Content:
1. Gukesh is Youngest World Chess Champ
2. Union Cabinet Approves Bills on Simultaneous Polls
3. No Power to Monitor Quota Execution by Other Ministries, Departments: DoPT
4. Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Amend the Disaster Management Act of 2005
5. CEA’s Address on Mental Health and Economic Priorities
6. Growth Slowdown Analysis
7. Beijing’s Strategy Highlights
8. Disease X: Preparedness and Global Significance
9. Tiger Translocation: Case of Zeenat
Gukesh is Youngest World Chess Champ
Background: In a historic moment for chess, D. Gukesh, an 18-year-old from Chennai, became the youngest world chess champion.
Relevance: Facts for prelims.
Historic Victory:
- Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren after 58 moves, securing the required 7.5 points to win the World Chess Championship.
- The match was heading for a draw until Ding made a critical error on his 55th move with his rook.
Milestones Achieved:
- Gukesh is the youngest-ever world chess champion.
- The match marked the first World Championship final contested between two Asian players.
Asian Chess Legacy:
- Gukesh is only the third Asian to win the title, following Viswanathan Anand (his mentor) and Ding Liren.
Union Cabinet Approves Bills on Simultaneous Polls
Context: Simultaneous Elections “One Nation, One Election”.
Relevance: GS 2 (Polity and Governance)
Cabinet Approval:
- The Union Cabinet approved two Bills to facilitate simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and Assemblies.
Bills Overview:
- One Bill proposes a constitutional amendment to enable simultaneous elections.
- The other Bill aligns the terms of Union Territories with Legislative Assemblies with State Assemblies.
Reactions:
- Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu (M.K. Stalin) and West Bengal (Mamata Banerjee) criticized the Bills, calling them attacks on democracy and federalism.
Legislative Process:
- Bills to be reviewed by a joint committee of Parliament.
- This Constitution amendment Bill does not require ratification by 50% of the States.
Committee Recommendations:
- A high-level committee suggested simultaneous polls for municipalities and panchayats, but the Cabinet decided against it.
No Power to Monitor Quota Execution by Other Ministries, Departments: DoPT
Context:
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, oversees personnel management policies, including the implementation of reservation policies for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Relevance: GS 2 (Governance).
No Supervisory Authority:
- The DoPT clarified that it lacks the authority to supervise other Ministries in implementing reservation policies for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Action-Taken Report:
- This clarification was included in an action-taken report tabled in Parliament by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Welfare of SCs and STs.
Surprise Checks Not Permitted:
- Citing the Transaction of Business Rules, the DoPT stated it cannot conduct surprise checks on reservation rosters, as all government departments are considered equal.
Role of Liaison Officers:
- Liaison officers are responsible for monitoring the implementation of reservation policies across departments due to the vast size of the government structure.
Committee’s Concerns:
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the DoPT’s stance and raised concerns over the effectiveness of liaison officers in ensuring proper implementation.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Amend the Disaster Management Act of 2005
Background: The Disaster Management Act of 2005 established a comprehensive legal framework for disaster management in India.
Relevance: GS 3( Disaster Management)
Bill Approval:
- The Lok Sabha passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 through a voice vote.
Purpose of the Bill:
- It seeks to enhance the efficiency of national and state disaster management authorities and bolster disaster response mechanisms.
Addressing State Concerns:
- The Bill aims to resolve implementation challenges raised by state governments under the 2005 Act, promoting clarity and alignment among stakeholders.
Criticism from the Opposition:
- Adding more organizations instead of streamlining disaster management processes.
- Failing to adequately address climate change and compensation policies.
Amendments Rejected:
- Several amendments proposed by the Opposition were negated during the legislative process.
CEA’s Address on Mental Health and Economic Priorities
Context : Chief economic advisor expresses concern on Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
Relevance: GS 1(Society)
- Concerns Raised: Increasing anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies linked to:
- Reasons involved
- Excessive screen time.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Ultra-processed food consumption.
Importance:
- Vital for leveraging India’s demographic dividend.
- Mental health complements physical health for productive employment.
- Call for Action: Responsibility extends to society and the private sector alongside government efforts.
Growth Slowdown Analysis
Context : GDP Dropped to 5.4% in Q2 FY 2024-25, lowest in 7 quarters.
Relevance:GS 3(Economy)
Possible Causes:
- Seasonal factors like rains and festivals.
- Post-COVID adjustments in private sector spending.
- Projection: India expected to achieve 6.5%-7% growth in FY 2024-25, as per Economic Survey.
Beijing’s Strategy Highlights
Intro : 20-Year Plan (1998–2017) , Phased implementation involving public participation.
Relevance: GS 3(Environment)
Target Areas:
- Energy: Transition from coal to clean energy.
- Transportation: Vehicle retrofitting and public transport expansion.
- Industry: Stricter standards and eco-friendly construction.
- Regional Collaboration: Collective action with neighboring provinces.
Funding: Increased six-fold over four years.
- Achievements (2013-2017): PM2.5 reduced by 59%, SO2 by 83%.
Recommendations for Delhi
- Transport: Expand DTC buses, promote cycling, and levy congestion fees.
- Energy: Shift to renewables and subsidize solar rooftops.
- Collaboration: Partner with neighboring states for pollution control.
- Public Awareness: Engage citizens in combating air pollution.
- Political Will: Address governance gaps and ensure sustained action.
Disease X: Preparedness and Global Significance
What is Disease X?
- Placeholder term for unknown pathogens with pandemic potential.
- Concept introduced by WHO in 2018.
Relevance : GS 2(Health)
Current Concerns:
- Recent unclassified outbreak in DRC claimed 400+ lives.
- Drivers include zoonotic spillovers, deforestation, and climate change.
Challenges in Prediction:
- Emergence influenced by urbanization and environmental disruptions.
- Over 1.7 million undiscovered viruses pose risks.
Preparation Strategies:
- Surveillance: Use AI and genomic sequencing for early detection.
- Healthcare: Strengthen systems, especially in low-income regions.
- Research: Invest in vaccine platforms like CEPI.
- Collaboration: Promote global frameworks like the Pandemic Treaty.
Tiger Translocation: Case of Zeenat
Background: Translocated from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal, Odisha, for genetic diversity.
Relevance: GS 3(Environment)
Current Movement:
- Zeenat has moved into Jharkhand and is nearing West Bengal.
Monitoring:
- Radio collars provide real-time tracking.
- Collaborative efforts between Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal are ongoing.
Challenges:
- Prevent further movement into urban or vulnerable areas.
- Ensure a natural return or use tranquillization if necessary.
- Enhance inter-state coordination for future translocations.
- Significance: Highlights the complexity of wildlife conservation and interstate cooperation.
