Free Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Free Notes Dec 7,2023

Notes from daily Drishti IAS Current Affairs arranged in the mind map form, which helps students in retaining information without losing any key points. Credits for the main contents belongs to the Drishti IAS Current Affairs.

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1. Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Global Positioning System (GPS)

About GPS:
o Initiated by US Department of Defense in 1973
o Launched first satellite in 1978
o Modern constellation: 24 satellites in 6 orbits
o Each satellite completes 2 orbits/day

3 main components:

How it works?
o Satellites broadcast signals (location, time)
o Signals received by GPS receiver
o Receiver calculates distance from satellite
o Requires signals from at least 4 satellites for accurate positioning

1. Other countries with GNSS:
   o Australia
   o China
   o EU (Galileo)
   o India (NavIC)
   o Japan
   o South Korea
   o Russia (GLONASS)
   o UK
2. India’s NavIC:
   o 7 satellites (3 geostationary, 4 geosynchronous)
   o Minimum 4 satellites for ground-based navigation
   o Master control facilities: Hassan (Karnataka) & Bhopal (MP)
   o Rubidium atomic clocks
   o Data transmission: L5, S, and L1 (new satellites)
   o Messaging interface for warnings (fishers)
3. GAGAN System:
   o Developed by ISRO and Airports Authority of India
   o Provides correction and integrity messages for GPS
   o Primary purpose: safety-of-life civil aviation applications
4. Current Scenario:
   o 6.5 billion GNSS devices worldwide (2021)
   o Expected to reach 10 billion by 2031

UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ):
1. Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)
a. Australia
b. Canada
c. Israel
d. Japan
Ans: d

2 With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (2018)
1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its borders.
3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) None
Ans: (a)

Mains:
1. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?(2018)

Additional Information:
• PACS: Grassroots level arms of the cooperative credit structure.
• AIF: Creates post-harvest management infrastructure.
• PM-AASHA: Provides MSP for oilseeds, pulses & copra.
• MIS: Procures perishable commodities to protect growers from distress sales.
• BBSSL: Umbrella organization for improved seed production and distribution.

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
1) Consider the following statements: (2020)
1. In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
2. One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)

2) With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India, consider the following statements:(2021)
1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)

Mains
1. In the villages itself no form of credit organization will be suitable except the cooperative society.” – All India Rural Credit Survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural finance in India. What constraints and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients? (2014)

4. Drishti IAS Current Affairs: India Infrastructure Report 2023

Why in News?
The India Infrastructure Report (IIR) 2023, focusing on urban planning and development, was recently released. It is a comprehensive document covering various aspects of infrastructure planning, finance, and governance in India.
A collaborative effort by IDFC Foundation, Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd. (iDeCK), and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).

Key Highlights:

1. Thematic Focus on Urban Challenges:
   Addresses key challenges like planning and governance, smart initiatives, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and financing.
   Highlights housing and migration, public service delivery, integrating infrastructure, and urban redevelopment.
2. Critique of Planning Mechanism:
   • Criticizes existing planning mechanisms, particularly restrictions on building construction, for causing urban sprawl and slums.
   • Links low Floor Space Indices (FSIs) to high-density development and urban sprawl.
   • Advocates for dynamic city building and increasing carrying capacity with urban growth.
3. Financial Management of Urban Local Bodies:
   Emphasizes the urgent need for financial sustainability.
   Advocates for PPPs and municipal bonds as essential tools for financing urban development projects.
   Report notes that while India has led in PPPs, few have happened in the urban sector.
4. India Infrastructure Report (IIR):
   • Contains 25 chapters by prominent figures in the urban development and policy ecosystem.
   • An invaluable resource for policymakers, investors, academics, financiers, and multilateral agencies.

5. Current Urban Landscape in India:
   • India is one of the fastest-growing economies, propelled by its cities.
   • Cities contribute 66% to the national GDP, expected to rise to 80% by 2050.
   • Urbanization has been relatively slow, growing at just over 1.15% annually from 2001-2011.

6. Initiatives Related to Urban Development:
   Smart Cities
   Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
   HRIDAY
   Aspirational district program
   Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
   Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
   Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2.0
   TULIP-The Urban Learning Internship Program
   Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India)

Additional Information:
1. IDFC Foundation supports social infrastructure, research, and advocacy in India.
2. iDeCK works on sustainable infrastructure projects and supports research through IDFC Foundation and ICAP Trust.
The report's analysis of the financial management of urban local bodies highlights the urgent need for financial sustainability.
3. The report advocates for PPPs and municipal bonds as essential tools for financing urban development projects.

Conclusion:
The India Infrastructure Report 2023 provides valuable insights into the current state of urban development in India. By addressing key challenges and highlighting potential solutions, the report can be a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders working to improve India’s urban landscape.

UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ)
1. Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (2018)

5. Drishti IAS Current Affairs: NGT’s Intervention in Haryana’s Illegal Mining Issue

Why in News?
• NGT takes action against Haryana for failing to address illegal mining in Rithoj village, Gurgaon.

Sources:

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_law
2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Green_Tribunal_(India)

Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

1. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)

2. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India? (2012)
1. Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Article 21
2. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1)
3. Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A)

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)

Mains
1. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to
its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (2021)
2. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss.(2017)

Why in News?
• Supreme Court issued notice to Union government regarding a petition seeking effective birth registration.
Birth Registration as a Fundamental Right:
• Recognized in international conventions and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Crucial for establishing legal identity.

Major Provisions:
• Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969:
o Appoints registrars for local areas.
o Institutions (hospitals, etc.) report births to registrar.
o Citizens inform registrar within 21 days.
• Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023:
o Enables digital birth certificates for various uses.
o Mandates states to use Central Civil Registration System (CRS) portal.

Previous Supreme Court Stance:
• 2011: Committee for Legal Aid to Poor v. Union of India
o Emphasized importance of birth registration.
o Highlighted consequences of sex-selective abortions.
• 2016: Voluntary Health Association of Punjab v. Union of India
o Reiterated importance of birth registration.

Challenges:
• Inadequate data availability due to lack of centralized database.
• Limited awareness among the public.
• Lack of enforcement of mandatory birth registration.

Impact of Inefficient Birth Registration:
• Denial of access to essential services (education, healthcare, etc.).
• Difficulty in proving identity and legal status.
• Increased vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.
• Skewed sex ratios due to sex-selective abortions.

Future Directions:
• Improve public awareness campaigns.
• Simplify registration process and make it accessible.
• Strengthen enforcement of birth registration laws.
• Develop a centralized database for efficient data collection and analysis.
• Address social and economic barriers to registration.

Conclusion:
Efficient birth registration is crucial for ensuring the rights and well-being of all citizens. The Supreme Court’s intervention and the recent amendments to the RBD Act are positive steps towards achieving universal birth registration in India. However, coordinated efforts from various stakeholders are needed to overcome existing challenges and ensure effective implementation.

7. Drishti IAS Current Affairs: International Civil Aviation Day 2023

What is it?
• Celebrated annually on December 7th.
• Established in 1994, officially recognized by UN in 1996.
• Promotes recognition of international civil aviation’s role in global development.
• Underscores ICAO’s role in fostering international cooperation.

8. Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Google Unveils Project Gemini

• Potential benefits: Improved scientific breakthroughs in math and physics.

• Potential risks:
o Job displacement.
o Misinformation amplification.
o Triggering destructive behavior.

9. Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Mission Shakti

Sub-schemes:
Sambal:
o One Stop Centres (OSC).
o Women Helplines (181-WHL).
o Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).
o Nari Adalat.

Samarthya:
o Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
o Palna.
o Shakti Sadan.
o Sakhi Niwas.
o Hub for Empowerment of Women.

Nari Adalat:
• Implemented in a phased manner.
• Assam and Jammu & Kashmir selected for phase 1.

10. Drishti IAS Current Affairs: South Eastern Coalfields Ltd to Use “Miyawaki” Plantation Method

SECL to use it in Chhattisgarh:
• For the first time in its operational areas.
• To boost forest cover in and around the Gevra mine.