citizen participation, raising awareness across society about the collective effort required to enhance the quality of living in towns and cities.
  • The Ministry of Urban Development oversees the assessment in urban areas, while the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation takes charge in rural areas.
  • The Quality Council of India (QCI) is entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the SwachhSurvekshan assessment.
  • Since the initiation of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in 2014, remarkable progress has been achieved.
    • Urban areas in 23 states/Union Territories have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, and over 94% of cities have already achieved ODF status, showcasing the positive impact of SwachhSurvekshan and related initiatives.

Sheikh Hasina sworn in as Bangladesh PM for fifth term

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina commenced her fifth term on January 11, following a landslide victory in an election marked by opposition boycott and international criticism.

  • The Awami League, led by Ms. Hasina, secured nearly three-quarters of elected parliamentary seats, with friendly independent candidates filling the remainder.
  • The election faced censure from the United States and the United Nations, highlighting concerns about a crackdown on the opposition that led to thousands of arrests.
  • The international community, including China and India, extended congratulations, expressing intentions to continue cooperation with Bangladesh.
  • Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League secured a significant victory, winning almost 75% of parliamentary seats.
  • The opposition, comprised of dozens of parties, boycotted the January 7 election, citing it as a “sham” designed to consolidate Hasina’s power.
  • The election recorded a low voter turnout of 41.8%, reflecting a decrease compared to the previous vote in 2018.