Current Affairs 18 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. India Abstains from UN Vote on Islamophobia Resolution
2. Prevalence of Diabetes in India
3. Indians Trapped in Russia-Ukraine War
4. Model Code of Conduct
5. Pandavula Gutta
6. Grievance Redressal Assessment Index

India Abstains from UN Vote on Islamophobia Resolution

Context:

India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution addressing Islamophobia, citing concerns over the broader issue of “religiophobia” targeting Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths. The resolution, introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, prompted India’s abstention from the vote.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
2. Religiophobia
3. UN Resolution on Measures to Combat Islamophobia
4. India’s Stand on the Resolution

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

• The UNGA, established in 1945 under the UN Charter, is headquartered in New York City.
• It is one of the six principal organs of the UN, serving as the primary policy-making body.
• The UNGA provides a global platform for discussing a wide range of international issues outlined in the UN Charter.
• All 193 UN Member States possess an equal vote in the UNGA.
• The UN Charter (Chapter IV, article 20) allows the General Assembly to convene special sessions as needed.
• These sessions are called by the Secretary-General at the request of either the Security Council or a majority of UN Member States.

Emergency Special Sessions of UNGA

• An emergency special session is an unscheduled UNGA meeting to provide urgent recommendations on a specific issue.
• The UN Charter allows the UNGA to hold an emergency special session within 24 hours of the request, even if it’s not in regular session.
• Procedures for calling such sessions are outlined in the General Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.
• Emergency special sessions are initiated by the Security Council with seven member votes or by a majority of UN Members.
• Since 1950, there have been only 11 emergency special sessions held.
• Implications
• Resolutions from these sessions are not legally binding but carry political significance as they represent the collective will of the entire UN membership, reflecting global opinion on crises.

Religiophobia

• Definition: Religiophobia denotes an irrational or obsessive fear or anxiety related to religion, religious faith, religious people, or religious organizations.
• Recognition by UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy: The global counter-terrorism strategy of the United Nations acknowledges various types of religiophobia, such as Islamophobia, Christianophobia, and anti-Semitism.
• Emergence of Contemporary Forms: Analysts have begun discussing the necessity of recognizing new phobias, hatred, or bias against major religions worldwide. There’s concern over the emergence of contemporary forms of religiophobia, notably anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh phobias.

International Day to Combat Islamophobia

• Initiative: In 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, proposed by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to declare March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
  • The resolution, adopted by consensus, was supported by 57 OIC members and eight other countries, including China and Russia.
• Background: The resolution was prompted by the 2019 attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

UN Resolution on Measures to Combat Islamophobia

• Adoption: The UN General Assembly, with its 193 member states, adopted the resolution titled ‘Measures to combat Islamophobia’, introduced by Pakistan.
  • 115 nations voted in favor, with none against and 44 abstentions, including countries like India, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, and the UK.

Content of Resolution:

• Criticism of unfair treatment, aggression, or violence towards Muslims, including disrespect towards their holy book, attacks on mosques, sites, shrines, and other acts of religious intolerance, negative labeling, hate, and violence against Muslims.
• Calls for concerted action to combat ongoing violence against Muslims.
• Requests the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy to combat Islamophobia.

India’s Stand on the Resolution

Acknowledgement of Other Forms of Religiophobia

• India asserted the need to acknowledge other forms of religiophobia targeting Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths, facing violence and discrimination, rather than singling out just one religion.
  • India emphasized that such phobias extend beyond Abrahamic religions, and it’s crucial to recognize them.

Highlighting Incidents of Religiophobia

• The Indian representative at the UN noted that Hinduism has over 1.2 billion followers, Buddhism over 535 million, and Sikhism over 30 million, all subject to religiophobia.
  • Contemporary forms of religiophobia are evident in increasing attacks on religious places like gurudwaras, monasteries, and temples, along with the spreading of hatred and disinformation against non-Abrahamic religions in various countries.
  • Incidents such as the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, violations of gurudwara premises, massacres of Sikh pilgrims, attacks on temples, and glorification of breaking idols contribute to contemporary forms of religiophobia against non-Abrahamic religions.

Concerns about the UN Resolution

• India emphasized that passing the resolution should not set a precedent leading to multiple resolutions focused on fears linked to specific religions.
• There’s concern that such a move could divide the United Nations along religious lines.
• India called on all member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination globally.
• Allocating resources solely to combat Islamophobia, while neglecting similar challenges faced by other faiths, might perpetuate a sense of exclusion and inequality.

-Source: The Hindu

Prevalence of Diabetes in India

Context:

A nationwide study published in 2023 estimates that India has approximately 10.13 crore individuals with diabetes, along with an additional 13.6 crore people classified as pre-diabetic.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) Test
2. What is Diabetes?

About Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) Test

• Diagnostic and Management Tool: The HbA1C test is widely used to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) and to assist in managing diabetes effectively.
• Alternate Names: Also referred to as the glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin test.
• Role of Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues.
• Importance in Diabetes Management: This blood test offers valuable insight into the level of diabetes control an individual maintains.

How Does the Test Work?

Sugar and Hemoglobin Interaction:

• Sugar from the food we consume enters the bloodstream and attaches to the haemoglobin in red blood cells.
• Haemoglobin, a protein, serves as the carrier of oxygen to all body cells.

Measurement of Glycated Haemoglobin:

• While everyone has some sugar attached to their haemoglobin, individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes exhibit higher levels.
• The HbA1C test quantifies the percentage of red blood cells coated with sugar, or glycated haemoglobin.

What is Diabetes?

• Chronic Disease: Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, resulting from the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin or the body’s ineffective use of the insulin it produces.
• Role of Insulin: Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.
• Consequences of Insufficient Insulin: Inadequate insulin production or utilization leads to hyperglycemia, or high glucose levels in the blood, which can cause long-term damage to various organs and tissues.
• Health Complications: Diabetes is associated with severe health complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation.

Different Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production.
• It affects about 10 percent of people with diabetes, and the exact cause of this autoimmune attack is unclear.

Type 2 Diabetes:

• Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to the accumulation of sugar in the blood.
• It is influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity.

Pre-diabetes:

• Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
• It serves as a warning sign for the development of diabetes if lifestyle changes are not made.

Gestational Diabetes:

• Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar levels that occur during pregnancy.
• Insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of diabetes, which usually resolves after childbirth.

-Source: The Hindu

Indians Trapped in Russia-Ukraine War

Context:

The deaths of two Indian nationals in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war shed light on the plight of numerous Indians trapped on the front lines after being deceived into working with the Russian military. Recent raids by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have uncovered a human trafficking network involved in recruiting Indians for roles such as security helpers and other personnel for the Russian military. These developments have sparked widespread concern about the safety and exploitation of Indian citizens caught in the conflict.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Situation with Indians in Russia
2. Deception by Agents
3. Statements from the Indian Government

Situation with Indians in Russia

Compelled Participation in Fighting:

• Several reports highlighted that some Indian nationals, initially recruited as army security helpers, were coerced into fighting against their will after their passports and documents were confiscated.

Recruitment Process:

• A resident of Uttar Pradesh shared his experience of going to Russia with the assistance of an agent in November the previous year.
• They were promised that they wouldn’t be deployed to the battlefield and were offered a monthly salary of ₹1.95 lakh along with an additional ₹50,000 incentive.
• Despite assurances, they were sent to the frontline in January 2024 after undergoing basic training in handling weapons.

Recruitment Numbers:

• An Indian-origin Russian official associated with the Russian Ministry of Defence revealed that approximately 100 Indians were recruited at the Moscow recruitment center in the past year.
• However, the actual number could be higher as there are multiple recruitment centers across Russia.

Deception by Agents

Human Trafficking Network:

• A multi-state human trafficking network was uncovered by the CBI in a crackdown on visa recruiters in seven cities across India.
• This network allegedly pushed Indian youths into the war zone by promising better life prospects and livelihood opportunities with the Russian military as security guards, helpers, and through higher education.

Modus Operandi:

• The organized network enticed Indian youths through social media and local agents, offering them well-paid jobs and lucrative employment prospects in Russia.
• Many students were lured into enrolling in dubious private universities by agents who promised low fees and visa extensions.

Forced Recruitment:

• Upon reaching Russia, the local agents seized the passports of the aspirants and compelled them to join the armed forces, violating their initial agreements and deceiving them about their employment prospects.

Statements from the Indian Government

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Warnings:

• Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued warnings to Indian citizens regarding the risks associated with being recruited for support roles in the Russian army.

Dialogue with Russian Authorities:

• The Indian government is engaged in discussions with Russian authorities regarding the early release of Indian citizens who were deceived into working with the Russian military.

Appeal to Indian Nationals:

• In light of the findings from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids, the MEA has urged Indian nationals not to be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army.

-Source: The Hindu

Model Code of Conduct

Context:

Chief Election Commissioner of India asked all political parties to strictly adhere to the Mode Code of Conduct (MCC), which lays down a list of dos and don’ts for leaders and parties ahead of elections.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
2. MCC (Model Code of Conduct) for political parties and candidates
3. Criticisms of the MCC

 Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• The MCC refers to a set of guidelines created by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• It serves as a regulatory tool for political parties and candidates in the run-up to elections.
• The primary objective of the MCC is to enable the EC to fulfill its constitutional mandate of supervising and conducting free and fair elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures.

Duration and applicability:

• The MCC becomes operational from the date on which the election schedule is announced.
• It remains in effect until the date of the result announcement.

MCC (Model Code of Conduct) for political parties and candidates:

Campaign Conduct

• Political parties can criticize opponents based on policies, programs, past records, and work only.
• Prohibited activities include using caste or communal feelings, criticizing candidates based on unverified reports, bribing or intimidating voters, etc.
• Political parties must inform local police authorities of the time and venue of any meetings to allow for adequate security arrangements.
• Parties should establish contact to avoid clashes between processions of multiple candidates.
• Carrying and burning effigies representing members of other political parties is not allowed.

Polling Booth and Identity

• Only voters and those with a valid pass from the EC can enter polling booths.
• Authorized party workers at polling booths should wear suitable badges or identity cards.
• Identity slips provided to voters by party workers should be on plain paper without symbols, candidate names, or party names.

Conduct of Party in Power

• Ministers cannot combine official visits with election work or use official machinery for the same.
• The party in power cannot advertise at the cost of the public exchequer or use official mass media for publicity to improve election chances.
• The party in power cannot announce financial grants, promise construction of roads or provision of drinking water from the time of election announcement until the end of the election process.
• Public spaces and rest houses cannot be monopolized by the party in power.

Election Manifesto

• Manifestos should not contain anything against the ideals and principles of the Constitution.
• Political parties should avoid making promises that may influence voters or vitiate the purity of the election process.
• Manifestos should indicate the rationale and ways to meet financial requirements for promises.
• Manifestos cannot be released during the prohibitory period prescribed under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951.

Recent Additions to the MCC:

• Regulation of opinion polls and exit polls during the period notified by the ECI.
• Prohibition of unapproved print media advertisements on polling day and one day prior to it.
• Restriction on government advertisements featuring political functionaries during the election period.

Legally Enforceable MCC:

• The MCC does not have statutory backing but is strictly enforced by the EC.
• Certain MCC provisions can be enforced through corresponding provisions in other statutes such as the IPC 1860, CrPC 1973, and RPA 1951.
• The Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice recommended making the MCC legally binding in 2013.
• The ECI is against making the MCC legally binding, citing the short duration of elections and the length of judicial proceedings.

Criticisms of the MCC

Limitations and Failures of the MCC:

• The MCC has not been effective in preventing various forms of electoral malpractices such as hate speech, fake news, money power, booth capturing, voter intimidation, and violence.

Challenges with New Technologies and Social Media:

• The ECI faces difficulties in dealing with new technologies and social media platforms, which enable the rapid and extensive spread of misinformation and propaganda during elections.

Non-Binding Nature of the MCC:

• The MCC is not a legally binding document, and its implementation depends on moral persuasion and public opinion, which makes it less effective in preventing electoral malpractices.

Implications on Policy Decisions and Public Interest:

• The MCC places certain limitations on policy decisions, public spending, welfare schemes, transfers, and appointments, which can have implications for development activities and public interest.

Criticism of Application Timing:

• The ECI has been criticized for applying the MCC too early or too late, which affects the timing of development activities and public interest.

Lack of Awareness:

• The MCC is not widely known or understood by voters, candidates, parties, and government officials, which may lead to non-compliance with its provisions.

-Source: The Hindu

Pandavula Gutta

Context:

Recently, Pandavula Gutta has been officially recognised as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana.

Relevance:

GS I: Culture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Pandavula Gutta
2. What are geo-relics and geo-heritage sites?

About Pandavula Gutta

Geological Marvel:

• Pandavula Gutta is a geological marvel with an age predating the Himalayan hills, making it a significant archaeological site.

Location:

• Situated in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of Telangana, Pandavula Gutta is renowned for its numerous prehistoric habitation sites.

Discovery:

• Discovered for the first time in 1990, Pandavula Gutta has since attracted attention for its rich historical and archaeological significance.

Richness of the Site:

• The site boasts a wealth of features, including numerous paintings, rock shelters, and evidence of habitation spanning from the Mesolithic to medieval times.

Cave Paintings:

• The paintings found at Pandavula Gutta showcase intricate geometrical designs and impressions, utilizing colors such as green, red, yellow, and white pigments.

Insight into Prehistoric Art:

• These cave paintings provide a rare glimpse into the rock art of prehistoric humans, adorning the walls, ceilings of caves, rock shelters, and isolated boulders.

Depictions:

• The rock art paintings depict various aspects of wildlife, including Bison, Antelope, Tiger, and Leopard. Additionally, symbols like the swastika, circles, squares, and weapons such as bows, arrows, swords, and lances are also present in the paintings.

What are geo-relics and geo-heritage sites?

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) designates geo-heritage sites/national geological monuments for protection and maintenance, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Mines in 2016.
• To safeguard these locations, the GSI or the relevant state governments take the necessary steps.
• Geo-heritage Sites: According to the draught legislation, these are “sites containing geo-relics and phenomena, stratigraphic type sections, geological structures and geomorphic landforms, including caves, natural rock-sculptures of national and international interest; and includes such portion of land adjoining the site,” which may be necessary for their preservation or for access to such sites.

• Geo-relics are referred to as “any relic or material of a geological significance or interest” and include sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorites, and fossils. The ability to purchase georelics “for its preservation and maintenance” will be granted to the GSI.
• Among the 32 geo-heritage sites spread across 13 states are the Akal Fossil Wood Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and the Volcanogenic bedded Barytes of Mangampeta in the Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh

-Source: The Hindu

Grievance Redressal Assessment Index

Context:

The Ministry of Home Affairs has consistently ranked amongst the top 10 ministries in 2023-24 in the grievance redressal assessment index (GRAI), performing well in all 15 specified indicators.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Grievance Redressal Assessment Index

• Conceptualization and Design:
  • The Grievance Redressal Assessment Index was conceptualized and designed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India.
• Objective:
  • The primary objective of this index is to offer an organization-wise comparative overview and insights into the strengths and areas requiring improvement regarding the grievance redressal mechanism.
• Dimensions:
  • The index is structured around a comprehensive set of dimensions, including Efficiency, Feedback, Domain, and Organizational Commitment, to evaluate the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Data Source:
  • Data utilized for the index is sourced from the Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS), a platform established for efficient handling and management of public grievances.

CPGRAMS:

• Online Grievance Redressal Platform: CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to lodge their grievances related to service delivery to public authorities. It is available 24×7 for citizens to access.
• Connectivity: CPGRAMS serves as a single portal that is connected to all Ministries/Departments of the Government of India as well as the State governments. This enables seamless communication and grievance redressal between citizens and the government.
• Role-Based Access: Each Ministry and State has role-based access to CPGRAMS, allowing them to effectively address and resolve grievances in their respective areas of responsibility.
• Mobile Application: CPGRAMS is also accessible to citizens through a standalone mobile application, making it convenient for individuals to submit their grievances and track the progress of their complaints.

-Source: The Hindu, PIB