UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 December 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 December 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 December  2024)

1. Code of Conduct for Judges

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Contractor Rating Mechanism

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Rangeen Machhli App

2. Anna Chakra & SCAN Portal

3. UPI Lite

4. Gait Analysis

5. GRIHA Summit

6. Copper

Mapping:

1. Syrian Civil War

2. Bhutan

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 December 2024

GS Paper 2:

Code of Conduct for Judges

Syllabus: Governance

Source:  PIB

 Context: Law Minister Arjun Meghwal recently addressed the lack of a formal code of conduct for judges, pointing to existing frameworks like the Supreme Court’s Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997) and the in-house procedure for action against errant judges.

What is a Code of Conduct?

A code of conduct is a set of ethical guidelines that define acceptable behaviour and standards for individuals in a specific role or profession. For judges, it emphasizes impartiality, accountability, and adherence to constitutional principles.

Present Code of Conduct for Judges:

• Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997): Adopted by the Supreme Court, it outlines standards for judicial behaviour, such as impartiality, transparency, and integrity.

E.g. Judges must refrain from public commentary on pending cases.

• Constitutional Provisions: Articles 124 and 217 prescribe the appointment and removal of judges, emphasizing ethical behaviour as part of their duties.
• In-house Procedure (1997): Allows the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to act on complaints against judges for misconduct.
• Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968: Provides a legal framework for investigating allegations of misconduct or incapacity.
• Declaration of Assets: Judges are expected to disclose their assets as part of accountability, though enforcement mechanisms are weak.

Need for a Code of Conduct for Judges:

• Prevent Judicial Misconduct: Ensures accountability and prevents misuse of judicial powers.

E.g. Allegations against some judges have raised concerns over ethical lapses.

• Strengthen Public Trust: Reinforces confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality.

E.g. The Andhra Pradesh HC case in 2021 highlighted public distrust due to alleged bias.

• Uniform Standards: A formal code provides consistency in handling ethical violations across states and courts.
• Combat Corruption: Addresses issues of financial irregularities and nepotism in judicial processes.
• International Obligations: Aligns India with global practices like the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.

Government Efforts:

• Restatement of Judicial Values: Reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in 1997 to guide judicial behaviour.
• Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968: Legal mechanism to investigate allegations of misconduct.
• Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010: Proposed but not passed, aiming to enforce ethical standards.
• Judicial Training Programs: Conducted by the National Judicial Academy to promote ethical awareness.

Significance of a Code of Conduct for Judges:

1. Ensures Judicial Independence: Protects judges from undue influence by clearly defining ethical boundaries.
2. Strengthens Rule of Law: Reinforces fair and impartial judicial processes.

E.g. The Ayodhya verdict highlighted adherence to legal principles over religious biases.

1. Enhances Credibility: A formal code enhances the judiciary’s reputation globally.
2. Encourages Accountability: Prevents arbitrary behaviour and ensures adherence to constitutional mandates.
3. Addresses Systemic Bias: Provides a mechanism to curb favouritism and discrimination in judgments.

Challenges to a Code of Conduct:

1. Lack of Enforceability: Existing guidelines are advisory and lack binding enforcement mechanisms.
2. Judicial Independence vs. Accountability: Overregulation could undermine judicial autonomy.
3. Resistance to Change: Judges often resist external scrutiny, citing concerns over independence.
4. Political Interference: Risk of using the code to target dissenting judges.
   E.g. Allegations of executive overreach in recent judicial appointments.
5. Lack of Awareness: Absence of regular training on ethical guidelines limits their effectiveness.

Way Ahead

1. Formalize the Code: Introduce a legally binding code of conduct for judges.
2. Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms: Establish an independent judicial accountability body.
3. Regular Training Programs: Conduct ethics workshops for judges to familiarize them with the code.
4. Transparency in Appointments: Enhance transparency in the appointment and removal of judges.
5. Public Engagement: Foster trust by involving civil society in discussions on judicial accountability.

Conclusion:

A robust code of conduct is essential to safeguard judicial integrity and public trust. By balancing accountability with independence, it ensures that the judiciary remains a pillar of democracy.

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Explore the need for a formal code of conduct for judges in India. Learn about current guidelines, government efforts, challenges, and the significance of judicial accountability in a democratic framework.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Tamil Nadu Model for Reducing Elephant Attacks

Context: Karnataka’s Environment Minister has directed officials to study Tamil Nadu’s model for mitigating the wild elephant menace.

About Tamil Nadu Model for Reducing Elephant Attacks:

• Steel Rope Fences: Installed as a barrier to deter elephants, costing approximately ₹45 lakh per kilometre, significantly cheaper than railway barricades.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Proven to reduce conflicts at a fraction of the cost of railway barricades, making it feasible for larger-scale implementation.
• Sustainability: Uses locally available materials and minimizes environmental disruption compared to railway barricades.
• Data-Driven Approach: Regular monitoring and impact assessments guide further implementation and improvements.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper 3 (Environment): Human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies and biodiversity conservation.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance): Policy frameworks and inter-state cooperation in managing natural resources and conflicts.
• Essay Topics: Wildlife conservation and sustainable development.
• Case Studies: Model for addressing human-wildlife conflict in ethics or disaster management questions.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Rangeen Machhli App

Source:  PIB

Context: The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) launched the “Rangeen Machhli” app under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to empower farmers, hobbyists, and professionals in the ornamental fish sector.

About Rangeen Machhli App:

• Launch: Developed by ICAR-CIFA with financial support under PMMSY.
• Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India.
• Aim:
  • To provide information on popular ornamental fish species and their care.
  • To promote local businesses through dynamic directories of aquarium shops.
  • To enhance knowledge of ornamental aquaculture techniques, thereby empowering fish farmers and shop owners.
  • To serve as an educational tool for newcomers and professionals in the ornamental fish industry.
• Implementing Agency: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA).
• Features:

• • Multilingual Support: Available in eight Indian languages, ensuring accessibility.
  • Comprehensive Fish Information: Offers guidance on ornamental fish care, breeding, and maintenance.
  • Find Aquarium Shops Tool: Dynamic directory enabling users to locate nearby aquarium shops, updated by shop owners.
  • Educational Modules:
    • Basics of Aquarium Care: Covers filtration, lighting, feeding, and maintenance.
    • Ornamental Aquaculture: Focuses on breeding and rearing ornamental fish.

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Anna Chakra & SCAN Portal

Source:  PIB

 Context: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, launched ‘Anna Chakra’, a PDS Supply Chain Optimization Tool, and SCAN Portal (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA), to modernize India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) and streamline subsidy claim processes.

About Anna Chakra:

• What It Is: A PDS supply chain optimization tool developed to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs in the Public Distribution System.
• Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• Objectives:

• Enhance the efficiency of PDS logistics.
• Optimize delivery routes and reduce transportation costs.
• Minimize carbon footprint and ensure timely delivery of essential commodities.

• Implementing Agency: Department of Food and Public Distribution in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and IIT-Delhi’s Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT).
• Features:

• Advanced algorithms for route optimization across 30 states.
• Integration with FOIS (Railways) and PM Gati Shakti platform for seamless logistics.
• Facilitates interstate PDS movement with geo-located FPSs and warehouses.

About SCAN Portal (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA):

• What It Is: A single-window portal for subsidy claims submission and processing under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
• Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• Objectives:

• • Streamline subsidy claim submissions by states.
  • Facilitate faster scrutiny, approval, and settlement of claims.

• Features:

• • End-to-end workflow automation for subsidy processes.
  • Rule-based processing ensures accuracy and transparency.
  • Enhances efficiency by expediting claim settlements.

• Significance: Simplifies and modernizes subsidy mechanisms, reducing delays and ensuring better resource management in the food distribution system.

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UPI Lite

Source:  DD News

 Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the wallet limit for UPI Lite from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 and raised the transaction limit for offline payments from ₹500 to ₹1,000.

About UPI Lite:

• Launched In: UPI Lite was introduced in 2022.
• Developed By: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Features:

• • On-Device Wallet: Stores funds on the user’s device for small-value transactions.
  • Transaction Limit: ₹1,000 per transaction under the new guidelines.
  • Wallet Limit: ₹5,000 as the total wallet capacity.
  • No UPI PIN: Transactions don’t require a UPI PIN, enhancing convenience.
  • Offline Mode: Supports partially offline transactions (offline debit and online credit) with future plans for complete offline functionality.

• Difference between UPI Lite and UPI:

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Gait Analysis

Source:  TOI

 Context: Kolkata police used walking gait analysis to solve a child rape case. They matched the accused’s walking pattern with CCTV footage from the day of the crime.

About Gait Analysis:

• What it is: Gait analysis evaluates the way the body moves, primarily through walking or running, to detect abnormalities and understand movement dynamics.
• Types:

• • Observational Gait Analysis: Visual assessment of walking patterns.
  • Instrumented Gait Analysis: Advanced methods using sensors, video cameras, and infrared markers.

• How it works:

• • Analyzes step length, stride length, cadence, and joint angles using advanced tools.
  • Uses devices like infrared markers, sensors, and electrodes to evaluate kinetic and kinematic data.
  • Detects abnormalities in gait phases: Stance Phase (60% of cycle) and Swing Phase (40% of cycle).

• Significance:

• • Injury Prevention: Detects asymmetries before they result in injuries.
  • Diagnosis and Treatment: Identifies skeletal misalignments, muscle dysfunction, and disease progression.
  • Sports Performance: Optimizes athletic performance through personalized training plans.
  • Criminal Investigations: Assists in identifying suspects based on unique walking patterns.

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GRIHA Summit

Source:   BS

 Context: The 16th GRIHA Summit commenced in New Delhi, focusing on “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment.”

About GRIHA Summit:

• Origin: GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) was established in 2007 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and TERI to promote green buildings in India.
• 16th Summit Host: New Delhi
• Theme: “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment,” emphasizing sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
• Organized By: GRIHA Council in collaboration with MNRE, TERI, and global partners.
• Features:
• Launch of GRIHA V 6.0 for advanced resource efficiency and green building benchmarks.
• Recognition through GRIHA awards for 4-star and 5-star projects.

About GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment):

• Launched in: 2007.
• Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
• Aim: To promote sustainable and green building practices by evaluating environmental performance across a building’s lifecycle.
• Function: Provides a green building rating system tailored to Indian climates and construction practices, focusing on energy efficiency, site planning, resource conservation, and climate change mitigation.

About TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute):

• Launched in: 1974.
• Agency involved: Independent research organization based in India.
• Aim: To advance research and innovation in energy, environment, climate change, and sustainability.
• Function: Conducts policy research, technology development, and implementation in sustainability, addressing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental conservation.

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Copper

Source:  IE

Context: India is confronting a significant copper shortage due to the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on refined copper, effective December 1, 2024.

• Japan which accounts for 80% of India’s copper imports are still awaiting certification, leading to a potential supply disruption.

About Copper:

• Copper is a reddish-brown, malleable, and ductile metal known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
• Properties: It is corrosion-resistant and possesses antimicrobial qualities, making it indispensable in electrical wiring, electronics, and various industrial applications.

• Major mines in India:
  • Malanjkhand Mine: Located in Madhya Pradesh, it’s the largest copper mine in India, producing approximately 17.62 thousand tonnes in 2023.
  • Banwas Mine: Situated in Rajasthan.
  • Surda Mine: Located in Jharkhand.

• India’s Copper Imports: Due to limited domestic production, India imports 30-40% of its refined copper needs.
• Reasons for Copper Shortage:
• Quality Control Order (QCO): BIS certification for imported refined copper has halted imports, risking shortages.
• Sterlite Closure: Tamil Nadu’s Sterlite smelter, once producing 36% of India’s copper, remains shut.
• Impacts on India
  • Renewable energy delays: Copper scarcity threatens solar, wind, and EV projects, crucial for India’s net-zero goals by 2070.
  • Higher industrial costs: Increased copper prices escalate production costs for wires, electronics, and infrastructure, affecting industries nationwide.
  • Import dependency risks: Heavy reliance on imports exposes India to global price fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.
  • Slow infrastructure development: Delays in copper supply hamper progress on smart cities, EV networks, and energy transition projects.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 December 2024 Mapping:

Syrian Civil War

Source:  TH

 Context: The Syrian civil war has reignited with a fresh offensive by Islamist militants led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), capturing key territories, including Aleppo, and threatening the stability of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

About Syrian Civil War:

• Places in news:
  • Aleppo: Recaptured by the Assad regime in 2016, now lost to HTS militants after their swift offensive.
  • Idlib: The stronghold of HTS and the base for launching the current offensive.
  • Damascus: The seat of Assad’s regime, now under pressure as rebels make gains in the north.
  • Homs: Likely the next target for HTS as they continue advancing southwards.
• Organizations Involved in Syria:
• Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): A militant group led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, originally linked to al-Qaeda, now spearheading the offensive.
• Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF): Kurdish-led forces controlling northeastern Syria, maintaining a detente with the President Assad regime.
• Hezbollah: A Shia militia historically supporting Assad but currently weakened by conflicts with Israel.

NOTE: Information on Syria has been already covered. To know more about Syria Mapping click here.

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Bhutan

Source:  TH

 Context: India and Bhutan recently held high-level discussions during the visit of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India.

About Gelephu Mindfulness City Project:

• Location: Gelephu, a southern town in Bhutan near the Indian border.
• Funded by: Bhutan, with India’s support.
• What it is: A sustainable urban development project aimed at enhancing prosperity, well-being, and economic linkages in Bhutan and neighbouring Indian regions.
• India’s role: Committed to providing continued financial and technical assistance for the project to strengthen regional economy and connectivity.

About Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project:

• Location: Punakha District, Bhutan.
• River: Situated on the Punatsangchhu River, formed by the confluence of Phochhu and Mochhu rivers originating from the Himalayas.
  • The Punatsangchhu river eventually draws into the Brahmaputra.
• India’s role: Actively supporting the project through funding, technical expertise, and infrastructure collaboration, reaffirming strong bilateral energy cooperation.

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