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28 Jan 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB

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Written by NDI EDITOR

Jan 28 2024

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28 Jan 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB
1. Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve
Arunachal Pradesh, at the recently held Republic Day parade, showcased its Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve, a 17-square-kilometre biodiversity hotspot.

About Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve:

  • It is a 17-square-kilometre biodiversity hotspot located in Arunachal Pradesh, around 40 km from the famous Eagle nest Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • The reserve was created in 2017 to protect biodiversity in the region.
  • It is home to critically endangered species such as the passerine bird Bugun Liocichla (Liocichlabugunorum), which is named after the Buguns community.
    • It was one of the first bird species to be discovered in India since the country’s independence in 1947, and it lives only on the Buguns’ community lands.
    • The Buguns are an indigenous community with a population of about 2,000 people, spread across 12 villages that are dotted outside the forests of Eagle nest Wildlife Sanctuary.

What is a Community Reserve?

  • Conservation reserves and community reserves in India are terms denoting protected areas of India which typically act as buffer zones, connectors, and migration corridors between established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests in India.
  • Such areas are designated as conservation reserves if they are uninhabited and completely owned by the Government of India but used for subsistence by communities, and community reserves if part of the land is privately owned. 
  • These protected area categories were first introduced in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002, an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) of 1972. 
  • These categories were added because of reduced protection in and around existing or proposed protected areas due to private ownership of land, and land use.
  • The provisions of the WLPA apply to an area once it has been declared a community reserve.
2. Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah
The French President recently visited the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in south Delhi.

About Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah:

  • It is located in Delhi's Nizamuddin West area. 
  • It is the mausoleum of the famous Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325 CE).
  • It was built in the 14th Century C.E.
  • Features:
    • It consists of a square chamber surrounded by verandas, which are pierced by arched openings.
    • The dome is ornamented by vertical stripes of black marble and is crowned by a lotus-cresting.
    • Inside the dargah complex, one can find the tombs of Nizamuddin Auliya's saints: Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s favourite daughter, and poet Amir Khusru.
    • Towards the north side of Dargah, there is a stepwell.  
    • On the north-eastern side, there is a 16th-century tomb of Atgah Khan, who was a powerful minister in Emperor Akbar’s court.
    • The site is also known for its evening qawwali devotional music sessions.

Who was Nizamuddin Auliya?

  • Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya was one of the most famous Sufi saints from the Indian subcontinent region.
  • Also known as Hazrat Nizamuddin and Mahbub-e-Ilahi (Beloved of God), he was a Sunni Muslim scholar and Sufi saint of the Chishti Order.
  • Like most of the Chishti Sufi saints, Nizamuddin Auliya stressed love as a means of realising God. He believed the love of God implied a love of humanity.
  • Some of the famous disciples of Nizamuddin include Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag Delhavi, Amir Khusro, and the royal poet of the Delhi Sultanate.
3. All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, released the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022 recently.

About All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE):

  • The AISHE report has been published by the Ministry of Education since 2011.
  • Aim: To portray the status of higher education in the country.
  • The survey covers all the institutions in the country engaged in imparting higher education.
  • Data is being collected on several parameters, such as teachers, student enrolment, programmes, examination results, education finance, and infrastructure.
  • Indicators of educational development such as Institution Density, Gross Enrolment Ratio, Pupil-teacher ratio, Gender Parity Index, Per Student Expenditure will also be calculated from the data collected through AISHE. 
  • For the purpose of this survey, Higher Education is defined as education that is obtained after completing 12 years of schooling or equivalent.
  • Highlights of AISHE 2021-22:
    • In 2021-22, the overall gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education for the age group 18-23 years increased to 28.4%, from 27.3%in 2020- 21 and 23.7% in 2014- 15, the base year.
    • Female GER increased to 28.5% (2.07 crore) in 2021-22 from 27.9 (2.01 crore) in 2020-21 and 22.9 percent in 2014-15.
    • The GER of Schedule Caste (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) students has also increased by around 2%. In 2020-21, the GER of SC students was 25.6% and ST was 23.4%, while in 2021-22 it increased to 27.2% and 25.8% respectively.
    • The enrolment of OBC students has also increased to 1.63 crore in 2021-22 from 1.13 crore in 2014-15.
    • About 78.9 per cent of the total students are enrolled in undergraduate level courses and 12.1 per cent are enrolled in postgraduate level courses.
    • Among disciplines at the undergraduate-level in AISHE 2021-22, enrolment is highest in Arts (34.2%), followed by science (14.8%), Commerce (13.3%), and Engineering and Technology (11.8%).
    • Among streams at postgraduate-level in AISHE 2021-22, maximum students are enrolled in Social Science (21.1%), followed by science (14.7).
    • Government Universities constituting 58.6% of total Universities, contribute 73.7% of total enrolment, and Private Universities account for 26.3% of total enrolment.
    • The total number of Universities / University level institutions registered is 1,168, Colleges 45,473 and Standalone Institutions 12,002.
    • As per the survey, the total number of faculty/teachers in 2021-22 is 15.98 lakh, of which about 56.6% are male and 43.4% are female.
4.Tasar Silk
Jharkhand's tableau in the recently held Republic Day parade showcased the skill of tribal women in the production of Tasar silk.

About Tasar Silk:

  • It is a type of wild silk, which is made from silkworms that feed on plants like Asan and Arjun.
  • People from different parts of India call it tusaar, tusser, tushar, tusa, tassore, and tasar etc.
  • Producers:
    • Globally, it is produced in China, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
    • India is the second-largest producer of tussar silk and the exclusive producer of Indian tussar (also known as tropical tussar), which is largely tended to by tribals. 
    • In India, it is primarily produced in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Currently, Jharkhand is one of the largest producers. 
  • Features:
    • It is famous and valued for its natural golden colour. The silk can also be found in shades of brown, cream, and orange.
      • The colour is caused by the production process due to the presence of carotenoids in the silk.
    • It is known for its distinctive texture, which is often described as being 'rough' or 'crinkly.'
      • This is due to the fact that the fibres of tasar silk are shorter than those of other silks, such as mulberry silk.
      • As a result, tasar silk fabrics are less smooth and have a more uneven surface.
    • Tasar silk fabrics have a characteristic weave that is different from other types of silk.
      • The threads of tasar silk are often thicker than those of other silks, and they are woven in a way that creates a 'checkerboard' pattern. 
    • It is lightweight yet surprisingly strong, with a luxuriously soft feel often compared to that of cashmere or velvet. 
    • It does not retain moisture, and this quality makes it a delight to wear in warmer climates of the world. 
    • Tasar silk is more porous, which makes it more wearable.
5. What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Health experts list the causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease beyond smoking, including environmental toxins, genetic predispositions, and occupational hazards.

About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

  • It is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
  • There are two main forms of COPD:
    • Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus.
    • Emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs over time.
  • Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions.
  • Causes:
    • It's typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
    • Tobacco smoking accounts for over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), tobacco smoking accounts for 30–40% of COPD cases, and household air pollution is a major risk factor.
  • Signs and symptoms:
    • The most common symptoms of COPD are difficulty breathing, chronic cough (sometimes with phlegm) and feeling tired.
    • COPD symptoms can get worse quickly. These are called flare-ups. These usually last for a few days and often require additional medicine.
    • People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a variety of other conditions.
  • Treatment:
    • COPD isn’t curable, but it can get better by not smoking, avoiding air pollution, and getting vaccines.
    • It can be treated with medicines, oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
6. Futala Lake
The Supreme Court recently asked the Maharashtra government and its metro rail corporation not to carry out any construction activity at the famous Futala Lake in Nagpur.

About Futala Lake:

  • Futala Lake, also known as Telankhedi Lake, is located in the western part of Nagpur, Maharashtra.
  • It is believed to be more than 200 years old.
  • It is spread over 60 acres.
  • Built by the Bhonsle kings of Nagpur, this lake is known for its colourful fountains.
  • The lake is surrounded on three sides by forest and a landscaped beach on the fourth side.

Key Facts about Bhonsle Dynasty:

  • The Bhonsle or Bhonsale (pronounced Bhoslay) were a prominent Maratha clan who served as rulers of several states in India.
  • Raghuji Bhonsle of Berar founded the dynasty in 1730. The most prominent member of the clan was Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire.
  • His successors ruled as maharajas from their capital at Satara, although "de facto'' rule of the empire passed to the Peshwas, the Marathas' hereditary chief ministers, during the reign of Shahu I.
  • In addition to the Bhonsle Maharajas of Satara, rulers of the Bhonsle clan established themselves at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu in the 17th century, and at Nagpur and Kolhapur in modern-day Maharashtra in the 18th century.
  • The Bhonsle of Thanjavur were descendants of Sivaji's half-brother Venkaji, while the Bhonsle of Nagpur and Kolhapur were descended from Sivaji's sons, Sambhaji and Rajaram.
  • After the British defeat of the Marathas in the third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, the Marathas were forced to accept British rule. The four Bhonsle dynasties continued as rulers of their princely states, acknowledging British sovereignty while retaining local autonomy.
  • The states of Nagpur, Thanjavur, and Satara came under direct British rule in the mid-nineteenth century when their rulers died without male heirs; Kolhapur continued as a princely state until India's independence in 1947, when the rulers acceded to the Indian government.
7. What is the Free Movement Regime (FMR)?
The Home Minister recently said the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar would be reconsidered to stop border residents from moving into each other’s country without any paperwork.

About Free Movement Regime (FMR):

  • Under the FMR, all the hill tribes, whether they are citizens of India or Myanmar, can travel within 16 km on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB).
  • They can cross the border by producing a border pass with a one-year validity issued by the competent authority and can stay up to two weeks per visit.
  • The FMR was implemented in 2018 as part of the Central government’s Act East policy.
  • FMR is implemented by both governments for the people living along the IMB.
  • This helps locals get more culturally assimilated with trans-border villages through weddings, celebrating common festivals together, and trans-border trade.
  • It is a reflection of the physical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and fraternal linkages among the trans-border villagers.

Key Facts about Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB):

  • It runs for 1,643 km in the four states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It runs from the tripoint with China in the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the south.
  • Assam Rifles is tasked with guarding the IMB.
8. What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
The International Court of Justice recently ruled that it will not throw away the genocide case against Israel.

About International Court of Justice (ICJ):

  • The ICJ, also known as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN).
  • It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the UN and began work in April 1946.
  • The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands).
  • The hearings of the ICJ are always public.
  • Official Languages: French and English
  • Powers and Functions: The Court may entertain two types of cases:
    • First, it can act as a dispute settlement body between two member States in what are called “contentious cases.” Such disputes may concern, in particular, land frontiers, maritime boundaries, territorial sovereignty, the non-use of force, violation of international humanitarian law, non-interference in the internal affairs of States and diplomatic relations.
    • Second, it can accept requests to issue an advisory opinion on a legal question referred to it by a UN body or specialised agency. These opinions can clarify the ways in which such organisations may lawfully function or strengthen their authority in relation to their member States.
    • The court's judgments in contentious cases are final and binding on the parties to a case, and without appeal.
    • Unlike the Court’s judgments, advisory opinions are not binding.
    • The ICJ decides disputes in accordance with international law as reflected in international conventions, international custom, general principles of law recognized by civilised nations, judicial decisions, and the writings of the most highly qualified experts on international law.
  • Composition:
    • It consists of 15 judges, all from different countries, who are elected to nine-year terms by majority votes in the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.
    • The judges, one-third of whom are elected every three years.
    • Once elected, a member of the Court is a delegate neither of the government of his own country nor of any other State.
    • In addition, the ICJ Statute allows a state party to a case before it which does not have a judge of its nationality on the bench to appoint a person to sit as judge ad hoc in that specific case.
    • The Court is assisted by a Registry, its permanent administrative secretariat, which is independent of the United Nations Secretariat.
9. Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund)
The Delhi High Court recently set aside an order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) directing the Income Tax (IT) department to provide details regarding the tax exemption granted to the PM Cares Fund under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

About PM CARES Fund:

  • It was created on March 28, 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic in India. 
  • It was set up to have a dedicated national fund to deal with any emergency and provide relief to the distressed.
  • Fund Constitution:
    • It has been registered as a Public Charitable Trust.
    • The Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the PM CARES Fund, and the Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of Finance of the Government of India are ex-officio Trustees of the Fund.
    • The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (Prime Minister) shall have the power to nominate three trustees to the Board of Trustees who shall be eminent persons in the fields of research, health, science, social work, law, public administration, and philanthropy.
    • Any person appointed a Trustee shall act in a pro bono capacity.
  • Objectives:
    • To undertake and support relief or assistance of any kind relating to a public health emergency or any other kind of emergency, calamity, or distress, either man-made or natural, including the creation or upgradation of healthcare or pharmaceutical facilities, other necessary infrastructure, funding relevant research, or any other type of support.
    • To render financial assistance, provide grants of payments of money, or take such other steps as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees for the affected population.
    • To undertake any other activity which is not inconsistent with the above objectives.
  • Fund Finance:
    • The fund consists entirely of voluntary contributions from individuals/organisations and does not receive any budgetary support.
    • Donations to PM CARES Fund would qualify for 80G benefits for 100% exemption under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
    • Donations to the PM CARES Fund will also qualify to be counted as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure under the Companies Act, 2013
    • PM CARES Fund has also got an exemption under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act(FCRA), and a separate account for receiving foreign donations has been opened. 
      • This enables the CARES Fund to accept donations and contributions from individuals and organisations based in foreign countries.
10. What is K-Shaped Recovery?
The Finance Minister recently rejected the theory that India's ongoing recovery is 'K-shaped'.

About K-Shaped Recovery:

  • A K-shaped recovery occurs when, following a recession, different parts of the economy recover at different rates, times, or magnitudes.
  • It leads to changes in the structure of the economy or the broader society as economic outcomes and relations are fundamentally changed before and after the recession. 
  • This type of recovery is called K-shaped because the paths of different parts of the economy, when charted together, may diverge, resembling the two arms of the Roman letter "K."
  • The portion of the economy that recovers quickly is represented by the upper part of the K, while the lower part represents those groups that recover more slowly.
  • Reasons:
    • K-shaped recoveries are generally caused by disparities that existed before the recession or by a recession that impacts populations and groups differently.
    • It is possible due to the creative destruction of old industries due to the development of new industries and technologies during the recession.
    • Government strategies like monetary and fiscal policies used to combat the recession can lead to a K-shaped recovery.  Due to the nature of the economic policies, certain industries will benefit more than others. 
    • Due to the nature of the recession, it can exert a unique impact on different parts of the economy, especially when a recession is coupled with a negative real economic shock that results in a lasting negative impact on certain parts of the economy.
  • Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, North America saw a K-shaped recovery where the richer individuals and industries recovered faster compared to the poor.
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Written by NDI EDITOR

National Defence Institute's Editor

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