Current Affairs 03 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. Moral Questions Raised by Hunger Strikes
2. Union Government Reduces Import Duty on Gold and Reviews Sovereign Gold Bonds
3. Disaster Management (Amendment Bill), 2024
4. Women Entrepreneurship Program
5. Surrogate Advertising

 Moral Questions Raised by Hunger Strikes

Context:

Hunger strikes raise complex moral questions, including whether providing medicine against a person’s will is appropriate and if force-feeding is a dangerous protocol.

Relevance:

GS IV: Ethics

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Understanding Hunger Strikes
2. Historical Context of Hunger Strikes
3. Arguments in Favor of Hunger Strikes
4. Arguments Against Hunger Strikes
5. Impact on Others
6. Way Forward

Hunger Strikes

• Hunger strikes involve the voluntary refusal of food and sometimes water. It is often used when other protest methods are ineffective or unavailable.
• Objectives: Aim to inspire, dissuade, or pressure others by spotlighting injustices or demanding change.

Historical Context of Hunger Strikes

Indian Freedom Fighters

• Mahatma Gandhi: Used fasting as “a great weapon in the armoury of Satyagraha,” engaging in at least 20 hunger strikes during the independence movement.
• Jatin Das (1929): Died after a 63-day hunger strike, highlighting the cruel treatment of political prisoners.
• Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt: Protested poor prison conditions, gaining widespread support and media attention.

Modern Context in Independent India

• Potti Sriramulu (1952): His hunger strike led to the creation of Andhra Pradesh.
• Irom Sharmila (2000-2016): Protested the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, continuing her strike for 16 years while being force-fed.
• Anna Hazare (2011): Initiated a hunger strike to pressurize the Indian government to enact a stringent anti-corruption law.

Arguments in Favor of Hunger Strikes

• Personal Autonomy and Self-Determination
  • Hunger strikes are a manifestation of individual autonomy. Protesters have the right to decide about their bodies and choose their method of protest.
• Expression of Free Speech
  • As a peaceful form of dissent, hunger strikes align with democratic values and the right to protest, offering a nonviolent means of expressing grievances.
• Ethical Non-Violent Protest
  • Hunger strikes are ethically preferable to violent resistance, drawing attention to injustices without causing harm to others.
• Moral High Ground
  • By enduring personal suffering instead of inflicting it on others, hunger strikers highlight the perceived injustices, asserting moral superiority in their cause.
• Public and Media Attention
  • Hunger strikes can spotlight issues that might otherwise be overlooked, increasing awareness and pressuring authorities to address grievances.
• Powerful Symbolism
  • The act symbolizes deep conviction and the seriousness of the issue, potentially galvanizing public opinion and support.
• Historical Efficacy
  • Hunger strikes have been effective in historical contexts, such as the suffragette movement and Indian independence, adding ethical weight to the practice.
• Cultural Resonance
  • In some cultures, hunger strikes are a deeply respected form of protest and sacrifice, evoking sympathy and solidarity.
• Challenging Power Dynamics
  • Hunger strikes can pressure authorities to negotiate and address demands, potentially leading to peaceful resolutions.

Arguments Against Hunger Strikes

• Health Consequences
  • Deliberate self-starvation can lead to severe health issues or death, raising ethical concerns about self-harm.
• Ethical Dilemmas
  • Many ethical frameworks emphasize preserving life, conflicting with the principles of hunger strikes that lead to severe health deterioration or death.
• Perceived Coercion
  • Hunger strikes can be seen as coercive, pressuring authorities or the public to meet demands, raising questions about fairness and legitimacy.
• Manipulation of Sentiment
  • Exploiting empathy and moral guilt can influence public sentiment and decision-making, potentially leading to irrational or unjust outcomes.

Impact on Others

• Emotional Burden
  • Hunger strikes can cause stress, anxiety, and guilt among family, friends, and supporters, raising ethical concerns about their broader impact.
• Responsibility for Well-Being
  • Others may feel obliged to intervene to save the striker’s life, potentially conflicting with the striker’s autonomy.
• Uncertain Outcomes
  • There is no guarantee of achieving intended goals, raising concerns about the proportionality and rationality of the protest.
• Coercion of Vulnerable Individuals
  • Vulnerable individuals, including prisoners or marginalized groups, may be coerced into hunger strikes, raising concerns about exploitation and informed consent.
• Legal and Ethical Dilemmas
  • Authorities face dilemmas regarding their duty of care, such as the ethics of forcible feeding versus the neglect of not intervening.
• Healthcare Professional Conflicts
  • Medical professionals may struggle between respecting patient autonomy and their duty to preserve life, challenging the ethical principle of “do no harm.”

Way Forward

• Clear and Achievable Demands
  • Demands must be specific and achievable to ensure the hunger strike is a targeted action with potential for resolution.
• Involvement of a Neutral Mediator
  • A neutral third-party mediator should facilitate dialogue between the hunger striker and authorities to find a resolution without compromising the protester’s health or safety.
• Independent Ethical Review
  • An independent ethical review board should assess the proportionality of the hunger strike.
• Medical Guidelines
  • Clear guidelines for medical professionals should balance the duty to preserve life with respect for patient autonomy, addressing complex issues such as involuntary feeding.
• Education on Ethical Implications
  • Society should be educated about the ethical implications of hunger strikes, including their potential consequences and alternative forms of protest.
• Legal Frameworks
  • Governments should develop specific legal frameworks to regulate hunger strikes, including provisions for mediation, ethical review, and the protection of the hunger striker’s rights while ensuring public safety.
• Promotion of Peaceful Protest
  • Policies should promote positive incentives for peaceful protest and dialogue, supporting mediation services, civil society organizations, and platforms for constructive engagement.

-Source: The Hindu

Union Government Reduces Import Duty on Gold and Reviews Sovereign Gold Bonds

Context:

In the Budget 2024-25, the Union Government announced a reduction of the import duty on gold from 15% to 6%. Additionally, the government plans to finalize its decision regarding the future of the Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB).

Relevance:

GS III- Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGB)
2. Benefits of Sovereign Gold Bond
3. Status of the Gold Industry in India
4. Impact of Gold on the Economy

About Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGB)

• The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme was introduced in the Union Budget 2015-16 by the Union Cabinet which was chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
• It was launched to reduce the demand for physical gold and with an aim to invest a part of these physicals gold bars and coins that are purchased every year into financial savings in the form of gold bonds.
• Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity.
• The Bond is issued by Reserve Bank on behalf of Government of India.
• Government introduced these bonds to help reduce India’s over dependence on gold imports.
• The move was also aimed at changing the habits of Indians from saving in physical form of gold to a paper form with Sovereign backing.
• The bonds will be restricted for sale to resident Indian entities, including individuals, Hindu Undivided Family (HUFs), trusts, universities and charitable institutions.
• The bonds will be denominated in multiples of gram(s) of gold with a basic unit of 1 gram.
• The tenor will be for a period of 8 years with exit option from the 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates.
• The minimum permissible investment limit will be 1 gram of gold, while the maximum limit will be 4 kg for individual, 4 kg for HUF and 20 kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal (April-March) notified by the government from time to time.
• In case of joint holding, the investment limit of 4 kg will be applied to the first applicant only.
• Bonds can be used as collateral for loans.
• The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is to be set equal to ordinary gold loan mandated by the Reserve Bank from time to time.

Benefits of Sovereign Gold Bond

• As a low-risk investment, it is perfect for investors with low-risk appetite.
• Compared to physical gold, the cost to purchase or sell SGBs is quite low.
• The expense of buying or selling the SGB is also nominal in comparison to the physical gold.
• The gold bonds can be availed either in paper or in demat form as per the convenience of an individual.
• The gold bonds invested by the Investors can be gifted or transferred to others who are eligible under the scheme.
• They can also trade these bonds on stock exchanges subject to notifications of the Reserve Bank of India.
• These Gold bonds can be purchased through multiple payment modes such as cheques, cash, DDs or electronic transfer.

Status of the Gold Industry in India

• Gold Ore Reserves
  • According to the National Mineral Inventory, India had an estimated 501.83 million tonnes of gold ore reserves/resources as of 2015.
  • Geographical Distribution
    • Bihar: 44%
    • Rajasthan: 25%
    • Karnataka: 21%
    • West Bengal: 3%
    • Andhra Pradesh: 3%
    • Jharkhand: 2%
  • Production Dominance
    • Karnataka is the leading producer, contributing around 80% of India’s total gold output.
    • The Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Karnataka is notable for being one of the world’s oldest and deepest gold mines.
• Gold Consumption and Imports
  • India is the second-largest gold consumer globally.
  • Gold imports rose by 30% in the 2023-24 fiscal year, reaching USD 45.54 billion.
  • However, there was a significant decline of 53.56% in gold imports in March 2024.

Impact of Gold on the Economy

• Jewellery and Employment
  • Gold is essential in jewellery fabrication and coin making, generating business opportunities, value addition, and employment.
  • The gold industry employs a substantial number of people, including miners, artisans, and retailers.
• Current Account Deficit (CAD)
  • As the second-largest gold importer, India’s gold imports contribute to the current account deficit.
  • Gold imports necessitate foreign currency, putting pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves.
  • However, gold imports used for exporting gold jewellery can potentially mitigate the adverse impact on the CAD.
• Hedge Against Inflation
  • Gold is often used to hedge against inflation; during high inflation periods, demand for gold rises.
  • Increased demand can drive up gold prices, potentially contributing to inflation.
• Safe-Haven Asset
  • In India, gold is viewed as a safe-haven asset and a store of value, serving as a popular means of savings and investment.

-Source: The Hindu

Disaster Management (Amendment Bill), 2024

Context:

The Government recently introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Disaster Management (Amendment Bill), 2024
2. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
3. Disaster Management Act, 2005

Disaster Management (Amendment Bill), 2024

• Purpose of the Bill:
  • The bill aims to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which was established to enhance disaster management efficiency.
• Urban Disaster Management Authority:
  • It proposes the creation of an “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for state capitals and major cities with municipal corporations, excluding Delhi and Chandigarh.
• Authority and Planning:
  • The bill transfers the responsibility for disaster planning from the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities, respectively.
  • The NDMA will be empowered to appoint experts and consultants to support its functions.
• Disaster Database:
  • It calls for the development of a “disaster database” at both national and state levels.
    • The database will encompass disaster assessments, fund allocation, expenditures, preparedness and mitigation plans, risk registers by type and severity, and other relevant data as determined by the Union government.
• Recognition and Provision for Existing Bodies:
  • The bill seeks to grant statutory recognition to existing bodies such as the National Crisis Management Committee and the High-Level Committee.
• State Disaster Response Force:
  • It proposes the establishment of a “State Disaster Response Force” by state governments.
• New Section 60A:
  • A new Section 60A will be introduced to authorize both Central and State Governments to direct individuals to take or avoid actions to mitigate disaster impacts. Penalties for non-compliance will be capped at ₹10,000.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

• National Disaster Management Authority, abbreviated as NDMA, is an apex Body of Government of India, with a mandate to lay down policies for disaster management.
• NDMA was established through the Disaster Management Act enacted by the Government of India in 2005. Hence, NDMA is a Statutory body.
• The vision of NDMA is “To build a safe and disaster resilient India by developing a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster oriented and technology - driven strategy through a culture of prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response”.
• NDMA is responsible for framing policies, laying down guidelines and best-practices for coordinating with the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to ensure a holistic and distributed approach to disaster management.
• It is headed by the Prime Minister of India and can have up to nine other members. Since 2014, there have been four other members.
• The tenure of the members of the NDMA shall be five years.
• The phrase disaster management is to be understood to mean ‘a continuous and integrated process of planning, organising, coordinating and implementing measures, which are necessary or expedient for prevention of danger or threat of any disaster, mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or severity of its consequences, capacity building, preparedness to deal with any disaster, prompt response, assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster, evacuation, rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction’.

Disaster Management Act, 2005

• The Disaster Management Act, 2005, (23 December 2005) received the assent of The President of India on 9 January 2006.
• The Act extends to the whole of India.
• The Act provides for “the effective management of disasters and for matters connected there with or incidental thereto.”
• The Act calls for the establishment of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• The Act enjoins the Central Government to Constitute a National Executive Committee (NEC).
• All State Governments are mandated under the act to establish a State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
• The Chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will be the Collector or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner of the district.
• The Act provides for constituting a National Disaster Response Force “for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster” under a Director General to be appointed by the Central Government.
• Definition of a “disaster” in the DM Act states that a disaster means a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or man-made causes.
• The objective of the Act is to manage disasters, including preparation of mitigation strategies, capacity-building and more.
• The Act contains the provisions for financial mechanisms such as the creation of funds for emergency response, National Disaster Response Fund and similar funds at the state and district levels.
• The Act also devotes several sections various civil and criminal liabilities resulting from violation of provisions of the act.

-Source: The Hindu

Women Entrepreneurship Program

Context:

Recently, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) unveiled the Women Entrepreneurship Program to empower women entrepreneurs and spurring economic growth.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Women Entrepreneurship Program

• Objective:
  • The program addresses the unique challenges faced by women in starting and expanding businesses.
• Target:
  • Aims to empower around 25 lakh women across India by providing essential skills, knowledge, and resources to establish and grow successful businesses.
• Partnership:
  • This initiative is in collaboration with Britannia Industries Limited.
• Support and Resources:
  • It includes financial grants and features women’s products and services on the Skill India Digital Hub, demonstrating a commitment to creating an inclusive environment for women entrepreneurs.
• Educational Component:
  • The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), with support from the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), will provide free online self-learning entrepreneurship courses via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
  • Courses, offered in various languages, will cover key topics such as entrepreneurial skills, business setup, finance fundamentals, digital skills, and market analysis.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

• Establishment:
  • Founded on July 31, 2008, as a not-for-profit public limited company under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.
• Operational Model:
  • Functions under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and operates under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

-Source: Indian Express, PIB

Surrogate Advertising

Context:

The Health Ministry recently asked both the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bring in measures to prevent surrogate advertisement of tobacco and or alcohol related products by sportspersons.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Surrogate Advertising

• Definition:
  • Surrogate advertising is a method where the brand image of one product is used to promote another product of the same brand.
• Meaning of “Surrogate”:
  • The term “surrogate” means a ‘substitute’. This type of advertising is typically employed to promote products that face legal or social advertising restrictions.
• Nature of Surrogate Goods:
  • Surrogate products may either be similar to the original product or entirely different. Companies use this tactic to advertise their primary products by disguising them as other products under the same brand name.
• Applications:
  • This advertising strategy is commonly used for products like liquor and tobacco, where direct advertising is restricted. For instance, liquor brands might promote music CDs or soft drinks using their brand names and logos.
• Prevalence in India:
  • Surrogate ads are prevalent in India and appear across various media platforms. Brands leverage this approach to maintain their presence and image in the market.
• Purpose:
  • The primary aim is to subtly promote the original product through a disguised advertisement. This technique, also known as “brand extension,” helps in maintaining brand recall among customers.

-Source: Indian Express