Current Affairs

8th July - 14th July

 G. S. 1

Sr.No. Topics

1 SEHER Program

2 Project PARI

3 Denisovans

4 Ahom Moidams
Context: The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL launched the SEHER program.

● WEP is a public-private partnership platform incubated at NITI Aayog aiming at empowering women
entrepreneurs

What is the SEHER program?

The SEHER program aims to empower women entrepreneurs in India with financial literacy and business skills. It
focuses on improving awareness about accessing and managing credit, helping women entrepreneurs grow their
businesses and contributing to economic development.

India has 63 million micro, small, and medium enterprises, with 20% owned by women, employing 27 million people.
Accelerating women’s entrepreneurship could create over 30 million new women-owned enterprises and 150 to 170
million more jobs.

SEHER Program is part of WEP’s Financing Women Collaborative (FWC), a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at
accelerating access to finance for women entrepreneurs.
Context: The Ministry of Culture has initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India) to coincide with the 46th World
Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi from 21-31 July 2024.

About Project PARI (Public Art of India):

● It is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and the
National Gallery of Modern Art. It aims to stimulate dialogue, reflection, and inspiration, enriching India’s
cultural landscape.

Featuring a diverse range of artwork inspired by traditional Indian art forms, Project PARI includes

1. Sculptures that explore themes such as tributes to nature

2. Ideas from Natyashastra

3. Gandhi ji

4. Traditional Indian toys

5. Hospitality

6. Ancient knowledge

7. Naad (Primeval Sound)

8. Harmony of Life
 9. Kalpataru (the divine tree).

Women artists play a significant role, showcasing Bharat’s NARI SHAKTI through their substantial participation in the
project.
Context: A study reveals that Denisovans, an extinct human species, occupied the Tibetan Plateau 160,000 years
ago.

● Bone remains found in Baishiya Karst Cave indicate Denisovans survived there for millennia, enduring both
cold and warm periods between the Middle and Late Pleistocene eras.

● The research team analysed over 2,500 bones from the cave, identifying one rib bone as belonging to a new
Denisovan individual from 48,000 to 32,000 years ago.

● The study also showed that Denisovans hunted, butchered, consumed various animals, and used bones to
make tools, highlighting their adaptability to fluctuating climatic conditions.

Denisovans were an extinct group of hominins, or human relatives, known primarily from remains found in Siberia
and Tibet. They lived hundreds of thousands of years ago and coexisted with Neanderthals and early modern
humans.
Context: The Ahom era ‘Moidams’ in Assam’s Charaideo district have been recommended for inclusion in the
UNESCO World Heritage List by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

● These Moidams are the burial grounds of Ahom royalty, created by constructing earth mounds over hollow
vaults topped by shrines.

History and Significance:

● The Moidams enshrine the mortal remains of

Ahom royalty along with cherished objects,
reflecting their funerary traditions and
cosmologies.

● The Tai-Ahoms migrated to present-day Assam

in the 13th century, making Charaideo their first
capital and royal necropolis.

● The site demonstrates their integration with the

natural landscape, creating a sacred
geography.
 G. S. 2

Sr.No. Topics

1 Expunction Powers

2 Classical Language

3 Supreme Court Guidelines on Stereotyping Disabled

4 India - Russia Relations

5 IMO
Context: The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha saw heated debates and clashes between the government
and opposition over remarks that led to expunction from records.

What are Expunction Powers?

Expunction powers refer to the authority vested in parliamentary presiding officers, such as the Rajya Sabha
Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker, to delete remarks from official records that are deemed defamatory, indecent,
unparliamentary, or undignified. This process helps maintain decorum and uphold parliamentary standards during
debates and proceedings.

Aim: This standard procedure is intended to maintain decorum and uphold parliamentary etiquette.

The presiding officers, under Rules 261 (Rajya Sabha) and 380 (Lok Sabha), can order the deletion of objectionable
remarks during debates. Expunged portions are marked and excluded from official records to prevent their
circulation, although challenges persist in the digital age with live telecasts and social media dissemination.
Context: The Central government is set to revise the criteria for granting classical language status, affecting
languages like Marathi, which has been seeking this status for over a
decade.

● The criteria for classical language status include high antiquity, a

valuable body of ancient literature, original literary tradition, and
distinctness from modern forms.

Guidelines for declaring a language as ‘Classical’ are:

1. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of

1500-2000 years.

2. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable

heritage by generations of speakers.

3. The literary tradition is original and not borrowed from another speech community.

4. The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between
the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

Various benefits:

1. Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages.

2. A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages is set up.

3. The University Grants Commission is requested to create, to start with at least in the Central Universities, a
certain number of Professional Chairs for the Classical Languages so declared.
Context: The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has issued a landmark judgment
addressing the portrayal of differently-abled individuals in visual media and films.

What did the SC say?

The Supreme Court observed that stereotyping differently-abled persons perpetuates discrimination and inequality.
The judgment was in response to activist Nipun Malhotra’s petition challenging the portrayal of differently-abled
individuals in the film ‘Aankh Micholi.’

Key features of Guidelines are:

1. Guidelines for Creators: Avoid insensitive language; Seek accurate representation of medical conditions;

2. CBFC and Expert Opinion: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) must seek the opinion of experts on
disability before certifying films for screening.

3. Inclusivity Principle: Follow the ‘Nothing about us, without us’ principle to ensure inclusivity. Involve
differently-abled individuals in statutory committees for decision-making under the Cinematograph Rules.

4. Diverse Depictions: Visual media should depict the diverse realities of persons with disabilities, showcasing
their challenges, successes, talents, and contributions to society.

5. Accurate Representation: Films and visual media content must aim for an accurate representation of medical
conditions as much as possible.
What is Stereotyping?

Stereotyping is a specific belief or assumption (thoughts) about individuals based solely on their membership in a
group, regardless of their individual characteristics.

Example: A TV show depicting a character with a physical disability as completely dependent on others, ignoring their
potential for independence and self-sufficiency.

Reasons Why Differently-Abled Individuals Are Stereotyped:

1. Lack of Exposure: Limited interaction and exposure to differently-abled individuals lead to misconceptions.

2. Media Portrayals: Negative or inaccurate representations in films and visual media.

3. Cultural Myths: Historical and cultural myths that associate disability with weakness or abnormality.

4. Educational Gaps: Insufficient education and awareness about disabilities and the capabilities of
differently-abled people.

5. Social Prejudices: Deep-rooted societal prejudices and biases.

6. Medical Model of Disability: Focus on disability as a personal tragedy or defect, rather than recognizing social
barriers.
Who are Persons with Disabilities?

● Persons with disabilities include those with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments
that, in interaction with barriers, hinder their full participation in society (UN CRPD).
● The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aligns with this definition and specifies a “Person with
Benchmark Disability” as having at least 40% of a specified disability.
● The 2016 Act expanded recognized disabilities from 7 to 21, with provisions for the Union Government to add
more.
Context: The Indian PM departed for Austria after concluding a two-day high-profile visit to Russia, where he attended
the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Vladimir Putin.

Highlights of the Indian PM’s Two-Day Visit to Russia:

● Receives highest civilian honour: The Indian PM was conferred with Russia’s highest civilian honour - Order of St
Andrew the Apostle - by the Russian President (announced in 2019, but presented now).

● Bilateral talks - A meeting of two close friends and trusted partners:

○ It was held to review ties between the two nations, including in areas like defence, investment, energy
cooperation, education and culture.

○ During the meeting, the Indian PM told the Russian President that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not
possible on the battlefield and peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets.

○ The Russian President accepted a direct request from the Indian PM to expedite the discharge of all
Indians who have been recruited by the Russian military, many of whom are now at the war front.

● Interactions with Indian community in Moscow:

○ The Indian PM shared his thoughts on India’s rising global profile and its perception as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’.

○ During the address,

■ He applauded the Indian community for their contribution in taking India - Russia relations to new
heights.
 ■ He announced the opening of Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.

● Other highlights: At the Rosatom Pavilion, the Indian PM saw the "Atomic Symphony" - a model of the VVER-1000
reactor used in India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

● India and Russia signed a number of MoUs between institutions on climate change, polar research, legal
arbitration, pharmaceutical certification, etc.
Context: At the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, India led global
maritime discussions.

● The delegation proposed the establishment of the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime
Transport (SACE-SMarT), aiming to advance environmentally sustainable and technologically proficient
maritime practices in the region.

About International Maritime Organization (IMO):

● The International Maritime

Organisation (IMO) is a specialized UN
agency focused on regulating
shipping and preventing marine
pollution from ships.

● Established in 1948 and operational

since 1958, the IMO has 175 member
states and three associate members,
with headquarters in London.

● India joined in 1959.

● The IMO creates a fair, effective regulatory framework for the shipping industry and addresses legal issues
like liability and international maritime traffic facilitation.
 G. S. 3

Sr.No. Topics

1 RBI Credit - Deposit Ratio

2 InFLiMeN

3 Arctic Wildfires

4 Unemployment
Context: The RBI is concerned about banks with high Credit-Deposit (CD) ratios, notably exceeding the industry
average of 80%.

What are Credit-Deposit (CD) ratios?

● The Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio is a financial metric that shows the percentage of a bank’s total deposits that
are given out as loans. A higher CD ratio indicates that a larger portion of the bank’s deposits is being used for
lending, which can impact liquidity and credit risk.

● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to narrow the gap between credit and deposit growth,
aiming to reduce the CD ratio. According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, the CD ratio has risen steadily,
reaching 78.8% by December 2023. Over 75% of banks with CD ratios above 75% are private sector banks.

Reasons for high CD ratios include robust credit growth, particularly in retail and MSME sectors, coupled with slower
deposit growth due to competitive pressures and shifts in customer savings behaviour towards investments. High CD
ratios can pressure Net Interest Margins (NIM), increase liquidity risk, and elevate credit risk for banks.
Context: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the Indo-French Liver and Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN)
to prevent and cure metabolic liver diseases.

What is the Indo-French Liver and Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN)?

● It is a collaborative initiative launched to prevent and treat metabolic liver diseases. It aims to address
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other related conditions through joint efforts by Indian and
French experts. The program focuses on developing low-cost diagnostic tests and India-specific solutions to
manage liver diseases effectively.

● One in three Indians has fatty liver, a condition that predates Type 2 Diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

About Liver:

● The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right abdomen, responsible for various functions including
detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.
Context: Arctic wildfires have become more frequent and intense due to global warming, causing significant

environmental concerns. In 2024, over 160 wildfires in Sakha, Russia, burned nearly 460,000 hectares.

Why Arctic is prone to wildfires?

● This significant increase in temperature, about 3°C since 1980, has led to more frequent lightning strikes, which

have more than doubled in regions like Alaska and the Northwest Territories since 1975, further aggravating

wildfires.

● The polar jet stream has slowed due to reduced temperature differences between the Arctic and lower

latitudes. This results in prolonged warm weather and intense heat waves, further increasing the risk of wildfires

in the Arctic region.

How Climate change is driving heatwaves and wildfires in the Arctic and other regions?

1. Geographical reason: Climate change affects jet streams, causing them to split and create areas of weak

winds and high pressure conducive to heat waves.

2. Global warming: Human activities have increased global temperatures by about 1.2°C since pre-industrial

times, raising the baseline temperature during extreme heat events (e.g., Australia’s 2019-20 ‘Black Summer’

fires).

3. Creating ground: Climate change creates hot, dry conditions that help fires spread faster and burn longer. It

dries out vegetation, turning it into fuel, and pushes wildfires into new regions.

4. Other factors: Forest management and ignition sources, like human activities, also contribute to wildfires.

Controlled burns and forest gaps can help limit severe fires.
Impact of increased heatwaves and wildfires

1. Threat to life and property: it poses a direct threat to people’s lives and property as it forces people to leave

their homes.

1. For instance, heat waves in France have brought severe droughts there resulting in the water crisis.

2. Pollution: Various polluting gasses are released whenever there is a wildfire, like Nitrous oxide, Co2, PM 2.5 and

particulate matter lesser than 2.5 microns which could severe health issues such as cardiovascular and

respiratory diseases.

3. Health-related issues: The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat

exhaustion and/or heat stroke.

4. Vicious cycle: Wildfires also burn up the carbon stored in trees and soil, releasing large amounts of smoke,

methane, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which increase overall temperatures.

5. Threat to biodiversity: increased heat waves and Wildfires destroy the habitats and the intricate relationships

of diverse flora and fauna leading to loss of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Measures needed -

● Awareness: Improving community information and preparedness reduces vulnerability.

● Improved development planning, building standards and management of the forest-urban boundary reduces

exposure.

● Early warning: Information about forest dryness is useful for early warning and preparedness for extreme fires.

Similarly, mapping climate variability across many years can help predict extreme years.

● National and local measures: Pursuing ambitious global greenhouse gas mitigation alongside national and

local measures to adapt to a climate-changed world, is a necessary strategy if we are to limit further increases

in fire risk

● GHG mitigation: While efforts can be made to limit vulnerability, exposure and fire itself, it is clear that the

contribution of climate change to fire risk would be lower if greenhouse gas emissions were curtailed.
Context: Economic growth alone hasn’t solved India’s job problem over the past 50 years. Job availability has lagged
behind economic growth, particularly affecting the young population.

Status of High unemployment rate in India:

● The unemployment rate in the country has consistently increased over the last two decades – from 2% in 2010
to 5% in 2015 and at 9.2 percent in June 2024. (According to the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy)

Why Is India’s Economic Growth Not Corresponding with Sufficient Job Creation?

Issue Explanation

High-Skill, Economic growth driven by services and capital-intensive sectors generates fewer
Low-Employment jobs.
Sectors

Informal Sector Over 90% of workforce in low-productivity, insecure jobs.

Dominance
Global Economic Trends Job market affected by global protectionism and economic disruptions.

Impact of Automation Emerging technologies displacing low-skill jobs.

and AI

Academia-Industry Education system fails to meet modern job market needs.

Mismatch

Regional Disparities Economic growth concentrated in few urban centers.

Demographic Dividend Need to create 10-12 million jobs annually for new entrants.
Challenge
Measures to address unemployment:

● India needs good infrastructure, both physical and human, to create more jobs.

● There has to be a convergence in the paths of urbanisation and industrialisation to streamline job creation.

● Tier II cities should be focused as these new cities have the potential to generate 70% of the country’s new
jobs and GDP over the next 20 years.

● National Employment Policy (NEP): Implement a focused policy considering both the demand and supply
sides. Enhance workforce quality, bridge skills gaps, and create public jobs.

● Urban MGNREGA: Introduce an urban version to provide income security for informal jobs and create public
assets in urban areas.

● Industrialization and Agricultural Investment: Rapid industrialization and increased investment in agriculture
create more jobs and boost productivity.

● Diversify Agriculture and Promote Agro-Processing: Shift to labour-intensive crops, promote agro-processing
for export, reduce wastage, and increase value addition.
 G. S. 4

Sr.No. Topics

1 Ethics in application of Quantum Science

2 War Ethics
Context: The “responsible quantum technologies” movement emphasizes the need for ethical development and
public trust in quantum science and technology (S&T).

● The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to raise
awareness of quantum S&T’s benefits.

● Responsible quantum S&T calls for ethical practices to prevent misuse, especially given the dual-use nature
of the technology.

● Companies like IBM are committed to positive social impact and preventing harmful applications of
quantum technology.

Challenges include disparities in quantum S&T capacities between countries and ethical issues. National policies
often prioritize intellectual property protections over openness.

Quantum computing takes advantage of the strange ability of subatomic particles to exist in more than one state at any
time. Due to the way the tiniest of particles behave, operations can be done much more quickly and use less energy
than classical computers.In classical computing, a bit is a single piece of information that can exist in two states – 1 or
0. Quantum computing uses quantum bits, or ‘qubits’ instead.
Context: A Russian missile strike severely damaged Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, killing two people.

Ethical Issues related with War:

Incidents like these spark debates on the ethics of war, questioning whether war is ever justified. Tolstoy viewed war
as inherently criminal, while the ‘Just War’ theory, supported by texts like the Mahabharata and thinkers like
Aristotle, Cicero, and Augustine, suggests war can be legitimate under certain conditions. Just War Theory includes:

● Jus ad bellum: Just cause, legitimate authority, last resort.

● Jus in bello: Ethical conduct during war, protecting civilians, fair treatment of prisoners.

● Jus post bellum: Justice after the war.

Ethical Issues Associated with War:

1. Loss of human life, including civilians, women, and children.

2. Degradation of moral equality by dehumanizing the enemy and mistreating prisoners of war.

3. War crimes and atrocities, including genocide and summary executions.

4. Fear of arms races and the use of weapons of mass destruction.

 Value Addition Pointers
1. Atmna NIrbhar Bharat - India’s indigenous defence production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY
2023-24, growing 16.7% from the previous year, per the Defence Ministry. According to the
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the world’s largest
importer of major arms between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 9.8% of global arms sales.

2. Conservation Case study - Thazhakara, a gram panchayat in Alappuzha and one of the first
in Kerala, has created and published a People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), involving local
communities.

3. Context: Rajasthan will become the first state in India to adopt a 10-year road safety action
plan aimed at reducing road accidents by 50% by 2030. According to WHO estimates, an
estimated 300,000 road-related deaths occur in India annually, contributing to economic
costs between 5% and 7% of the national GDP. Sundar Committee Recommendations on
Road Safety.
 Mains Question
Q. Discuss the impact of stereotyping on persons with disabilities in India. How can societal attitudes be transformed
to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities?
(250 WORDS)