Current Affair – 25 November 2024

Social Issues

Celebrating a Legend, Celebrating a Singer-Awardee

Why in News?
In March 2024, the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi award was conferred on T.M. Krishna by The Music Academy, Madras, for his contributions to Carnatic music. However, his recognition sparked controversy due to his outspoken views on social issues, and the subsequent legal challenge regarding the Sangita Kalanidhi M.S. Subbulakshmi Award associated with the award.

Key Issues

1. Freedom of Expression and Social Commentary: T.M. Krishna is a celebrated musician known for voicing his views on issues such as caste, politics, and the role of music in society. His outspokenness, particularly in his article “MS Understood,” about the legendary M.S. Subbulakshmi, has led to a backlash from certain dominant social groups.
2. Controversy over the Article on M.S. Subbulakshmi: Krishna’s article, “MS Understood,” was a critical analysis of M.S. Subbulakshmi’s music and the influences that shaped her artistry. The article discussed her caste background and her relationship with her husband, leading to accusations of defaming the icon.
3. Legal Challenge and Court Verdict: The family of M.S. Subbulakshmi, specifically her grandson, challenged the conferment of the Sangita Kalanidhi M.S. Subbulakshmi Award to T.M. Krishna, citing the defamation of her legacy in Krishna’s article. The Madras High Court ruled that M.S. Subbulakshmi’s will explicitly stated that no award should be given in her name after her death. Therefore, while Krishna could receive the award, the associated cash prize could no longer be presented under her name.
4. Analysis of the Legal Outcome:
   • The Madras High Court upheld the conferment of the Sangita Kalanidhi award to Krishna but stipulated that the associated cash prize should no longer carry the name of M.S. Subbulakshmi, in accordance with her will.
   • The verdict also raised questions about other awards named after M.S. Subbulakshmi, particularly those granted by other organizations like the Eyal Isai Nataka Manram.
5. Implications for Awards and Recognition: The court’s ruling respects M.S. Subbulakshmi’s wishes but presents a dilemma for other awards that have been named after her. This judgment calls for reevaluation of the legacy of prominent public figures in light of their personal wishes, particularly in a legal and cultural context.

Questions:

Discuss the role of freedom of expression in public life in India. How does it intersect with the responsibility of public figures?

Source: The Hindu

India’s Urban Infrastructure Financing, Needs, and Reality

Why in News?

India’s urbanization is expected to surge significantly over the next few decades, with its urban population projected to grow from 400 million in 2021 to approximately 800 million by 2051. This massive urban growth presents opportunities for transforming India’s cities but comes with significant financial challenges. According to a World Bank report, India will need around ₹70 lakh crore by 2036 to meet its urban infrastructure requirements. However, current investment in urban infrastructure is only about ₹1.3 lakh crore annually, which is just over one-fourth of the required ₹4.6 lakh crore annually.

Current Challenges in Urban Infrastructure Financing

India’s municipal finance, a critical component of urban infrastructure funding, has remained stagnant for years. Since 2002, municipal financing has hovered around 1% of GDP. Municipal bodies contribute 45% of urban infrastructure investments, with the remaining funds coming from state and central agencies. Despite increased transfers from the central and state governments, the financial health of municipalities remains precarious.

Key Challenges Include:

• Stagnant Revenues: Municipal tax revenue grew by only 8% between 2010 and 2018. The share of municipalities’ own revenue sources has declined from 51% to 43%.
• Inefficient Collection: Municipalities like Bengaluru and Jaipur are reported to collect only 5-20% of potential tax revenue.
• Low Service Recovery: Cost recovery for services ranges from 20% to 50%, highlighting the gap between urban service costs and revenues.
• Underutilized Funds: Despite the availability of funds, about 23% of municipal revenue remains unspent, and large cities like Chennai and Hyderabad only spent half of their capital expenditure budgets in 2018-19.
• Decline in PPP Investments: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), once a significant contributor to urban infrastructure, have seen a sharp decline, from ₹8,353 crore in 2012 to just ₹467 crore in 2018.

Proposed Reforms and Strategic Measures

To meet the infrastructure needs of the growing urban population, a multifaceted approach involving both long-term structural reforms and medium-term actionable strategies is essential.

Long-Term Reforms

• Strengthening Municipal Financial Autonomy: Enhancing the capacity of municipal bodies to manage their finances more effectively and independently.
• Empowering Municipal Governments: Granting greater administrative and financial powers to municipal governments, enabling them to allocate and manage resources more effectively.
• Attracting Private Capital: Encouraging private investment through mechanisms like municipal bonds and debt borrowing.

Medium-Term Measures

• Developing a Robust Project Pipeline: The High-Powered Expert Committee and the 12th Plan Working Group estimate that India will need 600-800 urban infrastructure projects annually to meet its ₹70 lakh crore investment requirement by 2036. This will ensure a steady flow of PPP projects, with 15% of investments expected from PPPs.
• Decoupling Project Preparation from Financial Assistance: Ensuring that projects are well-prepared before seeking financial assistance to prevent delays and inefficiencies.
• Leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Modernizing urban service delivery, especially in public transport, through the use of digital technology, enhancing efficiency and service reach.
• Capturing Land Value in Urban Transport Projects: Metro and rail projects can contribute not only to transportation but also to urban development by creating jobs and enhancing land value around transit hubs.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Urban Development

To address the financial and structural challenges in urban infrastructure, India must adopt a dual approach, combining immediate solutions with long-term reforms. Collaboration between central and state governments, municipal bodies, and the private sector is crucial to developing infrastructure that meets the needs of India’s rapidly growing urban population. Ensuring efficient governance, innovation in project financing, and active participation of the private sector are key to sustainable urban growth.

Science & Technology

Why India’s 6GHz Spectrum Dilemma is Affecting PS5 Pro Console Launch in India?

Why in News?
The global release of the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) in November 2023 has sparked significant discussions, particularly due to its delayed availability in India. On November 8, Sony revealed that the PS5 Pro would not be available in India because the 6GHz wireless spectrum band, necessary for the device’s Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) functionality, has not been de-licensed in the country.

Historical Overview of Wi-Fi Bands:

Wi-Fi technology has predominantly relied on two frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

• 2.4GHz: Offers wider coverage but lower data speeds.
• 5GHz: Provides faster speeds but covers a shorter distance.

These bands were de-licensed for indoor and outdoor use in India starting from 2002. The introduction of Wi-Fi 6 in 2020 brought further enhancements, using both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously to improve efficiency and speed.

In 2021, the Wi-Fi 6E standard introduced a third frequency band — 6GHz, which is not yet allowed in India.

What Is the 6GHz Spectrum and Its Role in Wi-Fi?

The 6GHz spectrum covers the frequency range from 5,925 MHz to 7,125 MHz. This frequency allows the creation of routers capable of reaching maximum speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps. Several countries like the US, UK, South Korea, and the UAE have already de-licensed the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi use under Wi-Fi 6E, facilitating the development of faster, more efficient Wi-Fi networks.

However, India and China have yet to de-license this band, which has led to its non-availability in certain regions like India, affecting the rollout of Wi-Fi 7 enabled devices, such as the PS5 Pro.

The Conflict Over the 6GHz Spectrum in India

Currently, India’s 6GHz spectrum is allocated to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for satellite use. The ITU (International Telecommunication Union) aims for international harmonization of wireless spectrum, but several countries have delayed reaching an agreement on how to allocate the 6GHz band, particularly regarding its use for Wi-Fi or telecommunications (5G/6G).

Telecom operators in India are lobbying to allocate this spectrum for 5G and 6G networks, while tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Amazon, argue that it should be dedicated to Wi-Fi use, similar to how it is handled in the US.

The Regulatory Dilemma

In 2022, the World Radiocommunications Conference allowed some flexibility, granting countries like India an extension until 2027 to decide how to allocate the spectrum. Meanwhile, telecom operators and tech giants continue to push for their respective agendas on the matter.

Despite this, certain consumer electronics companies like Apple and Samsung have already equipped their devices with Wi-Fi 6E support. In India, these devices restrict their functionality from accessing the 6GHz band until the regulatory framework becomes clearer.

What’s Next for the PS5 Pro in India?

Sony’s PS5 Pro, which uses Wi-Fi 7, relies on the 6GHz band for enhanced performance. However, without regulatory clarity in India, the device cannot function fully. If Sony decides to address this regulatory issue, it may either release a modified version of the PS5 Pro with older Wi-Fi hardware or delay its launch until 6GHz Wi-Fi becomes available in the country. In the meantime, even without 6GHz support, Wi-Fi 7 routers could still be sold in India, with speeds faster than most broadband plans currently available.

Conclusion

India’s delay in approving the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi use has broader implications for the rollout of advanced consumer electronics such as the PS5 Pro and future Wi-Fi 7 devices. This situation also highlights the ongoing debate between telecom companies and tech giants regarding spectrum allocation. The resolution of this issue is likely to affect the future of India’s digital infrastructure and broadband connectivity, particularly with the growing adoption of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies.

Question:

Examine the implications of India’s delayed adoption of Wi-Fi 6E on the country’s digital infrastructure and consumer electronics market.

Reang Tribe (Bru)

• Location: The Reang tribe, also known as Bru, is primarily located in Tripura, with some populations also found in Mizoram and Assam.
• PVTG Status: The Reangs are the second largest tribal community in Tripura after the Tripuri clan and are recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tripura.
• Population: According to the 2011 Census of India, the population of the Reang tribe is about 1,88,080.
• Origin: The Reangs are believed to have migrated from Shan State (Myanmar) in different waves. One group entered Tripura via Chittagong Hill Tracts, and another group entered via Assam and Mizoram in the 18th century.
• Ethnic Background: The Reangs belong to the Indo-Mongoloid racial stock.
• Language: The Reang language is Kaubru, which has a tonal effect on the Kuki language and is a variant of Kok-Borok dialect. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burmese linguistic family.
• Clans: The Reang tribe is divided into two major clans: Meska and Molsoi.
• Social Structure: The Reangs have a well-structured self-governing system and are a well-knit ethnic group.
• Economy: Primarily agriculturists, the Reangs practiced Jhum cultivation (slash-and-burn agriculture) in the past, but have now shifted to modern agricultural practices.
• Religion: Most Reangs in Tripura follow Hinduism. They worship various deities such as Buraha, Bonirao, Songragma, Jampira, and Lampra.
• Folk Culture: The Hojagiri folk dance of the Reang tribe has gained international recognition.

Antlions

• Scientific Classification: Antlions belong to the order Neuroptera and are classified under the family Myrmeliontidae.
• Habitat: Antlions are primarily found in dry, sandy regions and are present across the globe.
• Behavior: Known for their predatory larvae that trap ants and other small insects in cone-shaped pits they dig into the ground.
• Active Period: Antlions are generally difficult to spot during the day but can be observed at night, often near illuminated spots.

Features of Antlions:

• Adult Antlions: They resemble damselflies but have softer bodies, lacy wings, and long clubbed antennae.
• Body: The body of an adult antlion is long, slender, and typically grayish in color.
• Wings: The wings are generally clear, but some species exhibit spots on them.
• Flight: Antlions are weak fliers and are commonly found near lights at night.
• Larvae:
  • The larvae have rounded bodies and sickle-shaped jaws.
  • They are found at the base of cone-shaped pits in sandy areas.
  • Larval stage duration: 1 to 2 years, depending on the species.
• Pupation: After the larvae pupate, it takes up to a month for them to complete their development.
• Adult Lifespan: Adult antlions survive for about 1 to 2 months.
• Ecological Role: Antlions are harmless to flowers, people, and structures but are highly beneficial as they feed on ants and other small insects that fall into their traps.

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

• Name: Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever.
• Location: Primarily found in southern India, especially in Karnataka.
• Discovery: First reported in 1957 from Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka.
• Causal Agent: Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), a member of the Flaviviridae family and the Flavivirus genus, part of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex.

Transmission:

• Principal Vector: Transmitted by ticks, mainly Haemaphysalis spinigera.
• Transmission Route: Virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with infected animals, especially sick or dead monkeys.
• Role of Animals: Small rodents, monkeys, and birds act as hosts and play a role in transmission.
• No Human-to-Human Transmission: No direct transmission between people has been established.
• Epidemic Period: Typically peaks between January and April and declines by May and June.

Symptoms:

• Onset: Sudden high-grade fever, prostration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Severe Cases: May cause neurological and hemorrhagic manifestations.
• Fatality Rate: Between 5-10% of affected individuals may die.

Treatment:

• No Cure: There is no specific cure for KFD.
• Supportive Care: Includes maintaining fluid balance, providing oxygen, blood pressure management, and treating secondary infections.
• Vaccine Availability: A vaccine for KFD is available and recommended for people in areas where KFD is prevalent.

CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child

• Objective: The scheme provides scholarships to meritorious female students who are the only children of their parents, with the aim to encourage girls’ education and support higher education.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Single Girl Child: The applicant should be the only child of her parents.
  • Indian Nationals: Only Indian nationals are eligible.
  • Class 10 Marks: The student must have scored 60% or more in the CBSE Class X examination.
  • Further Education: The student must be continuing her education in Class XI or Class XII in CBSE-affiliated schools.
  • Tuition Fee:
    • For Indian students, the tuition fee should not exceed Rs 1,500 per month.
    • For NRI applicants, the maximum tuition fee should be Rs 6,000 per month.
  • Parental Income: The family income should not exceed Rs 8 lakh per annum.
• Scholarship Amount: ₹500 per month for a maximum period of two years (Class XI and XII). Payments are made through ECS/NEFT.
• Renewal Option: Existing scholarship holders can renew the scholarship for Class XII if they secure 50% or more marks in Class XI exams.

Guru Tegh Bahadur

• Original Name: Guru Tegh Bahadur was born as Teyag Mal and was the ninth of the ten Gurus of the Sikh religion.
• Name Change: His name was changed to Tegh Bahadur by his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib (the sixth Guru), because of his fighting skills and bravery in battle.
• Title: He is also known as Hind ki Chadar or the “Shield of India” for his efforts in defending the rights and faith of the people.
• Contributions:
  • City Founded: He founded Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, located near the Shivalik Hills, which later became the place where Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth in 1699.
  • Religious Work: He contributed more than 100 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, covering various themes like the nature of God, human attachments, dignity, service, etc.
  • Diplomacy: He played a key role in mediating between Raja Bishan Singh and Raja Paranpal, helping to avoid war through conciliation.

Dongfeng-100 (DF-100)

• Alternate Name: Dongfeng-100 is also known as Changjian-100 (CJ-100).
• Type: It is a Chinese supersonic cruise missile.
• Introduction: It was publicly introduced during China’s 70th National Day parade on October 1, 2019.
• Purpose: Designed for precision strikes, capable of engaging a wide range of targets including:
  • Land-based infrastructure
  • Reinforced installations
  • Underground bunkers
  • Large warships

Features:

• Range: The missile has a reported range of between 3,000 and 4,000 kilometers.
• Launch System:
  • Primarily launched from 10×10 transporter erector launchers.
  • Can also be launched from bombers.
• Dimensions:
  • Length: Exceeds 9 meters.
  • Projectile Diameter: Between 0.7 and 1 meter.
  • Payload Capacity: Over 500 kilograms.
• Propulsion: Powered by a ramjet engine, achieving speeds of Mach 5 during its terminal phase.
• Flight Characteristics: The missile maintains supersonic speeds throughout most of its flight, which improves survivability and ability to penetrate air defenses.
• Flight Path: The missile reaches an altitude of 30 kilometers after launch and then turns towards the target.
• Guidance System: Includes inertial navigation, terrain matching, scene matching, and satellite positioning, ensuring high accuracy.

Narsapur Lace Craft

• Location: Narsapur is located on the bank of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Origin: The craft is believed to have started about 150 years ago by the women of the farming community in the region, creating highly attractive artefacts using colorful lace.
• Historical Resilience: The craft survived the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929. By the early 1900s, more than 2,000 women were involved in the craft in the Godavari region.
• Techniques Used:
  • Lace work is done using thin threads and crochet needles of varying sizes.
  • Crochet techniques are central to the creation of these items.