July 11 Current Affairs 2024: UPSC, SSC & Govt Exam Daily Update" - Current Affairs

Cooperatives and Their Evolution in India

What are the key milestones in the evolution of cooperatives in India?

The evolution of cooperatives in India has several key milestones:

• 1904: The First Cooperative Credit Societies Act is enacted.
• 1912: Cooperative Societies Act amended to expand scope beyond credit
• 1919: Cooperation became a provincial subject through the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms
• 1951: The First Five-Year Plan highlighted the promotion of cooperatives for community development.
• 2002: Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act passed
• 2011: The 97th Constitutional Amendment established the right to form cooperatives as a fundamental right.
• 2021: Separate Union Ministry of Cooperation created

The cooperative movement in India has grown from primarily credit societies to now spanning sectors like agriculture, dairy, housing, and fisheries. There are over 800,000 cooperatives in India today.

What are some major challenges faced by cooperatives in India?

Major challenges faced by cooperatives in India include:

• Governance issues like lack of transparency and democratic decision-making
• Limited access to financial resources and credit
• Infrastructural constraints, especially in rural areas
• Lack of technical and managerial capacities
• Social and cultural factors limiting participation
• Regulatory hurdles and policy inconsistencies across states
• Political interference in some cases
• Limited awareness about cooperative models among potential members

Addressing these challenges through policy reforms, capacity building, and awareness programs is crucial for strengthening the cooperative movement in India.

The IIT-M Team Makes Mineral Nanoparticles with Water Droplets

What is the key finding of the IIT-M study on mineral nanoparticles?

The key finding of the IIT Madras study published in the journal Science in July 2024 is that microdroplets of water possess the ability to break down minerals into nanoparticles. Specifically:

• Microdroplets can break down minerals like silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) into nanoparticles within 10 milliseconds.
• This was achieved by applying high voltage to mineral microparticles suspended in water.
• The breakup may be due to protons squeezing into crystal layers, electric fields from charged surfaces, and the surface tension of microdroplets.

This discovery has significant implications for fields like agriculture and origins of life research.

What are some potential applications of this nanoparticle formation process?

Some potential applications of this nanoparticle formation process include:

1. Agriculture: converting unproductive soil into productive land by supplying silica nanoparticles, which help plants grow taller.
2. Origins of life research: Microdroplets might mimic proto-cells, potentially playing a role in early biochemical reactions.
3. Atmospheric processes: Future research may investigate if water microdroplets naturally react with minerals in the atmosphere to form nanoparticles.
4. Materials science: new methods for creating nanoparticles of various minerals for industrial applications.
5. Environmental remediation: potential use in breaking down pollutants or contaminants into more manageable nanoparticles.

Issues of Menstrual Leave for Women

What is the current status of menstrual leave policies in India?

The current status of menstrual leave policies in India is:

• There is no national law mandating menstrual leave.
• Bihar (since 1992) and Kerala (since 2023) are the only states with menstrual leave policies for government employees.
• Some private companies like Zomato, Swiggy, and Byjus have introduced menstrual leave policies.
• The Supreme Court in July 2024 asked the Central Government to frame a model policy on menstrual leave for female employees.
• Previous attempts to introduce menstrual leave bills in Parliament have not been successful.

While there is growing discussion around menstrual leave, implementation remains limited and primarily voluntary in India.

What are the key arguments for and against menstrual leave policies?

Key arguments for menstrual leave policies:

• Promotes the health and well-being of female employees
• It increases workplace inclusivity and helps address gender gaps.
• Can improve productivity and employee retention.
• Aligns with constitutional provisions for women's rights (Article 15(3), Article 42).

Key arguments against menstrual leave policies:

• May discourage the hiring of female employees due to perceived absenteeism.
• Potential for workplace discrimination or resentment
• Challenges in implementation and preventing misuse
• Could reinforce stigma around menstruation.
• May not address the root causes of menstrual health issues.

The debate highlights the need for nuanced policies that balance women's health needs with workplace equity concerns.

Financial Stability Report, June 2024

What are the key findings of the RBI's Financial Stability Report for June 2024?

Key findings of the RBI's Financial Stability Report for June 2024 include:

1. Improved asset quality: The gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio of scheduled commercial banks was reduced to 2.8% in March 2024, the lowest in 12 years.
2. Strong capital buffers: the capital-to Risk-weighted asset ratio (CRAR) remained stable at 16.8%.
3. Healthy credit growth: overall credit growth is at 19.2%, though slightly lower than the previous half-year.
4. Concern over digital personal loans: the highest share of overdue accounts in loans disbursed via digital apps.
5. Resilience to stress: banks are well-capitalized to handle macroeconomic shocks in medium and extreme stress scenarios.
6. Improved profitability: return on assets (RoA) and return on equity (RoE) close to decadal highs at 1.3% and 13.8%, respectively.
7. Global economic outlook: projected global growth of 3.2% (IMF) or 2.6% (World Bank) for 2024, with ongoing risks and uncertainties.

Why are digital personal loans a concern, according to the RBI report?

Digital personal loans are a concern, according to the RBI report, for several reasons:

1. High delinquency rates: especially for loans below Rs 50,000, often sanctioned by NBFC-Fintech lenders through digital apps.
2. Age-related risks: highest delinquency rate (5%) among borrowers under 25 years old.
3. Rapid growth: The digital lending market is estimated to reach USD 350 billion by 2023.
4. Debt trap potential: Easy access and aggressive marketing can lead to overborrowing.
5. Regulatory challenges: rapid growth outpacing regulatory frameworks.
6. Impact on the banking sector: shift towards retail loans, with personal loans now surpassing industrial and service loans in outstanding amounts.
7. Financial stability concerns: high share of fresh NPAs (40% in FY24) coming from retail loans, excluding home loans.

These factors highlight the need for enhanced regulation and monitoring of the digital personal loan sector to maintain financial stability.

12th India-UAE Joint Defense Cooperation Committee Meeting

What were the key focus areas of the 12th India-UAE Joint Defense Cooperation Committee meeting?

The 12th India-UAE Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting, held in Abu Dhabi in July 2024, focused on enhancing bilateral defense and security cooperation. Key focus areas included:

1. Training programs for defense personnel
2. Joint military exercises
3. Defense industrial cooperation
4. Research and Development (R&D) initiatives
5. Information exchange on security issues
6. Collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts
7. Maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region

The meeting demonstrated a comprehensive approach to strengthening the defense partnership between India and the UAE.

What is the significance of the India-UAE defense collaboration?

The India-UAE defense collaboration is significant for several reasons:

1. Strategic location: The UAE's position near the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for maritime security.
2. Energy security: The UAE is an important oil supplier to India.
3. Counter-terrorism: Cooperation helps combat extremism and terrorist activities.
4. Military exercises: Regular exercises like "Gulf Star 1" and "Zayed Talwar" enhance interoperability.
5. Defense industry: potential for joint production and technology transfer.
6. Diplomatic ties: strengthen the overall bilateral relationship, complementing economic partnerships.
7. Regional stability: contributes to peace and security in the Middle East and Indian Ocean regions.
8. Balancing Act: Helps India maintain strategic autonomy in its West Asia policy.

The JDCC, established in 2006, has been instrumental in fostering this growing defense partnership between India and the UAE.

Water Droplets vs. Water Vapor

What are the key differences between water droplets and water vapor?

The key differences between water droplets and water vapor are:

1. Physical state:
   • Water droplets: liquid state
   • Water vapor: gaseous state
2. Visibility:
   • Water droplets are visible to the naked eye.
   • Water vapor: invisible
3. Formation:
   • Water droplets are formed by the condensation of water vapor.
   • Water vapor: formed by the evaporation of liquid water
4. Examples:
   • Water droplets: rain, fog, mist, dew, and clouds
   • Water vapor: humid air, steam
5. Behavior with altitude:
   • Water droplets tend to fall due to gravity.
   • Water vapor: the amount decreases with increasing altitude.

Understanding these differences is crucial for meteorology, climate science, and various industrial processes.

What is the significance of water vapor in climate science?

Water vapor is significant in climate science for several reasons:

1. Greenhouse gas: It's the most abundant greenhouse gas, contributing significantly to the Earth's greenhouse effect.
2. Feedback mechanism: As the Earth warms, more water evaporates, potentially amplifying warming (positive feedback loop).
3. Cloud formation: Water vapor condenses to form clouds, which affect Earth's energy balance and precipitation patterns.
4. Heat transfer: It plays a crucial role in transferring heat energy around the planet through evaporation and condensation.
5. Climate modeling: Accurate representation of water vapor is essential for climate models and weather forecasting.
6. Atmospheric circulation: Water vapor influences atmospheric pressure and wind patterns.
7. Paleoclimate studies: Ice core samples provide information on past water vapor levels, helping reconstruct historical climates.

Water vapor's complex role makes it a critical factor in understanding and predicting climate change.

Groynes for Coastal Protection

What are groynes, and how do they function in coastal protection?

Groynes are coastal protection structures with the following characteristics:

• Definition: low-lying wood or concrete structures situated out to sea from the shore.
• Function: Designed to trap sediment, dissipate wave energy, and restrict sediment transfer away from the beach.
• Mechanism: They interrupt longshore drift, which is caused by prevailing winds blowing waves across the shore at an angle.
• Types: can be permeable (allowing some sediment to pass through) or impermeable (solid structures preventing sediment transfer).
• Effectiveness: Very effective at protecting the coastline in the short term, providing immediate results.

Groynes are one of several engineering solutions used to combat coastal erosion.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using groynes for coastal protection?

Advantages of groynes:

1. Immediate effectiveness in trapping sediment and building up beaches
2. Relatively simple and cost-effective to construct
3. Can create sheltered areas for recreational activities.
4. Adaptable to different coastal environments

Disadvantages of groins:

1. Can cause erosion and downdrift of the structures, potentially shifting the problem elsewhere.
2. May be visually intrusive, impacting the natural landscape.
3. Can interfere with longshore sediment transport, affecting wider coastal systems.
4. Require ongoing maintenance and may need to be replaced over time.
5. Potential negative impact on marine ecosystems and wildlife

The use of groynes should be carefully considered within a broader coastal management strategy, taking into account long-term environmental impacts and alternative solutions.

Global Energy Independence Day

What is Global Energy Independence Day, and when is it celebrated?

Global Energy Independence Day is observed annually on July 10th. Key points about this day include:

• Purpose: To promote energy self-sufficiency and sustainability on a global scale.
• Establishment: The exact year of establishment is not specified, but it has gained recognition worldwide in recent years.
• Focus: Encourages reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and transitioning to cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.
• Participants: involve individuals, businesses, and governments in recognizing the importance of energy autonomy.

The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about energy issues and promote innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.

What was the theme for Global Energy Independence Day 2024?

The theme for Global Energy Independence Day 2024 was "Energy Transition Now: Embrace the Future." This theme highlights:

1. Urgency: "Now" emphasizes the immediate need for action in transitioning to sustainable energy.
2. Forward-looking approach: "Embrace the Future" encourages adopting innovative and sustainable energy practices.
3. Transition focus: emphasizes the shift from traditional to renewable energy sources.
4. Global relevance: addresses the worldwide challenge of achieving energy independence and sustainability.
5. Call to action: Motivates stakeholders to actively participate in the energy transition process.

The theme aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development goals related to clean energy.