Current Affairs 8th July 2023 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Current Affairs 8th July 2023 for UPSC Prelims Exam

UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan

Context: An appeals court in the United Kingdom (UK) ruled against the UK government’s ambitious plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, under the UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan.

What is the UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan?

• The UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan, also known as the Rwanda Deal, is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the governments of the United Kingdom (UK) and Rwanda.
• The plan aims to address the issue of illegal migration and asylum seekers crossing the English Channel from France to the UK.
  • Since 2018, there has been a marked rise in the number of refugees and asylum seekers that undertake dangerous crossings between Calais in France and Dover in England.
  • Most such migrants and asylum seekers hail from war-torn countries like Sudan, Afghanistan, and Yemen, or developing countries like Iran and Iraq.
• Under this deal, Rwanda will commit to taking in asylum seekers who arrive in the UK on or after January 1, 2022, using illegally facilitated and unlawful cross border migration.
• Rwanda will function as the holding centre where asylum applicants will wait while the Rwandan government makes decisions about their asylum and resettlement petitions in Rwanda.
• Rwanda will, on its part, accommodate anyone who is not a minor and does not have a criminal record.
• Rationale of the plan:
  • The plan aims to combat “people smugglers”, who often charge exorbitant prices from vulnerable migrants to put them on unseaworthy boats from France to England that often led to mass drownings.
  • The UK contends that this solution to the migrant issue is humane and meant to target the gangs that run these illegal crossings.

Who is an Asylum Seeker? 

• As defined by the UN Refugee Agency, an asylum seeker is an individual who has sought shelter and protection in another country.
• A refugee, on the other hand, is someone who has fled conflict or persecution in their home country.
• While refugees are safeguarded by international law, host countries have the authority to determine whether asylum seekers are granted refugee status.

Current Affairs 7th July 2023 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

Context: The China-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) said there was “no evidence” it was dominated by Beijing’s ruling Communist Party.

About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

• Definition: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia.  It was formed in 2016.
• Aim: By investing in sustainable infrastructure and other productive sectors today, it aims to connect people, services and markets that over time will impact the lives of billions and build a better future.
• Origin: Chinese President Xi Jinping first mentioned the concept of a China-led multilateral financial institution in 2013, at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Indonesia.
  • The idea was widely seen as a move to counter Western dominance of lending funds such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
  • Xi promoted the bank as a way to help build dams, ports and other vital infrastructure around the region.
• Members: There are more than 100 members now.
• Voting Rights:  China is the largest shareholder with 26.61 % voting shares in the bank followed by India (7.6%), Russia (6.01%) and Germany (4.2 %).
• Governance:
  • Board of Governors: The Board of Governors consists of one Governor and one Alternate Governor appointed by each member country. Governors and Alternate Governors serve at the pleasure of the appointing member.
  • Board of Directors: Non-resident Board of Directors is responsible for the direction of the Bank’s general operations, exercising all powers delegated to it by the Board of Governors.
  • International Advisory Panel: The Bank has established an International Advisory Panel (IAP) to support the President and Senior Management on the Bank’s strategies and policies as well as on general operational issues.
• Headquarter: Beijing
• Significance of AIIB:  Lack of infrastructure, poor intra-regional and regional connectivity and almost negligible amenities in urban spaces are some of the major challenges afflicting several countries of Asia.
  • AIIB has been projected as an “Asian tool” to deal with such challenges that have stunted the growth prospects of several Asian economies.
• India and AIIB: India is a Founding Member of AIIB. India also has the largest project portfolio within AIIB. India is by far the largest borrower as of November 2022.
  • India’s continued enthusiasm for the AIIB is driven by three key factors:
    •  AIIB’s origin,
    •  India’s concrete need for infrastructure financing to fulfill country’s administration’s domestic development and regional security objectives,
    • India’s desire to signal leadership in the region’s economic development.
  • Former RBI governor Urjit Patel was appointed as vice president for investment operations at AIIB in 2022.
• Concerns with AIIB: It has been feared that the bank would be used primarily to further China’s own economic interests and political influence.
  • Critics led by the United States worried that the AIIB would set much lower standards for projects that would undermine principles of social, environmental and economic sustainability adhered to by other lenders.

Dhauliganga River

Context: More than 100 people living in Chal village in Darma Valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand were stranded and cut off from nearby areas after a trolley was washed away in the swollen Dhauli river due to heavy rain.

About Dhauliganga River

• Dhauli Ganga originates from Vasudhara Tal, perhaps the largest glacial lake in Uttarakhand and flows in a meandering course, which takes it through the Nanda Devi National Park.
• Dhauliganga is one of the important tributaries of Alaknanda, the other being the Nandakini, Pindar, Mandakini and Bhagirathi.
• Dhauliganga is joined by the Rishiganga river at Raini.
• It flows through Tapovan and finally merges with the Alaknanda at Vishnuprayag.  Tapovan, known for its hot sulfur springs, is situated on the banks of the river.
  • There it loses its identity and the Alaknanda flows southwest through Chamoli, Maithana, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag until it meets the Mandakini river, coming from the north at Rudraprayag.
  • After subsuming Mandakini, the Alaknanda carries on past Srinagar, before joining the Ganga at Devprayag.
• Alaknanda then disappears and the mighty Ganges carries on its pan-India journey, first flowing south then west through important pilgrimage centres such as Rishikesh and finally descending into the Indo-Gangetic plains at Haridwar.
• Dhauli Ganga also has a power station of the National Hydropower Corporation Ltd of 280 MW at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Context:  The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has put out a consultation paper asking if it would be possible for messaging apps such as WhatsApp to be brought under a licensing framework.

More on the News:

• TRAI has put out a consultation paper asking if it would be possible for messaging apps such as WhatsApp to be brought under a licensing framework, and whether such apps can be banned “selectively” in places where an Internet shutdown would otherwise have been imposed.
• This move by TRAI assumes special significance considering the ongoing Internet shutdown in Manipur.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

• TRAI: It is a is a statutory body established in 1997 through the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services.
• Objectives: The main objective of TRAI is to provide a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.
• Headquarters: The head office of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is located at New Delhi.
• Composition of TRAI:
  • Members: The TRAI consists of a Chairperson, two whole-time members and two part-time members, all of which are appointed by the Government of India.
• Removal of Members: The Central Government is empowered to remove any member of the TRAI, if he/she:
  • has been adjudged an insolvent.
  • has been convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude.
  • has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a member.
  • has abused his/her position, rendering his/her continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest.
• TRAI Meetings:
  • The Chairperson has the power of organizing the meetings at times. He/She presides over the meetings.
  • In the absence of the chairperson, the vice-chairperson presides over the meetings.
  • In the absence of a vice-chairperson, any member can be chosen from the authority to preside over the meeting.
  • The decisions in the meetings are taken by the majority vote of the members present.
  • In the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson (or the member presiding the meeting) gives a second or casting vote.
•  Recommendations: The function of the TRAI is to make recommendations on the following matters:
  • Need for introduction of new service provider.
  • Revocation of license for non-compliance of terms and conditions of Licence.
  • Measures to facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of telecommunication services to facilitate their growth.
  • Technological improvements in the services provided by the service providers.
• Discharge of Responsibilities: The TRAI is responsible for discharging the following functions:
  • Ensuring the compliance of terms and conditions of Licence.
  • Ensuring the technical compatibility and effective interconnection between different service providers.
  • Laying down the standards of quality of service to be provided by the service providers.
  • Ensuring the quality of service and conducting the periodical surveys of such services.
• Non-Binding Recommendations: The recommendations of the TRAI are not binding upon the Central Government.
• Powers of TRAI:
  • Order for Furnishing Information: It can call upon any service provider to furnish in writing the information or explanation relating to its affairs as the Authority may require.
  • Appointments for Inquiry: The Authority may appoint one or more persons to make an inquiry in relation to the affairs of any service provider.
  • Order for Inspection: It is empowered to direct any of its officers or employees to inspect the books of accounts or other documents of any service provider.
  • Issue Directions to Service Providers: The Authority shall have the power to issue such directions to service providers as it may consider necessary for proper functioning by service providers.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)

Context:  A boy undergoing treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) died at the Government Medical College Hospital in Alappuzha.

About Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)

• Definition: Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare infection of the central nervous system caused by infection with Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic amoeba commonly called a “brain-eating amoeba.”
• Naegleria fowleri: Naegleria fowleri is a free-living ameba (a single-celled living organism that is too small to be seen without a microscope).
  • Naegleria fowleri lives in warm fresh water and soil around the world.
  • Naegleria fowleri does not live in salt water, like the ocean.
  • The amoeba can be found in:
    • Warm fresh water, such as lakes and rivers
    • Geothermal (naturally hot) water, such as hot springs
    • Warm water discharge from industrial or power plants
    • Untreated geothermal (naturally hot) drinking water sources
    • Swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, or other recreational venues that are poorly maintained or minimally chlorinated.
    • Tap water.
    • Water heaters
    • Soil
• Spread: PAM typically occurs when people swim in bodies of warm freshwater (such as lakes and streams/rivers) where Naegleria fowleri is present.
  • Naegleria fowleri infects people when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose.
  • It destroys the brain tissue and causes swelling of the brain.
  • Naegleria fowleri can NOT be spread from person to person.
• Symptoms: Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations.
• Treatment: PAM is treated with a combination of drugs that often include amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.

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