Current Affairs 14 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. Lokpal Sets Up Inquiry Wing for Preliminary Graft Probes
2. Loss and Damage Fund
3. Diplomatic Visit to Sanchi Stupa Replica in Berlin
4. Swami Vivekananda
5. Tardigrades
6. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Lokpal Sets Up Inquiry Wing for Preliminary Graft Probes

Context:

The Lokpal has recently established an inquiry wing dedicated to conducting preliminary investigations into corruption-related offenses by public servants. This move is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within public services, ensuring a systematic approach to combatting graft.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of the Inquiry Wing of Lokpal
2. Necessity of the Inquiry Wing
3. About Lokpal
4. Other Important Points regarding the Lokpal
5. Exception for Prime Minister

Overview of the Inquiry Wing of Lokpal:

• Establishment & Authority: Mandated by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013, this wing is dedicated to conducting preliminary investigations into corruption allegations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, targeting specified public servants and functionaries.
• Structure: Directed by a Chairperson, supported by three Superintendents of Police specialized in general duties, economic and banking sectors, and cyber issues. Additional inquiry officers and staff further assist the SPs.
• Procedure: The Inquiry Wing must complete its preliminary investigations and submit reports to the Lokpal within 60 days, including feedback from both the accused public servant and the relevant authority for each category of public servant.

Necessity of the Inquiry Wing:

• Independence: Emphasized by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the autonomy of the Inquiry Wing is crucial for unbiased investigations into corruption, particularly important in politically sensitive cases that may involve the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Collaboration: Operates in conjunction with national entities like the CVC and CBI, as well as state-level Lokayuktas, to ensure a comprehensive and unified approach to corruption.
• Alignment with Reforms: Supports the directives of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, aiming to bolster anti-corruption measures and improve inter-agency coordination.
• Global Standards: Responds to the international call for robust, independent anti-corruption agencies as highlighted by organizations like Transparency International.
• Filling Systemic Gaps: As noted in the 2011 Public Accounts Committee Report, the Inquiry Wing seeks to remedy the shortcomings of India’s previous anti-corruption frameworks by providing a specialized, politically insulated mechanism for inquiry.

About Lokpal

• The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 establishes Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States (Statutory Bodies) to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries.
• Composition: Lokpal will consist of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members, of which 50% shall be judicial members and 50% shall be from SC/ST/OBCs, minorities and women.
• Appointment process: It is a two-stage process.
  • A search committee which recommends a panel of names to the high-power selection committee.
  • The selection committee comprises the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Justice of India (or his nominee) and an eminent jurist (nominated by President based on the recommendation of other members of the panel).
• President will appoint the recommended names.
• The jurisdiction of Lokpal extends to:
  • Anyone who is or has been Prime Minister, or a Minister in the Union government, or a Member of Parliament, as well as officials of the Union government under Groups A, B, C and D.
  • The chairpersons, members, officers and directors of any board, corporation, society, trust or autonomous body either established by an Act of Parliament or wholly or partly funded by the Centre.
  • Any society or trust or body that receives foreign contribution above Rs. 10 lakhs.

Other Important Points regarding the Lokpal

• Salaries, allowances and service conditions: Salaries, allowances and other perks of the Lokpal chairperson will be the same as those for the Chief Justice of India; those for other members will be the same as those for a judge of the Supreme Court.
• Inquiry wing and prosecution wing: Inquiry Wing for conducting preliminary inquiry and Prosecution Wing for the purpose of prosecution of public servants in relation to any complaint by the Lokpal under this Act.
• Power with respect to CBI: Power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them by Lokpal. Transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by Lokpal would need approval of Lokpal.
• Timelines for enquiry, investigation: Act specifies a time limit of 60 days for completion of inquiry and 6 months for completion of investigation by the CBI. This period of 6 months can be extended by the Lokpal on a written request from CBI.
• Suspension, removal of Chairperson and member of Lokpal: The Chairperson or any Member shall be removed from his office by order of the President on grounds of misbehaviour after the Supreme Court report. For that a petition has to be signed by at least one hundred Members of Parliament. Special Court shall be setup to hear and decide the cases referred by the Lokpal.

Exception for Prime Minister

• The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 does not allow a Lokpal inquiry if the allegation against the PM relates to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and space.
• Complaints against the PM are not to be probed unless the full Lokpal bench considers the initiation of inquiry and at least 2/3rds of the members approve it.
• Such an inquiry against the PM (if conducted) is to be held in camera and if the Lokpal comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves to be dismissed, the records of the inquiry are not to be published or made available to anyone.

-Source: Indian Express

Loss and Damage Fund

Context:

Following the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, there has been significant discussion concerning the eligibility of subnational entities like districts to receive compensation through the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Loss and Damage Fund: Addressing Irreversible Climate Consequences
2. Challenges Regarding the Loss and Damage Fund
3. Way Forward for the Loss and Damage Fund

Loss and Damage Fund: Addressing Irreversible Climate Consequences

• The Loss and Damage (L&D) fund addresses irreversible climate change consequences unmitigated by adaptation efforts.
• Compensation for real losses encompassing human rights, well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Genesis and Historical Accountability:

• Persistent calls over 30 years for affluent nations to acknowledge historical pollution’s role in global temperature rise.
• Historic pollution causes widespread damage, especially affecting the poorest nations.

COP 19 and Fund Inception:

• Formal agreement at COP 19 in 2013 led to the establishment of the L&D fund.
• Designed to provide financial and technical assistance to economically developing nations facing Loss and Damage.

Subsequent Developments and Challenges:

• COP 25:
  • Santiago Network for L&D established, but no country committed funds.
• COP 26:
  • 2021 summit in Glasgow continued discussions on the fund’s operationalization.
• COP 27 (November 2022):
  • Agreement to set up the L&D fund.
  • Transitional Committee (TC) formed to devise operational mechanisms.

Stalemate at TC4 and TC5:

• TC4 Meeting:
  • No consensus on operationalizing the fund.
  • Contention over hosting at the World Bank, common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), climate reparations, and eligibility of developing nations.

• TC5 Meeting:
  • Drafted recommendations forwarded to COP 28.

Challenges Regarding the Loss and Damage Fund

Non-Commitment of Developed Nations:

• Developed nations, especially the US, show reluctance to be primary donors, raising doubts about their commitment.
• Voluntary support undermines global climate negotiations and cooperative efforts.

Uncertainty Regarding Fund Size:

• Lack of clarity on the fund’s size, with attempts to specify it thwarted by the U.K. and Australia.
• The current draft urges developed nations to contribute without a defined commitment or framework.

Discontent among Developing Nations:

• Developing nations feel their concerns are inadequately addressed, complicating climate action and eroding trust.
• Weakness in the L&D fund threatens climate justice, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.

Global Implications:

• Weakening the L&D fund has broader implications, challenging climate justice and worsening the plight of vulnerable communities.
• Potential security challenges arise as climate-induced instability leads to conflicts with cross-border repercussions.

Humanitarian Consequences:

• Absence of support for vulnerable communities may result in humanitarian crises, including food shortages, displacement, and conflicts.
• Communities are left to independently cope with worsening climate impacts, exacerbating the humanitarian burden.

Way Forward for the Loss and Damage Fund

Call for Active Contribution:

• Urge developed nations to play a pivotal role as primary donors to the Loss and Damage (L&D) fund, demonstrating a robust financial commitment.

Advocate for Transparency:

• Push for transparent discussions to clearly define the fund’s size, operational guidelines, and allocation mechanisms, ensuring accountability and effectiveness.

Promote Diplomatic Dialogues:

• Foster open diplomatic dialogues addressing the concerns of developing nations, emphasizing collaboration for impactful climate action and resolution of global issues.

Address Security Implications:

• Proactively tackle security implications arising from climate-induced instability, implementing measures to manage humanitarian crises and support vulnerable communities.

-Source: The Hindu

Diplomatic Visit to Sanchi Stupa Replica in Berlin

Context:

India’s External Affairs Minister recently toured the full-scale replica of the East Gate of the Sanchi Stupa, which is displayed at the Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin, Germany. This meticulous reproduction, matching the original in size and scale, measures nearly 10 meters in height and 6 meters in width, with a weight of approximately 150 tonnes, underscoring the deep cultural ties and shared heritage celebrated internationally.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of Sanchi Stupa
2. Detailed Aspects of the Gateways

Overview of Sanchi Stupa

Origin and Expansion

• Founder: Emperor Ashoka in the third century BCE.
• Location and Influence: Overseen by Ashoka’s spouse, Devi, from Vidisha, the stupa garnered support from the local trading community.
• Historical Enhancements: During the Shunga period in the 2nd century BCE, it was expanded with additional structures like sandstone slabs, a circumambulatory path, and a harmika topped with a chattra.
• Addition of Toranas: Between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century AD, four intricately carved gateways were added, illustrating Buddhist teachings and stories.

Rediscovery and Conservation

• Rediscovery: Identified in a deteriorated state in 1818 by Henry Taylor.
• First Formal Excavation: Led by Alexander Cunningham in 1851.
• Conservation Attempts: Initial efforts to relocate the gateways to England were thwarted by logistical and political challenges, leading to in-situ preservation strategies initiated in 1868.
• Restoration: Under the Archaeological Survey of India, John Marshall led restoration efforts in the 1910s, funded by the Begums of Bhopal, culminating in the establishment of a museum in 1919 to oversee ongoing conservation.

Architectural Features

• Anda (Dome): Hemispherical structure symbolizing the celestial sphere.
• Harmika: Square railing atop the mound, signifying a sacred enclosure.
• Chattra: Umbrella-like structure symbolizing protection and sovereignty.
• Yashti: Central pillar supporting the chattra, highlighting the axis mundi.
• Railing: Encircles the stupa, marking the transition between the mundane and the sacred.
• Pradakshinapatha: Circumambulatory path that facilitates meditative walking.
• Torana: Monumental gateways that serve as both architectural and spiritual entries.
• Medhi: The platform base supporting the stupa’s dome.

Cultural Recognition

• UNESCO Status: Declared a World Heritage Site in 1989 due to its historical and architectural significance.

Detailed Aspects of the Gateways

Structural Design

• Era of Construction: Built during the Satavahana dynasty in the first century BCE.
• Architecture: Composed of two square pillars supporting a structure topped with three spiral-ended architraves.

Decorative Elements

• Iconography: Features extensive carvings including scenes from Buddha’s life and Jataka tales.
• Shalabhanjika Motif: Illustrative carvings of a yakshi clutching a tree branch, along with figures of elephants, winged lions, and peacocks, enrich the cultural tapestry without depicting Buddha in human form.

Symbolic Interpretations

• Upper Architrave: Represents the lineage of the seven Manushi Buddhas.
• Middle Architrave: Showcases the ‘Great Departure’ of Siddhartha.
• Lower Architrave: Depicts Emperor Ashoka’s transformation post-enlightenment at the Bodhi tree.

-Source: Indian Express

Swami Vivekananda

Context:

Recently, on the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago speech, the Prime Minister of India highlighted its enduring message of unity, peace, and brotherhood, emphasising its continued inspiration for generations.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Swami Vivekananda
2. Vedantic Humanism
3. His teachings

About Swami Vivekananda

• The Swami Vivekananda ji’s original name was Narendranath.
• He was born on 12th January, 1863 at Kolkata , the Swamiji’s Jayanti i.e. birth anniversary is celebrated as the “National Youth Day“. 
• Spiritual primacy is the central theme of Vivekananda’s teachings, through which human beings can succeed in every sphere of their lives.
• Nevertheless, he urges people, especially the youth, to never let go of reason.
• Instead, he premises his philosophy, ideas and life work on the premise of reason.
• The three instruments of knowledge that he propounded are instincts, reason, and inspiration.

Vedantic Humanism

• Swami Vivekananda believed that there is only one Self in the universe. There is only one Existence. He saw the entire universe as a manifestation of the absolute One.
• On the coexistence of various faiths, he believed religious acceptance, and not tolerance was important. He claimed that tolerance comes out of a superiority complex.
• For Vivekananda, the most desirable path for self-realisation was the selfless service of man.
• Some ways through which the essential unity of all human beings can be realised are unconditional love for all, judicious detachment, and expansion of self through service of fellow humans despite any sectarian difference, he believed.
• He was an exponent of vedantic humanism.
• He did not propagate a world-negating concept of spirituality, rather he said that each and every chore of your life should be done with divinity.
• He articulated that external rituals of religion are of secondary importance but the spiritual essence of a religion should be preserved and accepted.

His teachings

Divinity within ourselves

• “Infinite power is in the soul of man, whether he knows it or not. Its manifestation is only a question of being conscious of it. With the full consciousness of his infinite power and wisdom, the giant will rise to his feet.”
• Swami Vivekananda asserted that each soul is potentially divine.
• The goal of human beings should be to manifest this divinity within, which can be done by controlling nature, external and internal.

Karma Yoga

• Swami Vivekananda, emphasising the importance of work, said that God can be attained through work.
• He said that in every society there are people whose minds cannot be concentrated on the plane of thought alone.
• He stressed that a lot of people fritter away a great amount of their energies because they are oblivious to the secret of work. The key to this secret lies in Karma Yoga, as it teaches how to employ to the maximum advantage all our energies in our work.
• Karma-Yoga teaches how to work for work’s sake, unattached to the results.
• A Karma Yogin works out of her nature as she feels it is the right thing for her to do and that is the sole objective of her work. “Whatever you do, let that be your worship for the time being,” he said.

Bhakti Yoga

• Bhakti Yoga teaches that love is a vital element of all human beings.
• It teaches how to love bereft of any ulterior motives.
•  “All love is expansion, all selfishness is contraction. Love is therefore the only law of life. He who loves lives, he who is selfish is dying,” said Swami Vivekananda.

Raja Yoga

• Raja Yoga opens up the psychological way to union with God.
• This Yoga teaches that in order to acquire knowledge, we’d have to use a method called concentration.
• Swami Vivekananda, to explain this Yoga, gives an example of a chemist who works in her laboratory, concentrating all the powers of her mind, bringing them into one focus, and throwing them onto the elements; the elements stand analysed and thus her knowledge comes.
• “The more this power of concentration, the more knowledge is acquired. The stronger the power of concentration, the better will that thing be done.”

Faith in oneself

• He emphasises that the ideal of faith in ourselves is of the greatest help to us as whatever “you think, that you will be. If you think yourselves weak, weak you will be; if you think yourselves strong, strong you will be.”
• One has to know that all knowledge, power, purity, and freedom are in oneself.
• Swami Vivekanand also urges people to not shy away from taking responsibility for their actions.
• “We, as Vedantists, know for certain that there is no power in the universe to injure us unless we first injure ourselves. Let us blame none, let us blame our own karma. The effect is here and the cause is here too. We are to blame. Stand up, be bold, and take the blame on your own shoulders.”

Source: Indian Express, PIB

Tardigrades

Context:

Detailed 3D images of the first tardigrade fossils ever discovered help scientists predict when tardigrades evolved their near-indestructibility, which helps them survive in extreme environments.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Overview of Tardigrades

Tardigrades, commonly known as water bears or moss piglets, are minuscule, eight-legged creatures that belong to the Tardigrada phylum. Globally, there are approximately 1,300 identified species of tardigrades. They are renowned for their ability to thrive in extreme environments and are considered extremophiles.

Habitat and Lifestyle:

• Tardigrades are primarily aquatic, necessitating a thin moisture layer around them to avoid dehydration. However, their remarkable adaptability allows them to inhabit diverse environments, from ocean depths to sandy deserts.
• Their typical habitats include freshwater mosses and lichens, which explains their alternative name, moss piglet.

Survival Capabilities:

• Tardigrades exhibit extraordinary resilience across extreme conditions, including intense heat, freezing temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and even the vacuum of space.
• In adverse environments, they can enter a tun state, a form of suspended animation where their bodies dehydrate and curl into a dormant, seed-like form, allowing them to endure for extended periods, sometimes spanning years or decades.

Physical Characteristics:

• These creatures are compact and stout, covered with a tough cuticle similar to that seen in grasshoppers and other insects, which they must periodically molt to grow.
• Typically measuring around 1 mm or less, tardigrades possess no skeletal structure but are supported internally by a hydrostatic skeleton, which is essentially a fluid-filled compartment known as a hemolymph.
• They feature four pairs of legs, each ending in 4 to 6 claws, adept for navigating their microenvironments.

-Source: Indian Express

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Context:

AI-powered Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms are changing industries by improving efficiency and driving innovation.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Exploring Software-as-a-Service (SaaS):

• Definition and Delivery: Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, is a cloud-based delivery model that allows users to access software applications over the Internet on a subscription basis, rather than purchasing them outright.
• Hosting and Accessibility: Unlike traditional software that is hosted on-site, SaaS solutions are hosted on external servers. This enables SaaS providers to offer services that are readily available on-demand via the internet, eliminating the need for users to install or maintain software on their own devices.
• Examples and Usage: SaaS is commonly used for a variety of applications including email services, calendaring, and collaborative tools such as Slack. These services are akin to streaming platforms but for software, providing flexible access from any internet-connected device.
• Benefits of Cloud Hosting: By hosting applications in the cloud, SaaS providers enhance user accessibility and convenience, allowing seamless application use on a pay-as-you-go basis. This model effectively outsources the responsibilities of software maintenance, updates, and security to the SaaS provider.
• Operational Advantages: The transition of software maintenance and management to SaaS providers offloads significant IT burdens from businesses. This shift not only ensures better management of software resources but also enhances security and ensures that services are consistently available and up-to-date.
• Business Focus: With the technical management handled by the SaaS provider, companies can concentrate more on their core business functions without being encumbered by the complexities of software management. This aspect is particularly beneficial for streamlining operations and focusing on strategic growth areas.

-Source: Times of India