Current Affairs – 4 May 2024
World Press Freedom Index 2024
India’s score in the World Press Freedom Index 2024 fell over the last year from 36.62 to 31.28.
About World Press Freedom Index 2024:
- It is an annual report released by the global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It ranks 180 countries on the ability of journalists to work and report freely and independently.
- The press freedom questionnaire covers five categories: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context, and security.
- It only deals with press freedom and does not measure the quality of journalism in the countries it assesses, nor does it look at human rights violations in general.
- Highlights of the 2024 Index:
- It shows an overall decline in press freedom globally and a steep rise in the political repression of journalists and independent media outlets, noting that press freedoms fell by an average of 7.6 points globally.
- Norway topped the ranking, while Denmark was on the second rank.
- The countries where press freedom is “good” are all in Europe, and more specifically within the European Union, which has adopted its first media freedom law (EMFA).
- The Maghreb and Middle East regions performed the worst in terms of restrictions on press freedom by government forces.
- Eritrea was at the bottom of the list, with Syria just ahead of it.
- India’s Ranking:
- India’s rank improved from 161 in 2023 to 159 in 2024, but this was because other countries had slipped in their rankings.
- Scores for India dropped (worsened) in all but the security indicator.
- India is ranked behind Turkey, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which are ranked at positions 158, 152, and 150, respectively.
Peptides
Scientists have developed a promising therapy using cow-derived peptides to combat deadly drug-resistant bacteria, offering a new approach to tackle severe infections resistant to conventional antibiotics.
About Peptides:
- They are chains of amino acids that are naturally found in the body. The amino acids in a peptide are connected to one another in a sequence by bonds called peptide bonds.
- Peptides vs. Proteins:
- Proteins and peptides are fundamental components of cells that carry out important biological functions.
- Typically, peptides are distinguished from proteins by their shorter length, although the cut-off number of amino acids for defining a peptide and protein can be arbitrary.
- Traditionally, peptides are defined as molecules that consist of between 2 and 50 amino acids.
- Meanwhile, proteins are long molecules made up of multiple peptide subunits, and are also known as polypeptides.
- In addition, peptides tend to be less well defined in structure than proteins, which can adopt complex conformations known as secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures.
- Proteins can be digested by enzymes (other proteins) into short peptide fragments.
- Functions of Peptides:
- The body makes lots of different peptides, each of which has a different role.
- They may provide pro-aging support, anti-inflammatory, or muscle-building properties.
- Some peptides act as hormones, which are molecules, that when released from cells, affect other areas of the body.
- Due to the potential health benefits of peptides, many supplements are available that contain peptides that manufacturers have derived either from food or made synthetically.
What are Amino Acids?
- They are molecules that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life. There are 20 different amino acids.
- A protein consists of one or more chains of amino acids(called polypeptides) whose sequence is encoded in a gene.
- Some amino acids can be synthesized in the body, but others (essential amino acids) cannot and must be obtained from a person’s diet.
- The nine essential amino acids are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
The Supreme Court urged the Central government and the parliament to make necessary changes to the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) with respect to the provision replacing Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
About Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- It is a crucial legal provision that aims to protect married women from cruelty inflicted upon them by their husbands or their relatives.
- This section was introduced in 1983 as an amendment to the IPC to address the growing concern of domestic violence and harassment faced by married women in India.
- Under Section 498-A IPC, a husband or his relatives can be sentenced to a jail term of three years for subjecting the wife to cruelty. The section applies to married women only.
- The section defines cruelty as any wilful conduct that is likely to drive a woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury to her life, limb, or health, whether mental or physical.
- The conduct can be in the form of harassment or torture, with the intent to coerce the woman or her relatives to meet unlawful demands for property or money.
- The section also defines the term ‘husband’ to include a person who has a legal or customary relationship with the woman, such as a live-in partner or a person who claims to be married to the woman but has not been legally married.
- There is no limitation as to the number of years within which the complaint has to be filed, and a wife can file a complaint under this section at any time.
- Any offence under Section 498A is a cognizable one and is also non-compoundable and non-bailable.
- Bail under Section 498A can only be granted by the Magistrate once a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by the police based on a complaint filed by the aggrieved party.
- Supreme Court Rulings:
- The Supreme Court has ruled that Section 498A should be used sparingly and only in cases where there is genuine evidence of cruelty. It has also ruled that the section should not be used as a tool to settle personal scores.
- The court emphasized the need for the police to conduct a thorough investigation before making arrests, to avoid unnecessary harassment of the accused.
- To address these concerns, the government of India introduced the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) in 2005, which provides a more comprehensive legal framework for addressing domestic violence and abuse against women.
C295 Transport Aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently received delivery of the second of the 56 C295 aircraft.
About C295 Transport Aircraft:
- It is a new-generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment. It was designed and built by Airbus, a European multinational aerospace corporation.
- It is a reliable and highly versatile tactical transport that is tailored for missions that range from carrying troops and cargo, maritime patrol, airborne warning, surveillance and reconnaissance to signals intelligence, armed close air support, medical evacuation, Air-to-Air refuelling, VIP transport, and airborne firefighting.
- Features:
- The aircraft, with a flight endurance of up to 13 hours, can function under all weather conditions.
- It is capable of carrying up to nine tonnes of payload, or as many as 71 troops, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kts.
- The C295 is designed to provide outstanding low-level flight characteristics for tactical missions, flying at speeds as slow as 110 knots.
- The aircraft has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and paradropping of troops and cargo. It is powered by two turboprop engines.
- It has short take-off and landing (STOL) characteristics and the ability to use unprepared airstrips.
- In September 2021, India formalised the acquisition of 56 C295 aircraft to replace the legacy Avro fleet of the IAF at a cost of Rs 21,935 crore.
- Under the deal, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville by 2025, and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.
Swing Trading
Recently, the Indian stock market has been witnessing volatility amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and swing trading has been trending on the internet.
About Swing Trading:
- It is a style of trading where investors keep their positions for longer than a single day, typically holding onto stocks for several days or weeks. Its goal is to capture gains in a stock’s value as it swings up and down.
- A swing trader will look for stocks with high volume (a lot of trading activity) and volatility (price movement).
- The entry into a swing trade involves setting up stop-loss orders (to limit potential losses) and target prices (to capture profits) based on support and resistance levels.
- Swing traders buy at support (lower price level) and sell at resistance (higher price level) anticipating the stock’s price to swing back and forth within these bounds.
- What’s the objective of swing trading?
- The primary goal is to profit from short- to medium-term fluctuations in stock prices. Traders aim to enter and exit positions quickly, typically holding stocks for 2 days to a few weeks.
- Swing traders capitalise on both upward and downward movements in the market, seeking to take advantage of trends and momentum.
- Swing trading offers flexibility and can be less time-consuming compared to day trading. Traders can benefit from short- to medium-term gains and adjust their positions swiftly based on market conditions.
Bhadra Tiger Reserve
Recently, the number of people visiting the Bhadra tiger reserve for safari has gone up and the tourists need to take adequate care not to disturb this eco-sensitive zone
About Bhadra Tiger Reserve:
- It is situated in the midst of the Western Ghats region of It is unique as it nestled within several hill ranges. It is drained by the river Bhadra and its tributaries.
- It boasts of a substantial tiger population and as such the sanctuary was declared the 25th Project Tiger reserve of India in 1998. The habitat also has an Elephant Reserve.
- Vegetation: It has dry-deciduous, moist-deciduous, shola and semi-evergreen patches.
- Flora: Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Honne, Nandi and many medicinal plants etc.
- Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Leopard cat, Dholes, Indian Civet, ungulates like Gaur, Sambar and Barking Deer are common.
- Other Tiger Reserves of Karnataka: Bandipura, Nagarahole, Dandeli-Anshi and Biligiriranga Tiger Reserve.
Eta Aquariid meteor
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, which has been active since April 15, will peak on May 5 and 6.
About Eta Aquariid meteor:
- It is formed when Earth passes through the orbital plane of the famous Halley’s Comet, which takes about 76 years to orbit the Sun once. It seems to be originating from the Aquarius constellation — hence ‘Eta Aquariid’.
- It is known for its rapid speed. This makes for long, glowing tails which can last up to several minutes. About 30 to 40 Eta Aquarid meteors can be seen per hour during the peak of the meteor shower, if observed from the Southern Hemisphere.
- The number decreases to about 10 meteors per hour if being viewed in the Northern Hemisphere. This is due to the location of the “radiant” — the position in the sky where the meteor shower seems to come from.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, Eta Aquarid meteors most often appear as ‘Earthgrazers’ — long meteors which appear to skim the surface of the Earth. In the South, however, they can be seen higher up in the sky and hence are more visible.
What are comets?
- These are frozen leftovers from the formation of our solar system, some 4.6 billion years ago. They are composed of dust, rock and ice and orbit around the Sun in highly elliptical orbits which can, in some cases, take hundreds of thousands of years to complete.
- Billions of them theorised to be orbiting the Sun beyond Neptune, in the Kuiper Belt and even more distant Oort cloud. As they come closer to the Sun, comets “heat up and spew gases and dust into a glowing head that can be larger than a planet”. This material also forms a tail which stretches millions of miles.
How are meteor showers related to comets?
- Meteors are simply grains of dust or rock that burn up as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. This burning also creates a brief tail.
- Since most meteors are tiny they completely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. However, once in a while, a large enough meteor passes through and hits the ground (at which time it is called a meteorite), often causing significant damage.
- A meteor shower can be observed when Earth passes through the clouds of dust left behind in a comet’s orbital plane.
Special 301 Report 2024
The Special 301 Report 2024 terms India ‘One of The Most Challenging Economies in IP Protection, Enforcement’.
- The “Special 301” Report – It is an annual review of the global state of intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement.
- Released by – The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
- 2024 edition – On the adequacy and effectiveness of U.S. trading partners’ protection and enforcement of IP rights.
- USTR continued its enhanced approach to public engagement activities.
- Data – It details USTR’s findings in a review of more than 100 trading partners after significant research and enhanced engagement with stakeholders.
- The review of Ukraine continues to be suspended due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Highlights of the report – It reviews the progress made by the trading partners to resolve and address IP issues of concern to US.
- Removal from watch list – It includes the Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan this year for their progress on addressing concerns with IP enforcement and transparency.
- Priority Watch List – It placed 7 countries indicating that serious problems exist in that country with respect to IP issues.
- Argentina, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, and Venezuela.
- They will be the subject of particularly intense bilateral engagement during the coming year.
- Relation with India – There are progress under the US-India Trade Policy Forum in addressing issues with trademark infringement investigations and pre-grant opposition proceedings, but numerous long-standing concerns remain which are
- Issues – Inadequate IP enforcement, high rates of online piracy, an extensive trademark opposition backlog, and insufficient legal means to protect trade secrets.
- Watch list – It places 20 countries.
- Algeria, Barbados, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.
- It merit bilateral attention to address underlying IP problems
- Cross cutting issues – It recognizes that counterfeit products can pose harms to the citizens of the trading partners where those counterfeit products are consumed.
- Recognising international laws – US continues to respect its trading partners’ rights to grant compulsory licenses in line with WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) and the Doha Declaration.
Chang’e 6
China launches lunar probe mission Chang’e 6.
- Launched by – China National Space Administration (CNSA).
- Carried by – Long March-5 Y8 rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Site, on the coast of southern island province of Hainan.
- 4 components – An orbiter, a lander, an ascender and a re-entry module.
- Mission – It is tasked with collecting and then returning samples from the moon’s far side to Earth.
Chang’e 6 is the 1st endeavour to collect and then return samples in the history of human lunar exploration.
India became the 1st country in 2023 to land near lunar South Pole region last year when its Chandrayaan-3’s lander, carrying the Pragyaan rover successfully landed there.
- After collecting dust and rocks on the moon, the ascender will transport the samples to the lunar orbiter for transfer to the re-entry module, which will carry them back to Earth.
- The probe will carry out scientific exploration of the landing zone.
- Key technologies – Automatic sample collection, take-off and ascent from the far side of the moon.
- International collaborations – Scientific instruments from France, Italy and the European Space Agency/Sweden will be on board the lander and a Pakistani payload on the orbiter.
China in the past successfully launched unmanned missions to the moon which included landing a rover and has also sent a rover to Mars. It has also announced plans for a manned lunar landing by 2030.
Quick facts
- Chang’e 4 – It landed in the Von Karman crater in the South Pole-Aitkin Basin in 2019 whose rover Yutu-2 became the 1st rover to successfully soft-land on the moon’s far side.
- Chang’e 5 – Its descender along with the lander landed on Mons Rumker, a vast volcanic plain on the moon.
Women reservation in SC Bar Association
The Supreme Court of India reserves seats for women in bar association committee.
- SCBA – Supreme Court Bar Association, is an Indian bar association which is an integral part of Supreme Court of India.
- It has been registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
- It comprises of practising lawyers of the Supreme Court of India.
- It works for upholding, maintaining and consolidation of the constitutional values of democracy, rule of law and independence of Judiciary.
- Requisite to change the rules – Needs two-third majority in SCBA general body.
- Need of reservation for Women – It is only to guarantee a minimum and women members of the SCBA, subject to their eligibility, shall be entitled to contest the election for all the posts in the Executive Committee.
- A bench of Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan directed that Supreme Court to reserve seats for women SCBA.
- Reservation in Executive Committee – 33% of seats.
- A minimum of 3 out of 9 positions in the Executive Committee and 2 of 6 Senior Executive Member posts.
- Reservation in Office-Bearer posts – At least one post of the Office-Bearer shall be reserved for women candidates exclusively by turn and on rotation basis”.
- In the ensuing election for 2024-2025, the post of Treasurer of the Executive Committee is reserved for women.
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Status of Women in Indian Judiciary |
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India Justice Report (IJR) points out that the gender gap remains wide in each of the subsystems that make up the justice delivery system — police, judiciary, prisons, legal aid, and human rights commissions.
Uttarakhand Tourism Announced India’s First Astro Tourism Campaign Named ‘Nakshatra Sabha’
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has teamed up with Starscapes, an astro-tourism company, to introduce Nakshatra Sabha, a pioneering initiative aimed at offering a comprehensive astro-tourism experience. This initiative goes beyond mere stargazing, intending to immerse participants in various activities such as special solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars. The collaboration seeks to create an engaging platform that brings together astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers, and travellers to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos while enjoying the natural beauty of Uttarakhand.
What is Nakshtra Sabha?
- Nakshatra Sabha is an innovative astro-tourism initiative launched by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes, aimed at providing a comprehensive celestial experience. It goes beyond traditional stargazing, offering activities like special solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars. The initiative aims to attract astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers, and travellers to Uttarakhand, fostering engagement with the cosmos while enjoying the state’s natural beauty.
Excitement and Potential
- The Secretary of Tourism for the Government of Uttarakhand expresses enthusiasm for Nakshatra Sabha, recognizing Uttarakhand’s potential as a prime destination for astronomy-focused travel. With its lush forest cover, nature-based tourism offerings, accessibility to major cities, and well-established hospitality sector, including homestays, Uttarakhand is poised to attract astro tourists from around the globe.
Commencement and Scope of Nakshtra Sabha
- Scheduled to commence in early June at George Everest in Mussoorie, Nakshatra Sabha will span until mid-2025, featuring immersive events across Uttarakhand. These events will explore potential night sky sites in districts like Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli, supplemented by educational seminars and webinars led by field experts.
Local Engagement and Economic Impact
- Nakshatra Sabha not only offers professional development opportunities for local residents but also aims to bolster local economies and advocate for preserving night skies. Through initiatives fostering dark sky conservation efforts and community engagement, the campaign endeavors to implement a region-wide preservation policy, ensuring sustainability for astro-tourism in Uttarakhand.
Collaborative Efforts with Starscapes
- Starscapes, collaborating with local communities, travel and tourism partners, and homestay communities, will play a crucial role in providing training and ongoing support for these initiatives. Their close involvement will ensure the success and longevity of Nakshatra Sabha, benefiting both tourists and the local economy alike.
UNESCO Guillermo Cano Prize 2024 Awarded to Palestine Journalists in Gaza
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In a gesture of solidarity and recognition, Palestinian journalists covering the crisis in Gaza have been named laureates of the 2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. The announcement comes from the recommendation of an International Jury of media professionals, emphasizing the courage and commitment of these journalists amidst challenging circumstances.
Acknowledgement from International Figures
- Mauricio Weibel, Chair of the International Jury, highlights the immense debt owed to these journalists for their courage and dedication to freedom of expression. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective action to support journalists worldwide in their vital role of informing and investigating.
Challenges faced by Journalists
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza has had severe repercussions for journalists, with UNESCO reporting the deaths of 26 journalists and media workers since October 7, 2023. Dozens of other cases are under review, underscoring the dangers faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones.
UNESCO’s Supportive Initiatives
- UNESCO has been actively supporting journalists operating in conflict and crisis zones. In Gaza, the organization is distributing essential supplies and establishing safe working spaces. Similar efforts are underway in Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, and Afghanistan, where journalists receive protective equipment, training, and emergency grants.
HDFC Life Introduces “No Jhanjhat Life Insurance Fatafat” Campaign: Revolutionizing Insurance Purchase Experience
HDFC Life launches the “No Jhanjhat Life Insurance Fatafat” campaign, aimed at simplifying and expediting life insurance purchases through its online platform. The campaign underscores the importance of addressing India’s low insurance penetration and vast protection gap.
Seamless Online Experience
- Bid farewell to cumbersome paperwork and long waiting periods. HDFC Life’s campaign promises a seamless and swift life insurance purchasing experience, leveraging cutting-edge technology for accessibility and convenience.
Innovation for Accessibility
- From customizable plans like Click2Achieve to expert advice and instant quotes, HDFC Life ensures a hassle-free journey towards financial security. By innovating products that are easy to understand and purchase online, HDFC Life aims to bridge the protection gap and raise awareness about life insurance in India.
Mission: Insurance for All by 2047
- Through initiatives like the “No Jhanjhat Life Insurance Fatafat” campaign, HDFC Life reaffirms its commitment to the mission of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ encouraging individuals across the nation to secure themselves and their families financially through the digital platform, designed for anytime purchase and service.
Purnima Devi Barman Gets the ‘Green Oscar’ Whitley Gold Award 2024
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, has been recognized with the prestigious Whitley Gold Award for her exemplary conservation efforts aimed at protecting the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland habitat. This accolade, often referred to as the ‘Green Oscar’, highlights her remarkable contributions to wildlife conservation and underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in safeguarding biodiversity.
Honoring Conservation Leadership of Dr. Barman
- Dr. Barman’s journey in conservation began with her childhood fascination for the Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known as “Hargila” in Assamese. Despite societal aversion towards these majestic birds, Dr. Barman’s passion for their preservation remained unwavering. Her intervention became crucial as the population of Hargila dwindled to a mere 450 birds in Northeast India. Through her pioneering efforts, she galvanized local communities, particularly women, to safeguard nests and protect the storks’ habitat.
Impact and Achievements
- The Whitley Gold Award recognizes Dr. Barman’s exceptional impact in reversing the decline of the Hargila population. Her collaborative initiatives, in partnership with local wildlife NGO Aaranyak, have led to a quadrupling of the stork population, with numbers now exceeding 1,800. Dr. Barman’s project focuses on community-driven conservation and aims to bolster the number of Greater Adjutant breeding pairs, with a special emphasis on empowering local women as advocates for conservation.